Event:

In 2023, Great Falls Public Library passed a Library Levy that increased funding from $1.5 million to $2.7 million. This workshop will share the key ingredients for GFPL success--step-by-step preparation in the 2 years before the levy; strategic recruiting of champions and partnership building; and practical messaging discipline.

Susie McIntyre says “I am a fourth generation Montanan. I was born and raised in Great Falls. I got my Bachelors from the University of Montana and spent ten years in Seattle getting my Master’s degree in Library and Information Science and working for the Public Health Department. I am passionate about family, friends, social justice and joy. I love libraries, reading and adventures. I am a 3rd degree black belt. I was a self-defense instructor for 3 years for the Seattle nonprofit Home Alive and provide workshops in Great Falls whenever I am possible. I was a crisis line staff/volunteer for the Great Falls nonprofit Voices of Hope for 3 years. I love my job as the Director of the Great Falls Public Library where I have worked for almost 20 years. Libraries and access to information are a cornerstone of democracy and my life. I have a fabulous 28-year-old daughter and a wonderful husband. My family and I spend time reading books, watching movies, riding bikes and being fabulous. My perfect weekend would be spent hiking in the Bob Marshall with my daughter, my husband and my dad followed by cheeseburgers and conversation at the Buckhorn Bar.”

Hired in 2023, Jill Baker brings many years of nonprofit experience to her role as Executive Director for Humanities Montana. She previously served as Executive Director for the Great Falls Public Library Foundation where she worked closely with the Library Director and Board to pass the first library mill levy since 2001, nearly doubling the operational budget for the local public library. Prior to joining the Library Foundation, Jill spent 17 years with Planned Parenthood of Montana leading a statewide team to coordinate successful education and outreach programs, as well as strategic partnerships throughout the state, including with youth, rural and Tribal communities. As a fourth-generation Montanan, Jill is dedicated to lifting up the Big Sky Country’s unique voices and experiences in order to learn from our history and honor the diverse cultures that represents the Montana way of life. She is an avid reader, Master Gardener, and novice, yet determined, fly fisher.