Missoula Public Library partners with the University of Montana Humanities Institute on this series of informal talks, lectures, and book club events designed to engage our community in a discussion about death, dying, and loss. In the wake of a devastating epidemic, community discussion on this topic is needed more than ever. Throughout 2022, we will hold two events each month (one event in January) featuring UM professors in the humanities who will share their expertise with the wider community. Professors in a range of disciplines will present short lectures on topics designed to generate discussion, including death rituals and beliefs around the world (African, Hindu, Irish, Middle Eastern); death experiences from the past; shifting attitudes in cultural practices like funerals, cremation, and end-of-life experiences; and new movements to de-stigmatize discussions of death. The aim of these programs is to build community through public engagement with a challenging topic during challenging times. The January 24 discussion is on “Poetry, Grief, and Preparing for the Inevitable” with Dr. Ashby Kinch. This discussion is held in Cooper Room A on Level Four. Jan 24, 5:30-7:00 PM