About Chouteau County Library

Our Library System Story:

THE BEGINNING:

Dorothy McLeish founded the Fort Benton Study Club in 1914. Less than a year later, she asked Carnegie for a library gift. After six months and a recommendation from university librarian Gertrude Buckhous, Carnegie gave $15,000 to Chouteau County.

GERALDINE:

The Geraldine Branch library was organized in summer of 1916. It was located in King’s law office with H. Rhea Elwell as the first custodian of the books. In 1928, the location was moved into the bank building. (The present post office - as of 1980 anyway!) The Geraldine Women’s Club donated tables and chairs. The businessmen raised $150 to help their branch library.

In the fall of 1961, the county purchased a small building to house the library. But by 1980 the library had outgrown this space and needed to expand. The opportunity came when Florence King offered her building, known as the Country Emporium, for sale. Located near the post office and on Main Street, this was an ideal site for the library. It was built in 1977 by Wes Stoos, local contractor.

This building brings us to today. In January of 2022, the library was closed for an extensive remodel. From more efficient ductwork for heating and cooling to ADA accessibility through the front door and the bathroom, the updates were locally constructed, locally supported and done

amazingly well!

Future plans include a meeting room and additional storage.

FORT BENTON:

On October 4th, 1918, the Chouteau County Carnegie library opened. The Fort Benton Women’s Club held a meeting in the new lecture room two days later. They still hold their regular meetings in what is now called the McLeish Room as they have for over 100 years.

1988 and 1994 saw the additions of an accessible entrance, a major addition to the rear of the building, and a full-height extension across the facade.

While some changes have occurred on the outside of the building, the Chouteau County Library remains, at its heart, much the same on the inside. The original shelving and woodwork still grace the walls, patrons still read and gather around the fireplace, and the librarians still hold vigil at the circulation desk.

BIG SANDY:

The Big Sandy Library was organized in 1916 in a room over the Northern Montana State Bank with Miss Winnifred Rowe in charge. The library was later relocated in the Big Store with M. C. Lehner in charge.

In 1931 the library was established in the old First National Bank building with Mrs. William McLean in charge. Various women ran the ship with Mrs. Alfa Sibra overseeing the move of the library into the building next to the Mountaineer. This building was purchased by Chouteau County from Bob Collins.

In 1998/1999 it was moved its penultimate location before the hard work of the community and county, spearheaded by Dee Pribyl, Marla Ray, and Ann Quinn followed to fruition the completion of the Jeff Reichelt Memorial Library - Big Sandy Branch. The new building's doors were opened on January 24, 2017, after 9 years of hard work. It is now located on Main Street, being more accessible to the community. We provide access to ideas, information, experiences and materials that support and enrich people's lives.