Flathead County Library Board approves contract for logo design

https://dailyinterlake.com/admin/news/story/add/#/tab/module_1/

In February the library board decided to revert the library’s name back to Flathead County Libraries after operating for roughly a decade under ImagineIF Libraries. The name change has meant a change in branding, including a new logo.

Flathead County Library grapples with security after alleged attack on employees

A woman who allegedly bit and punched two library workers in Kalispell in early July is in the Flathead County Detention Center awaiting trial.

Flathead County Library Board narrows to five choices for logo designs

The Flathead County Library Board is polling the public on five logo designs that will be posted on the library system’s website by early June.

ImagineIF Board of Trustees change to collection development policy draws criticism

The ImagineIF Libraries Board of Trustees amended its collections policy regarding potentially obscene materials Thursday despite pleas from the public and employees to leave it as is.

Library association opposes proposal ending master’s degree requirement

You may not need a graduate degree to be a library director in Montana’s larger cities — and library advocates think that idea hurts their work.

ImagineIF Board votes to remove all references to American Library Association

The ImagineIF Board of Trustees voted Thursday to clarify its position of no longer being associated with the American Library Association.

State commission moves to strike standard for library directors

The Montana State Library Commission voted Wednesday to strike a longstanding professional requirement applied to the directors of Montana’s eight largest libraries, one that dictates whether those libraries qualify for state funding.

ImagineIF Libraries increases security presence at Kalispell branch

The ImagineIF Libraries Board of Trustees is increasing the hours per week a security guard is present at its Kalispell branch.

ImagineIF Library board trustee expresses interest in removing fair treatment policy

Carmen Cuthbertson, a trustee for ImagineIF Libraries, is pushing for the removal of the county library system’s fair treatment policy.

Commissioners signal support for giving ImagineIF Libraries $2.5M for facilities projects

Flathead County commissioners gave their blessing to a request from the ImagineIF Board of Trustees for the library system to receive $2.5 million over 10 years, though the county budget won't be finalized likely until August.

Library director apologizes for job search

ImagineIF Director Ashley Cummins apologized to the library’s board of trustees Thursday following the public revelation of her application for another job in Oregon after a stressful first few months in the position.

ImagineIF assistant director to leave library system

Another figure in ImagineIF Libraries leadership is leaving at month’s end after years of conflict between board trustees and library staff. Assistant Library Director Sean Anderson said board politics made it increasingly difficult to do his day-to-day job.

ImagineIF board nixes challenge of faith-based book

The ImagineIF Board of Trustees voted Thursday to keep a Christian child rearing book in the library’s collection after a challenge claimed the author’s alleged close ties with a pedophile warranted its removal.

County commissioners appoint librarian to ImagineIF board

Jane Wheeler was one of two applicants recommended to commissioners by the ImagineIF board to fill a vacancy left after Marsha Sultz resigned this summer.

Book challenge prompts creation of ‘parent resources’ section at ImagineIF

The decision comes after a challenge over the book “Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness” by Anastasia Higginbotham, which discusses white privilege and racism.

14 candidates pursue open seat on ImagineIF library board

The timeframe to submit an application to be on the ImagineIF Library Board of Trustees has closed and now begins the work of narrowing down the list to the top picks for the vacant seat.

Books riddled with bullet holes found in library book return bin

ImagineIF Libraries closed all of its locations Wednesday after staff discovered books in a book return bin that had been damaged by a firearm.

Supporters turn out to praise new library board appointee

Supporters of newly appointed ImagineIF Library Trustee Carmen Cuthbertson lauded her ascension at Thursday’s board meeting, thanking her and her colleagues for their efforts at removing materials they deem offensive.

New library board trustee saddened by reaction to appointment

ImagineIF’s newest trustee said she is saddened by the reaction to her appointment, but remains committed to supporting the library system and reaching out to critics.

ImagineIF Foundation not invited to participate in Great Fish Challenge

Officials with the Whitefish Community Foundation said Thursday they will not be inviting the ImagineIF Foundation to participate in their 2022 Great Fish Challenge. The announcement comes as contention continues to surround the ImagineIF Libraries board.

ImagineIf library foundation director explains resignation

ImagineIF Library Foundation Executive Director Charlotte Housel is stepping down from her position.

Library trustees to review proposed director’s contract

The Board of Trustees for ImagineIF Libraries is expected Thursday to review a proposed contract for its new director that offers up to $10,000 in relocation costs.

Library trustees keep one book while eying removal of second

The ImagineIF Libraries trustees on Thursday decided to retain one book being challenged as part of its collection, but voted to “indefinitely postpone” a decision on a second book until the library can change its policies in a way that would likely allow for removal of the book.

Director hire could cost ImagineIF state accreditation

The ImagineIF Library Board of Trustees on Thursday voted to offer its director position to a candidate that if hired will likely mean the library system would lose not only state accreditation, but the funding that goes with it.

Board overreach is gutting our library

Eyebrows were raised recently when ImagineIF Library Board Vice Chairman Doug Adams announced at a standing-room only board meeting that he would like the library to cut ties with the American Library Association.

Interim library director resigns amid conflict with board

The interim director of ImagineIF Libraries has resigned amid growing tension between some library board members and library staff over what she sees as board overreach in how the library is operated.