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Wisconsin Supper Clubs

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

This presentation explores the origins and history of supper clubs and how they got their start in Wisconsin, along with images of the food and decor of clubs around the state.

Transitions: Stories of How to Help Mom and Dad with their Stuff

Appleton Public Library 225 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI, United States

Post Crescent columnist, Jean Long Manteufel shares positive and thought-provoking stories for both seniors and their boomer children, as they navigate the life-changes that come with aging.

Free

Chasing Portraits: A Great-Granddaughter’s Quest for Her Lost Art Legacy

Appleton Public Library 225 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI, United States

Elizabeth’s story is about the history of her great-grandfather’s art, her family’s Holocaust story, her search for the lost and missing paintings, and where her family’s story fits within the larger issue of Holocaust era looted art and issues of restitution.

Free

Hauntings of the Midwest- Not for the Faint of Heart

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

This program takes the audience on a grisly journey to some of the most gruesomes haunting in the Midwest. Filled with tragic murders, bizarre suicides, serial killers, untimely deaths, and fatal accidents, this presentation is certainly not for the faint of heart.

Follow Your Dream

Neenah Public Library 240 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI, United States

Susan loves to share her journey and process from the little girl to the publishing of her first book, White Lake, with the desire to inspire others to reach for whatever their dream is at anytime in their life.

Wisconsin Supper Clubs

Elisha D. Smith Public Library 440 1st St., Menasha, WI, United States

This presentation explores the origins and history of supper clubs and how they got their start in Wisconsin, along with images of the food and decor of clubs around the state.

The Power of Speaking Up: The Writing of and Reaction to Speak

Neenah Public Library 240 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI, United States

In a world where hateful rhetoric and deceit have become the norm, finding your voice, summoning your courage, and speaking your truth is more critical than ever.

The Writing Life . . . Egad.

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

Join author Lesley Kagen as she entertains with a presentation interspersed with funny and touching stories, and questions from the audience that can lead who knows where!

Censorship in America: Why Are Adults so Afraid of the Real World?

UW-Fox Valley Perry Hall 1478 Midway Road, Menasha, United States

In this timely discussion, Laurie Halse Anderson explores the current state of censorship in America, how everyone came to be so afraid of the real world, and the steps we can take to productively reconcile sensitivity with reality.

A Storied Wilderness: Rewilding the Apostle Islands?

1,000 Islands Environmental Center 1000 Beaulieu Ct, Kaukauna, United States

How do we understand the meaning of human history in places we value as wilderness? Jim Feldman explores this question as he discusses the environmental history of the Apostle Islands.

Then and Now

Appleton Public Library 225 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI, United States

Duachaka Her will share the inspiration and making behind Then and Now, a comic book about a girl’s desire to escape her ordinary farm life and the years that follow.

Free

Indian Mounds of Wisconsin

Elisha D. Smith Public Library 440 1st St., Menasha, WI, United States

More mounds were built by ancient Native Americans in Wisconsin than in any other region of North America—between 15,000 and 20,000, at least 4,000 of which remain today.

Super-powered Storytelling: What I’ve Learned from Writing Comics

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

This presentation offers both a crash course in comics writing, while also addressing how the medium has made Benjamin Percy a better novelist, screenwriter, essayist and short story writer.

The Hearts of Men– A Reading and Q&A

Elisha D. Smith Public Library 440 1st St., Menasha, WI, United States

Nickolas Butler will read from his newest novel, “The Hearts of Men”, and answer questions from the audience. The event will end with a book-signing.

Awake Island – An Outdoor Adventure for Everyone

James J. Siebers Memorial Library 515 W. Kimberly Ave., Kimberly, WI, United States

The presentation will include several readings from the book that highlight characters and their development within the story.

This event has been cancelled

Appleton Public Library 225 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI, United States

This event has been cancelled. Young Adult author Liz Czukas talks about her twisty-turny path to becoming published and the things she's learned along the way.

Free

The Dark Net

Gerard H. Van Hoof Memorial Library 625 Grand Ave, Little Chute, United States

Benjamin Percy reads from his latest novel and discusses the business and craft of writing. Q&A to follow.

The Hearts of Men – A Reading and Q&A

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

Nickolas Butler will read from his newest novel, “The Hearts of Men”, and answer questions from the audience. The event will end with a book-signing.

The Key to the Map

Appleton North High School, LMC 5000 N Ballard Rd, Appleton, WI, United States

Amit’s men suddenly appeared at the tunnel entrance. “Freeze!” screamed Amit. Jake knew he had to act fast. He fired his MTAR and the man nearest the bomb collapsed.

How Books Help Us Have Life’s Difficult Conversations

Appleton Public Library 225 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI, United States

In this personal and heartfelt lecture, Will Schwalbe talks about how books help people, to talk about things too painful to address directly.

Sky Woman Lives in Me, Chapter 1: The Picture

Neenah Public Library 240 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI, United States

A photo of an elderly Native American woman on exhibit in a museum captures the attention of a child. Forty years later, this child, now an adult, finds the photo again and learns the old woman is a relative.

How a 21st Century Indian Became Published

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

Louis V. Clark III started to write poetry in the sixth grade. Sixth grade boys who write poetry---get beat up a lot, but he was born with a never quit attitude.

The Waking Land – a Reading

Main Hall, Room 201, Lawrence University 501 East College Avenue, Appleton, WI, United States

A reading by Callie Bates, author of THE WAKING LAND. Her debut fantasy novel, it has been named both an IndieNext and LibraryReads pick.

The Crime That Shook the Midwest

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

Learn about the unsolved crime that brought the police, FBI, governor and attorney general Robert Kennedy to realize that the Mafia was a significant problem in Wisconsin.

Pigeons and Publishing

Appleton Public Library 225 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI, United States

"The strangest part about birds falling from the sky? The fact that they're doing it on purpose . . ."

Free

How a 21st Century Indian Became Published

Elisha D. Smith Public Library 440 1st St., Menasha, WI, United States

Louis V. Clark III started to write poetry in the sixth grade. Sixth grade boys who write poetry---get beat up a lot, but he was born with a never quit attitude.

The Pirate Skeleton

Appleton North High School, LMC 5000 N Ballard Rd, Appleton, WI, United States

Amit’s men suddenly appeared at the tunnel entrance. “Freeze!” screamed Amit. Jake knew he had to act fast. He fired his MTAR and the man nearest the bomb collapsed.

Separating Fact From Fiction

Elisha D. Smith Public Library 440 1st St., Menasha, WI, United States

Mark Twain said “The only difference between reality and fiction is that fiction needs to be credible.” How much is fact (real), and how much is fiction?

Follow Your Dream

Gerard H. Van Hoof Memorial Library 625 Grand Ave, Little Chute, United States

Susan loves to share her journey and process from the little girl to the publishing of her first book, White Lake with the desire to inspire others to reach for whatever their dream is at anytime in their life.

A Reading and Conversation with B.J. Hollars

Neenah Public Library 240 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI, United States

After stumbling upon a book of photographs depicting extinct animals, author and UW-Eau Claire English professor B.J. Hollars became fascinated by the creatures that are no longer with us; specifically, extinct birds. How, he wondered, could we preserve so beautifully on film what we’ve failed to preserve in life?

Smart. Tough. Loved. Enough.

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

Laura Kuehl will present on the theme her book, You’ll Always Be Enough, addresses. Kuehl, who’s overcome numerous struggles, will inspire through her own story of personal growth and self-acceptance.

Crafting Compelling Fantasy Narratives

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

This craft talk will delve into the process of writing a fantasy novel—ideally one that readers can’t put down!

Storycatchers Live: Literary Upheaval

The Draw 800 S Lawe St, Appleton, WI, United States

Join us for a live storytelling event where members of the community become storytellers sharing (mostly) true stories, surrounding the theme: Literary Upheaval. You DO NOT need to tell a story to join in the fun! After all, a story isn’t a story without someone

Lighthouses of Lake Winnebago

Elisha D. Smith Public Library 440 1st St., Menasha, WI, United States

Few people realize the existence, or history, of the lesser lighthouses around the country including Lake Winnebago.

The Power of Infamous Mothers

Neenah Public Library 240 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI, United States

I’m not here to argue against the stereotypes. I’ll let someone else do that. I’m here to tell you stories no one ever tells.

The Story of Our Stories

Appleton Public Library 225 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI, United States

Do you wonder where authors get ideas? Connie and Peter have caught piranhas, paraded with penguins, and even kissed whales doing research. Dive into the world of Roop books!

Free

Backwards Dog – In the Beginning

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

“Never give up on a dream because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” Earl Nightingale

Sailing for Ithaca

The Draw 800 S Lawe St, Appleton, WI, United States

Abayomi Animashaun’s poems are travelogues of an inner country that is shaped and informed by Animashaun’s Nigerian roots, his journeys through America, and his identity as an immigrant.

Scotland through the Eyes of the Author

Gerard H. Van Hoof Memorial Library 625 Grand Ave, Little Chute, United States

Laura is an alumnus of Lawrence University, playing (like Niall and Shawn in The Chronicles) both trombone and harp. In addition to writing, she teaches music lessons and hosts the radio program Books and Brews. She lives in Minneapolis with five of her nine children, three cats, and an Irish Wolfhound much like the Laird’s great hunting hounds.

Never Curse the Rain

Neenah Public Library 240 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI, United States

Jerry Apps shares his memories of water, from its importance to crops and cattle to its many recreational uses -- fishing trips, canoe journeys , and the simple pleasures of an afternoon spent dreaming in the haymow as the rain patters on a barn roof.

A Reading from Scriptorium and Other Poems

The Draw 800 S Lawe St, Appleton, WI, United States

Melissa will read from her most recent collection of poems, Scriptorium (Beacon Press 2016), a 2015 National Poetry Series Selection chosen by Tracy K. Smith, as well as newer poems.

Talk and Signing with YA Author Chelsea Bobulski

Gerard H. Van Hoof Memorial Library 625 Grand Ave, Little Chute, United States

Chelsea Bobulski will be presenting on her journey as a writer, focusing on her process for The Wood. Find your inspiration like Chelsea, who says, "As a child, I fell in love with the unique magic of books, the magic of escape. I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since.”

Poetry Reading by Wisconsin Poet Laureate Karla Huston

The Draw 800 S Lawe St, Appleton, WI, United States

Wisconsin Poet Laureate Karla Huston will speak about poetry and memory. She’ll read from her newest chapbook of poems, Grief Bone (Five Oaks Press: 2017), and share poems written from her memories and talk about the way memory works in poems.

One hundred years of public broadcasting in the state that invented it.

Elisha D. Smith Public Library 440 1st St., Menasha, WI, United States

2017 marks the one-hundredth anniversary of Wisconsin Public Radio. This presentation focuses on why Wisconsin used radio for public service, while other broadcasters exploited it for private profit.

Dave Cubiak Door County Mysteries

Appleton Public Library 225 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI, United States

The first three books in the series each had different starting points The first was inspired by Door County. The second by the characters, and the third by the plot.

Free

Ginny Moon – a Reading

Wriston Art Center, Lawrence University 613 E. College Ave, Appleton, WI, United States

The author’s reading of key passages of Ginny Moon, followed by a brief discussion of how the book was written, and a Q&A.

Thousand-Miler: Adventures Hiking the Ice Age Trail

Elisha D. Smith Public Library 440 1st St., Menasha, WI, United States

In 36 action-packed days, Melanie Radzicki McManus ran along Wisconsin's 1,100-mile Ice Age Trail, setting the women's speed record (at age 52!) and becoming one of the trail's elite Thousand-Milers.

Stories from Alaska

Appleton Public Library 225 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI, United States

Campbell’s newest book, Braving It: A Father, A Daughter, and an Unforgettable Journey into the Alaskan Wild (Penguin-Random House) was chosen by Amazon as one of May 2016’s top nonfiction books and was a finalist for the Banff Mountain Book Competition.

Free

Every Day We Live Is the Future & the Craft of Narrative Nonfiction

Elisha D. Smith Public Library 440 1st St., Menasha, WI, United States

When she was only nine, Dayani Baldelomar left her Nicaraguan village with nothing more than a change of clothes. Her neighbor, Yadira Castellón, also migrated from the mountains. Driven by hope for a better future for their children, Dayani and Yadira invent jobs in Managua’s spreading markets and dumps. But a swelling tide of family crises and environmental calamities threaten to break their toehold in the city.

Ginny Moon – the Djinn in My Bottle

Elisha D. Smith Public Library 440 1st St., Menasha, WI, United States

Ginny’s voice came to me in a mysterious way, one that I’m still trying to comprehend.  In this talk we’ll explore the nature of voice, narration, and the quiet but calculating moves of the subconscious.

Stories from Alaska

Neenah Public Library 240 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI, United States

Campbell’s newest book, Braving It: A Father, A Daughter, and an Unforgettable Journey into the Alaskan Wild (Penguin-Random House) was chosen by Amazon as one of May 2016’s top nonfiction books and was a finalist for the Banff Mountain Book Competition.

Free

The Fox Cities Meets Hollywood

Appleton Public Library 225 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI, United States

Appleton author Amanda Lauer presents her Heaven Intended series and how her first novel garnered a movie contract and what it takes to bring a book to the big screen.

The Education of Will

Appleton Public Library 225 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI, United States

Join Patricia McConnell as she talks about her newest book, The Education of Will. The book is very different from her previous ones—it’s a memoir about trauma in both people and dogs, and how a messed up, crazy puppy named Willie taught her that will power is not enough to heal you when you are broken.

The Pollination of Native Plants

Elisha D. Smith Public Library 440 1st St., Menasha, WI, United States

Heather Holm is an award-winning author and nationally sought-after speaker spending much of her time passionately educating audiences about the fascinating world of native bees and the native plants that support them.

St. Simons and Jekyll Islands: Where the Bridge Leads

Neenah Public Library 240 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI, United States

Susan will share the sights and places that inspired her first book, White Lake and the anticipated sequel, Return Home. She will also reveal some interesting history of the areas frequented by her characters. When she's done, you too, will want to plan a trip to these Islands!

Poetry Unlocked

The Draw 800 S Lawe St, Appleton, WI, United States

The Fox Cities Book Festival partners with Poetry Unlocked to present poets Kavon Cortez-Jones and Beth Spencer. Each featured poet will read for 20 minutes, followed by an open mic at which members of the audience can read 1-2 poems.

Gardening for Bees and Butterflies

The WILD Center 2285 Butte des Morts Beach Road, Neenah, WI, United States

Heather Holm is an award-winning author and nationally sought-after speaker spending much of her time passionately educating audiences about the fascinating world of native bees and the native plants that support them.

Writing Your Memoir: A Gentle Exercise in Creative Non-Fiction

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

Are you concerned about what your sister or, heaven forbid, your mother, would think about your memoir? Fictionalize it and sleep easy. Here’s how.

The Writer and the Social Media Platform

James J. Siebers Memorial Library 515 W. Kimberly Ave., Kimberly, WI, United States

Author Jill Van Den Eng explains why and how to set up a social media presence.

Reading with David McGlynn

Warch Campus Center, Lawrence University 711 E Boldt Way, Appleton, WI, United States

One Day You’ll Thank Me translates the small, often hilarious moments common among parents of young children, especially dads, into “life lessons” about fatherhood.

Enjoy Your Ride

Appleton Public Library 225 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI, United States

Today, I’m going to share the three things that have helped me to enjoy my ride and can, in turn, help you enjoy your ride even more.

Writing the Dark and Dangerous World of Small Town Policing

Elisha D. Smith Public Library 440 1st St., Menasha, WI, United States

The allure of the city is powerful, but remember: when a killer comes to small town America, the body is just as cold and the blood runs just as red.

The Fox Cities Meets Hollywood

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

Appleton author Amanda Lauer presents her Heaven Intended series and how her first novel garnered a movie contract and what it takes to bring a book to the big screen.

Debussy’s Paris with Catherine Kautsky

Appleton Public Library 225 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI, United States

Politics, art, literature, not to mention racism, orientalism, and nationalism – a potent mix in fin-de siècle Paris. Come hear how Claude Debussy, who died precisely 100 years ago, combined them all in music.

Book Signing with Gavin Schmitt

Thomas A. Lyons Fine Books 127 W. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI, United States

Join local author Gavin Schmitt for a book signing! He loves talking local history, mafia and crime, so bring along your questions!

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

A Reading and Conversation with Jim Guhl

Neenah Public Library 240 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI, United States

Author Jim Guhl’s new novel, Eleven Miles to Oshkosh, takes readers back to a 1970s Wisconsin where he tells the story of a teenage boy coming to age as he deals with the unsolved murder of his father.

Booked For Murder!

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

It's a grim world out there.  Perhaps you need a nice, wholesome cozy murder mystery to lift your spirits.  Modern life can be poisonous.  Spend an hour with Kathy and her amateur sleuth, Rhiannon Nolan.

Plotting Your Romance

Gerard H. Van Hoof Memorial Library 625 Grand Ave, Little Chute, United States

The importance of plotting, pulling your story together and how it helps with completing a well-crafted story.

One Day You’ll Thank Me: Lessons from an Unexpected Fatherhood

Neenah Public Library 240 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI, United States

One Day You’ll Thank Me translates the small, often hilarious moments common among parents of young children, especially dads, into “life lessons” about fatherhood.

Storytime with Linda Vander Heyden

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

Join author Linda Vander Heyden and Kaukauna storytime staff for a special Fox Cities Book Festival storytime!

Booked for Murder!

Neenah Public Library 240 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI, United States

It's a grim world out there. Perhaps you need a nice, wholesome cozy murder mystery to lift your spirits. Modern life can be poisonous. Spend an hour with Kathy and her amateur sleuth, Rhiannon Nolan.

There’s a New Cheesehead on the Block! And Some Novels Too!!

Gerard H. Van Hoof Memorial Library 625 Grand Ave, Little Chute, United States

Walk with Judy and Packer greats down the road of adventure, honor, and faith. Win or lose, enjoy the glory of a life of excellence. And learn to shout within.

YA Author Workshop

Elisha D. Smith Public Library 440 1st St., Menasha, WI, United States

Strasburg will moderate a discussion/workshop on being a YA Author. Topics like rewriting your book, balancing home, work and writing, finding a publisher, finding an editor, finding your voice, and a successful book launch will be discussed at this roundtable.

Finding Humor In Hell: The Crazy Chaos of Self-Distribution

Neenah Public Library 240 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI, United States

Writer and filmmaker John Mitchell gives his humorous take on the crazy chaos of self-distribution in the film and the self-publishing world.

There’s a New Cheesehead on the Block! And Some Novels Too!!

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

Walk with Judy and Packer greats down the road of adventure, honor, and faith. Win or lose, enjoy the glory of a life of excellence. And learn to shout within.

Delight, Gardens, C’mon!

Warch Campus Center, Lawrence University 711 E Boldt Way, Appleton, WI, United States

This talk will imagine ways that delight, joy, and love are integral to the ways we care for the land, but also to the ways we care for ourselves and each other as the land.

“Dreamerboy” Picture Book Presentation

The Book Store 293 W Northland Ave, Appleton, WI, United States

When six year old Murphy’s imagination takes him on an adventure to save his friends from the grasp of his evil nemesis Ripple, he gets himself into all sorts of trouble when his Dreamerboy antics spill over into his real world, the classroom.

Why is Mickey a Mouse?

Gerard H. Van Hoof Memorial Library 625 Grand Ave, Little Chute, United States

Why is Mickey a mouse and not a human child? Picture book author, Keiko Kasza, will look into the reasons why animals are often used in books for very young children and in all her books.

Madison, America’s Deadliest City?

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

Corruption in the courts, the Ku Klux Klan roaming the streets, and the highest homicide rate in America. This was Madison in the 1920s.

Enjoy Your Ride

Elisha D. Smith Public Library 440 1st St., Menasha, WI, United States

Attitude affects everything! I have learned that life is what we make it. We all have frustrations, and difficulties but with a positive attitude we can succeed in life!

Diverse Voices in Youth Literature

Warch Campus Center, Lawrence University 711 E Boldt Way, Appleton, WI, United States

Join youth authors Crystal Chan, Lori M. Lee and Kurtis Scaletta as they discuss the importance of diverse voices in youth literature today.

A Matter of Facts; The Tom Monfils Case Revisited

Neenah Public Library 240 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI, United States

Joan Treppa, a social justice advocate for those wrongfully convicted, shares her research and insight into a tragedy that shocked a community and is considered by a growing number of supporters to be a grave injustice that is still unresolved.

Historic Kaukauna Bus Tour

Kaukauna Public Library 207 Thilmany Rd. Ste 200, Kaukauna, WI, United States

Join local historian, Carol Mainville Van Boxtel, as she takes you on a bus tour of historic Kaukauna. Registration is required for this event and begins on October 1st; please register by calling the Kaukauna Public Library at (920) 766-6340.