Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M 65 Fern Marie Wilson, buried at Benton Avenue Cemetery in Helena, likes to hang around the tree behind her tombstone. e Valier, Harlowton, and Chester libraries serve Hutterite Colonies whose members frequently visit the libraries. Approximately 50 Hutterite Colonies are presently located in Montana. In Chester, personnel send trunks of books to the Hutterite schools. e Hutterite men will request that Kathleen Schreiber in Harlowton find and send them pictures of new innovative farm equipment. HEY, LET'S RAISE MONEY FOR OUR LIBRARY Librarians in these five libraries and their board of directors have developed innovative ways to support their libraries beyond the millage they receive from their counties. For instance the Darby Community Public Library has a Used Bookstore on Main Street several blocks from the library. Rather than pricing the books, the volunteers ask customers to make a donation. Chester has opened a coffee bar which serves lattes, espressos, and Italian sodas. So far the proceeds from the coffee bar have paid for new lights in the library, windows, comfortable furniture, and shelv- ing valued at $14,000. is is a far cry from the first library in Chester that had a dirt floor. THE LIBRARY FACILITY REFLECTS OUR MONTANA COMMUNITY Chester and Harlowton public libraries are housed in storefronts. e Chester library facility was once a hardware store. Both libraries bring people downtown. Patrons enjoy the fireplaces at Valier and Darby while reading during the winter. AW, YES, TECHNOLOGY IS BIG AT SMALL MONTANA LIBRARIES All of the libraries have a computer center but it is quite essential in Darby. Like many others in the community, Librarian Wendy Campbell does not have a television or Internet reception at her home. Because the Darby area has been technology defi- cient, the computers in the library are in demand. Travelers also need the Internet. "I have driven past the Valier Library when it was closed," said Board Member Amber Malinak, "and sitting outside will be a motor home with an out-of-state license. I know what's going on. ey are using our hot spot." is is a common occurrence at most small libraries through- out the state. Rural libraries are the "go to" place for technol- ogy help. With their smart phone, ipad, or notebook computer in hand, older patrons will frequently say, "My children bought this for me, and I don't know how it works." Librarians have to be familiar with the different operating systems. "It may not be as high tech, but I have also needed to set digital watches for my patrons," said Schreiber. OTHER AMENITIES IMPORTANT TO PATRONS FROM RURAL MONTANA COMMUNITIES e Chester, Darby, and Harlowton libraries have meeting rooms that patrons can reserve. If Wheatland county patrons need a new driver's license, they wait until the bureau comes to wto scheduled meeting room at the Harlowton library to do the renewal process. WHAT MAKES RURAL LIBRARIES UNIQUE IS THAT THEY OFFER ECLECTIC SERVICES ACCORDING TO THEIR PARTICULAR COMMUNITY. Fly-tying desk in the Darby Library Fireplace in the Valier Library D A R B Y VA L I E R

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