Events

We have lots of fun and engaging programs happening for the NEA Big Read throughout Missoula County. All events are at Missoula Public Library unless otherwise indicated in the descriptions below. Book discussions can be found here

Fri, Sept 8, 6–8pm
Level One

NEA Big Read Launch Party

As part of Montana Book Festival activities, get your copy of The Cold Millions and enjoy snacks, specialty drinks by Bamboo Bar, live music by Wailing Aaron Jennings, and an old-time photo booth! Drinks and snacks provided by the Friends of the Missoula Public Library.

For more details, please visit our online calendar

Fri, Sept 8, 6–8pm
Level One
Fri, Sept, 8 through Wed, Oct 11
Level One

Food Drive

In recognition of the themes of hardship and economic inequality in The Cold Millions, MPL will be holding a food drive throughout the Big Read to support the Missoula Food Bank. Donate food and get an entry to win an MPL Big Read gift basket!

Fri, Sept, 8 through Wed, Oct 11
Level One
Tues, Sept 12, 2–3pm
Cooper Room

Memory Café: Rail Tales & Travel

All Aboard! Let’s travel the rails together in solidarity with this year’s NEA Big Read book The Cold Millions by Jess Walter. We’ll share memories, experiences, and activities all about trains.

Tues, Sept 12, 2–3pm
Cooper Room
Sat, Sept 16, 2–3pm
Cooper Room

It All Began in Missoula! Frank Little, Father of the Western Free Speech Fight

Jane Little Botkin, author of the award-winning biography Frank Little and the IWW: The Blood That Stained an American Family, will discuss details of the first recognized western free speech fight, held in Missoula, Sept. 28, 1909, through Oct. 8, 1909.

For more details, please visit our online calendar

Sat, Sept 16, 2–3pm
Cooper Room
Wed, Sept 20, 5:30–7:30pm
Cooper Room

Author Event with Jess Walter

Missoula County Commissioner Josh Slotnick welcomes author Jess Walter for a lively presentation, discussion, and Q&A.

*This program will be recorded and live streamed on MCAT’s Facebook, and will be available there to watch later.

Wed, Sept 20, 5:30–7:30pm
Cooper Room
Thur, Sept 21, 5:30–7:30pm
Seeley Lake Community Foundation Building, 3150 MT Hwy 83 N, Seeley Lake, MT 59868

An Evening with Author Jess Walter in Seeley Lake

Missoula County Commissioner Juanita Vero welcomes author Jess Walter for a lively presentation, discussion, and Q&A.

Thur, Sept 21, 5:30–7:30pm
Seeley Lake Community Foundation Building, 3150 MT Hwy 83 N, Seeley Lake, MT 59868
Fri, Sept 22, 10:30am and Sat, Sept 23, 10:30am
Art Box

Story Time – Special NEA Big Read Edition

Join us for a special Story Time related to the themes of The Cold Millions.

Fri, Sept 22, 10:30am and Sat, Sept 23, 10:30am
Art Box
Sat, Sept 23, 12pm–1pm
Imaginarium

Kid Gloves and Brass Knuckles: The Life of Nancy Cooper Russell with Mary Jane Bradbury

The story of Nancy Cooper Russell will be brought to life in this all-ages interactive program.

For more details, please visit our online calendar

Sat, Sept 23, 12pm–1pm
Imaginarium
Mon, Sept 25, 6–7:30pm
Cooper Room

A History of Organized Labor in Montana with State Archivist Rich Aarstad

Join Rich Aarstad, State Archivist at the Montana Historical Society, for this presentation and discussion of the long and robust organized labor union history in Montana. Rich’s BA and MA in History from the University of Montana, long-time Union membership, and knowledge of local lore make him an expert on the topic. This event is presented in partnership with the Montana Historical Society.

*This program will be recorded and live streamed on MCAT’s Facebook, and will be available there to watch later.

Mon, Sept 25, 6–7:30pm
Cooper Room
Sat, Sept 30, 2–4:30pm
Cooper Room

Saturday Matinee: Disney’s Newsies

In honor of the tramps and newsboys featured in The Cold Millions, join us for a matinee showing of Disney’s 1992 historical musical, Newsies.

Sat, Sept 30, 2–4:30pm
Cooper Room
Tues, Oct 3, 6:30–7:30pm
Cooper Room A

Stolen: If They Haven’t Come for Yours, They Will with Chris La Tray

Using the lens of experience of the Little Shell Tribe, La Tray will draw parallels between their history and current events unfolding with a broader reach in communities across the country.

*This program will be recorded and live streamed on MCAT’s Facebook, and will be available there to watch later.

For more details, please visit our online calendar

Tues, Oct 3, 6:30–7:30pm
Cooper Room A
Wed, Oct 11, 6-8pm
Cooper Room

NEA Big Read Closing Party

The last event of our month of Big Read programming!  Celebrate The Cold Millions, Montana history, and local music, with the team from the Death in the West podcast, and singer-songwriter Dylan Running Crane.  Drinks and snacks provided by the Friends of the Missoula Public Library. 

For more details, please visit our online calendar

Wed, Oct 11, 6-8pm
Cooper Room

But Wait, There's More!

We found many other activities in our area related to themes from The Cold Millions. Visit these on-land and on-line locations of interest for more free or low-cost fun.

Free Speech Corner – Northwest corner of N. Higgins Ave. and W. Front St. in Missoula

Walking Tour of The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula – 3400 Captain Rawn Way in Missoula

Unseen Missoula: Historic Downtown Guided Walking Tours – click the link to view locations and ticket details

Montana Museum of Work History – 7655 Hwy. 10 W. in Missoula

Montana History Portal

New Songs for the Butte Mining Camp music project

The Murder of Frank Little Tour  

4HistoryBuffs: Western Montana Restricted Districts with Sophia Etier