One Book Belgrade & Winter Reading Program 2022

One Book Belgrade, a community read series at the Belgrade Community Library, is a back for a series of events based around the historical fiction novel Ridgeline by bestselling and Montana author Michael Punke. Join the library in tie-in presentations related to the Bozeman Trail, Native American history, and weapons of the Gold Rush Era, as well as a book club and art event. The series concludes with a visit from the author Michal Punke on February 10th, moderated by Chrysti the Wordsmith.

1/13/2022 – The Bozeman Trail with Rachel Phillips

Rachel Phillips, Research Coordinator for the Gallatin Historical Society/Gallatin History Museum, will host a presentation and discussion on the history of the Bozeman Trail and share highlights from Journeys to the Land of Gold, diary entries from immigrants on the Bozeman Trail in the 1860s. Phillips discussions will also feature immigrants who settled in the Gallatin Valley during this time period. This Community presentation is part of the 2022 One Book Belgrade community read series.

This collaborative community event is free and open to the public, presented by OLLI at MSU and the Belgrade Community Library, sponsored by First Interstate Bank. Social hour and refreshments open at 5:30.

1/20/2022 – The Apsáalooke Nation and Homeland and the Bozeman Trail

Join Dr. Shane Doyle, Apsaálooke Scholar, as he presents on the effects of the Bozeman Trail on Native American history. In the summer of 1859, a 9-year-old boy named Plenty Coups fasted on Crazy Peak and dreamed about a storm of white immigrants who would someday come to the Apsáalooke homeland and change things forever. Elders recognized the prophetic nature of the vision, and a few short years later, the discovery of gold in Alder Gulch started a rush to what would become Virginia City, Montana. The Bozeman Trail was established, bringing to bear the young boy’s dream, and spurring his nation into steadfast action that would preserve their nation in the face of overwhelming forces and catastrophic loss.

This community presentation is part of the One Book Belgrade Community read series at the Belgrade Community Library.

1/27/2022 – 4th Thursday Book Club at the Belgrade Community Library

The Belgrade Community Library’s 4th Thursday Book Club will be discussing this year’s One Book Belgrade community read, Ridgeline by Michael Punke. Join in on a book discussion, opinion-sharing, refreshments, and lots of fun!

1/28/2022 – Kids Art Class at the Belgrade Community Library

The Bozeman Art Museum will lead kid’s art classes at the Belgrade Community Library during an early release Friday. Grades K-2 are scheduled for 1:00-2:30pm; Grades 3-6 are scheduled for 3:00-4:30pm. RSVP is required through the library’s website at http://www.belgradelibrary.org/art-class/

This class will tie in with the Kids Winter Reading program and relate to the One Book Belgrade community read.

2/03/2022 – Weapons of the Gold Rush

Museum of the Rockies curator David Swingle will present on Gold Rush and Indian War era weaponry. Attendees will learn about the rapid changes in technology on both sides of the battlefield as well as feel the heft of the weapons used in these wars through MOR’s collection of pre-1898 and replica black powder firearms as well as bows, arrows, and quivers from MOR’s teaching collection.

This community presentation is part of the One Book Belgrade Community read series at the Belgrade Community Library.

2/10/2022 – A Night with Michael Punke

Michael Punke, New York Times best-selling author, will present and answer questions on his new novel, Ridgeline. In 1866, on the heels of the Civil War, Ridgeline takes place during the new war and the clash of cultures on the western frontier. Michael Punke brings the same immersive, vivid storytelling and historical insight that made his breakthrough debut so memorable. As Ridgeline builds to its epic conclusion, it grapples with essential questions of conquest and justice that still echo today. (Amazon)

Ridgeline is featured as the 2022 One Book Belgrade community read series, which offers events based on the themes and histories in the novel. Punke will be available for a book signing.

This collaborative community event is free and open to the public, presented by OLLI at MSU and the Belgrade Community Library, sponsored by First Interstate Bank. Chrysti the Wordsmith will moderate the event. Social hour and refreshments will open at 5:30 pm.