Adults

We hope to see you at the Big Read program scheduled Oct. 3rd at 6:30pm. (More information on Big Read programs coming soon.)

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Tuesday, Oct. 3 6:30pm

Professor Peter Simi
Professor Simi will join us virtually. We'll meet at the library and engage with him on the large screen. 

Peter Simi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at Chapman University. He has studied extremist groups and violence for more than 20 years, conducting interviews and observations with a range of violent gangs and political extremists. Through this research he helps explore these organizations and what motivates people to join.

Dr. Simi is a member of the NCITE at the University of Nebraska, Omaha which is the newest university-based research center funded by the Department of Homeland Security and committed to the scientific study of the causes and consequences of terrorism in the United States and around the world. Simi is also co-author of an award-winning book manuscript, American Swastika: Inside the White Power Movement’s Hidden Spaces of Hate and frequently serves as an expert legal consultant on criminal cases related to political extremism.

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Thursday, Oct. 5 6:30pm

Hanah Jon Taylor Artet

Roaring Twenties are often associated with the incredible jazz and blues music that was popular at that time. Greats like Louis Armstrong, Mamie Smith, Jelly Roll Martin and others came on the scene and music has never been the same. 

Hanah Jon Taylor is an internationally known jazz musician as well as a fixture in the Madison jazz scene. He is the owner of Madison's Cafe Coda jazz club, and a strong educator in inter-arts programming. He, along with talented musical guests, bring the sounds of the 1920s to our library and we can't wait!

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*Author Talk: Timothy Egan
Tuesday, Oct. 17, 6:30pm
Author will join us virtually. We'll meet at the library for the live watch party.

“Mr. Egan uses the past powerfully to explain and give dimension to the present.” — The New York Times

Timothy Egan is an acclaimed writer and veteran chronicler of the American experience, whose interests range wide across history and landscape, and into the spiritual realm. He is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, a popular columnist, and a National Book Awardwinning author of eleven books.His most recent book is this year's Big Read. "A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan’s Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them" tells the story of a murderous con man, the Klan’s rise to power in Indiana in the 1920s, and the woman who led to their downfall. Booklist calls it “[A] riveting exposé” in a starred review.

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Monday, October 23, 6:30pm

Professor Mike Jacobs, UW-Platteville

Though it may be hard to think about Klan chapters in our state, records show they were prevalent. In fact, by 1924 a Milwaukee chapter had 4,400 members and a clubhouse at 2424 Cedar Street (now West Kilbourn Avenue). Madison, Kenosha, Oshkosh and Racine, also had chapters. Throughout the 1920s, these chapters caused problems for both blacks and whites. During this program, history professor Mike Jacobs, shares KKK history, secret codes and traditions as well as some of their activities. 

This event is part of our Big Read. All welcome to attend, even if not reading the Big Read book. Learn more about the Big Read here!

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Community Book Discussion
Monday, Oct. 30, 6:30pm

Join your fellow Big Readers (Yes, that's a thing!) and share your thoughts about this year's title. This is a laid back conversation where all are welcome to share their ideas, things they learned, and other opinions about the book. 

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Tuesday, November 7, 10am

All are welcome to join in the conversation during our monthly book club. Copies are available for check out at our circulation desk. (Including large print!) 

Tea and light snacks are provided. 

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Wednesday, November 8, 6:30pm

As we approach Veterans Day, our library is partnering with the Veterans Crisis Line to offer suicide prevention programming. The S.A.V.E. class, offered by the Office of Veteran's Affairs, is a comprehensive training that educates community members, family members and Veterans on recognizing the warning signs of suicidal thoughts. This evening will guide participants in engaging in compassionate conversations, identifying support needs and effectively connecting Veterans to mental health resources.

The VA's S.A.V.E. acronym reflects the essential steps to remember in suicide prevention:

• Signs of suicide
• Asking about suicide
• Validating feelings
• Encouraging help and expediting treatment.

All welcome. No registration necessary. 

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Tuesday, Nov. 14, 1p.m.

Do you know you can access Ancestry.com Library Edition at the library?  It’s true! However, navigating Ancestry.com and getting the most out of it can be a daunting task. Join librarian, Eric Crow, for a tutorial of Ancestry.com as well as tips and tricks to help guide your research. But, it doesn’t stop there - you’ll see the wide variety of materials the library has available. From family histories to microfilmed newspapers, the resources you can find (and check-out) at the library can be just as valuable to your genealogy research.

Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just starting out, let Eric show you all the library has to offer and how we can help you discover your family’s history.

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Wednesday, November 15, 6:30pm

Registration Required

Learn to make homemade marshmallows dipped in tempered dark chocolate and decorated with holiday flavors!! Just in time to impress your family and friends during annual gatherings...or keep them to enjoy yourself.

Chef J. Miller, RedBarn Catering, walks you through this process. You'll go home with a couple of samples -- if you don't eat them first!

Sign up here or call 608-437-5021.