Libraries cure winter blues

There’s a lot happening at the library in Superior and everyone’s invited to be a part of it.

If you’ve become bored sitting in your house on all winter, the library is offering you a chance to look up your ancestor’s or to discover some local history. Or maybe you’d like to into the revolutionary war or land settlement records that interest you.

The library has just what you need.

Library Director Guna Chaberek said it’s called Heritage Quest, and you can find this ride into the past on the popular searches page of the library’s new website at mineralcountylibrary.org. 

“Folks are always looking to learn something about their genealogy,” she said.  “With this new link on our website, you can find your family roots and so much more.”

It’s as simple as clicking on the green Heritage Quest button.  The library’s popular searches Web page also features links to Montana data, employment and law assistance, automotive repair, testing aids, dictionaries and games.

Several storytelling websites are also new to the site, Chaberek said.  The latest posted to the kids’ page is storynory.com, which publishes a new audio story every week.  Children can listen to endless hours of classic tales of adventure or mystery on the site. With a library card and a password, they can discover and listen to much more.

“And, of course, the library here in Superior, and the Alberton branch library, offer in-house story times every week, too,” Chaberek added. 

Superior’s Mother Moose Tales Reading Circle occurs Mondays 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.  It’s perfect for kids aged zero to three.  The Alberton Library’s story time occurs Wednesdays through March at 9:30 a.m.  Their schedule of stories is posted on the library’s Web site.

On another note, Chaberek is working with the results of a recent survey of library patrons and online users.  One of her annual goals is to increase patronage, awareness and use of new technology for information gathering and entertainment purposes. 

“The library and our website are wonderful community resources, and we’re always encouraging folks to use our computers and free internet access to check out all our great resources,” she says.  “So stop by.  As our website says, ‘we’re a really warm and wonderful place to visit.’”

Chaberek also wants everyone to get pumped for spring with a new book, a piece of home-baked tasty pie and an artfully useful item from one of our local craftsmen and women. Of course, you’ll be able to find all of the available items when the Friends of the Mineral County Public Library hosts its first annual February Fling on Saturday, February 26th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 4-H building on Superior’s Fair Grounds.

“You’ll, of course, find lots of fascinating books for sale, all kinds of genres. Adventure, mystery, how-to,” Chaberek said.  “We’ll also have a bake sale, chili, pie, as well as local crafter’s tables.”

The event will also feature a silent auction and other non-profit organizations.

“We’re calling it February Fling - Ready for Spring,” said Leslie Heppe, Friends president.  “We need an annual fundraiser for our library, and I know this time of year a lot of us are ready for some spring sunshine.  So we’re gathering good books, good food, local crafts and good people the last Saturday of February to benefit the library and all its valuable programs.” 

The Mineral County Public Library operates on a modest annual budget. It covers new materials and technology (including the new computer services such as the new upcoming audio book download, our World Book online subscription and others) as well as staffing for three part-time workers. The library’s new Web site is drawing patrons as they learn to search for and order items from home or with their mobile devices.

The fundraiser will also support kids’ programs at the library.

“Friends’ fundraisers make a lot of fun and educational programs available for our kids, particularly in the summertime,” says Chaberek.  “We have our Reading in the Park program, our pumpkin decoration contests and Santa’s visit, all of which the children love.”

Chaberek added that “connecting kids to the library is so critical” and she offered special thank you to those in the community who understand the value of a free public library.

“Friends of the Library is composed of a dozen or so active individuals,” says Chaberek, “who most often prefer to remain in the background.”

Still, the library hopes to see all the faces of those in the community who help support and utilize the library on Feb. 26.

For more information about the Mineral County Public Library and its programs, contact the library at 406.822.3563.