Remodeling ahead at Bigfork library

After waiting roughly two years, Bigfork’s library has made the list to be remodeled to provide more room and tools for its patrons to tap into their creativity.

From May 13 through 16, ImagineIF Bigfork will close for a transformation that will include a space for interactive programs, an expanded children’s area and new furniture. ImagineIF Bigfork also will get new collections of books as well as DVDs and a system to streamline the checkout process.

Kim Crowley, countywide director of ImagineIF Libraries, said a library is no longer just the place youths go to check out a book to finish their homework.

“We wanted an identity about exploration,” Crowley said. “We see ourselves as explorers who come to the library to find an experience of transformation, a space for community and creation.”

The county library system was revamped after a survey by a marketing firm revealed that the communities of Kalispell, Columbia Falls and Bigfork needed tweaked library facilities to meet the changing role of libraries.

Crowley said while the restructured purpose was put into place two years ago, ImagineIF didn’t have the money to push that model into all its branches until this year.

The Kalispell library was first to undergo improvements. The survey estimated the location served a population of 56,599 in 2014. The Columbia Falls branch followed in 2015 with similar updates.

Crowley said the roughly $47,500 project for ImagineIF Bigfork was largely supported by the Bigfork Community Development Fund Trust, which pulled together almost $21,000.

Sean Anderson, the senior librarian, said most of the Bigfork building’s remodeled features will be able to move with the library to future sites. ImagineIF Bigfork currently operates out of a building leased from the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork.

Anderson said while the site currently makes sense financially, the space won’t be enough for the community’s growing population.

“We’re being careful to plan ahead with our improvements,” he said. “Ideally, we’d have 6,000 square feet for Bigfork and its surrounding area. Right now, we have 1,400 square feet.”

According to the study that resulted in the rebranding to ImagineIF, in 2014 the Bigfork library served a population of almost 5,900. That number was predicted to grow to 6,493 by 2019.

Anderson said the remodel will be a good steppingstone while the finances and plans come together for a new library in the future.

He said after observing the popular circulation in the Bigfork library and the facility’s door counts, it was obvious the location needed new materials on a rotating basis.

“That means there should be a new collection of books two to six months down the road to get new stories in their hands consistently,” he said. “And we’ll be expanding that into DVD check-outs as well.”

Anderson said a new self-check system will allow staffers more time to interact with library visitors.

He said the remodel also will replace old and used furniture and install new shelving. It will include a defined space for a children’s area, which will be surrounded by artwork that matches the theme of exploration. The floors will be updated and the walls repainted.

Anderson said there will be space for interactive events and classes that go beyond checking out books, such as a class on how to make custom curry powder.

“When it’s all done, people will be walking into a dramatic difference that moves away from the traditional sense of the library,” he said.

ANDERSON said the library will need help on May 12 to take things off shelves as well as on May 15 to help paint and put things back together. Anyone interested in volunteering can call 406-758-2197 or email sanderson@imagineiflibraries.org.