Wisconsin Book Festival

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courtesy Wisconsin Book Festival

A crowd of sitting people listen to a talk at Central Library.

A past Wisconsin Book Festival event.

The Wisconsin Book Festival’s annual fall celebration offers a concentration of readings, discussions and general bookishness that should get even the most reclusive bookworms out of the house. Sessions range from nonfiction that deals with today’s political realities to fiction that provides welcome escape. See Michael Popke’s preview of Wisconsin-connected authors here. Peruse the full schedule at wisconsinbookfestival.org.

media release: More than 60 authors are scheduled to speak about their latest published works at the Wisconsin Book Festival’s 23rd annual Fall Celebration October 17–20 at Central Library and downtown Madison partner venues. From mystery and fantasy to memoir and nonfiction, programs will satisfy readers of all ages and interests.

“Whether you're drawn to a particular genre or taking a more spontaneous approach to your festival schedule and looking to discover new ideas, you won't be disappointed and will feel welcome ,” said Wisconsin Book Festival Director Jane Rotonda. “ You can walk right in and learn something new and interesting. It’s just a great community moment, having all these authors of different backgrounds and talents here in Madison, ready to share their knowledge and engage in fascinating dialogue.”

Fall Celebration highlight events are listed below. Free books will be distributed to attendees at events marked with an asterisk, courtesy of the Wisconsin Book Festival.

Thursday, October 17

Scientist and public science communicator Leah Elson for her debut work, There are No Stupid Questions ... In Science, 7 p.m., Central Library, Community Room 302

Friday, October 18

Award-winning and New York Times best-selling author Nicola Yoon for One of Our Kind*, 6 p.m., Central Library, Community Room 301

American journalist Paola Ramos for Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Right and What It Means for America, 7:30 p.m., Central Library, Community Room 302

Award-winning poet Danez Smith for Bluff*, 9 p.m., Central Library, Community Rooms 301 & 302

Saturday, October 19

Gastropod podcast co-host, journalist, and author Nicola Twilley for Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves*, 10:30 a.m., Central Library, Community Room 302

University of Michigan Law Professor, former U.S. Attorney, and legal analyst Barbara McQuade, in conversation with David Maraniss, for Attack From Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America*, 3 p.m., Central Library, Community Room 302

Five-time novelist Rufi Thorpe for Margo’s Got Money Troubles, 6 p.m., Central Library, Community Room 301

PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction winner Joseph O’Neill for Godwin, 7:30 p.m., Central Library, Community Room 301

Acclaimed globetrotting photographer George Steinmetz for Feed the Planet: A Photographic Journey to the World’s Food, 7:30 p.m., Arts + Literature Laboratory

Sunday, October 20

New York Times best-selling author Lev Grossman for The Bright Sword, 1:30 p.m., Community Rooms 301 & 302

Presented by Madison Public Library in partnership with Madison Public Library Foundation, the Wisconsin Book Festival offers free, year-round literary events that facilitate conversations and critical thinking. Diversity — in the author lineup, book selection, and audience — is a key component of festival programming. For program details and the full schedule, go to wisconsinbookfestival.org.

The festival is again partnering with the Wisconsin Science Festival to feature several STEM author and book talks throughout the weekend. “ I think the subtheme with our partnership this year is ‘news you can use,’ or information and experiences that impact our daily lives,”

Rotonda said. “It's about human connection as well as our relationship to the world we share and finding fun, new ways to restore, build, and strengthen those ties.”

The festival is funded with generous lead support from Signature Sponsor Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation, with additional donations from many other businesses, organizations, and individuals. Madison Public Library Foundation privately raises nearly $200,000 per year to support authors’ travel and lodging expenses, as well as festival staff salaries and operations. Find sponsors and read more about funding for the festival at wisconsinbookfestival.org/give.

About the Wisconsin Book Festival

The Wisconsin Book Festival annually presents nearly 100 programs featuring a wide variety of writers, from those making their debut to local names to best-selling authors. Find bonus content on the festival’s Facebook page, @wibookfestival on X (formerly Twitter), or @wibookfest on Instagram. You can also access archived event recordings on its Crowdcast page.

About Madison Public Library

Madison Public Library’s tradition of promoting education, literacy, and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for nearly 150 years. Some of its nine locations are open seven days a week, and the library welcomes nearly 2 million visitors each year. For more information, visit madisonpubliclibrary.org, the library’s Facebook page, and @madisonpubliclibrary on Instagram.

About Madison Public Library Foundation

Madison Public Library Foundation mobilizes the Madison community to continuously improve, promote, and support Madison Public Library. Learn how the foundation provides funding for Madison’s libraries and efforts like the Wisconsin Book Festival at mplfoundation.org, on the foundation’s Facebook page, @mplfoundation on X (formerly Twitter), and @mplfoundation on Instagram.