Letters to the editor Aug. 20
Depot Park perfect fit for library
It was harsh, in fact too harsh. The Daily Inter Lake’s July 17 editorial castigating the ImagineIf Libraries board regarding a new location was overdone, particularly since it appears the board is coalescing around Depot Park for the Kalispell branch’s future site, and rightfully so.
It puts a new and useful building in the center of town at a perfect location for access, and as a centerpiece and tribute to the people of Flathead County for their commitment to learning, education and exploration. But to be successful, it is imperative the necessary commitments be forth coming.
The library board must fully endorse and support Depot Park as the perfect location. They must draw a vision that inspires the local governments involved as their full financial and emotional support will be essential to success. That same vision and commitments applies to individuals, nonprofits and/or foundations who will be so necessary when putting together the financial resources necessary for a project this size.
It appears the homeless issue has been adequately addressed, but more reassurance will be necessary for the public who would not want a new library to become a resting spot for vagrants, migrants and/or drug users.
The state library association pulling out of the American Library Association helps as it indicates Montana libraries in general and a new one in Flathead County will use appropriate discernment regarding the books they have and how and where they are displayed. A library must reflect the attitudes, wants and desires of its local citizenry or there will never be a new library built.
And think about it. With the advent of artificial intelligence, libraries are going to become more and more important. The fact that AI can rewrite a book, completely changing its meaning in mere seconds, absolutely necessitates the purchase, storage and preservation of printed copy which cannot be so conveniently altered.
Depot Park is a perfect location. It fits all the criteria. Commitments financially and otherwise must be made and support garnered for local governments, businesses, and the local populace to buy into the concept of a new library and for this location particularly.
It is a big job for a volunteer board of trustees who serve without pay, and they should be thanked. With the choice of this location, the chips are in place for the commitments and support for this project.
And who knows. As time goes by maybe even the curmudgeons at the Inter Lake will get on board as well.
— Mark Agather, Kalispell