Bigger and better than ever in its 5th year: Hedberg Public Library Book Fest! This annual event in Janesville, Wisconsin is expanding into a week-long celebration of books & writing on June 19-27 with workshops, book signings, author fairs, and SO much more.
Registration for each event is encouraged but not required, unless noted on the library’s website with a *. Register online, at the library, or call 608-758-6600.
Book Fest is organized by Hedberg Public Library with support from Downtown Janesville, Inc. and the Janesville Farmers Market, along with local businesses!
Friday, June 19:
11:30 AM | Orange Hat Publishing Authors – a panel of authors who will share their publishing journey with Orange Hat Publishing.
1 PM | Writing Workshops
• Print Isn’t Dead: How Writers Pitch, Place, and Publish in Print Media with Michelle Gardner
• Writing Characters: Show, Don’t Tell with Mary Ann Noe
• Creating a Standout First Chapter with Sarah J. Mendonca
2:15 PM | Writing Workshops
• Plotting Your Novel: Adapting a Screenplay Approach with Joseph Rein
• Writing a Short Personal Essay for Beginners with Frances Wiedenhoeft
• Poetry as a Coping Tool with Kelsey Bigelow
• The Goblin Method of Kind of Outlining a Book with A.Z. Louise/Alby C. Williams
3:30 PM | Meet Maggie Ginsberg – a meet & greet with the author of Still True and the forthcoming Daisy Chain.
5:30 PM | Book Fest Reception featuring Lesley Kagen* – a meet & greet with local authors and special guest Lesley Kagen followed by a book sale and signing in the Fireplace Room and then a discussion of Lesley’s novel Whistling in the Dark with appetizers.
Saturday, June 20:
9:30 AM | Writing Workshops
• The “Eras” Tour: How to Research Different Eras for Your Historical Fiction Novel with Jessica Brousseau
• Working with an Editor: What You Need to Know with Jody Benson
• Querying Your Novel with B. F. Peterson
10:45 AM | Pitching Books That Don’t Fit a Tidy Publishing Box with Ann Garvin – a presentation on how to talk about what does fit in the market, how to choose comps that add energy instead of draining it, and how an author’s voice can become the book’s biggest selling point.
12 PM | Brown Bag Lunch with Wisconsin Writers Association – a panel on the history of WWA Press, books published/on the docket for publication through 2027, the focus of WWA Press, and the process for submission/selection.
1:30 PM | UW Press Publishing with Amber R. Cederstrom – a presentation on the review publishing process and requirements.
3 PM | Meet Pao Lor – a discussion with acclaimed Wisconsin author Pao Lor on his books Modern Jungles and Bamboo Son with a book sale and signing following the discussion.
Sunday, June 21:
10 AM-3 PM | Choose Your Own Adventure Day at Rotary Botanical Gardens – choose-your-own-path storytelling for guests of all ages to explore a variety of activities spread throughout the Gardens and let their curiosity lead the way.
Monday, June 22:
8 AM-12 PM | In the Hands of Recovery with Author Kristen Akbar at Healing Hands Myofascial Therapy – a discussion on her candid memoir about recovery and resiliency.
4-5 PM | An Afternoon of Adventure with Author James Salimes at Davis Physical Therapy LLC and Marigold Speech & Co. – a discussion on his debut novel, The Fullness of Time, that began as a bedtime story for his four children.
5:30-8 PM | Book Club and Author Meet & Greet with Author Emma Briedis at American Belle Clothing*
6-8 PM | Slip Into Rejuvenate with Author Eileen Troemel at Rejuvenate Skincare Studio – a silent book club (Bring Your Own Book), a galaxy-themed paint & sip, and light refreshments and snacks.
Tuesday, June 23:
2-4 PM | Books & Brews with Author Mary Ann Noe at Genisa Wine Bar/Jack & Jenny’s
6-7:30 PM | Armenia – A Land Where Angels Walk in Guise as Missionaries: A Witness, A Writer, A Courageous Woman
Wednesday, June 24:
10:30 AM | Beasties Storytime with Author Pat Hall at Classy Rascals Children’s Boutique
11 AM-2 PM | Miracle’s Mission with Author Kathy Schendt at Paul Chiropractic Family Wellness Center – a meet & greet with children’s author Kathy Schendt & a therapy dog, story time, and fun, kid-friendly activities.
1 PM | Author and Retired Gazette Journalist Greg Peck Reflects on Career at Rock County Democrats Office
1-3 PM | Storywalk® Kickoff at Rotary Botanical Gardens – a celebration of the new StoryWalk featuring Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden by Christy Mandin, with activities for all ages throughout the Gardens.
4-6 PM | Nevermore & Once More Book Exchange at Bodacious Shops of Block 42 – a book exchange with Poe-inspired coffee drinks & hauntingly good pastries available for purchase.
4-7 PM | Book Signing: Andrew Lifson, Rogues in a Nation at Lark Market
5-7 PM | Bring a Book, Make a Friend with Author Lindsey Bussie at M.H. Vintage Collective – a fun, low-pressure book swap where readers come together to connect over a shared love of books.
6:30 PM | Half Pint Book Club at Rock County Brewing Company – a discussion on a short story followed by trivia and a brief discussion of the story… with pizza!
Thursday, June 25:
10-11 AM | Meet the Author: Kathy Schendt at Boys & Girls Club of Janesville
10:30-11:30 AM | Roots & Reflections: A Morning with Author Jill Gilson at YMCA of Northern Rock County
3-4 PM | ‘That’s Not a Pet!’: A Young Writers’ Workshop with Jill Gilson at YMCA of Northern Rock County
3-5 PM | Meet the Author with Christina Brajkovich at 608 Vintage
5-6:30 PM | Birds of Fern Island: A Birdwatching Journey Toward Renewal at Thrive Massage and Healing Arts
7 PM | Simulating Satchel: A Baseball What If with Author John Graf at Rock County Historical Society
Friday, June 26:
10 AM-2 PM | Scavenger Hunt with Author Barb Geiger at Raven’s Wish
11 AM-2 PM | From Pain to Purpose: Healing Through Words and Art at 2B Consulting – a workshop with space to transform personal struggles into art and creative expression.
1-4 PM | Create, Remember, Connect with Author Laura Diehl at Willow Way Counseling Center – a presentation with the founder of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope, an organization that guides grieving parents to a place of hope, light, and purpose after the loss of a child.
2-5 PM | Mane Event: Crafts & Stories at Mood with Author Diedre Golberg at Mood
5-6:30 PM | Stories, Sweets, & Second Chances with Author Malcom Woods at The Suite Spot – a puppy meet & greet with the Humane Society, a live author reading, a Q&A session, book signing, Irish-inspired treats for purchase, and a bookmark-making station for kids.
5-7 PM | The Wisconsin Whey: A Cheesy Celebration with Author Kristin Mitchell at Lark Market – a discussion on The Wisconsin Whey, which profiles several cheesemakers from the Driftless region with one of the featured creameries, Carr Valley Cheese, on hand to sample some of their delicious creations and answer questions.
Saturday, June 27:
8 AM-1 PM | Book Fair at the Janesville Farmers Market – a book fair with nearly 20 local authors promoting, signing and selling copies of their work at the farmers market.
8:30 AM-1 PM | Book Signing with Author Barb Geiger at Raven’s Wish
10 AM-1 PM | The Unsolved Case at The Collective: Interactive Mystery Adventure at M.H. Vintage Collective – an interactive, immersive mystery adventure.