North Valley Public Library
🏢 North Valley Public Library District · Stevensville, Montana
North Valley Public Library
Founded in 1886 — before Montana achieved statehood — and redesignated in 2004 as Montana's first independent public library district, North Valley Public Library anchors downtown Stevensville as the Bitterroot Valley's cornerstone community resource.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–6pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–6pm |
| Thursday | 10am–6pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–5pm (1st, 3rd & 5th Saturdays only) |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 208 Main St, Stevensville, MT 59870
Phone: (406) 777-5061
Website: northvalleylibrary.org
Plus Code: 85R7GW64+CR (Stevensville, MT)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About North Valley Public Library
North Valley Public Library traces its roots to the Stevensville Public Library Association, founded in 1886 — before Montana was admitted to the Union. A public vote in 1911 established it as a free tax-supported library, and in 1991 Ken and Norma Bangs donated the Rasmussen building at 208 Main Street that the library occupies today. In 2004, voters made history by approving Montana's very first independent public library district, with boundaries encompassing the Lone Rock and Stevensville School Districts. The library's donor wall features an apple-tree design — a nod to the Bitterroot Valley's storied orchard heritage. A capital campaign is now underway to replace the aging three-building complex with a new 11,500-square-foot purpose-built facility at 116 Red Willow Drive.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Montana's first independent public library district, voter-approved in 2004
- Library roots date to 1886 — predating Montana statehood by three years
- Seed Library: borrow vegetable, herb & flower seeds for the growing season and return saved seeds in fall
- Library of Things lending: tools, storytime kits, wellness kits and more alongside the main collection
- Capital campaign underway for a new 11,500 sq ft facility at 116 Red Willow Drive
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Stevensville cardholders can stream, borrow and research free through Montana's shared digital collections:
📚 Services
- Seed Library — free seed lending for local gardeners (borrow in spring, return saved seeds in fall)
- Library of Things — tools, storytime kits, wellness kits and other non-book items
- Physical collection cataloged via Montana Shared Catalog (Sirsi/OCLC)
- Community room reservations (72-hour advance notice required)
- Public computers and internet access
- Mobile printing service
- 3D printers (available during Open World Fridays for teens 12–18)
- Interlibrary loan via Montana Courier Alliance
🎸 Programs
- Montana Reads: The Treasure State's Book Club — guest authors covering U.S., Montana & Tribal history
- Distinguished Artist Club — free weekly art classes (painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics) for adults 55+, with Zootown Arts Community Center
- Open World Fridays — ages 12–18, 4–6 PM: 3D printing, D&D, board games, art & crafts
- Role Playing Games for Teens — Tuesdays 4–6 PM, ages 12–18
- Fiber Arts Club — first Thursday 1–3 PM (knitting, crocheting, quilting)
- Saturday Morning Social for Adults — biweekly puzzles, games and coloring
- Lunchtime Writing Retreat — twice-monthly drop-in creative writing sessions
- Summer Reading Program (annual)
📍 Nearby Montana Libraries
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Stevensville · Browse all Montana libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes North Valley Public Library historically significant for Montana?
In 2004, North Valley Public Library became the first independent public library district in the State of Montana — a milestone achieved through a local voter-approved election. The library's civic roots run even deeper: the Stevensville Public Library Association was formed in 1886, before Montana was admitted to the Union in 1889, making it one of the oldest library traditions in the state.
What is the Seed Library and how does it work?
The Seed Library lets cardholders borrow vegetable, herb, and flower seeds for the growing season — a fitting service for the Bitterroot Valley's agricultural heritage. You check out a packet, grow your plants, and can return saved seeds at the end of the season to replenish the collection for the next gardener.
Are Saturday hours consistent, or does the schedule alternate?
Saturday hours alternate. The library is open 10 AM–5 PM on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays of each month, and closed on 2nd and 4th Saturdays. Monday through Friday hours (10 AM–6 PM) are consistent every week. Check the library's calendar at northvalley.librarycalendar.com or call (406) 777-5061 before making the trip on a Saturday.
Is the library planning to move, and why?
Yes. The current Rasmussen building (donated in 1991) spans three connected structures with sealed asbestos, recurring mold, rotting basement beams, and hazardous uneven floors. Since 2021, the library board and foundation have been planning a new 11,500-square-foot facility at 116 Red Willow Drive, with a capital campaign feasibility study launched in early 2026 to determine community fundraising potential before a potential bond measure.
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