Support Montana’s Libraries
Montanans embrace and utilize their local libraries for personalized access to information. The Montana Constitution guarantees each person in the state a right to lifelong learning. Montanans expect this right to be honored by their state and local governments through effective and accessible libraries to pursue their individual information and entertainment needs. Accessing and using a library’s services is the most common way a Montanan can demonstrate the library’s importance to the community. The Trust is here to help those that want to take the next step in advocating for libraries in local communities and among statewide policymakers.
At Left: Words Montanans used to describe their libraries in 2023 Montana State Library Survey. Used with permission.
In Your Community
Most public libraries in Montana are governed by a board of trustees that is appointed by the county commission or city council. Library advocates have a right under the Montana Constitution to attend, observe, and participate in local government meetings in a responsible and respectful manner. By participating in library board meetings and county or city budget discussions, library advocates can engage with decision makers to help make sure community leaders know that the library is valued and deserves support. Active participation in local government is the first step in supporting effective library services. This step ensures library advocates not only understand the unique values of that accompany Montana’s libraries but then use that understanding to recruit new library advocates.
Throughout Montana
Montana’s libraries are governed in accordance with state law and receive state support. Great local library programs and services often depend upon services purchased at the state level, providing local libraries with vital resources that would otherwise strain local budgets, or simply be beyond the ability of many Montana libraries to afford. Each legislative session provides a new opportunity for library advocates to show the importance of library services throughout Montanan. Connecting with senators and representatives can help ensure libraries are governed in an local, accountable, and transparent manner with the resources necessary to meeting the information needs of each Montana. Each call, email, and personal conversation can demonstrate that not only are libraries worthy of support, they are essential to Montana’s economic, cultural, and educational survival.
Resources
Montana’s library community is broad and supportive. When you join the community you are joining a passionate group dedicated to the enhancement of Montana’s libraries. Please see the list of Trust advocacy resources below that can help you be better engaged in the continuous effort to support Montana’s libraries. Please contact the Trust below if you would like to connect with other library advocates in your community.
MLA is a statewide organization of over 600 librarians, retired librarians, trustees, friends of libraries, and library students who share a love of libraries. MLA members work to promote outstanding librarianship and library services to meet knowledge needs in every part of the state.
The American Library Association has developed this timeless summary which affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
Libraries in America are cornerstones of the communities they serve. Free access to the books, ideas, resources, and information in America’s libraries is imperative for education, employment, enjoyment, and self-government.
The Montana State Library is committed to strengthening libraries and information services for all Montanans through leadership, advocacy, and service. The outstanding staff and partners of the State Library strive to meet this mission every day.
Montana Library Friends and Foundations
The Trust collaborates with all of the local Library Friends & Foundations groups around Montana to support the unique values that make libraries so important.
For Libraries. For Learning. For Life.