Library Open House Creates New Doors For Readers
Author: MT 43 News Staff Reporter
Library Open House Creates New Doors for Readers Big Sky, Big Leadership at Work
MT 43 News Staff Reporter
Latasha Wirtz loves her program at the Community Library called “Books and Babies.” At the Open House Saturday, Latasha, a Tennessee native, said she delights in reading aloud to Moms and their babies on Friday mornings. She bubbled over talking about her work with little ones and older kids who come to the library on Fridays when there is no regular school.
“It is a teaching moment with older kids. I call it my 'kindness planning' where the students learn to read about kind deeds, then plan how to implement them", she said. Latasha earlier in her life had a serious auto-immune disease and was healed suddenly. She felt it was a ‘god’ moment, so she began looking for ways to pass on her miracle. “'Kindness planning' was a great way to reach little ones, so I went with that idea.”
The Open House on Saturday at the Library was coordinated by a group from the Big Sky, Big Leadership Class, a nine-month class offered through MSU Extension agent, Alison Kosto. Monique Previl, Hannah Rauser, Tyece Pool, Traci Maughn and TJ Graveley planned the Library Open House as part of their class studies. They worked with the Library Board. The event was a good way to interest the public in the services available at the Community Library.
Hannah explained besides being able to check out books, the public has access to a movie library, use of the computer lab and can have copies made for a small charge. Head Librarian Angie Juno said her office can order books from other libraries, and has the LIBBY program, which gives access to books on various devices, such as Kindle or Apple phone.
“For county residents who may sign up for a library card, we have free WIFI, the Montana Library to Go program, Audio Books, and e-books. There is no charge for our services,” Angie emphasized.
When asked about the Old Baldy Education program, Angie said the program was now led by Superintendent Susie Hedalen as no coordinator has been appointed. Some of the programs are still running, but it has been difficult to find instructors.
According to Monique, several businesses in town helped sponsor the Open House with prizes and food. They are Reading Leaves Bookstore, Jeannie Steele Realty, Townsend Hardware, Townsend Tire, Townsend Drug, the Parent Teachers Association, Mt43News, and Christiansen Homes, Inc. She thanked them for their support.
Library hours currently for adults are Monday-Thursday 4 p.m. To 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays 12 noon to 5 p.m. Summer hours will begin June 1. For more information please call (406) 441-3461.
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PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: Staff Photographer
Image 1 Caption: Latasha Wirtz is ready to explain her "Books and Babies" reading program to Open House attendees.
Photo Credits: Staff Photographer
Image 2 Caption: Big Sky, Big Leadership class members made a special banner for sponsors of the Open House. From left: Monique Prevel, Tyece Pool and Hannah Rauser.
Photo Credits: Staff Photographer
