National Endowment of the Arts - The Big Read

Lewis & Clark Library

Contact Info

120 S. Last Chance Gulch
Helena, MT 59601

Tel: 406/447-1690
Fax: 406/447-1687
http://www.lewisandclarklibrary.org

Currently Reading

The Maltese Falcon
Dashiell Hammett

Learn more about this book

Events

Book Discussions in a Bag

Area book discussion groups are invited to celebrate The Big Read Under The Big Sky IV by reading Dashiell Hammett's "The Maltese Falcon." Book discussion kits are available at all Lewis & Clark Library locations: Helena, Augusta, East Helena and Lincoln branch libraries. Kits include copies of the book, Reader’s Guides and a Calendar of Events. Contact Suzanne at 447-1690 ext. 130 to order your kit!

Event Location: Lewis and Clark County, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Wed, Sep 1, 2010 – Sun, Nov 7, 2010
Date: Sun, Nov 7, 2010 – Mon, Nov 29, 2010
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Helena Civic Television screens Big Read events

Helena Civic Television will screen selected Big Read events throughout the celebration.

Event Location: Various, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Thu, Oct 7, 2010 – Sun, Nov 7, 2010
Date: Sun, Nov 7, 2010 – Fri, Nov 12, 2010
Book: The Maltese Falcon

"The Maltese Falcon": Related Reads for all ages

The Big Read Under The Big Sky IV has developed a list of read-a-likes as part of The Big Read project. Students and residents of all ages are invited to take part by reading a title of their choice that relates to the project.

Event Location: various, Lewis & Clark County, MT 59601

Date: Thu, Oct 7, 2010 – Sun, Nov 7, 2010
Date: Sun, Nov 7, 2010 – Fri, Nov 12, 2010
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Effie Perine Contest

Do you know someone who’s loyal, quick-thinking, and has great intuition? Nominate her (or him!) for the Effie Perine Contest. Starting October 7, 2010 fill out a form at any Lewis & Clark Library branch (one per person, please). The Grand Prize will be announced on air during KBLL’s Coffee Break with Jay Scott and Susan Clark. The Contest will go on throughout The Big Read IV,and the drawing will be Tuesday, November 16 at 7:45 a.m. with Library Director Judy Hart. Prize is an "Escape" package from "Her Alibi Salon & Spa." Includes: European facial, deluxe pedicure, & a light luncheon.

Event Location: various, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Thu, Oct 7, 2010 – Sun, Nov 7, 2010
Date: Thu, Oct 7, 2010 – Sun, Nov 7, 2010
Date: Sun, Nov 7, 2010 – Fri, Nov 12, 2010
Date: Sun, Nov 7, 2010 – Mon, Nov 15, 2010
Book: The Maltese Falcon

'Frisco Food Fair

Stroll Montana's most historic mile and enjoy some of the regions best versions of San Francisco's best culinary delights. From sandwich and soup specials to classes on how to make sourdough bread starter, participants will enjoy the best of San Francisco in the heart of downtown Helena during the Frisco Food Fair as part of The Big Read Under The Big Sky IV!

Event Location: various, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Thu, Oct 7, 2010 – Sun, Nov 7, 2010
Date: Thu, Oct 7, 2010 – Sun, Nov 7, 2010
Date: Sun, Nov 7, 2010 – Fri, Nov 12, 2010
Date: Sun, Nov 7, 2010 – Fri, Nov 12, 2010
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Dashiell Hammett's "The Maltese Falcon"...The Sweet Side

For the entire month-long celebration of The Big Read IV, The Parrot Confectionery will be featuring a special ice cream, sodas, sundaes, and shakes to honor Hammett's San Francisco. The Parrot is a family-owned business located in downtown Helena since 1922. It has gained a worldwide reputation for quality hand-dipped chocolates made from fresh, natural ingredients and utilizing up to ten tons of chocolate each year. The Parrot produces a selection of 130 different types of candy, using recipes devised by its original owners.

Event Location: The Parrot Confectionery, 42 N. Last Chance Gulch , Helena, MT 59601

Date: Thu, Oct 7, 2010 – Sun, Nov 7, 2010
Date: Sun, Nov 7, 2010 – Fri, Nov 12, 2010
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Big Read Opening Reception

Dress in 1930s style and celebrate the Grand Opening of The Big Read Under The Big Sky IV. Denise Juneau, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and other officials will be in attendance. Light refreshments & cash bar available. Stay and enjoy the sights of Sam Spade's San Francisco with Don Herron in the Large Meeting Room at 7 PM.

Event Location: 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Thu, Oct 7, 2010
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

The Big Read IV Lecture Series- Don Herron & Hammett’s San Francisco

Virtually travel with Don Herron over the fog-shrouded hills stalked by Sam Spade, the Continental Op, and other hardboiled characters created by San Francisco's most renowned mystery and noir writer. During this walk you'll see the buildings where Hammett wrote his most famous stories and the majority of locales from his classic novel, "The Maltese Falcon". Shadow Sam Spade in his quest for the fabulous figurine of a mysterious black bird. Prowl the back alleys where the Continental Op, Hammett's longest-running detective, faced down the opposition over the barrel of his blazing .38. Follow Hammett himself as he works for the Pinkerton Detective Agency on the infamous Fatty Arbuckle case. See the spot where Spade's partner, Miles Archer, with a smile on his mug and his pistol buttoned away under his overcoat, met swift death in the night-fog.

Event Location: 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Thu, Oct 7, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Lincoln Library's Film Noir Festival

Under Movie Licensing USA, the Library will show a series of film noir, inspired by the works of Hammett and others.

Event Location: Lincoln Branch Library, 102 9th Street, Lincoln, MT

Date: Thu, Oct 7, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Date: Thu, Oct 21, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Date: Thu, Oct 28, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Kids Fall Fest

The Big Read Under the Big Sky IV will have an informational table at the Kids Fall Fest. Pick up your copy of The Maltese Falcon, a Readers Guide and Calendar of Events.

Event Location: Pioneer Park - 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Sat, Oct 9, 2010
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Film Noir Festival

Under Movie Licensing USA, the Library will show a series of film noir, inspired by the works of Hammett and others. Tuesday evenings with discussion to follow.

Event Location: 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Tue, Oct 12, 2010
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Date: Tue, Oct 19, 2010
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Date: Tue, Oct 26, 2010
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Date: Tue, Nov 9, 2010
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Lewis & Clark Library's Writers Group: Noir!

Members of the Library’s writers group will take a stab at writing their own version of noir in the spirit of Dashiell Hammett's "The Maltese Falcon". Writers will have an opportunity to share their works at the Finis: Alternate Endings Party.

Event Location: 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Tue, Oct 12, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Date: Tue, Nov 9, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

The Big Read IV Lecture Series-The Genealogy of Detective Fiction, from Dashiell Hammett to Modern Montana Writers

Montana authors Neil McMahon, Bob Reid & Matt Kuntz reflect on their own experiences writing in the genre of detective/mystery fiction. Part of that reflection discusses this genre's genealogy--overall influences as well as personal muses. They will discuss how their writing relates to their contemporaries & predecessors in the genre.

Event Location: Carroll College Cube, 1601 Benton Ave, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Thu, Oct 14, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

The Maltese Falcon Radio Drama Revival

Join local radio personalities as they re-create the Lux Theatre. Free and open to the public. Refreshments available for purchase through The Montana Club.

Event Location: The Montana Club's Rathskeller, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Fri, Oct 15, 2010
Time: 7:00am – 9:00am
Book: The Maltese Falcon

“Maltese” Your Own Bird

Crafty readers unite to bejewel, bedazzle and otherwise bedeck secondhand birds to celebrate The Big Read IV and Dashiell Hammett's "The Maltese Falcon"! The more creative the better! Get your glue guns and make your own priceless piece. Three judging categories: the people's favorite, artist's fave, and staff pick. Judging will take place at the Downtown Helena Art Walk, Friday, November 12. Birds will be display through the rest of The Big Read IV.

Event Location: 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Sat, Oct 16, 2010
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Book Discussion – Augusta Branch Library

The community of Augusta is invited to join in a discussion of Dashiell Hammett's "The Maltese Falcon". Books and Reader’s Guides are available at your Augusta Branch Library.

Event Location: 205 Main Street, Augusta, MT 59410

Date: Mon, Oct 18, 2010
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Teen Forum – Too Noir For You!

Teens! Here's an opportunity to share your thoughts on issues of our day and hear what some of your peers think. Adults are welcome and encouraged to come and listen! Refreshments will be served. Co-sponsored by Youth Connections and Lewis & Clark Library.

Event Location: Lewis & Clark Library – Helena Main Library - 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Mon, Oct 18, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Book Discussion with Randy Lecocq

Join Randall LeCocq, Master of Liberal Studies in Humanities, Georgetown University for what promises to be a stimulating discussion of Dashiell Hammett's "The Maltese Falcon". Books and Reader’s Guides are available at all the branch library locations.

Event Location: Lewis & Clark Library – Helena Main Branch Small Meeting Room - 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Tue, Oct 19, 2010
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Brown Bag Book Discussion

Join Adult Services Librarian Suzanne Schwichtenberg for a stimulating discussion of Dashiell Hammett's "The Maltese Falcon". Books and Reader’s Guides available at the Helena Main Branch Library and the Montana Historical Society.

Event Location: Montana Historical Society – 225 N. Roberts, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Wed, Oct 20, 2010
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Book Discussion – Lincoln Branch Library

Join in a fascinating discussion of Dashiell Hammett's "The Maltese Falcon". Books and Reader’s Guides are available at your East Valley Branch Library.

Event Location: Lincoln Branch Library, Lincoln, MT 59639

Date: Wed, Oct 20, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

The Big Read IV Lecture Series- “Butte and the Birth of Noir: Dashiell Hammett in Montana” Panel Discussion

Montana Tech professors Jack Crowley and Henry Gonshak will discuss the Montana origins of Dashiell Hammett's novel "Red Harvest," which is set in a fictitious mining town in Montana—described as "an ugly city of forty thousand, set in an ugly notch between two ugly mountains"—and presumably modeled after Butte.

Event Location: Montana Historical Society, 225 N. Roberts, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Thu, Oct 21, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Family Game Night

Play mystery and detective board games with your family from 6-9 p.m. Games and pizza provided!

Event Location: 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Fri, Oct 22, 2010
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Geocaching

Follow the clues to find treachery, adventure, and treasures. Use your GPS to play! Introductory workshop at 10 a.m. at the Lewis & Clark Library. All day event. GPS provided for those who don't own one.

Event Location: various, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Sat, Oct 23, 2010
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Book Discussion - High School Teen Book Club

Teens, the Lewis & Clark Library invites you to read and discuss Dashiell Hammett's "The Maltese Falcon". Join us for October's High School Teen Book Discussion Group. Books are available at all branch library locations.

Event Location: Helena Main Library - 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Mon, Oct 25, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Book Discussion – East Helena Branch

Join in a stimulating discussion of Dashiell Hammett’s "The Maltese Falcon" at your East Helena Branch. Books and Reader’s Guides are available at all branch locations.

Event Location: East Helena Branch Library – 16 E. Main Street, East Helena, MT 59635

Date: Wed, Oct 27, 2010
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Book Discussion-Montana Women's Group Reads The Maltese Falcon

Join Patricia Spencer, M.A. in English & 20th Century Social History from Oregon State University, and the members of the Library’s Montana Women Book Group for what promises to be a stimulating discussion of Dashiell Hammett's "The Maltese Falcon". Books and Reader’s Guides are available at the all branch library locations. The Montana Women Book Group focuses on literature written by or about women and/or Montana. This is free and open to the public.

Event Location: 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Thu, Oct 28, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

The Big Read IV Lecture Series- Discovering "The Maltese Falcon" and the Man Who Wrote It

Rick Layman begins with biographical information about Hammett up to the time he wrote "The Maltese Falcon". With an emphasis on the life experiences that led to his career as an author, specifically to his most popular novel, Layman shares how Hammett trained to be a writer. He talks a bit about the social/literary context of his work, what the pulp magazines were all about and how Hammett departed from, and drew from, the so-called Golden Age of Detective Fiction tradition. Finally, he will talk briefly about three or so main themes in the novel and what readers at different levels may draw from it, with a bit about what it means to make literature.

Event Location: 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Thu, Oct 28, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Little Tykes Trick or Treat

Lewis & Clark Library celebrates The Big Read. It will be all about the 1930s as library staff dress in the popular fashion of this decade. Goodies and fun for the tykes!

Event Location: Helena Main Library - 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Fri, Oct 29, 2010
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Celebrating Myrna Loy & Dashiell Hammett in Film

Enjoy the love story of Lillian Hellman and Dashiell Hammett in "Julia" on October 30; "The Maltese Falcon" on November 6 and "The Thin Man" starring our very own Myrna Loy on November 13.

Event Location: Myrna Loy Center – Ewing St, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Sat, Oct 30, 2010
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Date: Sat, Nov 6, 2010
Time: 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Date: Sat, Nov 13, 2010
Time: 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Trivia Night @ Riley's Pub

Join us at Riley's Irish Pub, test your knowledge and help celebrate The Big Read in a big way. There will be a round of 10 questions on "The Maltese Falcon" and film noir.

Event Location: Riley’s Irish Pub – 6th and Front Street, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Tue, Nov 2, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

The Big Read IV Lecture Series: "They Are All Red Out Here: Socialist Politics in the Pacific Northwest" author Jeffrey Johnson

Enjoy this great introduction to the leftist politics discussed in Dashiell Hammett's "Red Harvest" and the Helena Festival of the Book's feature author Verlaine McDonald.

Event Location: 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Wed, Nov 3, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Carroll College Literary Festival

Reading by author Verlaine Stoner MacDonald, author of "Red Corner: The Rise and Fall of Communism in Northeastern Montana" at Carroll College as part of the Carroll College Literary Festival.

Event Location: Carroll College Student Center, 16. N Benton, Helena, MT 59601, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Thu, Nov 4, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Helena Festival of the Book

The Montana Historical Society will host a panel on Communism in Montana, including Dashiell Hammett.

Event Location: Montana Historical Society, 225 N. Roberts, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Fri, Nov 5, 2010
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Montana Raptor Conservation Center visits your Library

Live birds at your Library! See real falcons and other birds of prey. Free and open to the public.

Event Location: 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Sat, Nov 6, 2010
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Helena Festival of the Book

The Montana Historical Society hosts a James Welch Retrospective panel discussion on Saturday evening, November 6, followed by a sneak peak of the film Winter in the Blood and with Andrew and Alex Smith.

Event Location: Montana Historical Society, 225 N. Roberts, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Sat, Nov 6, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Fall Art Walk

Art from Capital & Helena High School students will be on display. Students were asked to design a new book cover for The Maltese Falcon based on their own interpretation of the book. Also, the Maltesed Bird Awards will be handed out during the Art Walk. Prizes include $100 gift certificate to Downtown Helena donated by the Lewis & Clark Library Foundation; a replica of the Falcon movie prop; and a $50 gift certificate to Downtown Helena.

Event Location: Lewis & Clark Library - Helena - 120 S Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Fri, Nov 12, 2010
Book: The Maltese Falcon

Finis: Alternate Endings Party

Celebrate the end of The Big Read IV in style! Local writers will share their alternate endings the Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon. Prizes for top three audience picks.

Event Location: The Myrna Loy Center, 12 Ewing, Helena, MT 59601

Date: Sat, Nov 13, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Book: The Maltese Falcon



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