Sidney's Top Stories of 2021
Sidney Richland Co. Library held their open house and ribbon cutting in October. Pictured for the ribbon cutting are (L-R) Mayor Rick Norby, Loren Young and Duane Mitchell, Richland Co. commissioners; Brandon Janshen, SDI Architect; Karen McNutt, library board; Jenna Janshen, SDI Architect; Katie Dasinger, RED; Nancy Verschoot, library board; Kathryn Murphy, librarian; Chip Gifford, chamber board; Ezzie O'Clair, librarian; Kali Godfrey, Sidney Chamber Executive Director; Kelly Reisig, library director; AnnDee Taylor, library board; Miranda Evenson, librarian; Diana Miller, library board; Robin Hernandez, past library board; Terry Sivertson, library board; Suzie Kringen, Kringen Construction; and Leslie Messer, RED Director.
The Sidney-Richland County Library celebrated its newly renovated space with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Oct. 20. The open house gave the public a chance to see the space and visit with library staff about current programs and services.
"We love our library, and we are proud of the space we have," said SRCL Director Kelly Reisig
The library went through renovations on the outside, downstairs, the main area, and the inside upper level. A new parking area was created behind the library along with new landscaping and pavement.
The downstairs is an entirely renovated area that added over 5,000 square feet to the library space. It includes a new children's area for story time and books, a new library-dedicated small program/class space, and a new office for the Learning Volunteers for Adults Program (LVA).
The main area of the library includes new restrooms, new circulation area, new computer stations, and additional seating areas. The upper level now has a new Montana History Room, teen area, and shelves for large type, adult fiction, and nonfiction materials.
Reisig explained that the biggest catalyst for the improvements was the absolute need for space in every area of the library.
She said, "Our maintenance person had no storage or floor drains for cleaning. Although we had a basement, it needed improvement and had no access for those that were unable to use stairs. The demand for the library's collection continues to be high and our ability to fulfill that need was greatly diminished because of our limited capacity to add to the collection. Finally, we also needed space for programs. Our weekly story time, for example, was held upstairs. In order to prepare we had to move all of the tables, push library shelving out of the way (which meant that during the program parts of the collection were not accessible). Even with those changes, we would find that the space could not accommodate the number of children and families in attendance."
She is most excited about the accomplishment of making the renovation possible. "A public library is a result of the dedication of the community, the Library Board of Trustees, and the staff. As a city-county library we also are fortunate to enjoy the support from both the City of Sidney and Richland County Commissioners. Most libraries have capital improvements as a result of a bond referendum that, if passed by the voters, ultimately increases the taxes in a community. We didn't have to do that because Richland County Commissioners believed in the library and wanted to make those improvements without passing on that tax burden to the taxpayer. It's rare, often overlooked, and is a great example of what makes living in this county so special."
The library has partnerships throughout the community to enhance services and education. This new space enhances its collection, programs, and services in a myriad of ways that will make Richland County a better place.
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