The Belgrade Community Library will host the Montana Conversations program “Perspectives on Islam” with Samir Bitar on Tuesday, October 4, at 6:00 p.m. Life in Muslim societies is an intersection of religious, social, cultural, and political realities. For one to develop a well-rounded understanding of Muslims, their perspectives, and their aspirations, one must look at all the dimensions of Muslim life. For that purpose, literature can provide a valuable lens through which to view Muslim societies. Bitar uses literature, film, and other resources to familiarize audiences with the religion of Islam and the heritage of Islamic civilizations around the globe. Bitar is professor of Arabic language and cultures at The University of Montana. A native Palestinian, Professor Bitar came to Montana when he was sixteen as a freshman in college. He has been teaching at The University of Montana since 1999, offering instruction in Arabic and an introductory course on Arabic poetry and literature. He has a master’s degree in linguistics, teaching methods and cultural geography and has also travelled around the state to train the Montana National Guard in essential Arabic language and culture. The presentation is free and open to the public. Funding for the Montana Conversations program is provided by Humanities Montana through grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Montana’s Cultural Trust, and private donations.