Plentywood library tells Daniels County of recurring HVAC, window and internet funding problems

A library representative told Daniels County commissioners on April 21 that patrons and staff continue to experience loud, startling thermostat and heating unit failures and are planning building improvements but face funding uncertainties.

The librarian (identified in the meeting as Arlene) told commissioners the library board voted to replace windows and the Friends of the Library will contribute toward the project, but the board had not moved forward on spending pending full approval because the library wants all trustees on board. The meeting record shows an entry door had been installed recently and that the library has had repeated calls to heating and cooling contractors. “It gives me a heart attack,” the librarian told commissioners of the loud thermostat/relay failures that have alarmed patrons and staff.

Library staff and commissioners discussed options: an electrician to diagnose whether the thermostat problem is a symptom of a larger electrical issue and whether replacing or insulating the south wall would reduce heat loss. The library representative reported that recent work by Sheridan Heating and Cooling briefly fixed the thermostat but the fault recurred. Commissioners suggested local contractors might provide quotes for insulation and external sheeting.

The library also told the board it planned to join the Montana Shared Catalog to broaden online holdings and access to statewide cataloging and technical support; the library warned the county that an existing state program that pays for internet “hot spot” checkouts will end in June because federal funding that supported that program is running out. The librarian said the library cannot afford the current hotspot monthly costs on its own.

No formal county action was taken at the meeting; commissioners suggested waiting for the librarian’s scheduled appointment (noted on the meeting agenda) and for a contractor’s written estimate before making funding commitments. Commissioners and staff also discussed whether building repairs could be cost‑shared with other county departments that use the facility.

The library's notes supplied in public comment included small program and fundraising efforts: a children’s shelving donation from Friends of the Library, plans for a hallway fundraiser to replace fluorescent fixtures with LED lighting, and interest in a mural project. The library asked the county to consider whether building improvements — new windows, insulation, and electrical work — could be budgeted and whether the county’s facility fund or other departments could share costs.

Commissioners said they will look for written contractor quotes and keep the item on future agendas for funding decisions; they also encouraged the library to document operating impacts of the HVAC problem and to provide estimates for insulation and electrical work.