Montana Prison News began publication in 1962 and ended at an unknown date. Issues were digitized by the Montana State Library after a commission by the Internet Archive (archive.org).

An introductory essay in an issue from 1972 provided some background on the publication: "The M.P. News is published monthly by the convicts of Montana State Prison at Deer Lodge, Montana with the permission of the Warden, Prison Administration and the Board of Institutions. The purpose is to permit the convicts the opportunity for self-expression; to provide a medium for discussion of their immediate and public problems; for the better understanding between convicts and the society; and lastly, to be, and tell it the way it is—constructively and informatively. The M.P. News does not, nor is it intended to reflect the views or opinions of the Board of Institutions of the Staff of the Montana State Prison."

In this zine, Public Collectors selected and published samples from the Montana Prison News that emphasize creativity in printing, type, prisoner writing, and page design.

Library Excavations is a project and publication series by Chicago's Public Collectors that highlights and activates physical materials found in public libraries. Library Excavations encourages intensive browsing of paper and print resources, particularly those that are under-utilized, or at risk of being withdrawn and discarded. During the COVID-19 pandemic, excavations have moved to the digital realm of public storage.

Published by Public Collectors, 2020
Printed in a limited edition of 500 copies

Softcover, saddle-stitched binding, 32 pages, full color offset, 5.5 × 8.5 inches