Columbia Falls library gets a new look

The Columbia Falls ImagineIF Library completed its third phase of remodeling last week. Since the library rebranded last year, cultural and organizational changes have been the focus.

Earlier this year the first phase of remodeling improved efficiency in the staff room. In the second phase, self-checkout stations and one-librarian post replaced the original large, enclosed circulation desk. However, the last phase was the most thorough.

The library got new modern furniture in orange, yellow, blue and red that is meant to be welcoming and comfortable, with chairs big enough for an adult to sit with their child, Columbia Falls Senior Librarian Sean Anderson said. The intent is for the remodeled library to “last through another generation.”

Many years ago a plan to move the library fell through and instead it remained in this “unique” room of the city hall with tall ceilings and wood paneling, Anderson said.

The left interior wall near the entryway has quick access for visitors, so the most popular activities were relocated there. This included checkout and holds pickup that were previously part of the circulation desk. Also, shelves for new material and the DVDs and audio books are along this wall. Media material is popular at this library, outnumbering book checkout two to one, Anderson said.

The computers originally along this wall were moved to a more intimate corner next to the staff room with desk space for groups. The original use of the corner was the children’s space, which was relocated to the loft. The books were placed on low, child-accessible shelves. The more dynamic, mobile toys—a market stall and grocery carts—spilled off the stage, so that there isn’t the problem of a cart going down the stairs, Anderson said.

The use of the loft was a weighty decision for the librarians.

“It’s been the thing that we’ve pored over—to commit ourselves to. And it’s such a perfect space to have story time, it’s isolated and separate from everyone else,” Anderson said. One of the big pushes for the remodel is “distinct spaces for different groups of people,” he said.

The Mel Ruder room, which didn’t have a “distinct purpose,” became an area for the teens with multifunctional furniture, Anderson said. An intimate gray couch with tall sides, several ottomans and coffee tables fill the green and dark gray room.

The remaining space is saved for what libraries were created for, books. The new shelving is mobile at a lower height.

The mobility of the shelves will allow space for community gatherings, Anderson said. The first party in the newly designed space was to celebrate ImagineIF being named the Montana library of the year Sept. 23.

“I thought libraries were supposed to be quiet and not for eating and drinking,” 12-year-old Taylor Norman said at the community celebration.