Policies
Our library’s mission and policies concerning fines, social media, programming, and more.
Our Mission
Missoula Public Library welcomes all people in pursuit of their freedom to read, learn, and discover. We shall act as a leader in library services. We will provide cultural, recreational, and educational programs and materials, including new advancements as they become available.
Missoula Public Library Board of Trustees
Freedom To Read
Recently, there have been efforts, both here in Montana and nationally, to execute campaigns of censorship against certain kinds of books held by public libraries, especially those pertaining to BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities.
The Missoula Public Library Board of Trustees stands firmly behind its policy that the right to read is basic to the intellectual freedom of our community. The right to freely seek and receive information is a cornerstone of our democracy, guaranteed by the United States Constitution.
As long as books have existed, however, groups have made efforts to restrict access or even destroy them, in order to intimidate or dehumanize people and groups. We as a board support the freedom to read and reject efforts to suppress the Constitutional right of individuals freedom of others to select for themselves what is appropriate to read.
Libraries, like our community and country, are big enough to encompass a broad spectrum of people and voices. We are committed to making sure that when anyone uses the library, they are able to find materials that reflect who they are and what they believe, as well as materials that might challenge or illuminate.
Everyone has a right to select material for themselves, but not to restrict what others may choose. The Board of Trustees will continue to stand for the Constitutional right to freely access information without government interference or limitations.
For more information on the Constitutional right to read, please visit the American Library Association’s page on the First Amendment and Censorship.
MPL POLICY
Open a pdf copy of Missoula Public Library’s Policy
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Open a pdf copy of Missoula Public Library’s Collection Development Policy
PERSONNEL POLICY
Open a pdf copy of Missoula Public Library’s Personnel Policy
Additional Policy Information
Help keep the library clean
- Drinks and food may be consumed in the library. Drinks must have a secure lid. Please clean up after yourself.
- Smoking is restricted to 25 feet from all entrances of the library.
- Service animals are welcome, but we ask that pets not be brought inside.
- Shirts and shoes must be worn in the library.
Help keep the library a pleasant place to visit
- Disorderly conduct and/or disturbing the peace in such a way that disrupts other patrons’ library use or staffs’ performance is not permitted in the library (see Missoula Municipal Code 9.24.010).
- Public computer and internet activities that might reasonably be construed as obscene and illegal will result in a library trespass.
- Public computer and internet activities that are disturbing to other users may result in a request to relocate to a more private viewing area or to discontinue the behavior.
Help keep the library safe
- The library is a public place. Sleeping is not recommended in the library. Staff may inquire about a library user’s welfare.
- Personal items may not be left unattended or obstruct traffic.
- No alcohol or drugs may be used on library property.
- Children younger than school age must be accompanied by a caregiver, guardian or parent while in the library.
A library program is an event that promotes the use of library materials, facilities, or services and/or offers the community an educational, recreational, or cultural experience. Programs are planned for the interest and enlightenment of Missoula County citizens and surrounding communities.
Program Proposals
Programs may be planned and presented by library staff or by individuals or groups with the library acting as sponsor. Programs may be offered in library meeting rooms as space permits or at other locations designated by the library. Organizations or individuals partnering with the library for programs must coordinate marketing efforts with the library’s Public Relations Specialist at .
No admission may be charged for a library program. The sale of products at a library program is not allowed with the following exceptions:
- Writers, performers, and artists may sell their own works at the library following library programs in which they are featured.
- The Friends of the Library may sell items at library programs they sponsor.
Scheduling Timeline
Program Quarter | Program Proposal Deadline |
December – January – February | October 1 |
March – April – May | January 1 |
June – July – August | April 1 |
September – October – November | July 1 |
The Friends of Missoula Public Library will only accept items in good condition.
If you wish to donate two or more boxes of books, we accept most larger donations between 2:00-4:00 from Thursday to Saturday. An easily carried stack or bag of books or a single box of books can be donated at The Store on Level One of the library.
Please call (406)721-2665 to learn more about what MPL will accept, to get more information about book donations, or to discuss how to we can assist you with receiving your donation.
The Missoula Public Library Friends of the Library cannot accept:
- Textbooks or Magazines
- Encyclopedias
- Books with cracked or broken spines
- Abridged Books
- Computer/medical manuals
- VHS/Cassette Tapes/LPs/Records
- Dirty/Damaged/Musty/Moldy items (even the smallest bit of mold can spread to other books & may cause health problems)
Donated materials added to our collection must meet the same guidelines as materials we purchase.
The Library will consider adding items that are up-to-date, not unnecessary duplications, and appropriate to our current collection.
Items not added to the Library shelves will be given to The Friends of the Missoula Public Library book sale.
The volume of donations the Library receives prevents us from returning any donated items once they are gifted.
The Library can provide you with a receipt, but will not assign a monetary value to gifts; please have your tax-preparer assist with that task.
The Missoula Public Library Makerspace provides access to equipment and technology for 3D making, cutting and engraving, sewing and textiles, creative crafting, and a DIY tool library. Material cost recovery fees may apply. Refunds will not be issued.
All Makerspace services are staff-supervised and available by appointment or on a first-come first-served basis.
New patrons must sign a waiver prior to use of the Makerspace. All Makerspace patrons must abide by MPL’s safety rules and the directions of staff and volunteers. Patrons under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a guardian.