The Missoula Public Library is welcoming winter with a full month of programs for all ages, from hands on crafts and community celebrations to book clubs, concerts, tech meetups, youth programs, and the annual Missoula Reads challenge. Whether you are looking to cozy up with a book, learn a new skill, enjoy holiday fun with the family, or connect with neighbors, December at the library has something for everyone.
Below is a complete look at this month’s standout events and programs, for more information visit the library website: Missoula Public Library.
Winter Celebration and Holiday Events
All Under One Roof Winter Celebration
Saturday, December 6 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM | All Levels
A magical holiday celebration features activities for all ages, holiday markets, live performances, and free photos with Santa. This anchor event fills the library with music, creativity, and community joy.
Details available on the guide’s first page.
Find the Elf on the Shelf
December 1–23 | Level Two
Kids can search for Paige the Elf in her hiding spot each day for a sweet treat.
Cookie Decorating and Crafts with a Special Guest
Saturday, December 13 | 2:00–4:00 PM | Art Box
Create holiday cookies and crafts with a visit from Santa while he takes a break from workshop duties. All ages welcome.
TLC Gingerbread House Building
Thursday, December 18 | 3:00–5:00 PM | Art Box
Kids ages 6 and up can build edible gingerbread creations with help from the Teen Library Community. Materials provided.
Youth Winter Reading Challenge
December 1, 2025–February 28, 2026 | Level Two
Cozy up with winter reading and win prizes. Pick up a reading log starting December 1 and return it by February 28 for rewards and a chance at a grand prize. Open to youth 18 and under.
Hands On Learning & Creative Workshops
DIY Sustainable Gift Making
Wednesday, December 9 | 6:00–7:30 PM | MakerSpace
Join Climate Smart Missoula to craft low waste holiday gifts, enjoy snacks, and learn ways to talk about climate change. All skill levels welcome.
Stargazing 101 with Nick Wethington
Monday, December 8 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Cooper Room B
Learn the basics of stargazing and telescope selection. Weather permitting, the Western Montana Astronomical Association will host observations on the balcony afterward.
MakerSpace: Make a T Shirt Quilt
Saturday, December 6 | 3:00–5:00 PM | MakerSpace
Turn favorite shirts into keepsake quilts while learning sewing fundamentals.
Community Support & Connections
Resource Access Day (RAD)
Wednesday, December 10 | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM | Level Four
Drop in for housing support, legal help, vaccinations, mental health care, haircuts, and more. Lunch provided.
Annual ToileTree Hygiene Kit Drive
December 1, 2025–January 9, 2026 | Level One
Donate travel size hygiene products to support care kits during the holiday season.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Tuesday, December 16 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM | Cooper Room
Give blood and support the seasonal supply. Appointments available at RedCrossBlood.org (code: missoulalibrary or 59801).
Death Café at MPL
Thursday, December 18 | 12:00–1:30 PM | Blackfoot Room
A supportive space hosted by Hestia Advantage to discuss life, death, meaning, and connection. Drinks provided.
Programs for Youth
Story Time for Diverse Abilities
December 3 & 17 | 1:00–2:00 PM | Art Box
Stories and activities designed for teens and adults with cognitive or other disabilities.
Missoula Scholastic Chess Club
Thursday, December 4 | 3:30–5:00 PM | Imaginarium
Students grades 2–12 can learn strategy and play friendly matches.
Cooking for Kids: Holiday Hot Cocoa
Thursday, December 4 | 3:30–4:30 PM | Demonstration Kitchen
Learn to make homemade cocoa and create DIY gift jars. Limited to 15 participants.
Santa Story Time
Saturday, December 20 | 10:30–11:30 AM | Imaginarium
Stories, treats, and visits with Santa. Caregivers may take photos.
Sensory Story Time
Saturday, December 20 | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM | Imaginarium
Interactive storytelling designed for individuals with autism or sensory processing needs. Limited to 10 participants.
Teens at MPL
Teen Tuesdays
Every Tuesday | 3:30–6:00 PM | Art Box
Drop in for crafts, games, cooking, and creative exploration.
Teen Library Community (TLC)
Every Thursday | 2:30–5:30 PM | Art Box
Teens collaborate on projects, build leadership skills, and contribute to community initiatives.
Reading, Book Groups, and Literacy Programs
2nd Wednesday Book Group
December 10 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Blackfoot Room & Online
The Secret Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams.
Potomac Branch Library Book Club
December 10 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Potomac Branch Library
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey.
3rd Wednesday Book Group
December 17 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Blackfoot Room
Nobody Will Tell You This But Me by Bess Kalb.
Missoula READS 2025: Book Logs Due
December 26
Turn in 50 book challenge logs by December 26. The tenth annual challenge begins January 2, 2026.
Learn Something New
Linux User Group
Thursday, December 3 | 2:30–4:30 PM | Blackfoot Room
Supportive meetups for new and experienced Linux users.
Windows User Group
Wednesday, December 17 | 2:30–4:30 PM | Ellingson Room
A beginner friendly meetup for learning Microsoft Windows.
Library Spice Club: Nutmeg
Wednesday, December 3 | Demonstration Kitchen
Pick up a free spice kit and recipe thanks to Good Food Store.
Bookmobile Bound
Read with Cats at AniMeals
Tuesday, December 30 | 4:00–6:00 PM
1700 Rankin Street
Visit AniMeals, check out a book, and read to shelter cats to help socialize them. Donations of cat food or treats welcome.
Memory Café: Winter Concert
Tuesday, December 9 | 2:00–3:00 PM | Cooper Room A/B
A welcoming program for individuals experiencing memory loss. This month features a performance by Garden City Strings.
Holiday Closures
The library will be closed:
- December 24 & 25 for Christmas
- December 31 for New Year’s Eve
