The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

By Robert Lucke

Whoa partners and sashay yourselves down to the new Big Sandy Library on April 11 to celebrate with an open house from 2 to 5 on that day. If you have not had a chance to view this beautiful addition to our main street, now is a good time to do it and be served refreshments at the same time.

Head librarian Stephanie Overbay said that the open house is a great time to visit the new library but it is open and perfect for all sorts of activities during the week as well.

There are computers to use so if you are broke down at home or just need access to a computer, this is a perfect place to get on line.

Not only that but with the new meeting room, how about your special group meeting there weekly, monthly or whenever you need to. Many amenities surround people meeting in that room.

Just coming in and taking it easy, reading a book or writing a letter is encouraged. The new library is a very comfortable place and Overbay encourages people to get used to coming in to see what is new, what is old and what is perfect to entertain the children in your house.

As for the Open House, on April 11, there will be a used book sale that day and coffee, tea and cookies as well.

The library, that day, since it is a Tuesday, is open from 12pm to 6pm. It is just that the open house festivities are from 2 to 5pm that day.

To coordinate with the open house, donors to the new library will be honored and recognized and publically thanked as well. It took a lot of people and a lot of grants to get this building out of the ground, built, painted and furnished and the library workers do not ever want to forget those who made this project possible!

In addition during the open house there will be a continuous slide show showing the whole new library project from start to finish that is very interesting and instructive to view.

Librarian Overbay said that this summer they are planning a Lego Club for children and, as always, there will be a summer reading program.

If you are into history, check out the new Montana room. See the large print donated by Joel Gunhold of the Centennial Cattle Drive. Many Big Sandy people were on that cattle drive. You might see yourself in that Montana room picture.

Or view the map of Montana made and annotated in the 1880's and donated by Joe Quinn. Viewing that map is like a Montana history course in itself. And there are Montana newspapers to view along with a large collection of Montana books.

Librarian Stephanie Overbay wanted to point out that she has two very valuable assistants in the library. Andrea Schlimgen is a great help in the library and Cedreace Walks Over Ice is a very talented artist who works part time in the library as well.

Don't miss the open house on April 11 but in addition, and even more important is to visit often. It is comfortable and feels just like home and will be a wonderful addition to the lives of all who use its services!

Normal library hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 12pm to 6pm, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 2pm and closed Monday.