POLSON – It has been a 100 years since a small group of Polson women gathered in the home of J.L. McIntire to plan the formation of a public library. Since then the North Lake County Public Library has had several locations, served as a bandaging training station during World War II, and has nearly been lost to flooding. But, the spirit of those women has not been lost, as a  century later the “Friends of the Library,” held the final installment in a series of year-long events celebrating the Library’s centennial.

Head librarian Marilyn Trosper worked with the Friends of the Library to host a fun-filled afternoon of cake, raffle prizes, games and even a puppet show.  

Puppeteers Sherry Johns and Ron Ai came all the way from Kalispell for the event and provided  kids with a new rendition of “Jack and the Beanstalk,” that captivated its audience both young and old.

Following the puppet show  was a competitive game of musical chairs, with tunes contributed by pianist Trish Tavenner playing 100-year-old songs to fit the theme.  

The event festivities finished up with a piece of cake and raffle prizes. All  items up for raffle shared the library’s centennial year, or at least theme, as there was a $100 bill, a cookie basket full of Oreos and GirlScout cookies, both 100-years-old, along with a Whitman Chocolate Sampler, which also celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, along with many additional 100 year-old goodies.

The library has come a long way since the days of going door-to-door collecting books, but,  the North Lake County Library is still invested in the local community,

“Everyone had a good time,” Trosper said of the event. “It was a wonderful time.”