In celebration of the 2022 One Book One Bozeman selection, The Cold Millions by Jess Walter, Bozeman Public Library welcomes Rich Aarstad to discuss the very long and robust organized labor union history in Montana. Mr. Aarstad serves as the State Archivist at the Montana Historical Society. His B.A. & M.A. in History from the University of Montana, long-time Union membership, and knowledge of local lore make labor a favorite subject of his, and promises an engaging presentation. 

Unions and the labor movement are a major plot point in The Cold Millions, and feature real life ‘Rebel Girl’ Elizabeth Gurley Flynn in this historical novel. Set in Spokane, Washington in 1909, this is a classic history of the modern American West. The Cold Millions is based on real-life events and figures from the 1909-1910 Free Speech Riots in Spokane, Washington, Mr. Walter’s hometown.   

 Rich Aarstad’s discussion of Organized Labor in Montana will be held on Thursday, May 12, at 6:30PM  in the Large Community meeting room  at Bozeman Public Library. This in-person event is open to the public free of charge as part of the 2022 One Book One Bozeman celebration of The Cold Millions by Jess Walter. It will also be offered virtually to attend on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88088420680 

For more information, please call 406-582-2410, or visit https://www.bozemanlibrary.org/obob

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