It may not be visible, but library campaign continues

The recent front page article on the library building project made me realize that, for the general public, staying in touch with what's happening with the new library building is a lot like whale-watching. There are long periods when it's just an empty horizon out there, with nothing happening. Suddenly, a back appears, a spout, a short commotion out of nowhere. Usually the sighting relates to some sensational development. Then it's quiet again.

What's important to remember is that the project keeps swimming steadily forward even when it's out of sight. For those of us closely involved, it's also easy to forget that not everyone is as intimate with the details as we are. The fact is that the new library building has been developing momentum and navigating hurdles for years. The effort has been an inspiring collaboration between staff, city officials, volunteers, and professionals, on local, state, and federal levels. The new library has progressed from a fuzzy statement of need to a tangible project with a fantastic site, a building plan with double the square-footage of the present building, and a significant portion of the necessary funding raised to begin construction.

Think how tremendous it will be when the library isn't an issue confined to periodic glimpses and sensational news bytes, but stands as a civic statement of public pride on the east end of Main Street.

Alan Kesselheim

Bozeman

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