McKenzie County Public Library

In a technologically driven world of gadgets consisting of IPods, IPads, Nooks, Kindles and computers, some might believe the community library has become an archaic place where hard-bound books go to expire while resting upon shelves where aged pages collect dust, yellow and wither.

But, on the contrary, in frontier parts of the world where life thrives without a big name business looming around every street corner, the local community library is an all-inclusive establishment; a friendly neighborhood cultural catch-all, holding historical relics of yesteryear, documented research and the readings of communities, governments, and entire societies.

Through the perseverance and dedication of the residents of McKenzie County past and present, the McKenzie County Public Library still thumps a vital heartbeat within the community today.

The library became a realization in 1927 and offered culture to the rustic community around it. With books from the personal libraries of Dr. H.U. Winner and M.A. McClung neatly lined on bookshelves, they were arranged so that one could see the hard bound spines and read their titles. This miniscule library took firm roots smack in the middle of the waiting room of Dr. Winner's dental office.

Originally referred to as the Masonic Library, it housed 2,000 volumes by 1931 before being moved to Christensen's Hardware Store. It moved several more times to locations such as the Detienne Bakery in 1935, the old city hall building in 1938 and the new civic center in 1958 after the women's club met with the city board and secured an area for the library.

Eventually, the city budgeted $1,000 annually to help offset costs for running it. But, it wasn't until 1968 that a successful petition drive obtained the official status of public library. This ensured continued monetary support through the appropriation of a mill levy. In the years to follow, the library celebrated National Library Week with a number of activities and events. Several years later the women's club requested a new addition to be built on to the existing structure to compensate for their growth. In 1974, it was built. That same year, a library board was formed.

Once funding became less of a concern, it became easier to plan activities. In 1975, the Beta Sigma Phi sorority organized a twice-monthly story hour for pre-school children. That same year, they began a paperback book exchange, a program that still exists today. A year later, the library had roughly 7,000 in its circulation and the first copy machine was purchased. By-laws were also written up and approved by the board.

In 1977 the library was dedicated as the Arne Sanford Library in honor of Sanford, who had served as the mayor of Watford City for 19 years. Years later, after the library merged, the name was changed.

Over the next 10 years more funds were appropriated for the continuation of the library out of the city council's general fund. Wages increased from $2.90 an hour to $6.50 by 1984. In the summer of 1985 the library was again relocated with the help of federal matching funds. It was able to expand into the former fire department meeting room upon completion of the new fire hall. By 1989 the library boasted over 11,000 books in circulation.

Today, the library consists of 22,847 books and includes a combination of 1,878 audio and video CDs.

While today's youth might be more interested in reading the book series entitled, Diary of a Wimpy Kid or entangle themselves in the world of wizardry in Harry Potter, the library offers books dating back over 100 years. The oldest book in their inventory includes Andersen's Fairy Tales, by Hans Christian Andersen.

During Children's Reading Week, May 12 - 18, the library gave each child who attended the library a book.

"Although we are aware of the technological trends, nothing will ever replace the relaxation and pleasure of opening a book. We might compare that experience to meeting or re-visiting an old friend. No computer program will ever equal that special feeling," said Dr. Kelly Dionysus, Library Director.

The library does, however, maximize the benefits of technology. With seven computers at present, five are dedicated to public use, one is used by children under 13 years-of-age, and one is used for library research.

Currently, under the Directorship of Dr. Dionysus, the library is undergoing a restorative, two-part project after requesting $60,000 to begin the facelift. With full funding from McKenzie County, the library is installing new carpet and tile as well as five book cases.

"We are hoping to be done with the first phase of the remodel just in time for the Centennial celebration," Dr. Dionysus said. They also have a wall mural project in the works that is being created through the combined efforts of the Snow Kingdom Studio, area youth and volunteers. Once completed, it will depict a journey through time beginning with the dinosaurs and ending with the modern library.

The Sanford Room is offered to the community for civic meetings for groups of 10 or less people. It is scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis, free of charge.

The library also provides outreach services through a traveling library on wheels. The Bookmobile serves some 800 readers throughout the county, stopping in a number of locations. It makes stops twice a month at each destination. "This service gives the library experience to those who would normally not be able to get to the library here in town," Dr. Dionysus stated.

For today's and yesterday's most nostalgic of avid readers, there is, and was, perhaps nothing sweeter than the dusty whoosh of an old book cover flung open like a magic trunk. There is perhaps no time more precious than those moments spent curled up in a chair or sprawled on the floor with a book.

Today, the community of Watford City still recognizes the contributions of the residents who forged ahead in the 1920s. Their efforts are still making a difference today. As time goes on, more strides will continue to be made.

The library board is considering expanding the library within the next five years if the area continues its' rapid growth. Presently, the library spans 7,500 square feet.