The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Did anyone know there was even a Chouteau County Library Foundation? "The Chouteau County Library Foundation is to meet the educational and literary needs of the people of Chouteau County by managing funds, donations, and bequests that will provide ongoing services, programs, and maintenance of the Chouteau County Library." So begins the charter of the Chouteau County Library Foundation.

Rich Jesperson is one of the newest members of the Foundation and as the newly elected Chair of the Foundation, he said, "I am committed to seeing that the educational and literary needs of the people of Chouteau County are met in a responsible way. We have an active and dynamic group of people on the Foundation, Kim Hibl, Dani Engallant, Tamara Engallant, and Stacy Bronec, variously representing the communities of Fort Benton, Carter, Highwood, Geraldine, and Big Sandy. Emily Wicks, the Director of the Chouteau County Library as a whole, is an indispensable resource to our work, as well as the work of the Trustees."

The Big Sandy Library just received a very generous donation as reported earlier which has allowed for improvements in our local library. Just recently, the Big Sandy Branch has had a facelift involving newly painted walls, new bookcases and in the future new flooring . Other projects are in the works to make our local branch both functional and attractive. Rich said, "Our libraries are a significant community asset and treasure." He will be a great asset to the Foundation board.

If you have not come into our branch lately you need to so. Ask Darlene Cline, our branch librarian, for a tour and an update. She would be happy to show off the changes and improvements. Also, she is a very able guide to help you find whatever reading material you are seeking.

As a Foundation member Rich said, "I also am available for either inquiries or suggestions relative to the library. Just email me at richj@itstriangle.com or call at 406-680-7080.

As a community we will continue to support our local branch and appreciate the library for its contributions to our community.