Updates
We thank the community for their patience while the library transitions. With over 30,000 cardholders, hundreds of thousands of print materials circulating, and serving a population of over 100,000, the library is a complex system. Librarians are working hard to institute precautions in facilities that will keep us all safe into the future.
Librarians are always available by phone or email: Monday–Friday 10-6. To get in touch with a librarian, email asklib@imagineiflibraries.org or call 406-758-5820.
Got questions? Check out our FAQ section.
An Announcement about Hoopla
After analyzing collection use from the last 18 months, our collections team decided to eliminate Hoopla from our suite of downloadable materials.
The last year has demonstrated that there is high demand for both digital and print collections in Flathead County, and we have a responsibility to offer access in the format that taxpayers want and need. However, we lack the actual budget to satisfy demand for Hoopla titles. We are fortunate to participate in a sharing system for MontanaLibrary2go, which keeps costs low.
In our effort to provide essential services, we have a responsibility to choose the most cost-effective services with our budget. Hoopla is expensive. In order to meet demand from our patrons, we would need $60,000 more dollars this year than we actually have.
We will continue to offer for checkout:
- DVD movies and TV shows
- Music CDs
- Audiobooks in CD format
- computers,
- High-quality collections of popular print books
- Downloadable eBooks & audiobooks via MontanaLibrary2Go
Hoopla will be available through September 30, 2021, after which it will be discontinued. Read Interim Director Martha Furman’s full letter about our decision to cancel Hoopla HERE>
RECOMMENDED SITES FROM OUR LIBRARIANS
ImagineIF COVID-19 Reference Guide
This ready reference guide provides current and reliable information about ongoing changes to Flathead Valley community services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://imagineiflibraries.libguides.com/flatheadcovid19resources
FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Situation summary and overview of the outbreak
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
MedLine Plus
Basic guide to preventing and responding to coronavirus
https://medlineplus.gov/coronavirusinfections.html
National Library of Medicine
A portal to research and current data on COVID-19
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/index.html#Novel_Coronavirus
FOR EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS
US Chamber of Commerce Foundation
A quick response guide for employers
Factsheet for employees
https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/coronavirus_workplace_tips_for_employees.pdf
FOR INFORMATION ON THE LOCAL RESPONSE
Flathead City County Health Department
Stay up to date on current response and infections in Flathead County
https://flatheadhealth.org/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/
Updates and information about Montana’s response to COVID-19
https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/cdepi/diseases/coronavirusmt
AVOIDING AND IDENTIFYING MISINFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
NewsGuard
A list of websites that have shared inaccurate information about coronavirus
https://www.newsguardtech.com/coronavirus-misinformation-tracking-center/
World Health Organization
Infographics explaining common myths about coronavirus
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
FAQs
Q: When will you reopen?
A: We are currently open at locations with new open hours and special hours for the vulnerable population. Find out more here.
Q: My holds are saying ready for pickup. Is there a way I can get them?
A: You can pick them up during our new open hours or call for curbside pick up. Find out more here.
Q: Can I return library books?
A: Yes. Our book drops are now open 24 hours.
Q: I have fines and my account is blocked. Can my account be opened so I can download books?
A: We have unblocked as many accounts as possible. If you’re having trouble using your account, please email your library card number to us at asklib@imagineiflibraries.org and we will do our best to unblock your account.
Q: Can I get a library card online?
A: Yes. Sign up for a card HERE and you will have instant access to all of our online resources.
Q: Is the Wi-Fi still on at your buildings?
A: Yes. You can access it from outside the building at any time in Bigfork and Kalispell. In Columbia Falls, Wi-Fi is available from 6am-10pm.
Q: How do I get ebooks and audiobooks?
A: Download the Libby App on your mobile device and follow the in–app instructions. For more information, visit Libby.
On a computer, go to Montana Library2Go and sign in with your library card.
If you need a library card, sign up for one HERE.
Q: Do you have databases I can access?
A: Yes. You can work on genealogy, read news articles, find book suggestions and more. Check out our list of databases and other online resources HERE.
Q: Do you have resources for parents to use with their children?
A: Yes!
For teens: https://imagineiflibraries.org/for-you/teens/
For kids: https://imagineiflibraries.org/for-you/kids/
And check out our YouTube page for early literacy classes and other activities!
Q: How can I show my support of the library?
A: Reach out on Facebook and Instagram to show your support. You can also donate to the ImagineIF Library Foundation at any time.