Montrose - Daily Press

MONTROSE  — Ten years ago, a “cart brigade” traveled Montrose’s streets filled with books on its way to the new Montrose Regional Library. Friday evening, the streets will be filled again for a celebration of its anniversary.

Expanding the library from a dark, claustrophobic space in what now houses the Montrose Police Department, to a 24,000-square-foot area with its own meeting room and children’s center, is a fond memory for many community members.

For some, it was a turning point and inspiration — seeing how hard work can bring success. To others, it was an opportunity to expand ideas.

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“It was inspiring to get something of that magnitude done,” said former board member Noelle Hagan. “The library is what got me going on everything else.”

The library had been housed at 434 S. First St. since the 1960s. It was one large room, about the size of the current children’s center.

Hagan was appointed to the Montrose Library District Board in 1993, at which time discussion of a new facility started between community entities including the city, county and school district.

Robb Ruyle, who joined the board this year, was also on the board during that time.

“We crafted a propose,” he said.

The district wanted a new library; wanted to use the old site for a city purpose; and wanted to save the old Morgan school, which now houses Mesa State College. He said they also wanted an innovative way to finance the project.

The campaign, “Library Yes,” began.

In 1994 the voters passed a temporary sales tax increase. The project would cost $6.5 million, which included a $1 million reserve for operating costs. The tax increase was 1 cent for the first year and then decreased to 0.5 cents thereafter until the project was paid for, Hagan said.

“(The voters) knew what they were getting. It was simple in a way, but it wasn’t simple,” Hagan said, adding, the details were the hard part.

But in 1998, the money was in the bank and the library moved to its new location debt free.

It continues to fund itself through a mill levy, which voters increased in 2004, said Library Development Officer Amy McBride.

Now, library staff, volunteers and community members have had a decade to enjoy new services, more books and an abundance of resources.

In 2007, the library’s children’s services offered 344 programs to its district, serving 7,003 children, said Janet Oslund, head of that area for more than 11 years. It expanded its audio and visual offerings, including a wide range of Spanish resources. More books and computers have also been added.

The story hour room is used for activities and events including craft times, puppet shows, children’s musicians and exhibits.

“There is a lot of diversity and satisfaction,” Oslund said about her job. “We are part of the education infrastructure of the community.”

Friday, the anniversary’s theme follows this mission and the mission of the library, which is to educate, enlighten, enrich, entertain and inform.

McBride said all the evening’s activities fall into these five categories. (See Schedule of Events.)

The community is invited to join in this celebration of an event that touched many people’s lives.

Contact Kati O’Hare via e-mail at katio@montrosepress.com

Schedule of Events: 10th Anniversary Street Party

All events will occur on Friday at the Montrose Library at 320 S. Second St.

5-7 p.m. - Sidewalk Chalk Art: Mary Hill of Monart School of Art will create masterpieces on the sidewalk of South Cascade Avenue. From 5-6 p.m., local artist Frank Gauna will offer tips to would-be sidewalk artists.

5-6 p.m. - Balloon Animals: Twisted Critters N More will make balloon animals for people to take home.

5-7 p.m. - Face painting.

5:30, 6:30 p.m. - Award-winning Montrose Library Book Cart Drill Team will perform.

5:45, 6:45 p.m. - Poetry readings.

Mesa State will provide information about the summer reading program. Call 249-9656.

6-6:30 p.m. - Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus.

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