Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Library Facilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Library officials ask county for help replacing windows and warn of higher catalog costs after federal cutoffs
Summary
A library representative told commissioners the building's noisy thermostat and unreliable heating remain unresolved and that the board plans to replace windows pending full board approval; the library is also weighing joining the Montana Shared Catalog but warned that loss of federal funding and hotspot support may raise its subscription costs.
A library representative addressed the commissioners during public comment on April 21, describing repeated heating and electrical problems at the library, a thermostat that failed weeks after local repairs, and difficulty getting contractors back to resolve the issue.
The library board voted to move forward with replacement windows but was waiting for a full quorum to finalize the contract; commissioners were given a construction quote and asked whether a new entry door was included (the library confirmed a handicap entry door had been installed in a prior year). Library staff and commissioners discussed warranty follow-ups and the possible need to call an electrician or HVAC contractor to examine root electrical issues causing thermostat failures and high energy bills.
The library also said its trustees are considering joining the Montana Shared Catalog, which would move the library from a local system into a statewide catalog to gain broader material access and technical support. The library cautioned commissioners that the network's subscription carries an additional cost; removal of a state-funded hotspot program at the end of June will also reduce the library27s hotspot availability unless the county or library budgets cover the recurring $100/month per hotspot fee.
Friends of the library have purchased new steel shelving for the children27s section and organizers are planning a June fundraiser for LED hallway lighting. Commissioners acknowledged the library27s plans and recommended staff follow up on bid details and warranty coverage before capital commitment.
Next steps: library will provide final quotes and warranty terms; commissioners said staff could explore whether building-fund or county budget resources could support insulation or window replacement.
