Meghan with author Laurie Halse Anderson who participated in the FCBF.
The Fox Cities Book Festival board is made up of passionate librarians, writers, and community activists.
Today we’re featuring Meghan Odegard who has been involved with the Fox Cities Book Festival since 2014 when she joined the Authors and Events Committee.
Meghan is also an Adult Services Librarian at the Neenah Public Library which she joined after completing her MLIS at UW-Milwaukee. Meghan is an animal lover (she once worked at an animal hospital), passionate reader, and valued member of the Fox Cities Book Festival board. Read on for a quick Q&A with Meghan about what she does on the board and how she supports the literary community in the Fox Cities.
What is your role on the FCBF board and what do you do?
Currently, I am the secretary for the Fox Cities Book Festival board. I record the minutes for monthly board meetings and keep records as needed. During the Festival week, I host and organize all of the events at the Neenah Public Library. I also serve on the Executive Committee and the Authors and Events Committee.
What do you love about the FCBF?
I love the energy and excitement surrounding the Fox Cities Book Festival. I enjoy collaborating with other communities in the Fox Cities and meeting individuals who share similar interests. With a full week of different literary events, the Festival creates so many fantastic opportunities for writers and readers. From presentations to workshops, panels, discussions, and more—the Festival really has an event for every individual!
Why did you want to become a librarian? I really love to help people and, as a librarian, I have the opportunity to connect individuals with so many important resources. I enjoy working with new technology and researching just about any topic. Also, the books—I love to discover new authors and recommend books to individuals visiting the library.
Can you share about some of the books you’ve most recently read? I love stories with hints of magic, history, humor, or mystery. I am currently reading Tangleweed and Brine, a collection of short stories, each one a reimagined fairy tale by Irish author Deirdre Sullivan. It is really wonderful and features beautiful illustrations.
Is there anything else you want to share? I love coffee, Harry Potter, cold weather, and animals, especially my dog, Flora. I am learning to weave on a loom and I hope to travel more often in the future.
