Belgrade library names new children’s librarian and highlights $14,900 ADA grant, new programs

Belgrade — The Belgrade Library Advisory Board on Monday welcomed Kathleen as the library’s new youth services/children’s librarian and reviewed a string of recent grants and donations that library leaders say will expand accessibility and programming.

The director, Elena, told the board the library secured a $14,900 foundation grant (with a grant writer through Vanik) “dedicated to ADA compliance tools and children's story time braille books.” Elena said purchases already include a large-print keyboard, a portable LED magnifier and several children’s braille titles, and staff are evaluating installing a hearing-loop system at the front desk to connect directly with patrons’ hearing aids.

“I’m very thankful that I’ve been entrusted with this position,” Kathleen said after the board introduced her; she told members she applied in December after 12 years at the library, part of that time as a full-time library specialist and more recently as the primary backup for children’s services.

Elena outlined additional funding and purchases the board discussed: 50 copies of the One Book Belgrade selection (to be distributed beginning in February), companion youth copies for 8–12-year-olds, and makerspace equipment funded through foundation support. The makerspace budget began at about $11,000 and after purchases is roughly $9,345; bought items include a 3D printer (just over $2,000), an additional Cricut machine and sewing machines, with plans to add an Epson scanner and a Glowforge laser cutter for community use.

The director also listed recent donor support the foundation has received: recurring donations from local author Mark Sullivan ($1,000), Yellowstone Club Community Foundation ($5,000 for summer learning), the Gilhausen Foundation ($15,000 for programming), an $8,000 anonymous donation (the “Dean Fund”), Weber Foundation ($1,000), Kiwanis Club ($500), Michael and Catalina Johnson ($5,000 recurring), Sandra Elder and Timmerman ($6,000), and a Cook Foundation gift of $10,000. Elena said Stockman Bank and local partners are providing in-kind advertising and support.

The board also heard plans to hire short-term summer workers using $13,500 set aside by the foundation: two workers in May–June and two in June–July, paid $20 an hour for 160 total hours each, with payroll taxes and required forms provided. Elena said a Gallatin County-wide staff development day for consortium libraries (Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Three Forks and Manhattan) is in the works, featuring breakout sessions on topics such as leadership, programming and an introduction to AI for beginners.

Why it matters: The board framed these investments as efforts to broaden access to library services and to grow programming for children, teens and adults while responding to rising patron use. Elena said visits and circulation have risen and staff aim to make the collection catch up with popular programming.

The advisory board approved the previous meeting’s minutes by voice vote; the transcript does not record individual roll-call tallies.