We've Got The County Covered

Two new employees join the Blaine County Library staff

Patrons at the Blaine County Library in Chinook are being greeted by two new faces. Kelsey Buhmann Brown, who grew up in the Zurich area, and Kadie Dahl, a fairly recent newcomer to Chinook, have joined the library staff. Kelsey is the new Assistant Librarian and Kadie will serve as Library Clerk. Library Director Valerie Frank said, "I was pleased with the number of qualified applicants who applied when these two positions came open. I'm looking forward to working with Kelsey and Kadie. I believe we will all work well together."

Kelsey Buhmann Brown grew up in the Zurich area

Kelsey Buhmann Brown graduated from CHS in 2009. She said, "I was very excited about this job as I'm moving back to the area where I grew up. I know the library is very connected to the community and working at the library will give me a chance to meet new folks in the area as well as reconnect with people I know. I'm looking forward to working with the children's programs and helping with other events offered through the library."

Kelsey is moving back home from Molt, Montana, near Billings. In Billings she worked in several retail/service operations and during the last two years was the store manager for City Brew, a coffee roasting and brewing concern. She started there as a barista and worked her way up through the ranks. She said, "I'm especially customer-oriented and will be able to use the skills I learned working in service businesses to help patrons at the library." Kelsey Buhmann Brown replaces Kelsey Harry who joined Chinook Schools as a librarian this new school year.

As Assistant Librarian Kelsey will supervise the operation of the library in the absence of the Director. Her duties are varied including: checking library materials in and out; assisting patrons with reference, computer and technology questions; supervising the juvenile area of the library as well as organizing Story Time, the Summer Reading Program and the various after school activities for students. She will also help patrons with interlibrary loans, maintain and update the library's website and Facebook page and help process new materials as they are received in the library. Kelsey began her new responsibilities in the library on August 27.

Kadie Dahl is a native of Alaska

Kadie Dahl moved with her husband, Daniel, and three young children to Chinook from Alaska in the spring of 2017. In Alaska she worked in customer service related jobs for a funeral home, a hotel, did substitute teaching in special ed and worked in tourism for both a resort and a sport fishing outfitter. Kadie said she was looking forward to working at the library as a "break occasionally from being a mom." She added, "I worked for a variety of service businesses and understand the importance of good communication and customer service." On top of all that she said, "I've always loved reading and being in a job surrounded by books was a big draw."

As Library Clerk Kadie will be responsible for operations at the library when both the Director and Assistant Library are absent. She will also aid patrons in finding and checking out/in materials, processing new materials and generally aiding the other library staff members. Kadie replaces Michelle Lowham who moved with her family to Wyoming. Kadie began work on September 4.

The "Journal" welcomes Kelsey and Kadie to the staff of the Blaine County Library.