Six Things You Can Do at the World’s Best Library
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you already know the Missoula Public Library is pretty great.
Well now the world knows it too, as the library was recently recognized as Public Library of the Year awarded by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).
“The newly built library boasts everything from camera equipment and production studios to genealogical research facilities, family workshops and, of course, loads of books. Missoula Public Library offers its citizens a unique place to meet for play, learning and experimentation,” according to a press release IFLA sent out about the award. Our library is the only one who achieved such a titled in North America.
Which doesn’t surprise us at 406 Families. As we write this, Tiffany and Laci’s children are attending a video-making camp at Missoula Community Access Television (MCAT) in the library.
The library is a wonderful place to check out books, but did you know it offers so much more to families and children? Here’s six ways Missoula Public Library is a great place for families:
Entrance to the Families First Learning Lab. Photo by Tiffany Williams
Visit Families First Learning Lab
One of our favorite resources in Missoula is this launch pad for families to feel supported, empowered, and inspired to learn and play together. On the first floor of the building, you’ll find the offices of Families First, where parents can take education classes, participate in dialogue sessions, and connect with their kids through play. Participate in team building by seeing who can build the biggest tower out of life-sized blocks or sit with other dads to discuss parenting pitfalls through Dads and Dialogue classes. Families First has all the resources needed to strengthen parent-child bonds.
Check out the Equipment at mcat
As our world continues to rely on visual and audio arts with the popularity of podcasts and social media, MCAT, located on the ground floor of the library, offers parents and kids the skills and tools necessary to stay on the cutting edge. Did you know you can borrow camera equipment, audio recorders, and even software from MCAT? There is no rental fee, just a quick sign up and you have the tools you need to create the podcast, photograph, or video of your dreams. You can even take free classes to learn how to use some of the equipment! The resources at MCAT are a media creator’s Mecca.
spectrUM Discovery Area at the Missoula Public Library. Photo by Tiffany Williams
Play at spectrUm dIscovery area
It’s no surprise our kids love a good play place. What is a surprise is that our kids have learned more about the natural world through play at SpectrUM Discovery Area. The science museum features some standing exhibits like the water table, showing the life cycle of fish in our local waters, but also welcomes revolving exhibits. They learn as they explore hands-on exhibits and activities. Sneaky!
Cook in the kitchen
Where will you find all the cookbooks in the library? In its large kitchen, of course! Head to the second floor and you’ll find a sophisticated and modern fully stocked kitchen where you can attend a cooking demonstration or browse a cookbook to take home. Often, we will smell something sumptuous as we work on projects or browse books at the library, only to realize a delicious demonstration is happening a few feet away. Click here to view the library kitchen’s programming. Yum!
Design whatever your heart desires at the Makerspace. Photo by Tiffany Williams
Get your creative on at the makerspace
Ever wanted to learn how to make those cute vinyl-cut signs or T-shirts? Or maybe you’ve been curious about 3D printing. The Makerspace is where creativity and curiosity intersect into a space that uses innovative tools and technologies for educational, recreational, and business pursuits. As an extension of the library, the MakerSpace encourages self-directed, hands-on learning by doing. Of course there will be experts nearby who can guide you through your creations.
Hang at trapper peak coffee
The library wanted to encourage spontaneous community gathering, so they planned to include something that brings everyone together: coffee! Trapper Peak Coffee Co., named after the highest point in the Bitterroot Valley, is just such a place. With comfortable chairs and tables and menu items that include coffee, pastries, soups, sandwiches, and Big Dipper ice cream, it’s easy to grab a drink or a bite after an afternoon of playing and browsing.