Featured Article
billings public library
April 22, 2025
Billings Public Library has been named the 2025 Library of the Year by the Montana Library Association. The award recognizes the success of the Library Express Locker program, an
innovative service that has expanded access to library materials across Billings and
Yellowstone County.
Now in its third year, the Library Express Locker program has grown to include four strategic locations. Users can request items through the library’s website, select a pickup site, and retrieve materials 24/7 using their library card and PIN. Each locker also includes a book return, allowing for easy returns whenever it’s convenient.
Two of the most heavily used locations—at the Intermountain Health Clinic in the Heights and the Children’s Clinic on the West End—have consistently operated at over 75% capacity for the past several months, reflecting high demand and strong community engagement.
“This program is an incredible example of the innovative spirit that is at the core of the Billings Public Library. By adapting technology originally developed for the business world, we’ve been able to reimagine how public library services can reach people. We’ve expanded our service area in ways that were previously unimaginable, and it’s an honor to have those efforts recognized with this award.”
Kelsie Rubich, Interim Library Director
The success of the Library Express Locker program reflects the dedication of Library staff and
the strong investment of community partners, including generous support from the Billings
Library Foundation and organizations like the Children’s Clinic and Intermountain Health.
“We are very grateful for the businesses and donors who believed in the vision for expanding
our Library services through the Express Locker Program,” said Jeannie Tracy, Executive
Director of the Billings Public Library Foundation. “It is rewarding to see that our donors continue
to give generously in order to enhance and expand Library services to our community.”
One locker is located at the Children’s Clinic, where it has become a valued resource for
families.
“Our team expressed unexpected joy in the early weeks following the locker’s installation when
we would see patients and non-patients alike picking up books outside of the clinic,” said a
representative from the Children’s Clinic. “Billings Public Library has given organizations like
Children’s Clinic an innovative way to live out our own mission of supporting our patients and
their families in and out of the exam room.”
To celebrate this statewide recognition, the Library will host a celebration at its first outdoor
storytime of the summer at the Children’s Clinic locker. Join us for “Stethoscopes and Stories”
on June 20 at 10:30 a.m., at 3401 Ave. E, where families can enjoy storytime, ice cream, and
learn more about the Library Express Locker program.