View from the Library: Summer programs in full swing

We have successfully kicked off our annual Summer Reading Program with over 100 attendees at our first program and 289 registrations on the first day. It’s not too late to register – you actually have until Aug. 10. Visit our website or stop in the library for details.

We have wonderful incentives from local businesses, great prizes and fantastic programs. A library card is not required to participate and the program is open to everyone from newborns to super seniors.

Each Thursday at 10 a.m. we host a special program for preschool and elementary-aged kids. We are so grateful to our community partners for their participation and support in hosting these programs. Upcoming programs include Geocaching with Stef Nordberg, Orienteering with Families First, Scuba Diving at the Mission Valley Aquatic Center with Missoula Scuba and Snorkel, a visit from Animal Wonders, SpectrUM’s Be a Space Scientist program, Movie Day at the Showboat Cinema, and a big end-of-summer block party for the whole family.

We have also had the great fortune to work with the Lake County Conversation District to build up our seed catalog. Join us Saturday, June 22, at 10:30 a.m. for a pollinator workshop. All ages are welcome.

On July 1 at 6 p.m. local author Butch Larcombe will join us to unveil his newest book “Historic Tales of Flathead Lake.” He will have copies available for purchase and signing at the event. Please contact the library to register as there is limited seating available.

Save the date for two other big July programs including a Montana authors forum on July 13 at 1 p.m. featuring Christine Carbo, Leslie Budewitz, Milana Marsenich and Mary O’Brien, and a Cowboy Camp Sing-Along on July 20 at 2 p.m. featuring “Tango Cowboy” Rich Hinrichsen.

Our regular programs for kids continue throughout the summer including Mother Goose on Mondays at 9:15 a.m. for the 0-3 tots and toddlers and the Page Turner’s Youth Book Club.

Our reopening has truly been incredible for all of us. We are seeing our visit numbers back to what they were in 2019. The kids play area is a huge hit with the pirate ship and we love that we have been able to add several new staff members to our team. So many people are either discovering the library for the first time or rediscovering it after many years.

We love that we can be a community hub for groups like the coffee ladies, the knitters, the teens that come and hang out after school – and that we can provide spaces for people to do remote work, take online courses and have small meetings. Our community room is in use almost daily by either the library or groups renting the space. We have been privileged to host several large groups offering important trainings for our community.

We want to thank all of you who are supporting our library and who have truly turned it into the place that we all dreamed it could be.

Our regular hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Joyful Cup Coffee and Tea is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Library Board meets Tuesday, June 25, at 5:30 p.m. Curbside pickup is available for everyone during open hours. 

Please call us at 406-883-8225, email us at polsonlibrary@northlakecountylibrary.org or visit our website at www.northlakecountylibrary.org for more info.