Flathead County Library’s book delivery service to Marion was salvaged Thursday after library trustees agreed to stand up the program with volunteer couriers. 

It’s been two months since the Flathead County Library board voted to cancel its contract with Marion School District, which designated the school as a drop-off location for reserved library books. Library trustees said costs to run the program outweighed the number of patrons who used the book delivery service. 

An average of two to three patrons used the book delivery service every month, according to a cost analysis provided by the library. Each trip costs about $52.96, up to $211.84 monthly, over the nine-month program, library officials estimated.  

Notice of cancellation arrived at the school after the March 26 vote. School district officials said they were unaware of the vote and criticized the board for cancelling the contract without consulting them. 

Marion patrons who live 21 miles from the nearest library branch in Kalispell depend on the monthly book deliveries, said school Superintendent and Principal Julia Maxwell. 

“We have several elderly people that use it. It may be three, but that’s big for Marion,” Maxwell said at the May 28 meeting. “They don’t have the opportunity to make it into town, it’s not feasible for them.” 

Maxwell told library trustees at least four community members have volunteered to deliver the books to Marion to keep the program running. The school district will also advertise the program to students and their families to help increase user numbers, Maxwell said.  

“The big expense was carting them out there,” said library board Vice Chair Carmen Cuthbertson. “So, if that’s taken care of, I don’t think we have to place any limits.” 

Trustees passed a motion to draw up a memorandum of understanding between Flathead County Library and the school district outlining the new responsibilities between the two parties.  

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.