FVCC opens new library, student center

There were hugs, applause and big smiles as Flathead Valley Community College on Thursday officially opened the doors to the new Broussard Family Library and Learning Commons.

Made possible by a lead gift of $2.5 million from the Broussard family, the new facility includes a library with leading-edge technologies, collaborative spaces for small group projects, a Makerspace and a virtual reality lab. Jerome Broussard and FVCC President Jane Karas spoke at the opening ceremony.

In addition to the celebratory ribbon-cutting, a sculpture titled “Letting Go,” by Jeannine Young, also was unveiled outside the new center.

Located on the south edge of campus, the Broussard Family Library and Learning Commons represents the first of a two-phase expansion of the FVCC campus. The second phase is the development of a College Center to include a large performance and lecture hall, a multipurpose activity center, an outdoor amphitheater and a reception hall with an art exhibition gallery.

As part of the ONE Campaign, the FVCC Foundation has raised approximately $14.3 million for the $15 million College Center project.