![Three women stand in front of the Wisconsin capital building]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1700237813/usmk12org/yvzpucctrgwawus2o2hr/librarians_WR.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1700237813/usmk12org/yvzpucctrgwawus2o2hr/librarians_WR.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1700237813/usmk12org/yvzpucctrgwawus2o2hr/librarians_WR.jpg","width":581}])
This October, University School of Milwaukee librarians Judy Clegg, Laura Klein, and Ivana Renteria attended the 2023 Wisconsin Book Festival held in Madison, Wisconsin. The annual event showcases primarily Midwestern authors and authors of newly published books, who shared ideas, information, and stories. One of those authors included Mona Susan Power, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, who read from her latest novel, “Council of Dolls,” a story that follows three generations of Dakota women.
“Spending the weekend with my fellow librarians was an enriching experience,” said Laura Klein, Upper School librarian. “We were able to come together to discuss books for students ages 3 through 18, and how to support their interests and growth as lifelong readers. Our conversations and experiences together inspired and generated new ideas and energy as we returned to our respective divisional libraries the following week. I feel fortunate to work with such great colleagues who share my love for literature and ideas.”
“I feel very fortunate to have been able to attend the Wisconsin Book Festival,” said Judy Clegg, Lower School librarian. “There was a wonderful variety of genres and authors making it difficult to choose which sessions to attend. Ultimately, I chose author presentations with Wisconsin-related topics such as ginseng root, ways to protect our Wisconsin environment, and hidden treasures throughout our state. I’m looking forward to attending next year’s festival!”
“Over the course of three days we attended many book talks by authors from around the country,” said Middle School librarian Ivana Renteria. “One of the highlights for me was the author and poet Jose Olivares, a Chicago native who presented his book "Promises of Gold," which is a collection of poems that explore the concept of love through the lens of humanity and family as influenced by Mexican culture. His presentation was heartfelt and celebrated by the audience. My overall experience was glittered by the comradery of my fellow USM librarians. I am more than grateful to have spent the weekend with my colleagues as we explored new titles and genres that will enrich our libraries and classes at USM.”
USM has hosted a variety of author visits this school year, including Arshay Cooper, Kevin Miyazaki, Shari Swanson and Renee Graef, and Sheri Glucoft Wong.
About the festival:
The Wisconsin Book Festival, presented by the Madison Public Library in partnership with Madison Public Library Foundation, is one of several free, public-author events that celebrate books and spark conversations. Each year, the festival creates a robust schedule of accomplished and new writers whose fiction, nonfiction, and poetry books appeal to all ages of readers. The festival presents stand-alone events throughout the year, with a culminating celebration each fall.