Lewis & Clark Library: Augusta Drop-In Valentine Making Feb. 9 and family events

Augusta Drop-In Valentine Making took place Feb. 9 as a drop-in craft during library hours with supplies provided, offering a low-barrier, family-oriented activity timed around Valentine’s Day. The event was one among several Lewis & Clark Library programs in the week of Feb. 9 that aim to connect children, teens, adults and rural patrons to library services and civic programming.

Earlier in the week the Helena Main Branch hosted Take Your Child to the Library Day on Saturday, February 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Children’s Area. The library promoted the day with this program copy: “Discover all kinds of library magic during this global celebration. We're hosting special activities and giveaways all day for children who visit the library with their grownups!” That event and the Augusta drop-in reflect the library’s emphasis on accessible, family-friendly programming during peak early-February demand.

The library’s February and March calendar also includes adult-focused learning and cultural programs. The Montana Historical Society lecture series presented in partnership with the Montana 250th Commission continues on Thursday, February 12, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with “Shared Stewardship: Collaborative Museum Practice with Montana Tribal Nations - presentation by Nina Sanders.” The calendar lists the event location as Lewis & Clark Library, 120 S Last Chance Gulch St, Helena, and the listing carries the registration note: “Registration is required for this event.” The series description states, “The Montana 250th Commission is excited to share these stories with all Montanans and will be bringing in special guests where possible to further bring this history to life. Events will be held on Zoom each second Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30pm. For further information on the Montana 250th Commission, please visit Montana 250 or email mt250@mt.gov.”

A related Montana 250th event, the “2nd Annual Historic Bake-Off: Family Recipe Edition,” is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required for that event as well. Meanwhile the library’s Crafts for Adults programming invites community members to sample new skills: “Gateway crafts! Emotional Support Crafts! Social Crafting! Lewis & Clark Library is excited to offer free opportunities for adults to explore a variety a crafting. Each month will feature a different experience. All materials are provided, no experience is necessary! Please register for each class so we know how many supplies we need.” One specific class listed is Hydro Dipped Wooden Earrings on March 14 at 1:00 p.m. in the Large Community Room; registration opens February 1, 2026.

The system’s public calendar also lists a range of community entries that serve different neighborhoods and age groups, including Tea Talks by the Teen Advisory Board (Feb. 25, 5:00 p.m.), York Park Bookmobile Stop (Feb. 26, 2:30 p.m.), Mario Kart Open Play (Feb. 26, 3:30 p.m.), and multiple bookmobile stops and early literacy sessions through the week of Feb. 23–27.

For planning and questions, Lewis & Clark Library is located at 120 S Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601; phone 406-447-1690. Hours for public visits are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The calendar shows many programs require advance registration; readers should contact the library or the Montana 250th Commission at mt250@mt.gov to confirm formats, registration steps and any changes before attending. These events underscore the library’s role as a civic hub offering free cultural, educational and family services across Lewis and Clark County.