News

Fall is shaping up to be a great time to reconnect with the Montana library community. This October 4-5, the Montana Library Association is heading to Chico Hot Springs in Pray, Montana, for our Fall Retreat — and everyone is welcome, whether you're an MLA member, thinking about joining, or bringing a guest along for the ride.

A New Kind of Gathering

Our planning team wanted to offer a more refined experience for Fall Retreat this year - Think smaller crowds, longer conversations, and a lot more room to actually connect with the people doing this work alongside you across Montana.

Over two days, librarians from around the state will be sharing what they're learning and building in their own libraries, from spotting misinformation online to putting AI to thoughtful use, plus lightning talks, a resource roundup, and even a star party (weather permitting).

What to Expect

• Sunday, October 4: Sessions kick off with a toolkit for values-driven AI in libraries, a panel on institutional knowledge, and lightning talks on everything from tabletop gaming to community engagement. The day wraps with dinner, a look at Montana ghost towns, and stargazing under Montana's big sky.
• Monday, October 5: Start the morning with a session on slow librarianship, then dig into a resource roundup covering everything from voter engagement to information literacy before we wrap up by noon.

The full draft schedule is available now, and we'll keep it updated as details are finalized.

Book Your Room Early

MLA has a room block held at Chico Hot Springs through Friday, September 10. After that, remaining rooms go back into general availability. If you're planning to stay on-site, call 406-333-4933 and mention the MLA Event to book — rooms run $95–$205 depending on the type.

Ready to Join Us?

CLICK HERE to register!

Thanks to our Fall Retreat Planning team - We can't wait to see you at Chico this October!

Registration for the 2026 MLA Annual Conference April 15-18 in Great Falls is now open!

Registration details, including a conference schedule and descriptions of sessions, can be found here - www.mtlib.org/2026-Annual-Conference

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