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Bismarck State College announces 2026 BookTalk at BSC series

Published: Dec 02 2025
Bismarck State College announces 2026 BookTalk at BSC series - Photo
Bismarck State College (BSC) announces BookTalk at BSC 2026, the college library's annual book discussion series. This year's theme, “Bookish,” will resonate with those who are naturally curious, open-minded and deeply passionate about books, learning and libraries.

Book discussions will take place on Sundays, Jan. 4, Feb. 1 and March 1, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the BSC Library meeting room in Skogen Hall, Room 204, on the BSC campus. All sessions are free and open to the public.

The series begins Jan. 4 with the historical fiction novel “The Boxcar Librarian” by Brianna LaBuskes. Inspired by the true history of Missoula’s Boxcar Library, the story follows three women connected by a traveling library built from a converted mining train that brought books to rural Montana towns. Dr. Kim Crowley, associate professor of English at BSC, will lead the discussion.

On Feb. 1, the discussion focuses on “The Book of Doors" by Gareth Brown, a contemporary fantasy that follows Cassie, a bookseller who inherits a mysterious book that sweeps her into a secret, high-stakes world of magic, danger and thrill. Michael Tomanek, associate professor of English at BSC, will guide this discussion.

The series concludes March 1 with “Books for Living" by Will Schwalbe. In this nonfiction collection of literary criticism essays, the author explores more than 20 books that have shaped his life, perspectives and search for meaning. Dr. Brian Palecek, retired English and humanities instructor from United Tribes Technical College, will facilitate the final discussion.

Participants are encouraged to read the books ahead of each discussion. Copies are available for purchase at local bookstores and through online retailers. Books can also be checked out at the BSC Library or area public libraries. 

BookTalk at BSC is funded by the BSC Library and the Warren and Rose Marie Henke Memorial Library Endowment. For more information, contact the BSC Library at 701-224-5450 or bsc.library@bismarckstate.edu.