There is a lot of News at the Fairfield Public Library! | Local News

Greetings from Fairfield Public Library. Your librarians have worked very hard to make the space in the Fairfield Library more user-friendly. Capital improvements include installing new lighting and beginning wiring for upgraded computer stations. Thank you 7 Electric for the quick and efficient work to make this happen. Thank you, City of Fairfield, for funding the project. Carpenter Brad Opheim of Vaughn completed the construction and installation of new children’s shelving units at a total cost of $3,800. The shelves were funded by donations from Fairfield Junior Women’s, the Rocky Mountain Front Foundation, and the Fairfield Friends of the Library.

The children’s story hour began on January 4th and runs every Wednesday through February 22nd from 11:40 am to 12:15 pm. Librarians Melissa and Tracie hosted the first two weeks using a traveling trunk from the Woolies and Whinnies Montana Historical Society. Misti Pearson will moderate the remaining 6 weeks. Misti sings songs, reads books and does handicrafts with the children. 25-30 children and adults visit weekly. Due to generous sponsorship from Fairfield Friends of the Library, the Children’s Story Hour will now have three eight-week sessions annually – October-November, January-February and April-May.

“Bread for Books” started in November. Through a partnership with Blue Truck Bread of Power, Montana, residents can order bread through the Fairfield Library Facebook page during the first and third weeks of the month. Bread is delivered to the library. To date, Blue Truck Bread has donated $100.00 from the sale of 200 loaves of bread. In a year’s time, we expect to raise the equivalent of 10% of the library’s budget for new books through this program. Fairfield Library is looking for additional ways to boost rural economic development by helping small business owners while increasing revenue. Please contact the library with your good thoughts for further projects.

Speaking of library funding, here are some things you should know. Teton County libraries – Choteau, Dutton and Fairfield – are funded by a $2 million tax levy. This was passed by popular vote of Teton County residents. We are fortunate and blessed to live in a county where libraries are independently funded by the public. This means that our budgets are stable and the use of these funds is determined by a publicly appointed body. As a voter, you have a direct say in how your money is spent.

Another important source of funding is government per capita fees. House Bill 91, introduced by Kalispell Rep. Courtenay Sprunger (R), will increase Montana’s per capita funding based on population from 0.25 to 0.50 per person. It left the committee. In fiscal year 2022-23, Fairfield Library will purchase new computers for the public and library staff. The expansion would not be possible without state per capita funds. Please take the time to contact your local legislators in support of this bill. Thank you!

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”

— Robin Williams as John Keating in Dead Poets Society