Kalispell's ImagineIF Library faces lack of donor confidence
KALISPELL, Mont. — Kalispell’s ImagineIF Library could be facing a loss of even more funding, this time from private donors.
Recent controversy stemming from the board’s decisions on disputed books and moving forward with an unqualified director, causing the library to lose state funding, and now private donors are pulling back.
“Our concern is there’s a narrow window here where the trustees, county commissioners, new library director can rebuild the trust,” library donor and Flathead Library Alliance organizing member Stu Wilson said. “I think much of that trust has been long lost, but can they rebuild the trust to ensure major donors that the library will move forward?”
With a yearly budget just over $2 million, according to county finance documents, a continued loss of funds could pose serious consequences.
“The (Library) Foundation has an incredibly loyal and active donor base. They aren't going anywhere, but they will also not stand for mismanagement of public funds, nor with the Foundation,” said Library Foundation chair Sara Busse.
Busse says projects in process, like the Bigfork expansion, are already affected by the board of trustees.
“The trustees’ financial mismanagement, as well as the county commissioners’ delays have definitely had an effect on the campaign for a new Bigfork library,” said Busse. “The stalling on the transfer of property ownership (from the Foundation to the county) has already proved to be a major hurdle for funding, including the loss of a $250,000 grant.”
Busse says the Library Foundation is the largest private donor to the ImagineIF Library, with around 3% of the library’s annual budget.
Due to the ongoing tension between the board of trustees and the community, new library director Ashley Cummins released a statement to address the issue:
“ImagineIF Libraries work in partnership with amazing library supporters and donors. I’d like to personally recognize our benefactors, volunteers, and advocates for all of their outstanding support. That continued support makes the fulfillment of our core values possible on a daily basis through tangible library services to the community.
“The library has absolutely felt the direct impact of recent issues on everyday operations. My goal is to work towards stabilizing the library from the ground up and to help rebuild trust and credibility with our donors and the community. I want to let donors know that I hear your concerns loud and clear and I appreciate your continued support and commitment to the mission of ImagineIF Library.
“With open communication and civil dialogue, I have no doubt that we can weather this storm. Currently, the library continues to operate at stellar levels and library staff are fully committed to continue providing exceptional service to all who enter the doors at any ImagineIF Library location.”
