Whitefish Community Library

We’re excited to introduce two new programs for preschoolers: 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, and our new Books with Babies Story Circle!

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a simple concept: read to your newborn, infant, and/or toddler . The goal is to have read 1,000 books (yes, you can repeat books) before your child starts kindergarten. Every 100 books your child will get to add a leaf to our lovely banner. This program is free and ongoing – you don’t even need to have a library card! Call or visit the Library for more information or download a reading log and get started today!

Download 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Log

Books with Babies is an interactive early literacy program for babies aged Zero to 18 months. Each Wednesday at 11 a.m., babies and their caregivers can enjoy stories, music and play with Miss Debbie. Starts Wednesday, February 5th.

We have an author visit this week! Leslie Budewitz, author of two cosy mystery series and a standalone thriller, and most importantly for this visit, All God’s Sparrows and Other Stories, will talk about the real-life protagonist of that book and her place in Montana history. The presentation is called “Stagecoach Mary: at the Junction of History and Myth.”

All God’s Sparrows won the Agatha Award for Best Short Story in 2018. Budewitz went on to publish a book of stories featuring Stagecoach Mary, and her characterization feels authentic and is obviously well-researched.

Join your neighbors in the Library’s Community Room at 6 pm on Wednesday, January 22, for an enjoyable evening of history, Montana style

For more information, click HERE..

Whitefish Community Library will close on Monday, January 20 to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. The Library reopens on Tuesday, January 21, at 10 a.m.

And remember, even when we’re closed, you can download ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines to your Libby app from MontanaLibrary2Go!

Stumptown Historical Society and Whitefish Community Library are co-sponsoring a Watch Party on the topic “Preserving Montana’s Oral History and Traditions” at the Library on Thursday, Jan. 16th at 6 pm.

Join cultural preservationist Candi Zion, and Montana History Project Director Jennifer Birnel to learn about techniques and resources available to help preserve Montana History. The virtual Zoom program shows how to interview, collect and archive oral histories.

The public is invited to the free Watch Party at the Library at 6 pm (hint: we’ll have cookies), or can register to attend from home, starting at 6:30 pm on the same night.

Find more information and register HERE. Picture of people eating watermelon from Montana History Portal.

Ever thought about entering a writing contest? There are three ongoing right now through the Montana History Portal and Missoula Public Library. These contests are for all ages and there are multiple formats being solicited. Here’s a quick overview with links for more details. (Check our Events Page for the next three months for programs featuring local writers.)

Missoula Public Library Family History Writing Contest – write about a deceased real person who lived in, came to, passed through or died in the State/Territory of Montana. Deadline is March 1, 2025. Details here.

2025 Montana History Portal Picture Prompt Short Story Contest – use a picture from the Montana History Portal as inspiration for a short work of fiction. The portal is a fascinating archive of Montana History and fun to look through whether you’re writing a story or not. Winners will be chosen from grades 3-6, 7-12, and adult. The deadline to enter is February 21, 2025. Details here.

Missoula Public Library’s 16th Annual Writing Contest opened January 2. Categories are fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Age groups are 8-10, 11-14, 15-18, and 19+ and the deadline is 5 p.m., February 1. Details here. Photo from Montana History Project.

The Library will have regular hours this week except for the first day of the New Year, when we will be closed (Wednesday, January 1)!

For a more detailed look at our schedule throughout January, download our calendar.

Download January 2025 calendar

Here is the schedule for Whitefish Community Library during the December 2025 Holiday week:

Monday, December 23: OPEN usual hours, 10 am to 7 pm.

Tuesday, December 24: CLOSED – Christmas Eve.

Wednesday, December 25: CLOSED – Christmas Day.

Thursday, December 26: OPEN usual hours, 10 am to 6 pm.

Friday, December 27th: OPEN usual hours, 10 am to 6 pm. At 11 am, Story Circle celebrates Chanukah, with special visitor, Chana Wolf, representing Chabad of the Flathead Valley.

Saturday, December 28th: OPEN usual Saturday hours – 12 to 5 pm.

From our homes to yours, we wish you a safe and peaceful Holiday season - The Staff of Whitefish Community Library