Missoula Public Library

For me, the attitude of a few clerks overrides my enjoyment of the materials and comfortable space here. What sort of person is drawn to work in a public library only to snap, sneer and roll one's eyes at patrons? As important as the library ought to be, consistently discouraging its use by your rudeness is sad. more

The Missoula Public Library has a fine collection for a city of this size. It reflects the general attitude Missoulians have towards providing access to the arts to all. A unique offering is the collection of free magazines and books that are available on the lower floor of the library - a great way to recycle. The library has more than just books, from CDs and DVDs, to pre-school storytime to movies for teens and computers with public internet access. Having lived in different parts of the U.S., and frequenting libraries in each place, the one very big downside is the general atmosphere when you're actually in the library. Nobody in my family has ever felt welcome. Staff attitudes range from fairly cordial to downright curmudgeonly, depending on who is checking out your books to you. This is too bad, as I think a great local resource could be even better. Still, we are lucky to have our library, and should definitely support it. more