TEXT BY HEATHER BODE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEIDA A LONG
DECADENT DESIGN
SiG
MT
25
lbert Einstein is credited with saying, "e only thing that you absolutely have to know,
is the location of the library." In Helena, the location of 120 S. Last Chance Gulch has remained
constant since 1976. But take a step inside and prepare to do a double take because a renovation
with a price tag of just under $6 million is redefining this library space.
Even more astounding than the price tag is the fact that it has been done at no additional cost to
local taxpayers. e library's director, John Finn, explains, "ere is a state library law in Montana
that allows libraries to create a depreciation reserve fund. At the end of every fiscal year, any
money we haven't spent can be put into this savings account. We have been very diligent about
puing money into that fund and used all of our savings which was $4 million. We borrowed the
other $2 million from the Montana Board of Investments through an INTERCAP loan. It is very
low interest, and we hope to pay it off in five years."
Reimagining the "Community Living Room"
Lewis & Clark Public Library:
A
The teen space showcases the melding of old
and new: Timber beams reminiscent of the
previous design overlook a modern space filled
with multiple interaction areas. Furniture here
and throughout the library was provided by KI.
The second floor reading room is filled with
lounge furniture and natural light. A tech bar
and new laptop check-out system allow patrons
to work throughout the library.
