September at the Library

Art @ the Library

In September, the Great Falls Public Library will host an exhibit of library staff creations. These will include paintings, quilts, photography, needlepoint and more.

 

Smartest Card Ever

What's the "smartest card" in your wallet?
It's not your credit card -- it's your library card!
In September, the library kicks off its Smartest Card campaign, an effort to encourage everyone to get and use a library card, and the library.

Is there anything more American, more magical, more empowering than a library card? A library card is more than an ID. It is a symbol of what the library offers, what it represents in our democracy, and its value in the community.

There's always a lot happening at the Great Falls Public Library. Everyone who visits the library has a chance to partake not only of traditional library services, but also a great variety of other services including a wide variety of databases, Internet usage, Wi-Fi access, diverse programming, including music, plays, films and art exhibits to name a few. Get your card today!

Friends of the Great Falls Public Library
Thursday, September 9, 5:30 p.m.
Director's Office

Friends of the Library is a voluntary organization that values, supports and champions the public library in ways that can include but are not limited to advocacy, sponsorship, and organizing special events and projects. Those who join can be either active or support members. This meeting is open to all Friends members and anyone interested in supporting the library. These meetings are essential for discussing past projects and planning new projects for the next quarter. Ideas are welcome.

 

Foreign and Independent Film Series Sixth Season begins September 1
Films will be shown each month on the first Wednesday and the following Saturday. The series, which runs September through May, is free and open to the public. Be forewarned, some films may contain strong language or adult situations. They are not rated by MPAA but in our brochures we have tried to indicate content. Brochures are available at the library.
Mine Wednesday, September 1, 7:00 p.m. Saturday, September 4, 2:00 p.m.
The first film of this year's series is the documentary Mine. This "must-see" documentary about the essential bond between humans and animals is set against the backdrop of Hurricane Katrina's aftermath. Following New Orleans residents attempting to reunite with their pets who have been adopted by families all over the country, this meditation on race, class, and the power of compassion examines how we treat animals as an extension of how we view and treat each other. The featured short is The Life of a Dog
For more information call Jude Smith at 453-0349. This series is sponsored by the Great Falls Public Library Foundation.

 

Meet the Candidates
Thursday, September 23, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Cordingley Room

The Great Falls Public Library is co-sponsoring a political forum this month. Participants include sheriff candidates Bob Edwards and Glen Stinar, and Cascade County Commissioner candidates Johnny Walker and Joe Briggs. Gary Moseman, Managing Editor for the Great Falls Tribune, will be the forum's moderator.

Questions are encouraged from the audience. Only written questions will be accepted. People are encouraged to bring pre-written questions; paper and pens will be available also. All questions will be submitted to the forum moderator for presentation to the candidates.

This event is also sponsored by the Great Falls Tribune, and
Neighborhood Councils 7 and 8.

Celebrate Your Freedom to Read
Banned Book Week @ the Library
September 26 - October 2

Banned Books Week 2010 is the 29th annual celebration of the freedom to read. This freedom includes not only choosing what we read, but the right to select from a full array of possibilities. Banned Books Week reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. The Great Falls Public Library invites everyone in the community to join in this celebration.

Stop into the library during this week to view a display of books that have been banned or threatened throughout our history. These include works ranging from the Bible to John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.

Each year, the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom receives hundreds of reports on books and other materials that were challenged (their removal from school or library shelves was requested). The ALA estimates the number represents only about a quarter of the actual challenges. "Most Challenged" titles include the popular Harry Potter series of fantasy books for children by J.K. Rowling.

Banned Book Week Events

The Great Falls Public Library in conjunction with the University of Great Falls will be hosting a variety of Banned Book Week events to acknowledge
and celebrate living in a free society.

Cook Books Bonfire
Sept. 25, Saturday, Sept. 25, 7:00 p.m.
UGF Campus
We grill up anything that fits between two covers
(think burgers, s'mores, etc.)

Weighing Literary Value Against Challenges
Sept. 30, Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Great Falls Public Library
Discussion of Montana author James Welch's banned book, Fool's Crow as a focus to assess how to weigh a book's merits against complaints. The panel includes GFPL Director Kathy Mora, GFHS Librarian BJ McCracken, Home Schoolers Lisa Hardiman and her son Nate, and an as yet TBA English teacher. Kay Silk moderates.

Banned Books in Public Schools
Oct. 1, Friday, 7:00 p.m.
UGF Absolon Lounge
A panel discussion of UGF, Absolon Lounge issues surrounding
book challenges & bans in public schools.

Banned Books from a Legal Perspective
Oct. 1, Friday, 8:00 p.m.
UGF Absolon Lounge
Panel discussion of book-ban legal matters including constitutional
challenges and Montana's latest legislation attempts.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Oct. 2, Saturday, 2 p.m.
Great Falls Public Library
A showing of the movie based on the book, which
has been challenged almost 20 times in the USA alone.

Read Out!
Oct. 2, Saturday, 7:00 p.m.
Hastings
Local celebrities and notables read selections from their favorite banned books

All Week Long UGF volunteers visit local schools to read to students.
Raffles! Each event you attend enters your name to win free banned books.