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Library director reports higher-than-expected electrical work, names new board member and launches book-return campaign
Summary
Arlene Giggley told commissioners the library’s electrical work exceeded the $500 spending limit and asked for county help contacting MDU; she announced Ben Fosland as a new library board member and described a prize-driven campaign to recover hundreds of overdue books before the library transitions to the Montana shared catalog.
Arlene Giggley, Daniels County library director, told commissioners Feb. 17 that recent electrical work to address a thermostat and heating issue ended up costing more than anticipated and exceeded the library’s $500 spending threshold.
Giggley said the electrician spent nearly two hours trying to correct the problem; although the system is improved, intermittent issues remain. She asked the county to contact Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) to check whether incoming power fluctuations could be contributing to the problem; commissioners agreed staff should seek assistance from MDU.
Giggley also announced a change to the library board: Ben Fosland will replace Stephanie McGowan. Commissioners said they will prepare an appointment letter to formalize the change.
On operations, Giggley said roughly 562 books are currently overdue and detailed a two-step plan to recover items: a period of prize drawings for returned books followed by publication of overdue-item lists if necessary (staff cautioned that publishing patrons’ names is not allowed). The effort aims to recover inventory before transitioning to the Montana shared library catalog and relabeling the collection.
The commission did not make a funding commitment for the electrical work at the meeting; staff will report back after contacting MDU and clarifying repair costs.
