News

The Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC) is offering four micro grants ($500) to support Montana libraries with programming related to intellectual freedom! Apply via Google Form!

Here are the details: 

• The IFC will be selecting four programs that support or are related to intellectual freedom (ideas include, but are certainly not limited to, Banned Books Week programs, guest speakers, community events, etc). 
• Awards are $500. 
• Programs should occur within the fiscal year. 
• All Montana libraries are encouraged to apply (public, school, academic, special, etc.)
• The application process is super simple! We estimate it will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete this Google Form. 
• The grant application closes September 5th. The IFC will review applications at our September meeting!

Please reach out with any questions! The IFC is looking forward to supporting MT libraries through this new program. 

Want to share your library’s summer programming? Look no further! The MLA PR/Marketing Committee is asking you to submit photos and videos of your library’s summer programming/events for a chance to win one of three $50 gift cards! Every media submission will be counted as an entry so you can increase your odds of winning.

Submit entries at the form here: https://forms.gle/aMbY9boa5KAT9X9y8

Are you a Montanan pursuing or accepted to pursue your Masters in Library and Information Science or School Library Certification? If so, consider applying for an MLA Cates Scholarship!

More information and scholarship application can be found here: https://mtlib.org/Scholarships

The Sheila Cates scholarship typically awards several thousand dollars to those pursuing library education. Funds can be used towards books, tuition, and other education-related costs. MLA raises funds all year for these scholarships so we can help Montana's library workers reach their educational goals. We continue to carry on the legacy of Sheila Cates, a Montana State Library staff member and extraordinary mentor. 

The deadline for this year's Cates Scholarship is Monday, July 18, 2025 so don't delay. 

If you have any questions, please contact any member of the MLA Cates Scholarship Committee.

Join MLA President Sarah Widger Friday January 31 for an online discussion of recent MLA undertakings & events.  Bring your questions!  The President's Chat is open to all members of the Montana library community.

When?  Friday, January 31st, 2025.  10:00am - 11:00am.

How?  The meeting Zoom link is here.

Montana Library Association has been busy over the last two months!  To give members and library supporters an overview, MLA President Sarah Widger compiled an update.  Included in the update is a link to the January 31, Coffee & Catch-Up with the President Zoom link!

Access the January 2025 President's Update here.

Thanks for reading!

Wondering what the Montana Library Association board and executive committee have been up to the past 6 months?  Quite a lot!  To give members and library supporters an overview, MLA President Sarah Widger compiled an update.

Access the 2024 President's Update here.

Thanks for reading!

The MLA Board recently passed a resolution honoring longtime MLA member Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson as a tribute to her memory.

The resolution can be found here - https://www.mtlib.org/page-18278

Montana Library Association Reaffirms Commitment to Library Professionalism

November 13, 2023 – The Montana Library Association (MLA) Board of Directors has passed a resolution reaffirming its commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism in library services while emphasizing the importance of legislative advocacy.

The resolution, adopted on November 13th, addresses recent actions of the Montana State Library Commission and outlines key priorities for the MLA. The resolution highlights the critical role of professional development in light of the recent decision to eliminate the graduate degree requirement for library directors in Montana's largest libraries. MLA is dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for library professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve their communities and maintain consistently high standards of service.

Kelly Reisig, President of the Montana Library Association, stated, "Our organization is led by Montana librarians, to serve the interests of Montana libraries and library users. Despite generations of collaboration, we are deeply concerned that the Commission has lost its way. We passed this resolution to make clear our belief that common ground exists, and that MLA remains committed to the health and longevity of library services in Montana.”

In addition to professional development, legislative advocacy remains a top priority for MLA. The association is dedicated to ensuring libraries receive the funding and support they need to serve their communities effectively. MLA is committed to engaging with all stakeholders, including government agencies and elected officials, to advocate for the best interests of Montana's libraries and library users.

The MLA resolution invites all stakeholders, including the Montana State Library Commission, to engage in a constructive and open dialogue. By finding common ground and working together, MLA aims to ensure the continued success of Montana's libraries.

The approved resolution can be viewed at https://mtlib.org/Resolutions. A copy of the resolution has been sent to the Montana State Library Commission and other relevant stakeholders to encourage understanding and collaboration in the shared commitment to providing outstanding library services to all Montanans.

The public comment period regarding the proposed changes to the Public Library Standards opens on November 3rd and will remain open until 12p on December 1st, 2023. Comments may be submitted at the following link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mEypBw_zu0q9ftY_hyDcAlczmrUkaNlDse3DYG-y4llUOVJLSUY2OUJJUERXQlVGUlgwVEoyRUJGMC4u&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

About Montana Library Association (MLA): The Montana Library Association is a professional 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 1906, dedicated to advancing library services and promoting the professional growth of library staff. MLA provides resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities to support libraries and library professionals across Montana. More information and support opportunities can be found at www.mtlib.org.

MLA Contact: kirkv@mtlib.org

Montana Library Association Statement in Response to State Library Commission Decision to Withdraw from American Library Association

The Executive Board of the Montana Library Association deeply regrets the decision by the Montana State Library Commission to withdraw from the American Library Association. The Library Commission’s stated objective is to provide excellent library resources and services by encouraging collaboration and cooperation between libraries and institutional partners. The decision made today runs counter to this mission, and undermines the shared goals of Montana libraries. 

An American Library Association membership offers useful resources, development and funding opportunities, and professional networks that serve our state, our libraries, and, most importantly, our library users. By isolating State Library professionals from their peers and fellow leaders, the Commission has effectively eliminated critical training and tools for not only State Library staff, but for local library boards and trustees.

 It is our earnest hope that the Montana State Library Commission will reconsider its decision and choose not to sever ties with the American Library Association. We urge them to look beyond short-term partisanship and view this situation through the lens of what serves the public good and long-term interests of all Montanans.

 The Montana Library Association remains firmly in support of the aims and goals of the State Library as an institution. The Montana Library Association will continue to be a resource and professional network for Montana’s library communities. The Montana Library Association persists in fostering literacy, providing access to information, and promoting lifelong learning. We uphold these principles regardless of the decisions made by the State Library Commission because we believe that they are fundamentally American and fundamentally Montanan.

 The Montana Library Association invites the public, library workers, and stakeholders to share their views on this matter and to continue to support their local libraries as pillars of education, inclusivity, and community building. 

Sincerely,

The Executive Board and Executive Director of the Montana Library Association

Kelly Reisig, President

Sarah Widger, Vice President

Sean Anderson, Treasurer/Secretary

Kirk Vriesman, Executive Director

These are some recent news articles relating to the legislative session.

• Obscenity bill raises questions beyond school libraries” from the Montana Daily Standard (https://dailymontanan.com/2023/03/13/obscenity-bill-raises-questions-beyond-school-libraries/)
• “Supt. Arntzen's visit leaves more questions than answers” from the Lewistown News-Argus (https://www.lewistownnews.com/news/supt-arntzens-visit-leaves-more-questions-than-answers/article_dfefb84a-becf-11ed-af15-2f6d97fd6cc7.html)
• As Bills in Multiple States Threaten Librarians with Criminalization, Advocates Are Fighting Back (https://www.slj.com/story/As-Bills-in-Multiple-States-Threaten-Librarians-with-Criminalization-Advocates-Are-Fighting-Back)
• Montana state reps give public report of 68th Legislature and field community concerns (https://www.rangerreview.com/news/montana-state-reps-give-public-report-of-68th-legislature-and-field-community-concerns/article_00342b96-bcf9-11ed-8d3f-bb525014d25e.html)