MSU Students Should Use the Public Library More

Editor’s Note: A previously published version of this story stated that the Bozeman Public Library’s Bookmobile could deliver books anywhere in town upon request. On March 13, this article was corrected online to reflect that the Bookmobile has a set schedule with designated stops where patrons can pick up their holds. 

The Bozeman Public Library is located at the east end of Main Street, right next to Lindley Park. It has been in this spot for almost 20 years, but is a surprisingly hidden gem of resources that MSU students too often neglect. 

The public library is a great space for doing homework or getting some reading done. Last semester, I sat for hours in the library, working through my required reading lists for my classes. There are tons of fun chairs, undisturbed places to lounge and plenty of sunlight.

Andrew Western, a senior kinesiology student, said he enjoys the library's quiet atmosphere. “I go upstairs, I think the higher you go, the less people there are. I just like the quiet,” he said.

However, the library is more than an alternative study spot with comfortable seating and ample natural light. Bozemanites with a library card have access to more resources than can fit into this article but I will share as many as I can.

Of course, the library has books and audiobooks available for checkout. The staff highlights the newest nonfiction and fiction volumes on their “Most Wanted” shelf display. 

If the library doesn't have a book you’re looking for, don't fret. According to Carmen Clark, the department head for collection management, you can use the Interlibrary Loan service to have it sent from another library anywhere in the country. 

Library aide Elianna Burnim said that people use the loan system when they're aware of it. “Not everybody knows that's accessible to them, but when they do, they are very eager to get that [resource],” she said.

On top of that, if you want to check out a book from the library but can't get there, you can pick up your holds at the Bookmobile — the library’s mini mobile branch housed in a 40-foot Blue Bird school bus — as it travels around town on its designated stops.

In addition to its bookshelf on wheels, the library has an extensive collection of online resources. With a library card, you can download multiple apps that let you check out ebooks, audiobooks and movies on your personal devices. 

Other virtual resources include access to multiple online publications and self-improvement platforms where users can take classes for language, crafting and professional skills.

Burnim said that she feels like the “E-Library” is another underutilized resource. “We have a bunch of stuff that's just behind the [home page]. Once people do find [it], they use it a lot,” she said.

Furthermore, the library hosts classes, clubs and workshops in its community spaces every week. Staff release schedules at the start of each season. The current spring schedule includes weekly cooking classes, crochet and knit workshops and introductory sewing classes. 

“There’s always a lot going on,” Clark said. “Some of the classes you have to register for them, it’s limited because we only have so much [space], and we have to buy materials.” 

Outside of scheduled programming, the event rooms are also available to community members.

One of the event rooms contains various creative tools, including an embroidery machine, a computerized sewing machine, a 3D printer, a Cricut and a laser cutter.

According to Clark, access to these tools first requires completing an in-person or online training session, followed by a test to ensure you are able to use them safely. After that, you have free rein. 

“Reading the [materials] and taking the test took about 20 minutes and doing the practical took maybe five,” MSU alum Briana Virella said. “Then I could immediately use the machine.”

The library also has a small recording studio, where guests can record whatever they need. According to Clark, the studio and makerspace materials are available for sign-up in two-hour blocks.

Admittedly, the public library does not do the best job at making its many resources known, which, according to Clark, is the root of this issue. 

“Pretty much every time I talk to a patron [they say] ‘Oh, I didn't know you have that,” Clark said. “I think we need to do better with marketing ourselves because we have so much.”

Perhaps the most underrated resource of the library is its printing services. According to Clark, if you have your library card, you have a monthly $20 credit for free color printing at the library. This is a resource I wish I had known about last year, when my MSU printing credit ran out.

Obtaining a library card is simple and free. It only requires proof of residence in Gallatin County. For Montana residents, this means bringing an ID, and for out-of-state students, a CatCard as well.

For more information about the Bozeman Public Library and the resources it offers, visit https://www.bozemanlibrary.org/home.