Join us for a conversation between two well-known local authors, reflecting on their recently published books, how the people and landscape of North Dakota infuse their writing, and their hopes for state’s future. Clay Jenkinson is a humanities scholar, author, and host of the nationally syndicated radio program, The Thomas Jefferson Hour. His most recent book, The Language of Cottonwoods: Essays on the Future of North Dakota reflects on the state’s spirit of place and cultural identity, outlining a vision for a cultural renaissance at the heart of the continent. Sarah Vogel is an attorney, advocate, former North Dakota Commissioner of Agriculture, and author of The Farmer’s Lawyer. Her memoir, rooted in the state’s prairie populist history, recalls her David vs. Goliath legal battle on behalf of family farmers against the federal government during the 1980s farm crisis published as another crisis takes shape in rural America today.

The end of the year marks a wonderful time to reflect on all that you’ve experienced and learned over the past 12 months. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays with friends and family or enjoying some quiet time alone, take a moment to cozy up with a good book and set an intention for the coming year. Log your reading and activities to earn badges all month long. This challenge is open to all ages.

Join local author Joy Anna as she introduces her service dog, Charlie, and reads from her new book, What Is Charlie Doing? In the book, readers learn about Charlie, and the how's and why's of service dog work are explained. As Joy tells readers: "Let the children everywhere fall in love with Charlie while they learn the very important lesson about the life-saving job of a service dog."

HQ (Teen Headquarters) is open for walk-in use by teens in grades 6-12.