Sara Busse is stepping down as executive director of the Flathead Library Foundation, according to an email the foundation sent to its supporters.

The nonprofit is the main fundraising partner of the Flathead County Library. 

“Sara has been instrumental in strengthening the Flathead Library Foundation over the past two years, leading an ambitious capital campaign, streamlining operations and significantly growing our base of dedicated library supporters,” the email stated.  

Under Busse’s leadership, the foundation successfully raised funds for the construction of the new Bigfork branch. 

Busse declined to comment on her resignation.  

Erica Wirtala, foundation board president, also declined to comment. The foundation did not announce a new executive director. 

In May, the Flathead County Library Board of Trustees voted to not accept a fundraising agreement with the foundation as it prepares to launch a campaign to build a new Kalispell branch downtown.  

The vote shocked foundation officials.  

Board Chair Dave Ingram said the library board plans to move forward with fundraising for the new Kalispell branch with or without the foundation’s support. The project is anticipated to cost about $30 million.  

“I can’t speak for the whole board… but during my four-year tenure we’ve had three executive directors so I'm kind of used to this change,” Ingram said about Busse’s departure. “I give Sara kudos for her accomplishments …. especially with the fundraising behind the Bigfork library.” 

Busse stepped into the foundation’s executive director position in September 2023. Prior to being executive director, she served on the foundation board.  

“My first job was shelving books at my tiny local library in Kansas, and I made my first parent friends at Story Time in Kalispell. The library is in my DNA and I am so grateful to have served this organization over the past seven years, and look forward to seeing a flourishing public library system for generations to come," Busse said in 2023. 

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].