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Reading Leaves Nook Improvements

 

Author:
Rachael Brug
Rachael Brug: MT43 News Vice President and Copy Editor


Reading Leaves Nook Improvements

Rachael Brug

You may be wondering what is going on at Reading Leaves Books with all of the activity in the parking lot lately. The wooden fence is part of a much larger project that will be finishing up over the next few weeks.

In February 2022 Reading Leaves Books, in conjunction with Broadwater Community Development Corporation (BCDC), was awarded a Main Street Montana Grant. Main Street Montana is a subsidiary of the Main Street America Program which “awards competitive grant funding to communities focusing on planning and/or implementation projects directly related to downtown revitalization, development, and historic preservation.” The grant has a community match of 20% which was met with a Town Pump Community Grant, and community donations. We also received supply donations from Jacob Weaver and Kenyon Noble Lumber.

The purpose of this grant was to turn the covered storage space on the side of the building into a reservable community space, add an ADA-accessible restroom, and finally, turn part of the parking area into outdoor seating. The interior is being insulated with finished walls but will not be heated. There will be a mural added to the interior brick wall. The outdoor space will have tables and chairs with umbrellas and planted greenery in raised beds to bring some color and comfort to the corner. The fence gives some separation from the highway while visitors relax and visit.

The work has been completed by many local contractors including Special K Plumbing, A da Z Concrete & Badger Materials, BSE Excavating, Baldy Mountain Homes, EIDSE Enterprises, Townsend Power, Hanson Handyman Services, Wright Solutions, and by the owners of the building.

When it is complete, the spaces will be open and available to the public during store hours and also be reserved for events like birthday parties, graduations, and more. This winter the space will be used for the new Townsend Winter Market.

Local growers and makers will gather once per month to sell their goods in the off-season of the Townsend Farmer’s Market. The first Winter Market will be Saturday, November 16th from 1-3 pm. Vendor space is limited and dependent on weather. Contact Sheree Beauchamp at 406-465-4977 for vendor details.

Article Images

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PhotoCredit: Rachael Brug Photo
Image 1 Caption: New Outdoor space at the Reading Leaves Rachael Brug Photo
Image 2 Caption: Reading Leaves new ADA bathroom Rachael Brug Photo
Image 3 Caption: Book Nook space Rachael Brug Photo