annual event collage
In order to help reach its strategic plan goals, the MSU Library holds numerous events for educational and outreach purposes. Below is a list of annual events. To see a list of current events, please visit the News and Events page of the website. 

Paws to Destress collagePaws to De-Stress

During Dead Week and Finals Week each semester, MSU Library partners with Intermountain Therapy Animals to bring therapy dogs to the library. Students are encouraged to take moment to relax and de-stress with these animals, so they can finish the semester with renewed vigor. 

New Student Orientation Activities

Each summer the library participates in three new-student orientations hosted by MSU Office of Admissions. For over a decade, MSU Library has been serving root beer floats to students.

Catapalooza

Catapalooza, a two-day festival held at the beginning of the fall semester, welcomes new and returning students to MSU. Organized by MSU Office of Student Engagement, the event draws over 2,500 students and parents. Campus departments, community organizations, and local businesses have booths at the event featuring information, entertainment, food, giveaways, and activities. 

Library Open House
open house photo

Each year, in conjunction with Spring Convocation activities, MSU Library holds its annual Open House. It’s a chance to showcase library resources and services, and to bring in university partners to share information about their programs and services. A theme based on a classic work of literature is selected and food, décor, activities, music, and door prizes are based on this theme. 

Trout and Salmonid Lecture Series

MSU Library sponsors an annual Trout and Salmonid Lecture which is free and open to the public. We strive to represent the diversity of angling and select presenters that speak to all aspects of trout and salmonid culture. Past speakers have included author Thomas McGuane, television personality Jeremy Wade, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Martha Williams. 

auction photoFriends of MSU Library Events

The Friends of MSU Library holds both fundraising and “friend-raising” events throughout the year. Past events have included author readings, gala dinners, panel discussions and the popular Distinctive Dialogues series. 

Events with University Partners

MSU Library partners with departments throughout the university. Examples of past partnerships include the Bobcat Fever Ice Cream Social with ASMSU during the student government election, the IT Services Tech Expo, the Family and Graduate Housing Welcome Party, and numerous events with the Writing Center.

Events with Community Partners

The MSU Library is proud to collaborate with off-campus partners to bring MSU Library into the local community. Pastbanned books trivia partners include Bozeman Public Library, Country Bookshelf, Gallatin History Musuem, and many others. Popular collaborations include Banned Books Week events, This House of Sky 40th anniversary event at the Country bookshelf in 2018, poetry readings with Bozeman Public Library, One Book One Bozeman, the Doig Days of Summer in Dupuyer, Montana and many others.