HELENA – From teen events to computer classes, the Lewis and Clark Library offers a catalog of free programs as a way to better the community. Every month hundreds of people take advantage of these programs.
In 2018 the Library saw an attendance of more than 21,000 for the offered programs and tours with 7,200 attending story time events alone.
In addition to story time, the library regularly offers family game nights, book clubs and monthly craft programs.
Teens have access to ACT preparation classes, writing groups and babysitter trainer at not cost to them.
“We also do all kinds of computer classes,” said Library Director John Finn, “Those can be very basic types of classes or training on how to use your tablet or smartphone.”
Every program, class and service offered by the library is free.
“That’s something that doesn’t happen everywhere else,” said Finn, “When you take a class on something you usually have to pay for it. Here at the library our belief is that you pay your taxes and we provide the services.”
Finn says one of the driving factors behind the programs is making sure they reflect what the community needs.
“You know libraries are not just about books anymore. People think of us as the ‘third place’. The first place is your home, the second place is work and that third place is that community spot where people go to interact with each other and that’s what the library is about,” said Finn.
Finn also wants people to know that there will be some major remodeling happening soon to the library and wants public involvement in the new designs.
More information about the remodel will be released soon, and Finn hopes to have the first public meetings in April.
All Library services are planned to be available during the remodeling.
Curtis Grevenitz will be reading at story time next Wednesday March 20 for the first day of spring.
