Lifelong Learning Digest

This is the Lifelong Learning Digest, an email newsletter about lifelong learning opportunities from the Montana State Library. 

You can find an archive of all MSL newsletters, announcements, and press releases at the MSL News Webpage

In this Issue:

Applications are open for the 2025 Literacy Awards

Virtual Programming - January 16th

Lifelong Learning - 2024 programming in review

Applications are open for the 2025 Literacy Awards

The Montana Center for the Book, a program of Humanities Montana and the state affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, announces that applications are open for the 2025 Literacy Awards. Applications are being accepted from Jan. 7 to Feb. 18.

Library of Congress Accepting Applications for the 2025 Literacy Awards

The mission of the Montana Center for the Book is to promote awareness of books, writing, reading, the book arts, publishing, and literacy in Montana. Visit the Montana Center for the Book webpage for ongoing opportunities such as this.

Virtual Programming - January 16th

Event Description: 

This program trains interested participants on how to interview, collect and archive oral histories in their communities. Candi Zion who is the author of “Winifred Oral History Project”, “In Between People: The Metis of Central Montana” and “Walkin’ Down the Middle: The Hi-Line Metis”, teaches program attendees to how to conduct interviews in their communities, for future generations. From picking subject matter, finding interviewees, knowing the correct questions to ask, and transcribing interviews, Preserving Montana’s Oral Histories and Traditions looks to give community members across Montana the tools and confidence to preserve their local history.

Register to attend this program.

Are you considering this program for a watch party at your library? Contact Bobbi deMontigny for printable bookmarks, posters and an invitation to cohost!  

Lifelong Learning - 2024 Programming in Review

These are all things that happened in the last year! Do you have staff or coworkers who should know when we are looking for libraries to participate in projects like these? Ask them to subscribe to Lifelong Learning news so they will be in the know the next time we reach out! 

Virtual Programs in 2024

Visit the Virtual Programming page on the MSL Website for current schedules and previous years.

Click the titles below to view program recordings. 

January - A Taste of Indigenous Foods with Mariah Gladstone, Indigikitchen - (Not Recorded - per contract)

February - Lentil Underground

March - Montana Local Government Voter Review

April - Rockhounding with Neil Maier, Hellgate Mineral Society

September - Poet Laureate Chris La Tray

October - Bat Week Celebration

November - Who Are All the Newcomers?

December - Rural Montana Connect To Thrive

Blood Pressure Cuffs in Libraries

Teen Lead initiatives, Democracy Project and Building teen Audience Programs:

These award winning projects were completed in libraries with funding from Humanities Montana. Learn how to get involved.

Website addressing teen mental health - Lewis and Clark Library

Traffic Safety - Conrad Public Library

Anti-Bullying Campaign - Columbia Falls High School

Park Revitalization and Connection to Dakota/Nakoda Culture - Roosevelt County Library

Fundraising for Greenspace - Bozeman Public Library

Voter Registration Drive - Miles City Public library

School Library Revitalization - Circle Montana

Weight Room Refresh and Healthy Snacks - Wibaux High School

Read more about each of these projects on the Humanities Montana Website.

Pictured: Lori Smoker - Former Library Director, James E Shanley Tribal College Library, Fort Peck Community College, Poplar, MT

Alia Hanson - Teacher Librarian, Columbia Falls High School

Humanities Montana staff including Jennifer Bevill, John Knight, and board chair, Esther Beth Sullivan

Two Virtual Trunks

See the Lifelong Learning Dashboard to for data on interactions with our first virtual trunks. Click on the titles below to explore them yourself.

Montana history Portal Lego Challenge

Bat Trunk

Click to edit this heading.

Creative Aging Programs

These classes directed toward seniors in rural communities were made possible by a partnership with the Montana Arts Council and Lifetime Arts. 

Medicine Spring Library, Browning - Photography classes culminating with an exhibit of framed work

Rosebud County Library, Forsyth - Clay classes - culminating with an art exhibit

Lincoln County Library, Eureka - Fiber arts classes culminating with an art show

Havre-Hill Library, Havre - Poetry classes culminating in a printed anthology

Glasgow City-County Library, Glasgow - Writing classes culminating with a public reading

Summer Reading Theme - Adventure Begins at Your Library  Pre-summer brainstorming with libraries One fall check-in discussion

Blood Pressure Cuffs in Libraries

In partnership with DPHHS we promote health literacy with Blood Pressure Kits at the following libraries:

Choteau County Library

Harlowton Public library

North Valley Public Library

Belgrade Community Library

Glacier County Library

Financial Literacy

In partnership with RDI Financial Wellness and the Montana Cooperative Development Corporation (MCDC), we held workshops at:

Great Falls Public Library

Sidney County Library

Miles City Public Library

Medicine Springs Library

Frenchtown Library

Bitterroot Hamilton Library

The Montana State Library provides lifelong learning support to all Montanans through a combination of librarian professional development and training, program development, and meaningful partnerships.

Learn more on the Lifelong Learning webpage on the MSL Website.