Shelf Life: 2024 Summer Learning Program starts soon at Missoula Public Library (2024)

Missoula Public Library Memorial Day closure

The library will be closed in honor of Memorial Day on May 27. Patrons can access their accounts at missoulapubliclibrary.org/ to renew materials and place holds.

Mental Health Matters: A NAMI Forum for Mental Health Awareness

The Missoula Public Library partners with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to raise awareness about mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month. On May 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Cooper Room A/B on Level Four the library will host a speaker on mental health as part of NAMI's "In Your Own Voices" presentations. The speaker will talk about aspects of mental illness and the impact of NAMI: fighting stigma, providing support, educating the public and advocating for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness.

Friday After School Meals at the Library

After School Meals are available at Missoula Public Library! MPL will serve meals to kiddos 18 and under, courtesy of the Missoula Food Bank & Community Center, every Friday in the Imaginarium on Level Two of the library from 2:30 to 5 p.m. The next After School Meal will be available on May 31. This service will run until June 7.

KFGM presents The FreeSessions

The FreeSessions is an improvised music and movement jam session to promote collaboration among creatives in Missoula. The aim is to cultivate a healthy musical ecosystem across genres and ages, through the encouragement of active listening among all participants and a full acceptance of all musicians. Every month a curator presents a new piece of music, concept, or improvisation for the first 30 minutes. KFGM Radio is proud to steward the gathering of local creative minds through the continuation of this program at Missoula Public Library. The next session is schedule for May 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Cooper Room A/B on Level Four of the library and is curated by Jay Bruns. Jay is an abstract audio/visual artist utilizing sound and video to create textural landscapes. FreeSessions was founded by Bill Kautz and Naomi Moon Siegel in 2017.

Adventure begins at your Library Summer Learning Program

This year’s Summer Learning Program at Missoula Public Library welcomes explorers of all ages to embark on an exciting journey of discovery, imagination and learning. This year’s theme, Adventure Begins at your Library, invites children, teens and adults alike to go on a quest for knowledge, creativity and fun. This summer we will have hands-on activities, engaging presentations and entertaining programs for everyone! Starting June 1, come to the library to pick up a printed reading log (for young readers) or Library BINGO card (for teens and adults) to get started on the 2024 reading challenge. For full Adventure Begins at Your Library Summer Learning Program details and programs, visit our website at: missoulapubliclibrary.org/summer-learning-program. The Summer Learning Program is made possible with support from The Foundation for Missoula Public Library.

English as a Second Language Class

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Missoula Public Library are happy to offer this free class to help those who need to learn English as a second language. On June 1 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Blackfoot Room on Level Four of the library join us for this entry level ESL class. This class is held every other Saturday.

Summer Learning Program Kick-Off with Kate DiCamillo

Kick off the Missoula Public Library’s Summer Learning program with New York Times best-selling children’s book author Kate DiCamillo. DiCamillo, winner of two Newbery Medals and former National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, will join us on June 1 from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Cooper Room A/B live via Zoom for a conversation about reading and writing with some of her well-loved characters such as Winn Dixie, Mercy Watson, Edward Tulane and many more. Pick up your summer reading log and start your summer reading adventure with Kate and friends at your library. The event will have craft activities for kids to do as well.

Soft Sculpture Workshop with OpenAIR Artist in Residence Genevieve Waller

On June 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the MakerSpace on Level One of the library learn about the history of soft sculpture, beginning with the artist Jann Haworth in the 1960s, and then embark on creating a sculptural work based on your own experiences and personal iconography. Bring sketches or photos of your favorite objects, and we will design and create them together. No previous sewing experience is required. This workshop is suitable for ages 16+. Registration is required at openairmt.org/events and will close 24 hours before the workshop begins.

Summer Learning Program: Altered Books for Everyone

Be adventurous and create something new! Pick out one or more of our MANY discarded books and turn them into art! Books, magazines and art materials provided, and you can bring your own. All ages welcome so X-Acto knives and hot-glue guns will not be available. This program is held on June 2 and July 14 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in Cooper Room A/B on Level Four of the library. Expect enthusiastic support, music, creativity and fun for all.