Why does the library need a coffee shop?

The newly remodeled Polson Library is open! In case you missed it, a coffee shop has been added – complete with sidewalk access (never mind the existing coffee kiosk across the street).

What portion of the $2.5-plus million library renovation cost was used to plan for and construct a coffee shop I'm not sure, but it would have to have been substantial. Ongoing costs are, and will be, numerous. In addition to $22,882 in the 2023-'24 library budget for the Joyful Cup, Ms. Dooley (Library Director) asked for and was given another $8,700 of Clarkson fund monies to be earmarked for expenses and the Friends of the Library have contributed another $2,000.

The library’s subscription to the Missoulian has been dropped, despite its being a relevant information source for Western Montana current events that might interest U of M alumni, Griz fans and Missoula retirees in our community and the general public. In talking with Ms. Dooley, she told me she felt that the $500 subscription fee was "not a good use of taxpayer money"!

Polson has at least seven drive-up coffee kiosks. We have one library. Reducing information resources but serving coffee: those are concerning priorities for our library.

– Holly Wurl

Polson