The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Most all towns, little and large, have heroes. The thing about that is that maybe that hero is not known in the next block down or the heroic act he or she performed is lost after a few years have passed.

And yet those heroes are still always in our midst.

And, once in a while, there are heroes that are so outstanding and so filled with tenacity and grit, that most everyone knows that they are heroes.

Three ladies from Big Sandy fit that bill perfectly. Not only have Marla Ray, Dee Pribyl and Ann Quinn changed the ways of libraries for Big Sandy forever but they have almost singlehandedly changed the look of Big Sandy's Main Street, something that has not been done for many years.

Now, they will tell you they are not the heroes of this story. They will say it was all those who contributed much to make this library a reality.

And while that is true, if it weren't for Ann, Marla and Dee pushing, prodding and making the wheels go round, the library would still just be a vision in a very few people's minds.

"The Mountaineer" gave each of the three Library Ladies a questioner to fill out for this story. Here are the questions and their answers...

What got you into the library project in the first place?

Marla Ray: In 2007, the Kaste building was donated by its owner Janis Kaiser to Chouteau County with the hope that it would become Big Sandy's new library, in honor of her son Jeff.

Early in 2011, there was a town meeting held to discuss what the County was doing about the preparation of this building. The county representatives there asked for volunteers to form a Steering Committee to get the ball rolling. I signed the list. Six long years later, Ann Quinn, Dee Pribyl and I are rejoicing that the new library is a reality.

Ann: Quinn: The Kaste building and property had been donated to the county for the purpose of a library by Janis Kaiser but had stood empty for several years. Interest in seeing the building updated was being talked about in Big Sandy. In 2011, the grand prize of $3000 from the Rotary banquet was donated for the new Big Sandy library by Debby Blyth. That sparked more interest in seeing a new library open on Main Street. When the county librarian came to an open meeting in Big Sandy sponsored by the Rotary club I took the opportunity to volunteer to be on the steering committee.

Dee Pribyl: When I was the librarian for Big Sandy in 2006 Janis Kaiser came to the library where it was housed in the Soil Conservation Building and said, "I know what I would like to do with the Kaste building. I would like to donate it to be used for a library in memory of Jeff." Janis' son Jeff, was a journalism student at the University of Montana and was killed in a car accident on his way home for Thanksgiving. The Chouteau County Director at that time, Jill Munson, the board director from Big Sandy, Earl Boettcher, and myself went to the County Commissioners and they gave their approval, but we would need to raise the money. Things moved slowly until the Commissioners appointed a steering committee and then the building committee and fundraising committees of which Ann, Marla, and I became the members and Ladene Mangold helped with her expertise and input.

What did you learn about Big Sandy?

Marla Ray: I already knew but would like to emphasize that many people in Big Sandy are always willing to help with civic projects, especially those that benefit our youth. Often those aren't monetary donations but rather the gifts of time and talents, which are invaluable. An example is getting the Kaste building completely removed from the site in one day in order to help both Russ Allderdice and the library project. In July of 2014, that was a huge step in our progress. Our city organizations and many businesses have been extremely generous, along with good financial support from many individuals. Our appeal for donations that was included in the Homecoming committee's letter in 2014 to all alumni from BSHS brought in a great portion of the funds we needed. Each graduating class of Pioneers since that request has donated. I truly appreciate this little town's historical "we can" attitude, and many people's "how can I help?" attitude.

Ann Quinn: There are wonderful people who have interest in seeing Big Sandy remain a vibrant community for us now and for future generations.

Dee Pribyl: How generous the residents, alumni, and organizations here in Big Sandy are.

Favorite things about the new library for you?

Marla Ray: The spaciousness, definitely! This library is a beautiful building, thanks to Keith Ballantyne's design and Bryan Robinson Construction's careful work. With over three times the space of our former library, there is so much offered: large children's room, computer station, comfortable furniture to read and relax in, wonderful lighting with beautiful stacks for all the books, a Montana room to highlight Montana authors that also houses over 100 years of Mountaineers, a large meeting room, and more. Of course, the LOCATION is key, I feel, for people of all ages to comfortably be able to use and appreciate this facility. Our new librarian, Stephanie Overbay, is a delightful young lady. Her enthusiasm is contagious.

Ann Quinn: I love seeing the building standing – complete and being used. It is so welcoming and spacious. It's great to see the enthusiasm of all who come in.

Dee Pribyl: The Children's room is a wonderful area. I know the new librarian, Stephanie, will love the office space, where before there was none. Also the Montana Room, besides shelving all the Montana fiction and non-fiction books, there is room now for all the Mountaineers from 1911. Before we had them stored in the Museum. Now patrons can look through the Mountaineers all year long.

The best about your involvement.

Marla Ray: By far the best thing for me is Ann and Dee-getting to know them better, seeing their strengths and commitment to this library; but more so, their passion to improve our town. We were so like-minded that it made all of the planning, hard work, headaches, or negative things not so overwhelming. They are very positive, giving people who were a joy to work with.

Ann Quinn: I was able to work with some wonderful people throughout the whole project, some of whom are now very close friends. We each had different strengths and interests that we could contribute.

Dee Pribyl: The work ethic and commitment of Ann and Marla. They never gave up, even when there were some big hurdles to overcome. What an honor for me to work with them.

What was the good, the bad and the ugly about this project?

Marla Ray: The best thing is seeing the library finally OPEN and so many people of all ages enjoying it after several glitches had slowed our progress. The 3 of us prayed over this project so much, and I definitely see God's hand at work as I review all that has taken place over the 6 years I've been involved. The bad and the ugly? Well, there was that, at times, but I choose to focus on all the great things that happened to get us to where we are today.

Ann Quinn: The best thing is the new library is finished and open.

Dee Pribyl: The community support. I don't know of another community that is so generous whenever they are asked to help out. Also the support of the Chouteau County Library Foundation and the grant writing of Debra Clark, the chairperson.

Are you ready to take on another project?

Marla Ray: It seems like I'm always involved in some type of project around Big Sandy. My folks were very community oriented, and I grew up understanding how much one person could do, and how much more could be accomplished when even just a few more worked together. Talent show fundraisers are a lot of fun for me, but I've got a precious new role now – gramma! So, no big projects on my horizon (outside of my home.)

Ann Quinn: I'll watch for another great project.

Dee Pribyl: I'm still on the Chouteau County Library Foundation Board, the Senior Citizen's Board, and the Parish Council, plus I occasionally substitute at the library. That will suffice for a while.

What are your feelings about your contribution to Big Sandy's Main Street?

Marla Ray: I think every person should continually strive to make their life, their home, their community, their nation, and thus their world a better place. I'm very proud of this lovely new building, and I want to sincerely thank everyone who was a part of making this dream come true, from the original idea of Janis Kaiser's to Debra Clark, the County Library Foundation's grant writer who helped us procure many, many generous grants from generous foundations, Keith the architect and Bryan the contractor I mentioned before, Ron Young - chairman of the Chouteau County Library Board of Trustees, to each person who lent a hand, advice, or donated to make this happen. We hope to have a Grand Opening celebration this spring. Watch for details.

Ann Quinn: I want to see Big Sandy be a community that anyone will be proud to be a part of. Any new building or business is an addition to Big Sandy.

Dee Pribyl: My feelings are of so much pride that this small community would come together and build such a beautiful building that will become a center for learning now, and for future generations. What a wonderful addition to Main Street.