The first library in Gallatin County was started in
Bozeman in 1872, by the Young Men's Library Association, in a room
over Alward's Drug Store. Later, it was in the office of Judge A. D.
McPherson, then in the office of J. V. Bogert, and in 1885, the
books were given to the Bozeman schools. The following year, the
Young Men's Christian Association started a library, and books were
collected by a group of women, who took turns in serving as
librarian. In 1890, the library was taken over by the city, and a
librarian was employed part time, with the assistance of local
women, Miss Belle Chrisman serving several years. With a
contribution of $1,500 secured from Andrew Carnegie, the present
brick building was erected on ground purchased by the city, and a
regular librarian has since been employed with part time assistant.
Through the efforts of club women, a library was started a few years
ago in Three Forks, a discarded box car being remodeled into a neat
building for the library, with women alternating in serving as
librarian. Contributions were made by other clubs in the county.
Belgrade club women have started a similar plan, securing a room for
library use.Every school in Gallatin County now has a library, though not an
extensive one. The law requires that a fund shall be set aside every
year for library purposes, and in the rural districts. The county
superintendent assists the teacher and school board in making
selections from a list of books suggested by the state
superintendent. Additional funds have been raised through
entertainments to purchase books for the Bozeman schools, and at
Gallatin County High School, a number of books have been donated to
add to the list purchased, and a regular school librarian is
employed. Montana State College has a valuable library, especially
for reference, and a librarian and assistant are employed.
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