New Montezuma Library Director is thankful for the opportunity to serve

​Christine Grimm, the newly appointed Montezuma Library Director, sees her job as an opportunity to serve the community in a greater way.
         “I feel the library is a huge asset to the community, and am very thankful we have one here,” said Grimm, who took over the library director position on Oct. 1. “I just think we have so many resources that I would like to help promote and make known.”
         Since taking over the library reins, Grimm has already made a number of improvements. They include revising the library hours by opening earlier to accommodate the public a bit more. She’s also added a long list of new titles to the library archives, including adult fiction, childrens’ fiction, junior and young adult fiction. She recently added all the “Battle of Books” selection read by Montezuma students. And she has revived story time for kids 6 and under on Friday morning from 10-11 a.m.
         “We hold this in the children's reading area on the east side of the library,” said Grimm. “There is no need to register, just show up and we have such a fun time!”
         Continuing, Grimm said she is trying to promote the library website where patrons can renew books online, as well as reserve books.
“Anyone wishing to take advantage of this, should contact me at the library, at 641-623-3417, or email me at:[email protected], and I can get them set up with a temporary password. Or just send me a message via Facebook. The library does have a Facebook page, "Montezuma Public Library" where I am putting updates about our new book arrivals.”
         Grimm is also in the process of updating the current DVD library.
          “I don't know if a lot of people are aware of the fact that with their library card, they can stop in and check out DVDs, at no charge!” said Grimm. “We do have a limit to two per person, and have a wide variety of titles. One of my goals is to offer new movie releases, as well as older classics.”
         Other services offered at the Montezuma Public Library include a computer workstation with four public computers, free Wi-Fi, document printing and fax services, reference books on local and school history, newspapers, magazines, two private study areas, a community room and comfortable reading areas for children and adults.
Keeping it local
         Grimm grew up in rural Montezuma, Lake Ponderosa area, and is the daughter of Joan Ahrens and the late John G. Ahrens. A 1999 graduate of Montezuma High School, Grimm holds a four-year degree in broadcasting/journalism, from Northwest Missouri State University. After college, Grimm said one of the best decisions she made was to move back to Montezuma. 
         “Not only did I get to spend more time with my family, but I met up with my senior high school prom date, Jeff Grimm, and we picked right up where we left off at and got married,” she said.
The couple has been married for 13 years, and have two boys, Wyatt, 10, in 5th grade, and John, 5, in Kindergarten, both go to school in Montezuma.
“Thinking about our boys going to school where Jeff and I went to school, is very special,” noted Grimm.
         Grimm said she is having a blast and is enjoying visiting with people a little more about their love and interest in many different types of books.
         “I am completely honored and humbled to have been chosen to serve the community in this role, and greatly appreciate the support and guidance that the Montezuma Library Board has given me,” said Grimm. “Debbie (Tindle Parker) is my wonderful assistant, and I can tell she has a love for books and it definitely shows whenever she is talking with people and helping them.”
         Grimm said she welcomes book suggestions from people and is striving to offer a variety of books, as well as audiobooks, to everyone.
           “I'm trying to keep my eyes open for new titles, and I appreciate any suggestion,” she said. “I also enjoy searching for books for patrons through the Interlibrary Loan Program. It's a wonderful program where we can borrow books from other libraries in the state.”
         The library is located at 500 E. Main St., just one block east of the Montezuma Square. Library hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and Saturday, 9:30 – 12 noon. Staff may also be reached by calling 641-623-3417.