Reviews of Missoula Public Library (Library)

marlene jenkins

I treasure the library's resources but cringe when I get to checkout and am treated like a pariah by the surly staff. Curt and rude, they act like you are harshing their mellow by being there. (I like the option of the automated checkout but for movies on hold you need the human.) Do our taxes not pay for the library? Is library work really so taxing that it steals the souls of the staff? I've been in customer service for forty years and know it only takes a smile and a thank you to be effective, not throwing your receipt at you. They might as well say 'don't come back'. Is this the future of our formerly warm town?

James H

I have never had any problems with finding out what to do so I can do it myself

Ryan Moyer

Awful. Worst library I've seen in 48 states. No where to isolate, locals eating, talking non stop, whistling, tapping, sniffling. It's awful place to try and concentrate. Then there are the sheriffs walking around in body armor, with torture devices and murder weapons galore harassing and intimidating anyone who doesn't look rich. Bout sums up the town as well. Missoula and Missoula public library suck, but they smeared lipstick on the pig so it looks just fine. But it's not. It's evil.

Okie Nomads

Like most libraries in the west, this one has a homeless problem, similar to the city as a whole. There aren't enough meeting rooms or areas to sit. If it rains or snows, forget about finding a place to sit down. The library does offer a free notary public and computer, printer, and scanner access. All in all about average compared to other libraries in the western US.

Нарт Лӏыша

You can't park for more than 3hours!!! Otherwise you get a citation! For real how am I suppose to do my readings and research for a limited time and worried about parking! Even if you leave and come back, you get cited!

Latios Hoenn

The main facilities were great and looked out of the 80s and 90s, which is something I like about it, but when it comes to dealing with fraudulent activity or something that is off with your account, mine had issues and unrecognized activity dating back to 2010, they are unhelpful, and the people you would need to talk to would be unavailable for a good portion of the week. I'm considering saying no more Public library

Brekka Walker

Not a bad library, but giving such a low rating because I was expecting something more for an awesome town like Missoula. Money needs to be spent here to update and make bigger. It certainly seems like there is a demand. Otherwise it seems like a nice library just seems a little small and limited for Missoula's size and diversity.

Mickelle

I grew up coming to this library and I still have to stop in whenever I come through town. It's got a wonderful downtown feel. There are lots of books to choose from, and there's a pretty good music and movie selection. I also love the little tree house they have on display when you first walk in. Kids love to look through all the tiny tree house windows. I love this place.

John Mason

More computers are needed. The web area should be twice as big. I have never used the library for anything else, as there is nowhere else in Missoula to access a computer terminal, that I know.

Craig Flint

Best library in Missoula. They offer so many non-library items and services and the staff know something about everything so go in and ask.

Nightshade Radtke

This is the worst library I've ever seen in all my travels. It's absolutely tiny. The staff are less than useless when it comes to finding a book, and the place is littered with homeless parasites who do nothing but leech off of the free Wi-Fi. I know they aren't filling out applications or anything productive because I see the same people there every time I go! The people there talk all the time, despite the fact that HELLO IT'S A LIBRARY?!?? Again, the staff are, again, less than useless because when I tell them (multiple occasions and multiple people) they've brushed me off and said that is was perfectly fine and normal behavior. The books are hardly even organized, and when I look for a book and end up asking the desk, they almost always have to order it from other libraries. This place is an embarrassment to libraries everywhere, and their Wi-Fi is the slowest I've ever seen.

Tallal Ibad

Very slow WiFi connection.

Hannah Zuraff

Incredible staff, great people to be around. They also have strong support and someone always available to answer questions.

Crystal Storm

It is good that Missoula has a public library it is a good place to relax it is a good place to get something to eat and to read they have a computer area called Web Ali the computers are free you can sign up for one of them for 60 minutes or use the 15-minute Express ones when it comes to copying things off the internet it is only ten cents a page which is a good price and the staff make sure that the ink is filled and the paper holder has paper in it and that all the machines work some of the staff are rude but some of the staff are also nice too I would imagine that the job can be stressful at times especially when they have people that are not only homeless but are mentally ill too that come there when it comes to dealing with them when things get out of control they seem to do a good job in handling it they seem to know when to tell a person to leave the only problem I have ever had at the library is when I try to print things sometimes when I print things there are people there that are impatient and try to print while my stuff is still printing out my tip is to all of you out there wait your turn if you print while someone else is waiting for theirs you only get your print mixed together

Wendell Elliott

Great place!

Michael Didier

It's pretty dirty and all the seats were taken by the unproductive type of homeless people sleeping and watching Netflix. It honestly kind of felt like a mental hospital. (Don't get me wrong, I understand people fall on hard times, I do believe, however, that despite your economic/living situation there are options to maintain clean cloths, good hygiene, limit alcohol consumption in a public place, and maintain some respect for those around you.)

Doc Hannigan

Not enough seating. Walmart has better wifi.

Cab Tran

You want a free education, go to the MPL. "A library is a place that is a repository of information and gives every citizen equal access to it. That includes health information. And mental health information. It's a community space. It's a place of safety, a haven from the world." --Neil Gaiman

Jordan Larson

Great

Duncan Mueller

Hobo Hotspot. Introverted staff. Abysmal parking. Poor selection. Quiet. Good coffee.

Alex Anderlik

A really nice public service that really has something for everyone. Aside from having a sizeable collection of books (from childrens' to reference and everything in between) as well as magazines, movies, music, audiobooks, and even some manga, the Missoula Public Library is great because it's more than just a storage space for books. Dedicated and well-furnished spaces include meeting rooms, a childrens' space, a teen-only center, study spaces, and an internet cafe - each with comfy places to sit, work, and read. There are always community events and workshops going on, both as one-time meetings as well as focus groups and clubs. Even with this activity, it's never loud or too distracting. There are lots of computers here free to use by the public, and online rentals of ebooks and audiobooks are an increasingly good resource. Overall, this is pretty much everything you could as for in a community library and gathering space with something for everyone.

Eddie Jillette

Overall, I recommend the place. But over the years it has changed, and not for the better. It used to be the staff strictly enforced the policy of taking your cellphone conversations out to the lobby, but now it's nothing but rude patrons talking and talking loud on their phones. This is a library, right? Then there are the inconsiderate idiots jamming their music on their phones and other electronic devices, and the staff doesn't do anything about it. Heck, one lady was watching a movie on a portable DVD player without headphones, and when I brought it to the staff's attention, nothing was done about it. And I wish they'd have a No Panhandling policy, for when you step outside for a smoke or just to get some fresh air, the numerous homeless people who hang out there have no qualms hitting you up for money and/or cigs. Finally, the wireless Internet on the top floor is always touch and go. But there are pluses: the checkout staff are friendly, putting holds on items and having the holds honored are reliable, and the selection of both books and DVDs is good. I just wish they were the same about enforcing quiet as they were when I first came to this library back in 2005.

Molly Norton

I absolutely love the Public Library and I'm flummoxed as to why more people don't use it. Why pay for books when you can get them for free? The library has a great selection, and if there is a book you want that they don't have, all you have to do is request it and they are willing to order it. I love bringing my toddler son to the library as well since they have a nice play area and when I'm not working I bring him to Tiny Tales which he absolutely loves. It's a great way to promote literacy at an early age and he loves all of the songs.

Prudence Hawthorne

From books, audible books, reference, assistance with downloading ebooks to computer use and free magazines, this library has it all ! What would we do without it???!!

trublue Pensfan

In need of an update following universal design. But your average library . Looking forward to the new building being finished

Keke Inman

Always nice and super helpful

Chris Cragwick

I went to this group a few and it was good to share the writings and get feedback from some people. Is this group still running? The last few times I went there was no group going on.

DJ Spade

not very helpful

Sarah Larson

I think it is a shame that the library allows homeless people to pretty much use this as their local hangout and to loiter around. They have contributed to the terrible body odor smell the library has. I hope the expansion includes the patrolling of keeping vagrants out so it could feel like a safe and enjoyable place to visit. Needs more parking too and more ebook copies.

Ben Darrow

The Missoula Library is terrific! It has a great kids selection and interactive exhibits and story times. There is a good selection of a variety of material including media beyond books and inter-library loan can find almost anything. If your bike tire is low, there is a Freecycle bike repair station just outside. There is a computer area and even more impressive, a makerspace complete with technology like 3D printers. The place is literally over-flowing with options. Plus there are a number of public meeting rooms that ensure that the library is a place for research, reading and community. Worth getting a card if you are in Missoula.

Inga Weaver

Great kids area!

Francine Dunton

Always helpful and nice

Mushtaq Alrashidany

Missoula Public Library provides excellent services to the Missoula community. The people working here are very civilized, knowledgeable and friendly. From great selection of books, to free internet to notary services, one can find a lot of great services here for the public. The kids story time is a great venue for my daughter who really enjoyed attending this activity. This public library is one of the great places in Missoula that represents Montanans' great values.

Jessica Zmolek

I have been to libraries in almost every state and this one was by far the worst! This is the first library I have ever been to where patrons CANNOT READ and are treated rudely for trying to find a quiet spot. People were extremely loud. Kids were running, screaming and throwing things. (Some adults were loud too, including one woman having an arguement on her cell phone) One child was actually jumping off furniture and the adult with him was encouraging it. The librarian said this is typical behavior here and suggested we find another place to read. We tried all over the library but couldn't find a spot. My children got frustrated with not being able to find a place where they could read and wanted to leave. My seven year old actually asked me if we could find a "real library" where people go to read books...

Joe Munson

A treasure for the sadly lost, or close to, art of reading and utilizing a part of the brain, that can process more than a 8 word, misspelled text.

Mike Coleman

Good, generous service for the most part.

Hannah Moore

Great Library!!!!!

Jeff Medley

I've been in towns (Columbia, Mo) that had small stuffy libraries and graduated to grandiose works of contemporary architecture (in the early 2000s) with more than enough room to appease growing pains. MCPL is currently in the former category with eyes on a future prize. This is not a shortcoming. They've outgrown their space as the community's grown. They're making efforts to rectify that situation. All of that said, I've never been disappointed in my quest for information (the mission of a library at the end of the day). If they don't have something and a library in the network has it, I request it, they order it and I get it in a reasonable amount of time. Keep it up, MCPL!

Boat Angel

Good Library for children

Jenn Johnson

Very outdated and in desperate need of a revamp, like most libraries unfortunately. They have been working on updating their DVD selection for some time, and it is improving. The kids area is delightful and fun.