Replacing the shelves that books are displayed on in the Mineral County Library may not be exciting, unless you work there and can see the upcoming benefits.

The current shelving was made and maintained by volunteers over the years and at close inspection, they look solid. And they are. So solid that they are being sold in sections to be reused for storge needs in homes or businesses. 

“They are wonderful for all of the amount of work so many have helped with over the years,” explains Deb Kelsey, Library Assistant 1 and overseeing this exchange. “But these are all matching and fit snuggly with one another giving us optimal space to display. Right now, we have six-inch gaps and have to lay some books on their sides so this upgrade will make it easier on the staff for returning them and better for the people to see the titles.”

Book shelving is as important as a hot water tank or new windows. They’re not flashy or discussed in social settings but they play an integral role in the function of stabilizing literally tons and tons of books. These did not come from Ikea.

“Last fall, the Jane S. Heman Foundation in Stevensville made an offer with their grant application and we didn’t really pay much attention to it. But then one day, Rose Woodford with Friends of the Library who has been helpful with other grants said we should investigate their offer,” Kelsey said. 

The Jane S. Heman Foundation primarily funds programs designed to mentor economically disadvantaged students in rural communities within western Montana, usually in science and technology. 

“We didn’t go outrageous but wanted to get our foot in the door for possible grant requests in the future. We made sure to cross our T’s and dot our I’s so they will see we are organized. If that never comes, we love what we got,” Kelsey said.

4,000 pounds of shelving arrived Nov. 12 and the museum has been storing it for them. 

“The grant is also paying to have 3 homeschooled students help assemble them with Keith Myles from the courthouse working on site with them.” 

They are looking for volunteers to help move books over Christmas break. (406) 822-3563