For more in-depth questions, visit the folks at the reference desk.

With close to one hundred years of combined experience, few answers will elude our crackerjack reference team. The reference desk is also the best place to request materials from libraries outside of our partner group. It is located on the east end of the Library.

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Services available at the MPL Reference Desk

Passport applications
Notary services
Exam proctoring
Interlibrary Loans
Genealogy and historical research
USGS Topographic Map Printing

Passport applications

MPL is now a recognized US Passport Acceptance Facility, meaning staff is on hand to assist you with your passport application. Call (406)721-BOOK (2665) or drop by the Reference Desk at MPL to book a meeting with an MPL passport agent or to learn more about this service.

For new passport services there is a $25 Execution Fee, payable to Missoula Public Library, which must be paid in addition to fees owed to the US Passport Services for the Passport book or card. Families applying together must pay for each application individually and a separate check or money order must be made for each fee. Each application will require a separate Execution Fee but one payment to MPL is accepted for multiple Execution Fees. (Individuals renewing current passports are encouraged to mail their renewals directly. If questions arise during this process, contact the Reference Desk)

Applicants should bring with them:

• a completed application, written in black ink
• one passport photo taken within last 6 months
• Identification (e.g., driver's license, passport, military ID)
• Citizenship evidence (e.g., original copies of a birth certificate or birth abroad certificate, a previous passport)
• Other original, pertinent documents (e.g. marriage/divorce papers to explain name difference from a birth certificate, full custody papers of a single parent)
• Correct fees - a personal check or money order payable to U.S. Department of State for the actual passport book or card and a separate payment for the $25 Execution Fee, payable to Missoula Public Library. Note: Separate payments must be made to the U.S. Department of State for each application submitted - a single family payment is not permitted. One payment (cash, check, money order or credit/debit card) to Missoula Public Library for the execution fee(s) is okay.

Both parents/guardians must be present to process a minor 15 or younger's passport application. Otherwise, a notarized affadavit granting permission from an absent parent/guardian or evidence of sole custody is required. The minor must also be present.

Notary services

MPL offers free notarization services to the general public. If you need a notarization, drop by the MPL Reference Desk or call (406)721-BOOK (2665) to find out if an MPL notary is available to assist you.

Exam proctoring

Reference staff at MPL are qualified to proctor or administer exams for students taking distance learning courses. There is no charge to proctor exams. Call (406)721-BOOK (2665) and ask for the Reference Desk to access this service. (Reservations are encouraged)

Interlibrary Loans

The Reference Desk can assist you with ordering an Interlibrary Loan. Click here to learn more about this service.

Genealogy and historical research

The Reference Desk at MPL can assist you with your research into family history, research into the history of Montana or any other research topics that interest you. We have a complete list of available online genealogical resources, including databases that MPL subscribes to, as well as online resources on a variety of other topics. But for one-on-one service, come visit the MPL Reference Desk and speak with one of our skilled reference librarians.

USGS Topographic Map Printing

USGS Topographic Maps of Montana and Idaho are available through a customizable print-on-demand program in the library's Audra Browman Room. The 11x17 maps are $2 on standard paper and $3 on weatherproof paper. Stop by the Reference Desk for more information.