Montana State Library Brings Free Online Classes to Library Patrons Around the State

• January 07 2022

Covid has taught libraries an important lesson. Montanans need more access to information through e-resources. With funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), MSL has expanded its Montana Library2Go program to include Universal Classes, Method Test Prep, and The Great Courses.

Through the Montana Library2Go program administered by MSL, libraries in the state are able to offer nearly 30,000 audio and e-books to their patrons. Now patrons can also take classes in a wide variety of topics such as history, career training, home schooling, crafts, personal development, and many more.

Universal Classes offers over 500 classes on a wide variety of topics.

“As the Covid-19 pandemic lingers, we are coming to realize that having the option to learn and work from home are the new normal,” said State Librarian, Jennie Stapp.  “Montanans of all ages expect educational resources that can be accessed online, from anywhere and we are delivering.”

From now until the end of 2022, library patrons can access these courses through participating library’s Montana Library2Go Overdrive and Libby apps using a computer, tablet or smart phone. They can access these classes at any time, from anywhere – an online classroom “to go.” To expand access to age-appropriate books for children and young adults, MSL is also investing additional funding for e-books in the Digital Public Library of America's Palace platform and in the Montana School Libraries Shared OverDrive Collection.

The Montana State Library is dedicated to strengthening libraries throughout Montana, and the Montana Library2Go is just one example of how support from MSL brings big resources to even the smallest library in Montana. MSL contributes funding to lower the cost of this service so that all libraries can afford to offer their patrons a larger collection than they could otherwise afford. The costs are based on the library’s use and range from around $500 for the smallest libraries to thousands of dollars for the largest public libraries.

To access the classes, please visit here. For more information on the program, please contact Cara Orban, Statewide Projects Librarian at (406) 444-5350, corban@mt.gov.

The Montana State Library provides continuing education, consulting, and programming services to libraries across Montana. Through this statewide partnership, all Montana’s libraries can meet the information needs of their community. For more information about MSL’s services to libraries, please visit our website.