View from the Library: Check out the new location

Things have been a little crazy for us at the library, but so many exciting things are happening this month. At the beginning of March, we moved library operations into the western end of the United Methodist Church at 301 16th Ave. E. (you can park anywhere in the parking lot and the church is still having regular services on Sundays).

We have a great setup here with three public computers, printing, Wi-Fi, our device charging stations, our multi-purpose machine for copies, color printing and faxing. Our new books are on display, and a selection of our older books, all of our DVDs, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers. We also have special checkout items like our Wi-Fi hotspots, NASA backpacks, the Starry Night kit and more.

For kids, there’s a small play area and a dedicated room for our Monday and Thursday morning programs (starting at 9:15 a.m.). Visit our website for details and to find out about our virtual program on wild mushroom hunting on April 20.

We have had several people ask, “is this it?” Yes, for now. We are very fortunate to be in a space large enough to have any of our collection available. We will continue to add new items while in our temporary space.

While we may not have a very large browsing selection of books, we do still have access to hundreds of thousands of items through our membership in the Partners Sharing Group of the Montana Shared Catalog. We share with nearly 40 other libraries across Montana, including Missoula, Kalispell, and most recently, Great Falls. There is no charge to borrow from any of the Partner libraries.

You can go onto the Montana Shared Catalog website or use our Montana Shared Catalog app to browse the selection and place your own holds, or just stop in, give us a call or send us an email and we will gladly place holds for you. It typically takes a few days to get items from Missoula or Kalispell.

If you’re really in a browsing mood, visit any of the Partner libraries and use your Polson card to checkout. You can return the books there or to us. Super easy and a great way to get the materials you want.

So, what’s happening with the library in April? Demolition and construction will likely begin this month if permits are received. Our outdoor book drop at the library building will only be available for a little bit and then all items will need to be returned to our temporary location at the church or to one of our Partner libraries.

At this time, we will not have an after-hours book drop available at the church. We are having trouble finding a temporary option that is weatherproof and secure. We are fine-free for books, magazines, DVDs and audiobooks, so if you can’t make it in by the due date you won’t be charged.

We had a very successful surplus sale in February, but we do still have several items available that need to be removed from the building. On Friday, April 7, from 9:30 a.m. to noon we will open the library building up at 2 1st Ave E. for anyone interested in these items (use the meeting room entrance on 1st St. E.). If you can’t haul away that morning, you can tag items to be removed later, but they must be gone before demo starts. Pickup will be by appointment. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Remaining items will be discarded by the construction crew, so we’d rather see them used than at the dump. A few things will have a price, but most just need to go.

Of course, donations for our project are always welcome. Please visit our website and our Renovation FAQ page for more information on this project and to watch its progress.

Library hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at our temporary location. We are closed on Saturday, April 8, for the Easter weekend. Curbside pickup is available for everyone during open hours.

Call us at 883-8225 or email us at polsoncl@polson.lib.mt.us with questions or visit our website at www.northlakecountylibrary.org for more info.