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- 1. Article for River to Ridge magazine November 6, 2014 By Amy Leach, Library Assistant, North Valley Public Library 208 Main Street, Stevensville, MT 59870 Contact phone, 777-5061 Word Count: 402 Getting on Your Library Mojo Modern libraries, as we know them today—freely open to the public, providing universal access to information and literature—came into being in the United States in 1876, with the formation of the American Library Association. Carrying forth in that tradition, the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville, located conveniently on Main Street, is a bustling hub of community activity with something for everyone, and the promise of the friendliest librarians you will ever encounter. Whether you’re browsing for your next good read, trying to explore the internet, researching in the Montana Room, attending a meeting in the Community Room, hoping to host your own activity, meeting up with friends, or looking for a cozy corner conducive to homework, NVPL’s out-going staff is ready to help. A specialty of the library is helping new Valley residents with relocation resources, all that information about things like driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, rental agencies, insurance and legal assistance, voter registration.
- 2. 2 Originally founded in 1904, NVPL in its most recent twenty-five years has expanded from an almost-closet in the rear of the police station to its present facilities filling three original downtown storefronts. In addition to increased square footage, the educational programs have blossomed, for all ages, with a steady eye to promoting early childhood literacy, adult literary and experiential discovery, goal advancement, inspirational enrichment, and social gatherings. The outreach program Storyline visits daycare programs, preschools, and senior centers, while Story Time takes place mid- morning in the Children’s Room. Adults are welcomed at the popular monthly Book Club and the evening Spanish Conversation group. One-on-one computer training is available (the computers all have headsets), as well as classes in finances, nutrition, and travel. Check out eBooks, CDs, audio books, and the interactive, linguistic-approved Mango Languages learning programs. During the town’s First Friday (of the month) celebrations, the library features live music or dance performances. In the cold depths of February, you won’t want to miss the Valentine’s Chocolate and Authors fund-raiser, Sweet Taste of Literature. This is an evening when you can mingle with our many local authors and library patrons, over platters of decadent chocolate, and vie for the hourly prizes. From your armchair at home, you can visit the online catalog at northvalleylibrary.org and search the entire Montana Library Network. But be sure to stop by NVPL, Stevensville’s “Information Central,” discover what’s there for you, find your library mojo.