Library seeks modest FY26 funding, explores expanding into former fire hall and air-quality pilot

The Hamilton-area library presented its FY26 draft budget May 8 and discussed capital needs, plans to replace an aging boiler, and a longer-term exploration of expanding into the city’s old fire hall.

The library director told commissioners county support is stable (the county contribution is $14,000) and the library’s primary revenues come from dedicated mill levies in local school districts, state aid, grants and donations. The director reported plans to replace an approximately 17-year-old boiler (the library and the City of Hamilton plan to split the cost) and to purchase seven new public computers, likely using reserve funds.

The library also joined a new Department of Public Health and Human Services clean indoor air pilot. The pilot provides modest stipends for additional HVAC filter changes and may fund portable room filters, with the goal of making libraries refuges during high-smoke air-quality events. The director described the library’s role in the community during wildfire smoke events and said the pilot could provide important short-term relief for residents with respiratory vulnerability.

On facility planning, the director said the library is discussing an expansion into the city’s decommissioned fire hall, which would add roughly 10,000 square feet. The library foundation and Friends group have been fundraising and the director said any expansion would be a long-term project (years), with options for community development block grant funding and private fundraising; the director asked for future letters of support from county leaders if needed.

The library reported recent capital improvements (new carpet, LED lighting, security cameras) and an award from the Montana State Library Commission. The board and library staff will continue budget work; no vote was taken at the May 8 meeting.