- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Conrad Today
By the People, for the People
Pondera County Libraries Face Continuation Levy Vote
Voters will decide on extending $420,000 library tax in June primary election.
Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:49am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The warm glow of a community library, a hub of learning and connection, hangs in the balance as Pondera County residents vote on a crucial funding measure.Conrad TodayResidents of Pondera County, Montana will vote in June on whether to continue a dedicated $420,000 library levy that has funded the Conrad and Valier public libraries since 2002. The tax, which costs the average homeowner around $35 per year, makes up over 90% of the libraries' operating budgets. If the levy does not pass, the libraries warn they would have to cut regular services and programming.
Why it matters
Public libraries play a vital role in many communities, providing free access to books, resources, and programming for all ages. The continuation of this library levy is crucial for maintaining these services in Pondera County, where the libraries rely almost entirely on this dedicated funding source.
The details
The $420,000 library levy has been in place since 2002 and helps fund the Conrad and Valier public libraries in Pondera County. If the levy is extended, it will continue for the next eight years. According to Conrad Public Library director Tiffany Christensen, the levy makes up over 90% of the libraries' operating revenue, and the $35 annual cost to the average homeowner has remained the same for decades.
- The primary election in Pondera County is scheduled for June 2026.
- The current library levy has been in place since 2002.
The players
Tiffany Christensen
The director of the Conrad Public Library.
Bonnie Hjelm
A Conrad resident who supports the continuation of the library levy.
What they’re saying
“The public libraries, currently operate with more than 90% of our operating revenue coming from this dedicated library levy.”
— Tiffany Christensen, Conrad Public Library director
“For that $35 a year, we have so many programs, free programs and services and,opportunities. The there's something for everyone through the library from the young, young children all the way up to the adults.”
— Bonnie Hjelm, Conrad resident
What’s next
Voters in Pondera County will decide the fate of the library levy during the primary election in June 2026.
The takeaway
The continuation of this dedicated library levy is crucial for maintaining the vital services and programming offered by the public libraries in Pondera County. The relatively small annual cost to residents highlights the importance of community support for these essential local institutions.
