Montana Festival of the Book

Hey all you book lovers out there - you won't want to miss the Montana Festival of the Book with author readings, writing workshops, book discussions, and more. The Festival is a project sponsored by Humanities Montana. Get a complete schedule online, and make sure to come by the library for the programs we're offering here (they're all free!):

Altered Books. Create an art object from old books on Friday, Oct. 23, at 2:30 p.m. For ages 13 and older.

Invent Your Own Action Figure. If you were an action figure, who or what would you be? For children, teachers, teens, and paper doll enthusiasts of all ages on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m.

One Book Montana community discussion. A discussion of "The Surrounded," this year's One Book Montana title, with Dorothea Susag on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m.

Kids' Writing Workshop. Some day you may be an author featured at the Festival - practice now. Creative writing exercises for grades 4-6. Saturday, Oct. 24, at 2:30 p.m.

Celebrity Poetry Reading

Missoula Public Library provided space for several events of this year's Montana Festival of the Book. The large meeting room was home to a poetry reading which featured some well-known names.

First up was Montana's Poet Laureate, Greg Pape.

Then Senator Jon Tester read a favorite of his about the farming life.

Missoula's Mayor John Engen then explained how hard it was to find an appropriate poem to read, eventually offering one about politics.

A good time was had by the full room's attendees, judging by the laughter and applause that echoed around downstairs.