Dori Muehlhof has been named executive director of the Flathead County Library Foundation beginning Aug. 1.
Muehlhof will spearhead the foundation’s mission to enhance and support the programs, facilities and patron services of the Flathead County Library System, according to a statement from the organization.
Muehlhof is leaving her position as director of member services for the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, held since 2010. She was previously executive director of the former Flathead Convention and Visitor Bureau from 2005 to 2010. Prior to that, she was senior sales manager at Grouse Mountain Lodge.
The Flathead County Library Foundation raises funds for projects and services not covered by the county library system’s operating budget. In the past three years the foundation has provided more than $150,000 in support for the main library in Kalispell and branches in Bigfork, Columbia Falls and Marion.
An update to the library system’s 10-year-old space needs assessment is being funded by the foundation this year. The 2004 study confirmed that the main and branch libraries were seriously deficient in space.
In particular, the Bigfork and Columbia Falls branches have outgrown their current facilities, limiting the ability to provide adequate materials, services and programming to the community. Due to increased library usage and growing populations, customers in these communities do not have the resources they need, according to administrators.
“Libraries are critical to thriving communities,” Library Director Kim Crowley said. “Libraries and librarians guide our citizens to discover and explore information and technology and provide a comfortable place to meet and scheme, start learning to read from birth, create a business, invent something and seek entertainment. We’re excited to welcome Dori, and we look forward to the energy she will bring to the Foundation.”
With Muehlhof’s leadership, the Flathead County Library Foundation will work to assist the Flathead County Library Board, library staff, Friends of the Library, Columbia Falls Library Association, other library support organizations and community leaders in improving library services throughout the county.
Other projects funded by the foundation include a subscription to the Foundation Center database, a free resource for area nonprofits; remodeling of the main library’s children’s area; self-service checkout equipment and furniture; and additions to the electronic materials collections.
Muehlhof is a graduate of Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., with a bachelor’s in communications/advertising, and currently resides in Kalispell with her husband, Wade, and two children.
For more information visit the foundation’s website.