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1. What passes are available?

Currently, the library has passes to ExplorationWorks availble.  We are exploring other places, and will add more in the future.

2. How much do the passes cost?

There is no cost for the Edventure passes.  As long as you have a library card in good standing, you are welcome to use any of the Edventure passes.  There are limits on how frequently you may use certain passes.  Each pass is different.

3. How do I reserve a pass?

To reserve a pass, click on the Edventure logo to go to the Edventure pass site, find the pass you wish to reserve, and click on the reserve button.  You will be prompted for your library card number and your password.  After that, you can make the reservation with an email confirmation and reminder if you wish.  

On the day of your reservation, please come to the library, and speak with a public servcies staff member.  They will verify your reservation, and give you the pass.  You will give the pass to the staff at the location.  You do not need to return the pass to the library.

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1. What are the library hours?

For a detailed listing of library hours, please view the following page: Hours

2. What is required to get a library card?

To view the requirements for receiving a library card, please view the following page: Get a Library Card

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1. Who can use the interlibrary loan service?

This service is available to Lewis & Clark Library cardholders in good standing.  Temporary cardholders are not eligible for this service.

Failure to pick up or refusal of requested interlibrary loan materials may result in suspension of interlibrary loan borrowing privileges.

2. What can I borrow through ILL?

Books, movies, music, articles, and more!

Do note that recently published books--especially bestsellers--are challenging to borrow:  many libraries don't lend items to other libraries within twelve months of an item's publishing date.

3. What is not available to borrow through ILL?

• Items that are owned by our library are not eligible for request through interlibrary loan.
• We do not request specific types of items that our library does not lend to other libraries, e.g. video games, Playaways, hotspots, newspapers, microfilm, etc.
• Electronic resources such as ebooks are not available through interlibrary loan.

4. How much will it cost me to use ILL?

With a few exceptions, this service is provided to our patrons free of charge.  However, rare items are not free:  such items will be requested only if you agree to the the charge beforehand.

5. How many interlibrary loan requests can I make?

A patron is allowed up to 10 ILL requests per month.  There is a minimum 3-month waiting period before requesting a previously requested title.

6. How long will it take to get my item?

It usually takes 2-3 weeks from the time you place your ILL request.  Under exceptional circumstances it can take up to 6 weeks.  Shipping accounts for most of that time.

7. How will I know when my item has arrived?

Depending upon your indicated preference, you will be notified via phone, email, or postcard.  Items received through interlibrary loan are checked out to you by staff as soon as they are received.

8. How long will I get to keep my item?

Typically, 2-4 weeks.  Item due dates are dictated by the lending library.  Note that items received through interlibrary loan are checked out to you upon receipt.  Many libraries allow renewals; however, renewals are not guaranteed.

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1. Does the library have an electronic access policy?

Yes. It is posted on the library’s website and next to each public access computer. The policy does not restrict the content or use of information provided by the library. Copies are available at the information desk.

2. A lot of people, especially parents, are concerned about children’s access to the Internet, and the fact that they might encounter "X-rated" material. How does the library protect children?

The library protects children by protecting one of our most precious freedoms in a democratic society - the right to read, view, and listen to materials that we choose for ourselves or our children.

Librarians also assist children in selecting and using the best materials for their needs, whether it’s a good book or a good web site. Our website lists links to kid-friendly sites as well.

3. Does the library use filtering software on its computers?

Lewis & Clark Library believes that filtering software can be a helpful tool for parents in the home but is not appropriate in a public place such as the library for several reasons.

First, filtering technology has not been perfected. It does not allow for individual choice and imposes filtering on everyone - whether or not they wish to have their choices subject to filters.

Second, filtering is a one-size-fits all "solution." It treats a 6-year-old, a 16-year-old, and a 60-year-old the same. It may even block useful information. For example, one system was found to filter the phrase "sexual harassment."

Third, it’s impossible to block all inappropriate sites, both because of the way filters work and the fact that the Internet changes very fast. Filtering software can give parents a false sense of security and could even make the library liable if parents believe their children have been protected from "offensive materials."

Lewis and Clark Library encourages parents to come to the library with their children and supervise their internet use. We believe parents should decide for their own children what they wish them to see and read.

4. Why can’t Lewis & Clark Library let parents decide what their children will access in the library?

Lewis & Clark Library believes that it is the parent and only the parent who should decide what their children will access in the library.

Lewis & Clark Library encourages parents to take a primary role in guiding their children in seeking information. That guidance relationship must remain between that parent and child and cannot be delegated to the library.

5. Why should my tax dollars pay for access to offensive materials?

Taxes support free inquiry that allows citizens to inform themselves so they can fully participate in our democracy. We are a diverse society and what offends one, enlightens another.

Moreover, citizens have long found it wise to remain informed about opinions and ideas they oppose. The free marketplace of ideas cannot be partitioned and still function.

6. The Lewis & Clark Library does not subscribe to offensive materials like Hustler, why should the library allow access to offensive materials online?

The Internet enables the library user to access a tremendous array of materials not subscribed to or purchased. Examples of such materials include ephemeral texts, religious and devotional materials, electronic newsletters, and web sites from small groups that do not publish through customary channels, and nearly instantaneous, graphic images of many world events, even war.

Libraries, as agencies of government, cannot and should not restrict access to materials because they or a particular user might find them objectionable.

7. Why doesn’t the library protect children from offensive materials, whether or not it is legally obscene?

The primary responsibility of rearing children rests with parents. If parents want to keep certain ideas or forms of expression away from their children, they must assume the responsibility for sheltering those children.

Governmental institutions like the library cannot be expected to usurp or interfere with parental obligations and responsibilities when it comes to deciding what a child may read or view.

8. How do I guide my child when I can’t be with them 24 hours a day?

Parents who believe that the current state of society and communications make it difficult to shelter their children must nevertheless find a way to cope with what they see as the reality within the context of their own family.

Lewis & Clark Library can provide information about parenting, safe internet use, and recommended sites. Lewis & Clark Library is not authorized to act as a parent. But we are happy to provide suggestions and guidance to parents and children at any time.

9. Why doesn’t Lewis & Clark Library restrict access?

Lewis & Clark Library provides the means to find ideas and information across the spectrum of social and political views. Libraries are one of our great democratic institutions. They provide freedom of choice for all people. Parents, not the library, are responsible for supervising their own children’s library use.

10. How can I voice my opinions to the library if I am offended by materials on the Internet?

The Library Director Judy Hart is always interested in hearing from you. She can be contacted at 406-447-1690, ext. 117 or by email. Please feel free to contact her.

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1. What is SmartPay?

SmartPay is an online application used to pay your library fees using a credit card.

2. How do I pay my fees online?

In order to pay your fees online, you must have your library card, and a PIN on your account. If you are unsure if you have a PIN, or you have forgotten your PIN, you can contact the library. From the library main website, click on the option to pay your fees online, then enter your library barcode and PIN. Once you log in, you can see the total amount owed to the library and pay it.

3. What forms of payment are accepted for online payments?

Currently the SmartPay system accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards only.

4. Is my payment secure?

Yes, the SmartPay system uses an encrypted website to accept your credit card information, and is transmitted to the credit card processor using a secure connection.

5. Does the library save my credit card information?

No. The library does not store or have any access to your credit card information. The credit card information is transmitted to the credit card processor, and then is removed. If you wish to make another payment later, you will have to type in your credit card information again.

6. Is there a service fee or charge for paying my fines or fees online?

No, there is no additional charges or fees for paying online.

7. Is there a minimum or maximum amount that can be paid online?

There is a minimum amount of $1, and no maximum amount.

8. Can I pay only a portion of the total amount I owe?

No, at this time it is not possible to pay for only a portion of your fines or fees online. You must pay the entire amount. For additional payment options, please contact the library directly.

9. Will I get a receipt after paying online?

At this time, the system does not send an email or print a receipt when paying online. If you want a receipt after making the payment, print or save the page that is displayed after making the payment. If you would like to confirm that your payment has been successfully applied to your account, you can log into your library account at www.lclibrary.org, or you can contact the library directly.

10. I received a message that my transaction was declined? What should I do?

If you transaction was declined, you will need to contact your credit card institution directly to see why it was declined. The fees will remain on your account. It is possible that the failed transaction will leave a pending charge on your card. These pre-authorized charges normally clear withing 24 hours. If the failed charge remains beyond that time, contact your credit card issuer.

11. I cannot log into the SmartPay site. What should I do?

If you are unable to log into your account online, double check you are entering your library account number in its entirety, and that you are typing your PIN correctly. All library account numbers begin with 2115900 and end with 7 more unique numbers. If you have forgotten your password or tried to log in too many times incorrectly, please contact the library directly.

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1. How do I search for a book, DVD, audiobook?

We have made it easier than ever to search the library catalog. On the front page of the site, and on almost every other page on the site, there is a search box. The default option on the search box is the catalog search. Simply type in what you are looking for and pres enter. You can type in the name of the item, the author name, or movie or television name.

You can also click on the following link to go directly to the catalog to search.
Catalog Search

2. How do I find something on the new website?

The new site is very large, and has a lot of information. It can be very difficult to find what you are looking for. To solve this, we put a search box on every page on the site. Right next to the catalog search box, there is a button labeled "search the website'. Click on this button, then type in what you are looking for in the search box and press enter. The system will show you a list of results from the site that match your question.

3. Where are the databases?

The database page is still there! On every page, there is a graphic menu option labeled 'Online Resources'. Clicking on this link will take you directly to the databases page. You can also find the online database page by clicking on the 'learn' menu option at the top of the page.

4. What is Notify Me?

Notify Me is a new feature for the Library website. It allows you to subscribe to different areas of the website, and be notified when something new is added to the site. To get started, click on the Notify Me link on the site. Type in your email address in the box provided and then click on the mail or phone icon next to the lists you want to subscribe to. Once you verify your email address, you will start getting notifications. You can also subscribe to receive SMS messages.

5. How can I give feedback about the website?

If you have a question or problem with the website, you can contact the webmaster using the submit a request form. On every page, there is a link to the request form. On that page, click on the option for website feedback. Fill out the form, and submit it.

6. How do I find an event at the Library?

There are several ways to find an event that is going on at the Library. The fastest way is to search for the event using the 'search the website' search box on almost every page. You can also click on the view all option on the home page calendar. From that page, you can search for the event you are looking for, choose a event type (children's, teen, etc), or pick a date to narrow down the list.