City-run library opens its doors

After months of city-county bickering

and courtroom drama, the new Whitefish Community Library officially

opened as a city-run facility July 5 with relatively little

fanfare.

Library director Joey Kositzky opened

the doors a few minutes before noon to a handful of people waiting

outside.

“Welcome to the new Whitefish library,”

Kositzky said as the patrons made their way into the building.

A few hugs were shared to acknowledge

the moment, but then it was back to the books.

Library crews have been busy the past

week cleaning the facility, and sorting and scanning about 30,000

books and other materials that were marked to remain in the

building.

Volunteer crews moved in July 1 when

the change in operation from county to city control became

official.

Kositzky said about 50 volunteers —

some working 10-hour days — helped out from July 1-5.

Not much has changed aesthetically with

the library. The computers are temporarily in a different room and

some of the shelves are sparse, but Kositzky says they still have

thousands of books to sort through.

“There will be more books here,” she

reassured.

The library is part of the Montana

shared catalog, but its application to join the partners program in

Western Montana has been delayed until the middle of August.

The major changes, Kositzky said, will

be in how the library operates.

“We will listen to this community,” she

said. “What hours should we be open? What days of the week? Which

programs do you want to see?

“This library now belongs to this

community.”

The library is open from noon to 8 p.m.

Monday to Friday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The new phone

number is 862-9914 or visit online at www.whitefishlibrary.org.

The Whitefish Community Library Board

of Trustees is asking for input regarding services planned for the

newly reorganized community library. 

The board is circulating a survey that

includes questions about library use, operating hours, programs and

other services. Participants may also indicate areas of reading

interest and volunteer opportunities.

The survey is available through Sept.

30 at the main desk of the library, at the Tuesday Farmer’s Market

and other public gatherings. They will also be at the library grand

opening celebration event on July 16 in Depot Park.

A drawing will be held to award prizes

to winning participants, including dinner for two at McGarry’s

Roadhouse, or gift certificates from BookWorks or Sweet Peaks Ice

Cream.

The board hopes to use the information

gathered through the survey to sustain the library as a center of

community activity.