FOCUS
a newsletter of the Montana Library Association
[April 2022 Vol. 41 Issue 2]
- IN THIS ISSUE -
President’s Message - Hear from MLA President Kit Stephenson
Executive Director's Message - Hear from Executive Director Kirk Vriesman
Editor’s Message - Treat Yourself (Well, Kindly, Patiently)
MLA News
MLA Intellectual Freedom Committee Openings
Articles
A Tribute to Jackie Strandell
2021 Montana Book Award Winners
Montana State Library Recognizes Librarian Honore Bray
Programs, Promotions & Projects
MSL Virtual Programming Series: Mark Gibbons
MLA Spring Board Meeting and MLA Annual Membership Meeting
Montana Book Award Accepting Nominations for New Committee Member
Marginalia
Amazon Smile Donations
Submissions open for June issue of FOCUS
- MLA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE -
Kit Stephenson's Update
Spring in Montana
Since this is my last message in FOCUS as President of MLA, I thought I would send some thoughts along about the past busy year that is soon to come to an end. It has been such a wild year! Thank you for supporting me. I hope to continue being involved in MLA for years to come. It is such a treasure for all our libraries. I did hope to accomplish a few things that did not see the light of day such as a new logo, more robust communication for our association’s members, and to travel to more Montana libraries in order to say hi.
However, a lot was accomplished. We sadly said goodbye to our long time Executive Director, Debbi Kramer and hired a new Executive Director, Kirk Vriesman. Thank you for the assistance in hiring goes to our team: Elizabeth Jonkel, Angela Archuleta, Lisa Mecklenburg Jackson and Kelly Reisig. They helped me make a difficult choice. Luckily, we got a keeper. Kirk has been great! He’s learning things on the go – day by day - there always seems to be something new that he has to wrap his head around and he does it enthusiastically and with good humor.
We are also in the midst of seeing a threat to the First Amendment around Montana. I am so grateful that we are working with EveryLibrary to help communities understand how they can support their libraries as well as defend everybody’s freedom to read. John Chrastka, the Executive Director of EveryLibrary, will attend MLA’s Annual Meeting on Monday, April 4th for more updates about our partnership. Please attend to learn more.
The Montana library community has also had to say some difficult goodbyes to some stellar directors. The first to come to mind are Honore Bray, Connie Behe and Interim Director, Martha Furman. Each of these amazing women made such a difference in their communities and will be life-long Montana library supporters and mentors in my mind. I look forward to meeting their successors, Slaven Lee in Missoula and Ashley Cummins in Kalispell at ImagineIf Libraries.
Lastly, we are busy planning for the tri-conference that will take place in Missoula from Aug. 3 through Aug. 6. Pacific Northwest Library Association and Mountains and Plains Library Association are joining MLA to put on a conference to remember! We are currently going through submissions for workshops and I am very excited about what I am seeing so far. I hope most of you can make it. It will be MLA’s first in-person event since the beginning of the pandemic and it will be so nice to connect.
All in all, the year has felt like spring in Montana. A little up and down, but mostly glorious. I am looking forward to the new year with Angela Archuleta as president (kind of like I am looking forward to summer). It will be great to have a school librarian in place and she will work hard for MLA and all libraries in Montana.
Thanks again for all your support. It has been a privilege serving and there have been lots of learning moments.
Best,
Kit Stephenson
MLA President
Assistant Director, Bozeman Public Library
[ Kit Stephenson can be reached at Kstephenson@bozeman.net ]
What is the President reading?
Currently, I am reading my husband’s new book! He wrote it during the pandemic because as an out of work musician, what else could he do?
It’s not published yet, but I’ll let you all know when it is. It’s some pretty funny, thought-provoking flash fiction. From years of scribbling in journals, these stories are now neatly in print for all to read!
Working title: Uncustomary Behavior Author: Russ Chapman
(photo from cliparting.com)
- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE -
From Executive Director Kirk Vriesman
Greetings MLA Members –
Preparations for this year’s Tri-Conference with PNLA and MPLA are well underway! The session schedule is nearly complete and includes workshops at the Downtown Holiday Inn Missoula and the new Missoula Public Library, just two blocks away. Speakers will be traveling from Canada and 15 US states (including Alaska) to share their presentations. A new aspect of this year’s conference is the use of the event app Whova for many conference needs. Attendees will be able to check program schedules, view speaker bios, network with other attendees, and post messages on a community board for all conference goers. Conference registration for attendees opens on or after May, 3rd 2022. I encourage any & all MLA members who are able to attend this unique event happening August 3-6 in Missoula. Not to be missed!
The MLA Government Affairs Committee has been active in preparing for the 2023 State Legislative Session. The committee is co-chaired by Rachel Rawn (Havre-Hill County Library) and Allissa Wolenetz (Lewistown Public Library). Working with our MLA lobbyist in Helena, the committee has authored drafts of 4 resolutions on issues that could impact Montana libraries as the next legislative session approaches. These resolutions address intellectual freedom and first amendment rights, the importance of library boards, the importance of school and academic libraries and librarians, and the need for equitable access to broadband internet for all Montanans. Please attend the 2022 MLA Annual Membership meeting on April 4th at 1:00pm to review the resolutions and voice your opinion on the important issues they address.
And as a reminder - if you are a library staff member, trustee, foundation or friends member, student, or library supporter and not already a member of MLA, please consider joining our association. Now more than ever, MLA needs your support! MLA advocates for intellectual freedom, effects change with our lobbying efforts to the state legislature, and provides education and support for librarians throughout Montana. Keep our professional association strong and show support for Montana libraries by joining or renewing your membership at mtlib.org/join-us.
Kirk Vriesman, Executive Director
Montana Library Association, Inc.
[ Kirk Vriesman can be reached at kirkv@mtlib.org]
- EDITOR'S MESSAGE -
Treat Yourself (Well, Kindly, Patiently)
Hello Montana LibraryLand,
It's spring and the wheels on all our buses are starting to go round and round again. In-person programming is thriving. The weather is starting to create opportunities for outdoor events. Our Montana libraries are on track to have a wonderfully busy year.
That being said, it's important at times like these to take note of your plate. Is it full? Are you eyeballing your increasingly busy calendar with a mixture of excitement and nerves? If you're like me and the answer to both of those questions is "yes", read on!
As we get those gears grinding again, it's crucial to take care of the library's most important resource...you!
When the going gets tough, the tough take time to be mindful of their wellbeing. Remember to take a breath during periods of peak activity. Take a walk when the sun is out. Make plans that feed your mind and body. Put the book down and get a little extra sleep.
Self-care looks different for everyone. The best thing you can do is to find what works for you. Whether it's taking up goat yoga, or eating a handful of blueberries for your snack, you do you.
Give your loved ones an extra hug (because serotonin). Give your pets an extra snuggle (because they're adorable). Read that book that's been on your list forever. Be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself as things get crazy in your personal and work lives. Schedule time out of the day that is just for you, even if it's only 15 minutes.
Many of us are readers and books do feed our minds and souls. So here are a few books that sucked me in, but I could also put them down at bedtime:
-The Grace Year by Kim Liggett ("No one speaks of the grace year. It's forbidden.")
-Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky (You'll never see spiders the same way again.)
-The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook by Deb Perelman (Will make you want to bake spring treats!)
To to quote Matthew Broderick in, arguably, his most famous role, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
Hannah Stewart-Freeman
Co-Editor MLA Focus
Assistant Director, Billings Public Library
(All photos from goodreads.com)
[Hannah Stewart-Freeman can be reached at stewarth@billingsmt.gov ]
- MLA News-
MLA Intellectual Freedom Committee openings!
Have you previously been on the IF committee and want to take part again?
Have you always wanted to be on the front lines in combating Intellectual Freedom issues in Montana?
Do you want to work together to provide tools and resources to libraries that are facing these issues?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are welcome to join to Montana Intellectual Freedom Committee. I am the current chair of the committee, and the recent issues in and around Montana regarding IF issues necessitates the need for a larger, more active, and diverse committee.
Please respond to me at mbeckstrom@lclibrary.org for more information, or to sign up.
Thanks!
Submitted by Matt Beckstrom
- ARTICLES -
A Tribute to Jackie Strandell
Wedsworth Memorial Library was saddened to learn of the passing of our former Director, Jackie Strandell on March 8, 2022. She served the library for thirty three years and her legacy stands before us in the impressive building at 13 North Front Street.
Jackie entered her library world in September 1978, when she was hired as Substitute Librarian. Four years later, in October 1982 she moved up to assume the role of Library Director.
One of Jackie’s first tasks was to see the Wedsworth Memorial Library through the Montana State Library’s certification process, giving it the status of a fully-fledged library. This was a major step which entitled the library to receive state aid and services.
During her tenure Jackie continued to champion efforts to improve library facilities and services. In 1990 she spearheaded efforts for significant remodeling to enlarge and modernize the library. This included improved areas for a children’s Story Hour and for more storage.
As the years passed, Jackie recognized the need for additional room for stacks to house the growing book and media collection, a larger area for computer stations, a dedicated meeting room, an area for patrons to relax and read or study, and yes, air conditioning! For this purpose Jackie dreamed of expanding the library by adding on an addition and remodeling the old space.
To this end, in November 2005 she helped to form the Friends of the Library for the sole purpose of raising the funds necessary to accomplish the above, as well as providing for future needs of the library.
Jackie was a force to be reckoned with. She had her goal and worked hard to achieve it. It was her drive and focus that brought the expansion and remodel to successful fruition. In 2012 the shell and outside of the new addition was completed; and in June Jackie officially cut the ribbon and was the first person to step through the opening from the old to the new. In September of that year Jackie retired.
Inside work on the addition continued as did fund raising efforts by Jackie and the Friends. Three years later, in July 2015, the beautiful new addition was officially opened to the public. Jackie’s forward thinking, and guidance meant the library entered an elite class. The whole project was totally funded with community donations, memorials, and only supplemented by a grant or two. The new library opened with no loans to pay off and very few libraries can lay claim to this fabulous accomplishment.
Jackie loved serving as Library Director, and it wasn’t just a job to her. She enjoyed the people who used the library, her many colleagues on the Library Board, and her associations with other Library Directors across the State. She always had the needs and interest of Wedsworth Memorial Library foremost in her mind and was a well-respected member of the Montana Library Association.
Even after retirement part of her heart remained with the library and she continued to champion its success. Wedsworth Library’s current achievement and growth are due in large part to Jackie’s vision, hard work and love. Her memory will live on.
The Wedsworth Memorial Library and the Town of Cascade are proud to announce that in memory of Jackie and her years of dedication to the Library, the new addition will be named the Jackie Strandell Addition.
(Submitted by Nancy Royan, Director, Wedsworth Memorial Library)
2021 Montana Book Award Winners
The 2021 Montana Book Award winner is Brothers on Three: A True Story of Family, Resistance, and Hope on a Reservation in Montana by Abe Streep, published by Celadon Books. This annual award recognizes literary and/or artistic excellence in a book written or illustrated by someone who lives in Montana, is set in Montana, or deals with Montana themes or issues. Presentations and a reception for the winning authors will take place on August 3, during the Montana Library Association Conference in Missoula.
Brothers on Three: A True Story of Family, Resistance, and Hope on a Reservation in Montana by Abe Streep centers on the community of Arlee, on the Flathead Indian Reservation, home to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and tells the tale of a remarkable group of young people who also happen to be remarkable basketball players. It follows Will Mesteth, Jr. and Phillip Malatar, starters for the Arlee Warriors, as they balance the pressures of adolescence, shoulder the dreams of their community, and chart their own individual courses for the future. Brothers on Three is not simply a story about high school basketball, about state championships and a winning team. It is a book about community, and it is about boys on the cusp of adulthood, finding their way through the intersecting worlds they inhabit and forging their own paths to personhood.
Four honor books were also chosen by the 2021 Montana Book Award Committee:
Blood is Not the Water by Mara Panich, published by Foothills Publishing. From the opening poem to the final lines, author Mara Panich addresses issues of being a woman in this world. She exposes that accepted normative fiction compelling women to question themselves, apologize for their perceived body failures, and above all to stand aside when others, especially men, are present.
Home Waters: A Chronicle of Family and a River by John N. Maclean, published by Custom House. In the spirit of his father's beloved classic A River Runs Through It, Maclean writes a gorgeous chronicle of a family and the land they call home. This is a meditation on fly fishing and life along Montana's Blackfoot River, where four generations of Macleans have fished, bonded, and drawn timeless lessons from its storied waters.
Ridgeline by Michael Punke, published by Henry Holt and Co. Through this taut saga, Punke brings immersive, vivid storytelling and historical insight into the real events of the Fetterman Massacre of 1866. His epic examines the clash of cultures between a young, ambitious United States and the Native tribes who lived on the land for centuries, and grapples essential questions of conquest and justice that still echo today.
Stone Sister by Caroline Patterson, published by Black Lawrence Press. Spanning the mid to late 20th century and set in the Elkhorn Valley of southwestern Montana, The Stone Sister is told from three points of view — a father’s, a nurse’s, and a sister’s. Together they tell the unforgettable story of a child’s birth, disappearance, and finally discovery in a home for “backward children.” It explores the power of family secrets and society’s evolving definitions of “normal”–as it pertains to family, medicine, and social structure. The novel sheds light on the beginnings of the disability justice movement as it follows one family’s journey to reckon with a painful past.
The Montana Book Award was founded by the Friends of the Missoula Public Library in 2001 and winners are selected by a committee of individuals representing areas throughout Montana. Members of the 2021 Montana Book Award committee include Gloria Behem, Chester; Amanda Allpress, Missoula; Della Dubbe, Helena, Hannah Mundt, Bozeman, Kim Siemsen, Glendive; Debbie Stewart, Great Falls; Starla Rice, Hot Springs; Chris Brea, Livingston; and Gavin Woltjer, Billings.
Montana State Library Recognizes Librarian Honore Bray
(HELENA)--- The Montana State Library Commission passed a resolution on February 9, 2022 recognizing Honore Bray for her stellar library career. Congratulations Honore!
Resolution Honoring Honore Bray, Library Director, Missoula Public Library
Whereas,
Honore has worked for Montanans and Montana libraries throughout her library career using her quiet passion and positive outlook to influence change
Whereas,
Honore has led with a vision centered on community service and has worked tirelessly to achieve that vision not only in her own community but across Montana
Whereas,
Honore has graciously mentored other librarians, directors, and Montana State Library staff and courageously and compassionately spoken up for all sizes of libraries
Whereas,
Honore’s commitment to libraries and library service has led her to volunteer her time on the Network Advisory Council, other library task forces, and within the Montana Library Association;
Therefore be it resolved
that the Montana State Library Commission
1. Recognizes Honore Bray for all her years of service;
2. Thanks Honore for her commitment to the Montana State Library and the Montana library community; and
3. Wishes Honore all the best in her retirement.
- PROGRAMS, PROMOTIONS, PROJECTS -
MSL Virtual Programming Series: Mark Gibbons, 4/20/22
Hello Montana!
I am very excited to announce that MSL is working on a Virtual Programming Series for spring/summer 2022. We are hoping to hold three virtual programs with three different speakers, and our first scheduled speaker is Mark Gibbons, Montana’s Poet Laureate, with Humanities Montana on April 20th, from 6:30 – 8 pm. You can read more about the Virtual Programming Series on the MSL website here: https://msl.mt.gov/libraries/lifelonglearning/MSLVirtualProgrammingSeries
The Mark Gibbons program will be held through Zoom, and is free and open to the public.
(Sent through Wired by Amelea Kim)
MLA Spring Board Meeting & MLA Annual Membership Meeting
President Kit Stephenson has scheduled Monday, April 4th as the date for two Montana Library Association meetings. Both meetings will be held virtually via Zoom. Please see the attached agendas, and the Zoom meeting links below.
1) MLA Spring Board Meeting, 9am – Noon - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89423437693?pwd=VVJNV2dZc3NvV1U2RzNST1E1UUV6dz09
2) MLA Annual Membership Meeting, 1pm–3pm - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89063966155?pwd=VU1zKzR2TDNmVHNxK1A3eUg5azdlQT09
Past-President Gavin Woltjer will introduce 2022-23 MLA Board candidates at the Annual Membership Meeting. All MLA members are encouraged to attend both meetings!
Kirk
Kirk Vriesman
Executive Director
Montana Library Association
Montana Book Award Accepting Nominations for a New Committee Member
Are you an avid reader of literature who always wished they could judge who is the best Montana writer of them all? Or, do you know someone who always recommends to you the best books written by a Montanan author or about Montana?
The Montana Book Award Committee is looking for four(!) new readers to join in the fun of reading and reviewing books which are written by or illustrated by someone who lives in Montana, or which deal with Montana themes or issues.
The new readers would join eight others in reading approximately 20-30 books between Late Spring 2022 to Late Winter 2022. As a perk, you will attend an expenses-paid weekend in February 2023, when the winner of the Montana Book Award is selected.
If this appeals to you, please send me an email stating your interest in joining the Montana Book Award Committee and why you would like to join. Or, if you would like to nominate or suggest someone as a reader, please send me their name (and contact information).
I am accepting names until mid-April 2022. Please email your submissions to montanabookaward@gmail.com. Visit http://www.montanabookaward.org/ for additional information about the Montana Book Award.
Elizabeth C. Jonkel
Missoula Public Library
455 E Main, Missoula, MT 59802
(406)541-8857
- MARGINALIA -
Montana Library Association receives a donation every time you make a purchase on smile.amazon.com with “MLA” as the donation recipient. Set up your automatic donation today and remember to shop with “Smile”!
Submissions Open for the June 2022 Issue!
Start the new year out right and connect with your Montana library community- write for FOCUS!
REMINDER: The submission deadline for the June newsletter is May 20. Please email your library news, micro-reviews & photos (with captions & attributions) to mlaFOCUSeditor@gmail.com
Thank you!
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Montana Library FOCUS
[ISSN 1076-352X]
The FOCUS is an official publication of the Montana Library Association (MLA), and is published in collaboration with the members which it serves. You can look for new issues six times a year: in February, April, June, August, October, and December. With an online readership of over 500, the newsletter works to reflect, inspire, and give voice to the vibrant communities that exist in and around Montana’s libraries.
The FOCUS welcomes your input! To submit feedback, articles, reviews, inquiries, and ideas—or to place an ad or provide sponsorship—please contact the editorial staff directly:
Corey Sloan(Co-Editor)
Email: mlaFOCUSeditor@gmail.com
Website: mtlib.org/focus
Phone: 406-582-2416
Hannah Stewart-Freeman(Co-Editor)
Email: mlaFOCUSeditor@gmail.com
Website: mtlib.org/focus
Phone: 406-657-8295