Library director stepping down to take job in Washington

ImagineIF Libraries Director Connie Behe is resigning after 12 years with the county library system to take a job as deputy director of customer experience at the Pierce County Library in Tacoma, Washington. Her last day with ImagineIF will be July 31.

During her tenure as assistant director and then library director starting in 2018, Behe said the staff has worked tirelessly over the past decade to streamline services and stay abreast of new formats and technology.

"It will be difficult to leave our vibrant library and excellent staff, not to mention this beautiful area, but it is time for me to take on new challenges," she said in a statement. "This move is a great opportunity for my family.

"I'm proud of what we have accomplished together, especially during the pandemic when we were able to open earlier and with fewer restrictions than most public libraries in Montana," she said. "Before the reopening in May 2020, we created a virtual branch within a week of the stay-at-home orders and offered expanded online services to ensure access to books and information at home."

The library's Board of Trustees will appoint an interim director during its July 22 meeting, then begin a search for someone to fill the role permanently. A going-away reception will be held for Behe from 3 to 5 p.m. on July 30 at the ImagineIF library in Kalispell.