Spring Literary Luncheon
In May, the annual Spring Literary Luncheon featured bestselling author Louise Erdrich. Guests enjoyed lunch at the historic Wisconsin Club as well as a presentation, reading, and book signing from her latest novel, The Plague of Doves.
Susan Firer named Milwaukee’s Poet Laureate
In April Susan Firer was named Milwaukee’s fifth Poet Laureate. Susan is an Assistant Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is considered one of Milwaukee’s premiere poets and authors.
Words and Music in the Rotunda
On a beautiful summer evening in July, Friends members and their guests gathered “Under the Dome” in Central Library’s majestic rotunda. They enjoyed a wonderful social hour with music provided by the members of the Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra followed by readings from Milwaukee authors Susan Engberg and Liam Callanan.
2008 Wisconsin Writers Wall
The Wisconsin Writers Wall of Fame was unveiled in 1997 and conceived as a way to honor authors—novelists, poets, journalists, playwrights, historians—whose work was influenced by their life and experience in Wisconsin. In September, the Friends of Milwaukee Public Library and Library Director Paula Kiely were proud to add authors A. Manette Ansay and Margot Peters to the wall.The
Bookseller Used Book Store Undergoes a Facelift!
The Bookseller, the Friends of Milwaukee Public Library’s used book store, underwent a transformation to update the facility with new flooring and paint thanks in part to the local chapter of the American Society of Interior Design. Generous donors and volunteers provided carpet, flooring, shelving and labor to complete the renovation. During 2008, the Bookseller was staffed by 35 dedicated volunteers who provided more than 4,000 hours of service.
Friends Grants
Annual proceeds from the Bookseller and used book sales allow the Friends to provide grants to the library. Typically the focus of the awards is to support collection development of popular, high demand items throughout the library system. In 2008, this included a grant award of $10,000 to purchase new “Playaway” audio books. Playaways are the digital content of an entire book pre-loaded into a pocket-size player. These devices allow patrons who may have limitations with their vision or who don’t have a personal CD player or computer to still access books.
