BUTTE – In the Information Age is Butte’s public library outdated?
“The library world has been changing and it’s changing even more dramatically pretty quickly,” said Tibor Egervary of the library’s board of directors.
The library’s board of directors wants to meet that change by seriously considering a redesign to the building that’s been located at 226 W. Broadway since 1991. The board is consulting with a Missoula-based architect to consider upgrading the current facility, rebuilding it or relocating to another part of the city.
“The primary focus though is to make sure it serves the community and it becomes the library of the future and we engage as many of the other stakeholders in the community as possible,” said Egervary.
Sure, libraries will also be about books, but in these modern times, they also provide other services, which is why officials believe it may be time for an upgrade.
“Everything from simple computer training to more complex training processes as well as all kinds of activities. And while our collection of printed material continues to grow at a moderate pace, it’s those other kinds of content and other kinds of activities that we really want to make sure that we can service,” said Egervary.
The board stresses plans are only preliminary and it will be a few years before any changes will be made. The project would be funded by the city and no cost estimate has been determined.
