Guest Column: Library has had longstanding disconnect with commissioners

I’ve been dedicated to our county libraries for many years and have actively participated as a Big Horn County Library Board member, Library Foundation Board member, with Greybull Friends of the Library and whatever else is positive for libraries.

I completely support our current head librarian, Tina Ely, and our county board chair Nicole Greene. I am most familiar with Greybull’s branch library and can say, with certainty, that libraries are one of the best uses of county money you can find, although historically we’ve had to beg for every dime. Our Greybull library, as well as the Basin and Lovell libraries, have created fundraisers to help out. At intervals of my own board service, we made appearances with the county commissioners, explaining our services and trying to establish some rapport with commissioners. We actually presented library cards to each commissioner, but to my knowledge none of the commissioners (except Scotty Hinman, who was already a library user) ever darkened the door.

This latest dustup is a waste of energy by all parties. Most county residents haven’t got much of an understanding of the structure of the library system and its governance. For the commissioners to continue to step away, pass the buck and not take Nicole Greene’s comments seriously is unacceptable. So far, their comments have only added to the confusion and strife for the volunteer board members, the staff and the library users.

Finding qualified people to serve as volunteers on county boards is difficult, and the request for some assistance from the commissioners doesn’t seem like much to ask, even if just taking an interest. I understand county budget issues, but I don’t think commissioners have prioritized county library needs appropriately.

Mary Flitner

Shell