MSU Authors Reception, youth holiday music program & more public forums come to Library
Even as the Amazon takeover continues, public spaces are proving to be important centers for culture, social interaction and various community forums. Our own Bozeman Public Library is one of these venues, offering more than a selection of spines, periodicals and movies to its many passholders. The Library also hosts a number of engaging events open to all. Here’s a look at what’s coming up.
International Film Night, Bozeman Library’s new monthly series, continues with Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel on Wednesday, December 4th. The film is Rated R and will begin at 6pm in the Community Room.
In the 1930s, the Grand Budapest Hotel is a popular European ski resort, presided over by concierge Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes). Zero, a junior lobby boy, becomes Gustave’s friend and protégé. Gustave prides himself on providing first-class service to the hotel’s guests, including satisfying the sexual needs of the many elderly women who stay there. When one of Gustave’s lovers dies mysteriously, Gustave finds himself the recipient of a priceless painting and the chief suspect in her murder.
The 15th Annual College of Letters and Science Holiday Authors Reception follows on Thursday, December 5th from 5:30–7:30pm in the Community Room. This fun and festive event celebrates recently published books by faculty authors in the college.
At 6:30pm, two faculty members from Writing Across MSU, Michael Reidy, professor of history in the Department of History and Philosophy, and Marc Mergy, an instructor of cell biology and neuroscience in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, will present “Writing the Range: Cultivating the Next Generation of Authors Across the Sciences and Humanities.” They will discuss how science students are learning to write for the public and humanities students are learning to read science as the public. This approach cultivates communication and learning in undergraduate education and prepares students for success in careers and graduate school. After the conversation, several participating students will present their projects about science and its impact on society. A complete list of featured books may be accessed through the Library website.
On Saturday, December 7th, the Library will host Holiday Music and Craft Activities in conjunction with the Christmas Stroll. Lovely harp and vocal music by Angela Esponosa and Maia Julianne Thielen can be enjoyed upstairs in the Library from 2–4pm, while children create homemade tree ornaments in the Children’s Room. Local choir and orchestra music begins in the large Community Room at 3pm until doors to the Library Lobby close at 7pm. Performances include students from Sacajawea Middle, Bozeman High, Whittier and Chief Joseph Middle schools. The Bookmobile will also be on Main Street beginning at 4:30pm. See website for additional details and set times.
Hopa Mountain’s 2019 Human Rights Day Conversation will take place the evening of Tuesday, December 10th. This annual day of recognition presents an opportunity to celebrate human rights, highlight specific issues and advocate for the full enjoyment of all human rights by everyone everywhere.
Following an introduction by Rabbi Ed Staffman at 6pm, Dr. Laura Burkle will present “Native Bees are Wildlife, Honey Bees are Livestock: Helping Native Bees Thrive for a Healthy Environment.” She is an Assistant Professor in MSU’s Ecology Department. EJ Porth, Communication and Outreach Director of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust, follows with “Human Rights and the Social Determinants of Health: Conservation and Trails.” Closing the event will be the Sacajawea Audubon Society’s Paulette Epple with “Landscaping for Birds: Invite Birds to Your Backyard.” She is an avid birder and serves as the Conservation Chair for Sac Audubon’s local chapter.
This event is free and open to the public, but donations of canned food or books for the Gallatin County Food Bank are greatly appreciated. See the Hopa Mountain website for a detailed breakdown of speaker slots.
The public is invited to take part in the next Wonderlust Friday Forum, set for December 13th in the Community Room. “The Importance of Giving” with Heather Grenier, President and CEO of the Human Resource Development Council, will unfold from noon–1:30pm.
Grenier will present an overview of HRDC community programs and how every individual can help. She will discuss finances, the many partners who help HRDC pursue its mission over a four county region, how HRDC identifies community needs and sets priorities, what projects are on the horizon, and the challenges facing the areas biggest social service agency in a time of growing population, expanding service demand, and financial uncertainty. She looks forward to a lively Q&A.
The monthly speaker series is sponsored by MSU Wonderlust, a nonprofit organization affiliated with Montana State University’s Extended University and hosted by the Library. It is open to the public. There is no fee to attend or registration needed. For more information, please visit http://montana.edu/wonderlust.
Located at 626 E Main St., Bozeman Public Library creates opportunities that inspire curiosity, exploration and connection. For more information about other library happenings, please visit www.bozemanlibrary.org. •