FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS

"I would just hate for readers to give up on the hard copies of books," said the new president of the Heron Library, Cindy Compton. Having only been the president since January 6, Compton says she still has a lot to learn. The former president, Maggie Gillingham, stepped down recently, after holding that position tirelessly for over six years. Gillingham told the volunteers that if no one could take her place, then the library would have to close. Compton decided to take over the position, even though she had only been volunteering with the library since September of 2020. Compton's husband Kent volunteers as the library treasurer, a position his mother held for years.

The library opened in 1982 and named after a former teacher that taught in the building that used to be the school, but now houses the library. Laurie Hill passed away and collected donations helped start the library, which was a long-time dream of Hill.

The library is run completely by volunteers, and is considered a non-profit private library, which is unusual, according to Compton. She said that most libraries are organized as public, and although being organized this way allows more access to some grants and funding possibilities, it also creates some hurdles. The library would also require a full-time librarian to be considered public, however, the Laurie Hill library does not make enough in donations to employ someone full time.

According to Compton, the closet options locals have to visit a library are in Thompson Falls and Clark Fork. Compton would like to see the library become a resource for the community, especially homeschoolers. In the future she would like to see some clubs and even a place for storytimes for kids. Currently, however, the library needs a lot of work. Compton, and other volunteers, are trying to get the word out, as she says there are many people who do not even realize Heron has a library, or that it is available to everyone. According to Compton, the most use the library will see is occasionally people will park outside it to access its Wi-Fi. Compton is searching for ways to bring people inside, having even put out flyers in the community center next door.

Compton said she wanted to take on the library because she was a teacher for many years and sees the value of learning and because her mother-in-law was involved with the library from the beginning and it was close to her heart as well. "I just really believe in libraries," said Compton. She said that she has volunteered in libraries since when she was in school and said that she believes libraries can be a base for learning.

Donations are collected chiefly from private donations, a few book sales and grants filed by volunteers. The main grant utilized at the moment by the library is the Blackfoot Small Library Grant, which provides only a small amount of assistance with supplies.

The library is open 3:15-5:15 p.m. Wednesdays, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thursdays and 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, email Compton at [email protected] or call the library at 847-2520. Compton said that they are always looking for more volunteers. More help could mean more hours that the library is open for the public.