The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Blaine County Library is open to the public again, but with restrictions. Please be aware that all staff and patrons must have a face covering to enter the library. A mask, a bandana or a scarf are all acceptable, so long as one’s nose and mouth are covered. While we realize this is an inconvenience for everyone, including us, it is for the safety of everyone’s friend, neighbor and loved ones. Upon entering the library, we ask everyone to wash their hands prior to any computer use or book browsing. We know that transmission of COVID-19 is possible before symptoms appear and using a face covering and washing hands are ways to stop the spread. We are following recommendations from the State Library and the Governor’s Office and we thank you for your cooperation.

We ask that you not enter the library if you are sick. Patrons must practice social distancing while in the library and only one at a time will be allowed at the circulation desk. We only have half of our computers available for use to comply with social distancing. If we reach capacity of 8 patrons, we will post a sign on the door asking patrons to wait outside until someone leaves. Each patron will be allowed 30 minutes per day in the library. There will be no toys, puzzles or blocks available. There will be no programs and the meeting room will be unavailable during phase one.

Anyone who does not wish to enter the library can continue to get materials through curbside delivery, home delivery or through the mail. If you are in a high-risk group but would like to come to the library, please call and we will arrange a time for you to come in. Our goal is to provide the best service we can while maintaining the health and safety of staff and patrons.

It is the time of year when we start thinking about getting outside and working in the yard or our gardens. To help with that we have a display of gardening and landscaping books on display for the month of May.

Shortly before we closed to the public, the Montana Book Award winner and honors were announced. The Friends of Missoula Public Library started the Montana Book Awards in 2001. This award recognizes excellence in books that are set in Montana, deal with Montana themes/issues, or are written, edited or illustrated by a Montana author or artist. The 2019 winner was “Grinnell America’s Environmental Pioneer and His Restless Drive to Save the West” by Jahn Taliaferro. Honor books are: “Grain by Grain: A Quest to Revive Ancient Wheat, Rural Jobs, and Healthy Food” by Bob Quinn, “Down from the Mountain the Life and Death of a Grizzly Bear” by Bryce Adams, “Ernest Hemingway in the Yellowstone High Country” by Chris Warren, and “The River Where you Forgot my Name” by Corrie Williamson. These books are all available and on display at the library.