Ronan library district on May 7 mail-in ballot

RONAN — A ballot measure for the creation of a library district will be on the May ballot.

The ballots, which also include elections for school boards, the North Lake County Library District, area fire districts and the Flathead Irrigation District, are set to be mailed April 18, and must be returned to the Lake County Courthouse by 8 p.m. on May 7.

Approval of the library district would create a steady source of funding for the Ronan City Library, which has seen funding slashes over the past several years. Those budget cuts have led to reduced hours and staffing at the public library. Additional funding would allow for expanded programs, Library Director Michelle Fenger has said. Fenger has also said that without the district’s creation, the library might have to close its doors.

Community feedback on the creation of a taxing district largely has been positive, Fenger said.

“A lot of people are very excited about it,” she added.

For more information about the library’s services, which include summer reading programs, author visits, and one-on-one technology classes, visit www.ronancitylibrary.org.