A study to measure the fundraising potential for a new Kalispell library branch kicks off next month.  

The Flathead County Library Board of Trustees is launching a five-month feasibility study in July to estimate how much in donations it can raise for a new library building in Kalispell. A grant from the Flathead Library Foundation, the library system’s main fundraising arm, underwrote the $35,000 study, and the results should be available by November. 

BrandRaise, a Minnesota-based fundraising consultant for nonprofits, was hired by the board earlier this spring to conduct the study. Consultants believe there is a strong philanthropic community to support the construction project, according to a proposal submitted by BrandRaise in March. 

They pointed to the campaign for a new library building in Bigfork as an example. The Flathead Library Foundation embarked on that campaign in 2017 and raised $3.2 million from 421 individual donors by 2024. 

Consultants said voters are more likely to pass a bond to help fund the project if they see investment from private donors. Since a $105 million bond for a new county jail just passed in November, which raised property taxes on homeowners, they suggested waiting until 2028 before placing a bond before voters. Bonds need approval from county commissioners before appearing on the ballot. 

Trustees said they will wait on the results of the feasibility study before considering a bond.  

The Kalispell Library’s lease on its current building at 247 First Ave. E. ends in 2033. Negotiations are underway to purchase property at the Kalispell Center Mall for a new library location, and construction is aimed to start in 2029. 

Report for America Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 406-758-4439 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.