At Stillwater County Library, we are committed to providing the means for Stillwater County residents to learn, grow, and connect. Through collaboration and innovation, we strive to make Stillwater County Library a vital resource of knowledge, inspiration, support, and community connection for years to come.
Stillwater County Library is committed to upholding its core values by providing excellent library services, fostering continuous learning and development for staff and patrons; and encouraging collaboration and cooperation throughout Stillwater County.
Our library policies, which are available for public viewing, outline the rules and regulations regarding the responsible use of the library’s resources and services, as well as ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Discussions of launching a public library in Stillwater County began in 1917; however, it was not until 1919 that the Columbus Women’s Club petitioned to establish a county library. The petition was successful, but it the library was again held off due to the ongoing war.
From 1924 to 1928, the Columbus Women’s Club successfully ran “Stillwater Library,” a community library. It was first housed in the Little Stone Church in Columbus. then later moved to the second floor of the old Columbus State Bank building. In June of 1928, the library became county supported, and the Stillwater County Library was officially established with books donated from the Stillwater Library. It was located in a 900 square foot room in the Stillwater County courthouse. The current location at 27 4th St N in Columbus, a building that was previously a doctor’s office and a bakery, was purchased and remodeled in 1993.
Stillwater County had the first bookmobile permanently established in the state of Montana. It traveled approximately 600 miles a month between 1947-1957 until the costs could no longer be sustained. The hope is to acquire a bookmobile again in 2024 or 2025.
A strategic planning committee was formed in 2010 to discuss the potential of building a new library/community center. A steering committee that began in 2014 continued the work into 2017. In 2023, the Stillwater County Library Foundation was established with the mission to “raise vital funds for capital improvements and the expansion of quality services, programs, and events offered by Stillwater County Library.” The current goal of the library is to have a new building by 2027.
The Stillwater County Library Foundation works diligently to raise vital funds for capital improvements and the expansion of quality services, programs, and events offered by the Stillwater County Library.
The purpose of the Friends of the Stillwater County Library is to support, advocate for, and promote cooperation with the Stillwater County Library to build awareness, appreciation, and support of our library as a vital community asset.
Our trustees ensure that our Library operates in accordance with our mission, Montana Code, and the Public Library Standards to provide quality services to the communities we serve.
Term Expires: 2029
Term Expires: 2025
Term Expires: 2026
Term Expires: 2027
Term Expires: 2028
