Local library depends on community to keep its doors open
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To many, the Ronan City Library is more than just a place to go for a new read; it’s a safe, friendly community institution that educates, expands imagination, and keeps children off the streets. But the library may be forced to close its doors for good if a proposed switch to become a library district falls through.
To keep the doors open, Ronan City Library Director Michelle Fenger is currently in the planning phase of developing the third library district in the state. One of the other two districts is located in Polson.
The Ronan City Library has no designated funding, and relies on donated books to fill its shelves. The library’s fiscal year runs from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012, and in order for the library to break even for the year, the board must raise approximately $26,000 from outside sources.
If the library district is approved by voters, the library would be able to stay open, staff more employees and add a number of opportunities for the community.
“It would give us a real book budget,” Fenger said at a recent city council meeting. “We would have more items and current items.”
Tackling the large project head-on, Fenger is working with Ronan School District and county commissioners to get the proposal on the ballot for voters who reside within the proposed district.
The library district boundaries are the same as those of the Ronan School District. Fenger is working with county commissioners to figure out a budget for the library district. Once they have a figure, they will decide how many mill levies are needed for funding. If local voters pass the district, it is possible to expand the district boundaries to neighboring communities, but for now, the focus is getting the issue on the ballot.
“When we get the mills figured out, then we will need a percentage of residents to sign a petition (to get the proposed district) on the ballot,” Fenger added.
Fifteen percent of active registered voters in the Ronan School District must sign the petition to put the item on the ballot, which equates to 585 signatures.
“We would be able to hire more staff; I’m the only full-time person and I have a part-time employee through June 2013,” she said. “We don’t have a steady person at the front desk.”
Volunteer Lisa Devereaux, a single mother of two, says the library is an invaluable asset for the community, and it would be devastating if it were to close.
“This is a place were we can learn about our past, and our children can learn about their future,” Devereaux said. “If we didn’t have it, it would be a downfall in our children’s education.”
Youngster Alissa Atwin says she comes to the library every day it’s open.
“It’s a place where I can come and be alone if I want to be alone, or play with my friends,” she said. “My favorite thing to do is to look at books. I like adventure and mystery.”
David Sturman and Tracy Mumma of St. Ignatius say they frequent the library once a week with their son Eli and daughter Lina. One of the family’s main reasons for using the library is to minimize the expense of buying books from stores.
“It’s very important to stay open,” Mumma said.
“We depend on it,” Sturman added. “You can only shop at Barnes and Noble so much.”
With increased funding from area taxpayers, the library district would offer children, youth and teen services, an increased number of activities, adult services, computer classes and book clubs, to name a few.
“It’s way important to keep it open,” Dvora Billings said.
“It’s our gateway out of our little valley.”
