Bozeman Magazine

Montana State University's Library is partnering with a local nonprofit to offer students and others time with reptiles, amphibians, snakes and spiders to help them manage stress.

The event, “Meet the Animal Ambassadors,” will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, in the MSU Library and is a collaboration with the Bozeman-based Montana Outdoor Science School.

The event is part of the library’s efforts to connect with students and help them manage stress throughout the semester. The library regularly offers "Paws to De-Stress," which is a program that provides two-hour blocks of time during the final weeks for students to interact with certified therapy dogs. That program is a partnership between the library and Intermountain Therapy Animals, a nonprofit organization that aims to enhance quality of life through human-animal bonds. Other partnerships from this semester have included one with Cowboy Heaven Miniature Horse Safe Haven to offer time with miniature horses and another with the Gallatin Conservation District to offer time with Angora rabbits. Dates and times of future Paws to De-Stress events will be announced in the MSU calendar.

For more information, contact Ann Vinciguerra, events and communications manager at the MSU Library, at 406-994-6857 or ann.vinciguerra@montana.edu.