Are you a Vietnam veteran? Or do you know one? If so, would you be interested in sharing your story? If so, the Missoula Public Library wants to hear from you.
In conjunction with the Big Read, MPL plans to record interviews with Vietnam veterans about their experiences during the war. These stories will then be compiled onto audio CDs, which will be available for library patrons to check out and listen to.
If you’re a Vietnam veteran and you’re interested in sharing your story, please give MPL’s reference desk a call at 721-BOOK (2665) to figure out an interview time that works best.
Valor House hosts Big Read book discussion
As part of the Big Read, Missoula’s Valor House – a longterm transitional housing program for veterans – is hosting a book discussion open to the public on the Big Read book “The Things They Carried” starting at noon Thursday at the Valor House, 2820 Great Northern Ave. Call 721-BOOK (2665) for more information.
Other Big Read events this week
- “How to Tell a War Story,” with Author David Abrams on Friday from 7-9 p.m. at Missoula Art Museum – 335 N. Pattee St. Iraq War veteran and novelist David Abrams talks about how and why he turned his combat experience into fiction and what that means for our larger perception of this 21st century conflict. The talk also touches on how war stories are part of the healing process for wounded warriors.
- Dance at Top Hat, Saturday, 4-5 p.m., Top Hat Lounge – 134 W. Front St. The Rocky Mountain Ballet Theater has traveled through Europe and China bringing the serenity of dance to many audiences. Enjoy this performance of two pieces from their repertoire.
- For a full list of Big Read events occurring throughout October visit readmissoula.org.
Instructables build nights
MPL’s MakerSpace will be hosting two Instructables build nights during the month of October.
Participants will be working to modify the Virtual Reality Cardboard Toolkits by DODOCase (tinyurl.com/qc3wdk8 for more info).
The first build night is scheduled for Tuesday 1-5 p.m. but may extend until MPL closes. The second build night is scheduled as part of Make-It Monday on Oct. 27, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
These build nights will be open to six participants and online registration is required. Visit tinyurl.com/mplmakers to sign up for these classes.
We Have It: Staff Reviews
“Angelfall” by Susan Ee, Amazon Children’s Publishing, 2012; call number Y EE
I was hesitant to give this book a try even after it had been highly recommended to me. But I am so glad I did. Seventeen-year-old Penryn has found herself in the midst of the apocalypse after angels descended to the Earth six weeks earlier and destroyed life as she knew it.
When her little sister is taken by angels, Penryn will do anything she can to rescue her sister even if it means becoming allies with one of the enemy.
Her ally is Raffe, an angel who she rescued after his wings were cut off by fellow angels. With their uneasy alliance, they head toward the angels’ headquarters in search of Penryn’s sister and someone who can fix Raffe’s wings. The story starts off with a bang and doesn’t stop until the end, which just left me wanting more. This is the first of a planned five book series, so there will be much more of Penryn and Raffe to come.
Reviewed by Lyndy Bartlett
Hot Happenings
Here’s a sampling of some of the great free programs coming up at Missoula Public Library. Check our full events calendar at missoulapubliclibrary.org.
MakerSpace events:
- LED Bike Light Construction, Wednesday.
The bike light class is free, and supplies will be provided – but there is a $7 parts fee that will be required. A list of materials will be provided if participants should decide to pre-purchase parts and use the space to build the lights.
To register for these MakerSpace classes visit tinyurl.com/mplmakers.
Computer classes:
- Excel, Wednesday, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
- Intro to Email, Wednesday, 6-7 p.m.
Ensure a spot in the computer classes by calling 721-BOOK (2665) to sign up.
The Missoula Public Library will be closed on Monday for Columbus Day. It will reopen at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
