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
Open a pdf copy of Missoula Public Library’s Collection Development policy
A collection development policy is a statement of guidelines for library staff members to follow when selecting, acquiring, and building library collections.
This policy of the Missoula Public Library provides direction for the growth and development of collections. The Library strives to select, acquire, curate and provide free and easy access to materials, in all formats, that meet the varied needs and interests of the community. This policy provides guidance, within budgetary and space limitations, for the selection and evaluation of materials that anticipate and meet the needs of the community. It also addresses collection maintenance, and replacement and weeding of materials.
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.
- Keep noise to a minimum and refrain from excessive or disruptive noise, including when using devices (headphones may be required).
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 Library Board shall have the authority to deny a meeting if it is deemed inappropriate to the mission of MPL by the Library Director. Upon adequate notice and for adequate reasons, the Library reserves the right to revoke permission to use any meeting room. Library and Partners-oriented activities shall have first priority to use the meeting rooms. Meetings and exhibits do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Library Board or staff.
1. SPIRIT OF USE:
PUBLIC MEETINGS. All meetings taking place during the Library’s public hours are considered public meetings and open to public participation. Meetings may be scheduled up to 90 days in advance of meeting date (30 days for study rooms). A group is limited to reserving Library meeting space to one evening per month.
FREE MEETINGS. The public meeting rooms are intended as a community resource. Meeting space use is provided at no cost to community members. Groups may not charge admission or registration fees for any meeting, however, donations and recovery costs for program materials may be accepted. Although a businessperson or other professional expert may present a program, no solicitation of business is permitted.
2. USE OF SPACE:
FURNITURE. A group is welcome to reconfigure chairs and tables according to its need. Furniture must be returned to its original configuration before the group leaves.
SET UP. Stapling and tacking is prohibited. Painter’s tape may be used on non-glass, non-wood and non-painted surfaces, but must be removed with no residue left. Sticky notes are allowed on any surface. No use of open flame, candles, or other devices that may cause fire or smoke. No glitter, sequins, orbeez, confetti, or other decorations that may leave a residue and/or are difficult to clean up. Patrons must bring their own loading equipment such as carts or dollies. No meeting room furniture may be removed from rooms or used for loading supplies in/out.
AREAS. Meeting room bookings are solely for the meeting room. Bookings do not include access to, or use of, other spaces in the library. All meeting activities, including food service must stay contained in the booked room unless prior authorization is obtained from the library. To discuss using spaces outside of the booked room, contact at least 72 hours prior to reservation date. For noise mitigation, it is preferable to keep the doors closed. Groups must keep all emergency exits clear during the use of the facility. Groups may place one identifying sign or banner near the entrance to their reserved room. No other signage may be placed anywhere in the building or outside the building on library property.
CLEANING. The meeting room, and any other space used, must be left in the same condition it was found in. Furniture must be returned to original configuration, all surfaces must be wiped down, and the carpets must be vacuumed. Cleaning supplies are available in the under sink cabinets (Cooper’s Space) or in the credenza (Blackfoot Boardroom). Vacuums are located in the closets (Cooper’s Space) and near the credenza (Blackfoot Boardroom). Please immediately report any issues to staff.
GARBAGE. Room users are responsible for removing all food trash from rooms. Non-food trash should be consolidated into the in-room trash receptacles. Any trash in excess of that which fits in the receptacles must be removed from the room. Users may utilize the Library’s dumpsters located on Jefferson St. All decorations, supplies, materials, etc., must be removed from the room.
TECHNOLOGY. Assistance with AV equipment and peripherals is available upon request. All systems (including shades and screens) must be reset or shut down before checking out of the meeting space. Use of AV peripherals (library laptop, microphones, etc.) requires a library card or collateral. All peripherals must be returned to library staff at the end of use.
RESERVATION TIMES. Booking times should reflect the time that the users intend to be in the space. If a user does not arrive within 15 minutes of reservation time, the reservation may be considered cancelled, and the space may be made available to other patrons at the discretion of library staff. Patrons should call the library if they are running more than 15 minutes late for their reservation. Room users must vacate the space at the end of their booked time. Early set up access before the library’s normal hours of operation requires advance approval from library management.
LIABILITY. Organizations holding meetings assume responsibility for any damage to the spaces or contents. It is the responsibility of the reservation holder to alert staff to any issues with the room condition.
CLOSING TIME. All meetings, parties, etc. must be ended, cleaned up, and the rooms vacated, no later than 15 minutes prior to the library closing.
ACCESSIBILITY. Meeting rooms are accessible. It is the responsibility of the group holding a meeting to provide ADA compliant programs. Assisted listening devices are available (Cooper’s Spaces)
PARKING. MEETING SPACE USE DOES NOT INCLUDE FREE UNLIMITED PARKING PRIVILEGES. Anyone parking in the Library’s lot in excess of two (2) hours is subject to being ticketed.
RESTRICTED USE. Group activities involving more than normal wear and tear will not be permitted. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited during library operating hours (with the exception of paid private rentals).
LOST OR STORED ITEMS. Equipment, supplies, materials, or other items owned or brought into the building by a group are not the responsibility of the Library, nor can they be stored in the library.
FOOD. If a group or individual chooses to cater food or beverages at a meeting, any caterer of choice may provide this service. Users must clean up any messes made and remove all food trash. Coffee boxes and pastries are available through Clyde Coffee. To make a request, please fill out their Bulk Ordering form.
If special cleaning or re-arranging of the meeting room is needed for any reason, the user responsible for the reservation may be charged a minimum cleaning fee of $50. Users who fail to abide by these terms of use may lose meeting room use privileges.
The Missoula Public Library Friends of the 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
- Readers’ Digest condensed 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 the return of 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.