Beginnings and Endings by Dani Buehler, Director - We here at the Library are in the business of beginnings and endings. Books, collections, eras – we gather and categorize them all. To me, a beginning feels like a bundle of raw nerves and an ending indicates a finality that ushers in a solemn calm. Both are necessary in this journey we call life…
Fantasy Trilogy Takes Reader into a Fantastic New World by Dani Buehler - Way back in December I wrote about a wonderful fantasy novel that I was thoroughly enjoying.“City of Brass” by S.A. Chakraborty is classic escapism housed within the mythic traditions of multiple Middle Eastern cultures. Flying carpets, extreme landscapes, and granted wishes fill the pages and pull you into a fantastic new world. I loved this…
Fantasy Trilogy Takes Reader into a Fantastic New World by Dani Buehler - Way back in December I wrote about a wonderful fantasy novel that I was thoroughly enjoying.“City of Brass” by S.A. Chakraborty is classic escapism housed within the mythic traditions of multiple Middle Eastern cultures. Flying carpets, extreme landscapes, and granted wishes fill the pages and pull you into a fantastic new world. I loved this…
Moving into the Future by Respecting the Past by Dani Buehler - This is your library Central Montana. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and set the stage for how this institution came to be and the exciting developments that will take place to maintain this building. “In January 1897, the editors of the Fergus County Argus pitched their readers on the need for a library”…
Computers are Back! By Dani Buehler - Big things are happening at the Library! We are excited to be offering a new service to our community, a spectacularly timed service, a necessary service, an awesome service. Through a generous grant made available by the Montana State Library we now have laptops available for checkout. These devices can be borrowed and taken home…
Love is in the air… by Dani Buehler - Do you love the Library? I hope the answer is, Of Course! The Lewistown Public Library is one of those very special places for so many of our community members. The Library is a place of safe welcome and intellectual discovery. The Library continues to offer vital services while maintaining a quite authority in a…
Together by Dani Buehler - Want a feel-good book? Well, have I got a title to share with you. A few weeks ago, my boys and I were checking out items at our local library and I gravitated to a book titled, “Every Little Letter” by Deborah Underwood. I saw the title and the bibliophile in me could not resist,…
Micro Review - City of Brass is escapism at its finest! This fast-paced fantasy novel written by S.A. Chakraborty is set in the magical city of Daevabad the fabled home of the djinn. Magic carpet rides and elemental beings intertwine to create an adventure novel fit for the quiet of winter. A cunning heroine, a naive prince, and…
Holiday Cheer by Dani Buehler - Happy Holidays Central Montana. For our happenings this week, I would like to share one of my favorite librarian insider jokes for the holidays. This poem, sung to the melody of God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, hangs in my office. It was sent to me by another librarian and, although, I would love to take…
Give Thanks by Dani Buehler - Tis the season to offer up our gratitude. Although 2020 feels a little short on things to be thankful for, we at the Library wanted to take a moment and share our gratitude. We are thankful that our doors have remained safely open since June. We are thankful for our staff’s health. And, we are…
Finding the perfect book by Dani Buehler - Currently, I am devouring Elena Ferrante’s first book in her Neapolitan series, “My Brilliant Friend.” I am coming to the Ferrante party late as she has been a popular author for many years with her first novel in the Neapolitan series published in 2012. No excuses, it just took me a while to find. This…
You grow girl! by Dani Buehler, Library Director - Do you kill house plants? I am here to admit that I often do. This is not a goal of mine or even an outcome with which I am contended. It kind of destroys me. I can’t help but become attached to this beautiful little creature I bring into my home that only needs the…
Borrow the Internet! by Library Director Dani Buehler - Big things are happening at the Library! We are excited to be offering a new service to our community, a spectacularly timed service, a necessary service, an awesome service. Through a generous grant made available by the Montana State Library we now have internet hotspots available for checkout. You might be asking yourself, “What is…
Heartfelt thank you by Dani Buehler - Library Happenings. We here at the Library use this weekly communication to stay connected with you Central Montana. We like to offer up information about our services or insights into the next great read (aka Reader Advisory in library-land). A random musing about whatever new intrigue is also a definite possibility for this message. And…
Wildflower Wanderings by Dani Buehler - Hello Everyone. It has been a long time since I checked in with you. How are you? I hope that you have found something wonderful this summer, something that brings your heart joy. I have found something that brings my heart joy. Wildflowers. Way back in May, I was reading a fun little book that…
IMAGINE YOUR STORY! by Dani Buehler - Our theme this year for our Summer Reading Program could not be more fitting, could it? In this topsy-turvy time, imaginations can run wild. And here at the LPL, we encourage wild and free imaginations, especially those that are cultivated by book readers. Our Summer Reading Program is going to be a little different for…
Coming soon to a Library near you by Dani Buehler - How are you doing Central Montana? I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. The Lewistown Public Library staff is currently preparing your library to be reopened by June 2, 2020 in a limited capacity. We have truly missed your visits and are thankful we live in a caring and understanding community.…
Escape: Reading is the perfect social distance activity by Dani Buehler - Hello out there. How are you? I am well but I find myself feeling like I am in some odd twilight zone. I have had conversations with people (socially distanced, of course) that I never thought I would have. We talk about virus spread and board game options, distance learning and dinner recipes, my grandmother’s…
A Word From LPL Director Dani Buehler - In order to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Lewistown Public Library will remain closed until both public health officials and the local and state governments advise to reopen. The Lewistown Public Library is proud to be at the heart of Central Montana and an active community meeting space. But unfortunately, at…
Board of Trustees Opening Apply Now - There is a current opening on the Board of Trustees at the Lewistown Public Library. A description of duties can be picked up at the Library. If interested, please send a letter of intent explaining your qualifications and interest to Holly Phelps, City Manager by Friday, March 6, 2020. The best candidate will be appointed…
Love is in the air… by Dani Buehler - Do you love the Library? I hope the answer is, Of Course! The Lewistown Public Library is one of those very special places for so many of our community members. The Library is a place of safe welcome and intellectual discovery. The Library continues to offer vital services while maintaining a quiet authority in a…
Board of Trustees Opening Apply Now - There is a current opening on the Board of Trustees at the Lewistown Public Library. A description of duties can be picked up at the Library. If interested, please send a letter of intent explaining your qualifications and interest to Holly Phelps, City Manager by Friday, March 6, 2020. The best candidate will be appointed…
Library to Host 9th Annual Chili Bowl by Dani Buehler - What American music duo released the studio album “Sounds of Silence” in 1966? That’s right folks, it’s trivia time! We in Library Land are excited to announce that the date for the 2020 Chili Bowl has been set. This year the Chili Bowl will be on Friday, January 17th. Doors open and dinner starts at…
Library Book Club goes X-country skiing by Dani Buehler - Swish, swish, swish…the sound of your x-country skis gliding along freshly fallen snow. Now that sounds like book club doesn’t it! It will be if you choose to attend the Lewistown Public Library’s Walking Book Club on January 7th. We are excited to offer this one-of-a-kind Book Club experience. From novice to expert, all x-country…
Library Book Club goes X-country skiing by Dani Buehler - Swish, swish, swish…the sound of your x-country skis gliding along freshly fallen snow. Now that sounds like book club doesn’t it! It will be if you choose to attend the Lewistown Public Library’s Walking Book Club on January 7th. We are excited to offer this one-of-a-kind Book Club experience. From novice to expert, all x-country…
Library Celebrates Kate Hampton’s “The Best Gift: Montana’s Carnegie Libraries” by Dani Buehler - Celebrate good times, come on! That’s right folks the Library is going to host a party. To celebrate what, you might be thinking…well libraries of course. To be more specific, Carnegie Libraries in the state of Montana. The Montana History Foundation recently published a book that features the history of Carnegie Libraries in Montana. As…
Have you visited lately? By Dani Buehler - This past week an individual came into the Library, walked right up to the front desk, and excitedly remarked, “Is this an original Carnegie Library?” I responded (as I often do), “Why yes, feel free to look around and make sure you wander upstairs and look at the original library space.” Off he went. This…
Be Curious by Dani Buehler - Walt Disney once said, “(W)hen you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.” Well Walt, I like your style! To be curious means you often stumble upon those wonderfully delightful W questions. Why, What, Where, When….and although it breaks my pattern, How? Currently, I am constantly confronted with curiosity. A stream of Whys…
Author Dinner by Dani Buehler - May is just around the corner, and here in Library Land, that means a multitude of things. The season of trainings and conferences are upon us (and if you were wondering, yes, Library Land trainings are certainly the best), we are busily planning an amazing Summer Reading Program for all ages; and lastly, it is…
Friends of the Library by Dani Buehler - Hello February. Ahh….the month of love and do you know what the Library loves? So many wonderful things. It loves being nestled in the foothills of the Judith, Big Snowy, and Moccasin Mountain ranges. It loves having cool Big Spring water run underfoot. It loves these bright crisp winter days that drive hygge inspired patrons…
Friends of the Library by Dani Buehler - Hello February. Ahh….the month of love and do you know what the Library loves? So many wonderful things. It loves being nestled in the foothills of the Judith, Big Snowy, and Moccasin Mountain ranges. It loves having cool Big Spring water run underfoot. It loves these bright crisp winter days that drive hygge inspired patrons…
Of Two Minds by Dani Buehler - Left Side Brain: Name the actor who starred in 142 films including Stagecoach, The Searchers, The Shootist, and The Quiet Man? That’s right folks, it was trivia time again here in Library Land. This year’s 8th Chili Bowl was a success. Twenty-eight teams put on their thinking caps and merrily enjoyed a journey through trivia…
Perfect Little Holiday Read by Dani Buehler - The nights are growing longer and the lights of Christmas have begun their enchanted dance across town. This time of year harkens to the magic that grows within each of us and fosters the spirit of giving. Therefore, to embrace this spirit of giving I have chosen a book near and dear to my heart.…
Fall Into a Classic Ghost Story By Dani Buehler - The days are getting shorter. There is a crisp chill in the air. And, the leaves have begun their enthralling journey, a journey that ultimately rejoins them with the Earth from which they came. I love Fall! Not only is this season the most poetic, it also has given rise to the almighty pumpkin spice…
Things are heating up… By Dani Buehler - Everything was perfect, until it wasn’t. Ever run into that reality before? Of course, we have, half of literature and artistic expression is dedicated to rooting out the story behind the story. It’s not until the ever-scrutinizing eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg direct their focus, that the seamy underbelly within the moment becomes exposed (two…
Where my Gastronomes at! By Dani Buehler - I am going to admit something no Librarian in their right mind should admit. I have found myself in a time where my chances for reading are coming fewer and farer apart. Because of this infrequent reading-pattern I have not finished a book in months. Yikes…please don’t judge me too harshly. I have begun many…
Where my Gastronomes at! By Dani Buehler - I am going to admit something no Librarian in their right mind should admit. I have found myself in a time where my chances for reading are coming fewer and farer apart. Because of this infrequent reading-pattern I have not finished a book in months. Yikes…please don’t judge me too harshly. I have begun many…
Winds of Change by Dani Buehler - I am going to give you a little disclaimer before you read this. I am not going to talk about books at all. I am sorry about this, but, my state of mind has inhibited my ability to focus and discuss a book, let alone, many books. Do you ever have those times in your…
A Few Good Words by Dani Buehler - Anyone who knows me, knows that I am rarely short on words. I am one of those folks who could probably ramble on and on into perpetuity about pretty much anything. College papers were a breeze for this exact reason. Ten pages discussing Ancient Egyptian religion and mythology, no problem. Another ten pages discussing the…
Why doesn’t Wonder Woman win the Oscar? By Dani Buehler - In movie land, it seems there are the cultured, witty, artistic films that tackle the big social issues of our day, the award winners, and then there are the good movies…haha (I couldn’t resist). No, but seriously, there are the blockbuster movies that everyone sees and loves and then award season comes around and they…
Have You Taken A Closer Look? by Dani Buehler - What would you say is the Lewistown Public Library’s most unique collection? As the youth librarian, I would love to say that it was some wonderful nook in the youth section. Alas, most of what you would find in this Library’s youth collection is materials you could find in most other Montana libraries. However, I…
Micro Review by Dani Buehler - Micro Review by Dani Buehler “Out Of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets” by Kwame Alexander The season of love is upon us, And how truly wonderful love can be. What better way to say I love you, Than a sonnet written just for thee. What? Inspiration is lacking or gone Come to the library, And…
Companions of Lore by Dani Buehler - Beasts. Monsters. Legends. We all know them, these constant companions of lore. With formidable names like Bigfoot, Loch Ness, and Dragon how could you not love each character and be drawn to their story. They reappear again and again throughout time and across cultures, as if these beings are inextricably tied to our human psyche.…
Serieslandia by Dani Buehler - Book Series. Don’t you love a good series? I know I do. Authors that can masterfully craft a world so immense it takes book upon book to uncover each place, character, and idea are genius. Unfortunately, series are kind of the bane of a librarian’s existence. Let’s wander down the rabbit hole for just a…
To Sing My Own Praises by Dani Buehler - It is time to give thanks. And I know that this is a shameless plug for the library but aren’t you thankful our community has such an amazing library. True, I do work here, and I may be slightly biased, but, almost every week I am fortunate to receive praises for our splendid library. These…
A Little Joy for Your Day by Dani Buehler - I had decided on my blog title for this month weeks ago. It was perfect, fitting the season and exciting my appetite to write. It was going to be “something wicked this way comes,” perfect, I know. But, although a journey with spooky Shakespearian characters sounds like the epitome of an autumnal read, life decided…
Micro Review by Dani Buehler - Maya Angelou famously told us that “people will never forget how you made them feel.” And so, Cynthia Rylant, thank you for making me feel splendid! Rylant’s most recent children’s book mixes a poignant tale with vivid imagery to create a simply wonderful story. We are reminded that though we grow through life’s many twist…
Whatnot or maybe not. By Dani Buehler - Ever read a book you didn’t want to? Sure, school and work present lots of opportunities for reads that may land squarely in the “I don’t want to” category. But these reading opportunities are not what you would call “reading for pleasure.” So, excluding necessary reads, do you finish every book you start? I…do…not. I…
AND THAT’S A WRAP… By Dani Buehler - August! Can you believe summer is coming a close? We dream about long summer days filled with adventure in the winter but spend most of the actual summer season trying desperately to catch up. Or maybe that’s just me. And maybe that is because at the Library, we are rocking and rolling in the…
Gardens and Libraries… OH MY! By Dani Buehler - I think Cicero has it right, “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” Since I work in the library, I always have half of the equation at my fingertips. But the garden, I, like the rest of you must wait. Thankfully, the wait is over. Summer is here and…
Summer At The Library By Dani Buehler - There is a quiet hum running through the library and it’s not the bobcat tearing up the sidewalk outside. It is a subtle anticipation, a quiet before the storm… our Summer Reading Program is upon us. We have already had a few enthusiastic patrons come in to solicit start dates and activities. And we librarians,…
A Story to Live By - A Story to Live By BY Dani Buehler Hello Library land and Argus readers! It has been a few months since my last posting and I am excited to be back at it. Maternity leave went very well and my family is settling into our new normal. And now, let’s talk literature. Every now and…
What’s In a Name? By Dani Buehler - To turn over a new leaf. Rebirth. A new day. Resolution. These words and idioms fill our heads and our hearts this time of year as we hope for the promise of an untold future. And as we cast off the worn out shell of last year, we welcome the unknown with resolute determination. Or,…
December … really? By Dani Buehler - December….really? By Dani Buehler Can you believe that 2016 is coming to a close already? In life, it seems like the moment you get used to something being a certain way, it will invariably change. This propensity for instability has always been one of my favorite things about this world we live in. Without it,…
Bon Appetite by Dani Buehler, Youth Services Librarian - Bon Appetite by Dani Buehler, Youth Services Librarian Have you tasted a book lately? Or does the thought of this make you cringe and think GROSS? Well here at the library we thought it would be fun to have our own little November feast. Therefore, this past month our youth classes had the opportunity to…
Creature Feature by Dani Buehler, Youth Services Librarian - Boo! As the evening darkens into night, the legendary creatures that haunt our imaginations creep, slither, and crawl out of the shadows. These frightful beasts are very popular this time of year. And why not, the long days of summer are retreating into the chill of autumn and the world itself is preparing for a…
STEAMPUNK! By Dani Buehler, Youth Services Librarian - We’ve been punked! Well, steampunked that is. A couple of weeks ago the entire staff here at the LPL pitched in to help create an awesome display featuring this unique and interesting literary genre. Steampunk is described as a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy featuring advanced machines and other technology based on steam power…
Back to School by Dani Buehler, Youth Services Librarian - It’s that time of year again, when the air fills with the smells of #2 pencil shavings and the sounds of full bouncing backpacks filled with supplies. That’s right; it’s back to school time! We may have been coaxed into thinking this time came about quite a bit earlier but don’t let the Target ads…
Mindfulness! Meditation! Musings on Library Serenity by Dani Buehler, Youth Services Librarian - Mindfulness! Meditation! Musings on Library Serenity by Dani Buehler, Youth Services Librarian Where has the time gone? Can it really almost be August? The summer has flown by here at the LPL. The reason, you may be asking…Summer Reading Program of course. The LPL staff has challenged ourselves to “Get In the Game” this summer…
