Lincoln Library hosting activities as part of the NEA Big Read

For 13 years, the Lewis & Clark Library has participated in the NEA Big Read, and the Lincoln Branch is taking part again this year by hosting several events throughout the month, in conjunction with this year's book, "Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren.

The Lewis & Clark Library received a $15,000 grant to host the Big Read in Lewis & Clark County and is one of 78 nonprofit organizations to receive an NEA Big Read grant to host a community reading program between September 2019 and June 2020.

STEAM activities are planned for Fridays at 4 p.m. through the month. Each week will feature a different kind of science/tech activity to explore and take home.

A "Nature Journaling Class" is slated for Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 4-6 p.m. "Nature Journaling" is the practice of drawing or writing in response to observations of nature. The class will start indoors at the Lincoln Library with a discussion on how to do nature journaling in the crisper months in Montana. Then, weather depending, participants will go outside and explore the possibilities with their journals and art supplies. The library will supply the snacks & journaling materials and all ages and artistic abilities are welcome.

A Native Plant Walk, led by Klara Varga, a wildlife technician at the Forest Service and professional botanist for more than 20 years, is set for Saturday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. The walk is free of charge and expected to last about two to three hours, returning to the library by 1 p.m. Varga will lead a leisurely plant walk and the types of plants discussed will depend on what plants are actually still recognizable at that time of year. "It will be a fun walk where people will learn and have a good time and have the opportunity to ask questions about the plants they see." she said.

People interested in participating can meet at the library at 10 a.m. From there they will either walk or carpool to the designated walking area. All ages are welcome, however children ages 10 and younger must be accompanied and supervised by an adult during the walk. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and are welcome to bring a snack.

To finish out the Big Read here in Lincoln, Varga will also assist with a tree planting just prior to the final book discussion on Monday, Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. at the library. "If you want to know why we're planting a tree, read the book!" Varga joked.

An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read broadens the understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. Big Read activities this year are taking place throughout the month of October.

To get your free copy of "Lab Girl" and participate in the Big Read, please stop by the library. If you would like more information about these events and other library activities, please contact the library at 406-362-4300 or visit the website at https://www.lclibrary.org/145/Lincoln.