Columns

Humans are united by common bonds. We might be tempted or maybe better put inclined to focus on differences, but we are all united in the human condition and we share more common experiences than we might realize (or even want to admit). I’ve written about these scenarios in the past, but my list wasn’t complete. Perhaps no list would ever be complete. Our lives are comprised of what we do, what we don’t do and what we will admit to doing (or not). This list is about the “or nots”: Ever think it sounds like a good idea to watch a late night movie, but then fall asleep before the plot thickens? Me neither. On the same night you decide to watch that late...

These are hard times, and though we are not subject to the violence of overt warfare in our little valley, a different kind of war is happening here. In Syria, Yemen, Palestine and so many other parts of the world, men, women, and children are being thrust into poverty, physically and emotionally maimed, and...

How are you? What’s up? What’s new? How about this crazy hot (cold, rainy, dry) weather we’ve been having? Have a great day! Small talk. We’ve all participated in the chatter, often not even thinking about what we’re saying. It’s rote communication. Blah, blah, blah. ...

What a summer here at the Library. We had a very successful Family Summer Reading Program this year. A big thank you to all of our sponsors. Now that school is back in session, we are gearing toward fall and some exciting programs. Youth Services Librarian, Kendra, will begin fall programming on Monday, S...

You might find them wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. They can be dressed in Sunday’s best. Others are outfitted in a baseball cap and sports jersey. They may be in pajamas or in shorts and a wide-brimmed hat to ward off the sun. Some wear yesterday’s t-shirt paired with barely combed hair and wear...

For the most part, my husband is a rational and logical human being. There is an orderly and predictable pattern to his days. He showers in the morning; brushes his teeth after meals. He rises early and goes to bed at a reasonable hour. He is a reasonable man – for the most part. On occasion, howeve...

You never know the lessons you might learn from something as small and unassuming as a raspberry. The plants were a gift from a friend. A few clumps of leafy twigs, roots and the attached soil. You could hardly tell if they were alive, but I had faith in those little brown and green clumps. I plopped them...

We’ve been complacent. We thought everybody knew how important a free press was to our world and that all this talk about us being the enemy of the people would be dismissed for the silliness that it is. But the reckless attacks have continued, instigated and encouraged by our president. When ...

Promises are important, at least that’s what we tell our kids. In Montana and around the country, there are groups advocating that we break the promises made to our American Indian friends and neighbors. These groups, which form the anti-Indian movement, represent a systematic effort to deny legally-es...

The Family Summer Reading Program is nearly over. The last day to turn in your reading logs is Friday, Aug. 10. If you complete all 8 levels and want to go for a wet ride, Happy Hippo Day is Tuesday, Aug. 14. Make sure to get your reading log turned in on time to collect your boarding pass. On Wednesday, Aug...