Library Events
Learn about events for students, faculty, staff, and community members. For Bobcats and non-Bobcats alike, the MSU Library is YOUR library.
Upcoming Library Events
MSU Library Open House - Read Across America
January 12, 2026, 3 - 6 p.m.
MSU Library
As the United States approaches its semiquincentennial, MSU Library has been reflecting on the rich voices that have shaped and reflected American life. In that spirit, we have chosen “Read Across America” as the theme for the 2026 Open House.
MSU Library invites faculty, staff, graduate students, and community members on a literary road trip through the United States during this year’s annual Open House. The free event takes place from 3-6 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the MSU Library.
From indigenous traditions to immigrant experiences, from rural outposts to urban cityscapes, from journeys by bus, train, car, and foot, MSU Library and its open house partners invite you to explore the many stories, people, places, and journeys that span our vast country. Click here for full details.
MSU Library Knowledge-Connecting Events
February and March, 2026
This spring semester, MSU Library invites students, staff, faculty, and community members to two knowledge-connecting events, the Douglass Day Transcribe-a-thon and the Wikipedia Edit-a-thon. These events, dedicated to inquiry and transparency, empower participants to improve access to information. Crowdsourcing events like these encourage everyone to play a role in the creation, curation, and dissemination of knowledge.
The Douglass Day Transcribe-a-thon takes place on February 17-20, 2026. Part of the library's Informed Citizenry Initiative, the transcribe-a-thon honors author, abolitionist, and civil rights champion Frederick Douglass. The event is centered around crowdsourced transcription of Library of Congress collections and also includes music, speakers, and voter registration.
The Wikipedia Edit-a-thon: How Montana was Made takes place on March 3, 2026. Featured speakers, including students, will share perspectives on how Montana came to be and what it is today. Wikipedia experts will provide tutorials. Participants will improve Wikipedia entries by reviewing source material, adding citations, correcting errors, and highlighting underrepresented voices and viewpoints. Click here to find out more.
Trout Lecture Featuring Nick Lyons
April 28, 2026, 7 p.m.
Inspiration Hall, Norm Asborjnson Hall, MSU campus
Nick Lyons, angler, writer, and founder of Lyons Press, will speak at Montana State University Library’s 2026 Trout Lecture. The free event, titled “Evolution of a Fly Fisherman,” takes place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, in Inspiration Hall in MSU’s Norm Asbjornson Hall. A reception will follow. Full information and a registration link will be posted here as it becomes available.
Through the annual Trout Lecture, the library strives to speak to all aspects of trout and salmonids and to represent the diversity of angling culture. Thanks to contributions from generous donors, this event is free and open to the public.
For information on the MSU Library’s Trout and Salmonid Collection, visit https://www.lib.montana.edu/archives/trout-salmonid.html, or contact Trout and Salmonid Librarian James Thull, jjthull@montana.edu, 406-994-5305.
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Contact MSU Library Events and Communications Manager, Ann Vinciguerra
(406-994-3119; ann.vinciguerra@montana.edu), to find out more about upcoming events
ONGOING EVENTS
Library Workshops
Throughout the year, the library holds free workshops for students and staff. Topics include citation managers, computer applications, and more. Reservations are encouraged (sometimes required) and help a lot with planning. To find out full details and to register, please visit the Library Workshops calendar.
Friends of MSU Library Book Group
Reading need not be a solitary activity. The Friends Book Group invites everyone to join them for their monthly book discussions. A variety of fiction and nonfiction is read each year and membership is casual - you're free to come to the discussions that interest you as your time allows. Visit this link to discover which books made the 2024-2025 reading list.
Annual Events
Click here to find out about library events taking place each year.