Library operations are mostly paid for through a levy voters approved in 2006. In the twenty years since, the county has grown, and so has demand for library services and resources. In response, we’ve added branches and mobile outreach, founded community partnerships, and made our buildings and operations more efficient (more on that here). Voters backed a new library building in 2016, and MPL still gets grants and gifts for certain programs, but that money is earmarked and legally can’t cover everyday costs. The levy formula hasn’t changed since 2006, so library leaders need to make tough calls about what to fund until there’s enough support for a new “repeal and replace” levy.

So far these tough calls have meant cutting some subscriptions and tightening our book budget. Despite these losses, here’s what we’re working to hold onto:

• Maintain enough staff so patrons can still get help finding what they need, even as some open positions go unfilled.
• Protect our print and digital collections, including materials for young readers and family history research.
• Continue offering Missoula residents a wide range of programs and ways to learn and connect.