Carmen Cuthbertson, ImagineIf Library Board Public CommentPublic Comment to the Kalispell City Council
8/21/23
My name is Carmen Cuthbertson and I live at 115 Buffalo Stage in Kalispell.
As you know, I'm a Board member of the ImaginelF Libraries of Flathead County.
My fellow trustee Jane Wheeler and I spoke to you on July 17 regarding the
possibility of securing space for a new Kalispell library branch at Depot Park. We
want to let you know that we are open to a combined project, which could save
the city money.
We have heard that Kalispell intends to use Depot Park to house the Parks &
Recreation Department. Just like the library and pretty much any city or county
department, Parks & Rec is probably bursting at the seams.
We are here today to once again express our desire to work with the city in
our search for a new home for the Kalispell branch.
Finding the best location is the first brick in the wall of a new library. We
have a rough idea of the square footage needed, but we can't move forward with
more detailed planning until we have secured a location.
Combining services and sharing space could be a win for both the city and
the county, and a huge plus for our citizens. No matter how the space will be used,
the existing Depot building will need to be renovated. Joining forces on an
expensive project could save taxpayer money and benefit both entities.
Preserving the Depot building, the adjacent park, and the Veterans
Memorial can all be a part of a creative project that, above all else, benefits the
inhabitants of your city. We're all here and serving in a paid or volunteer position
to do exactly that: to explore options and consider solutions that benefit our
citizens.
For the good of Kalispell residents and library users, please let the library
work with you.
We believe that a downtown library branch sharing space and services with
the city is an idea worth exploring, and we hope you do, too.
Let's work together to create a fabulous new library branch right here in the
heart of your city.
Thank you.