Nearly 70 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 edge-of-your-seat mystery and globetrotting fantasy to gripping memoir and thought-provoking nonfiction, more than 50 events will engage readers of all ages and interests throughout the weekend.
“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 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. The foundation privately raises funds to make festival programming possible and is deeply grateful to Signature Sponsor Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation and the many other sponsors for their support.
Become a Festival Member
Now that you’ve seen all the fascinating Wisconsin Book Festival author programs on the horizon this fall, you might be wondering how you can be a part of the excitement. The best way to support the festival is to become a member!
Donations to Madison Public Library Foundation fund author travel expenses, staffing, operations, free books for attendees at select events, and other costs. All it takes to become a member is a gift of $100 or a greater amount if you wish. Exclusive member benefits include reserved seating at select author events, an invitation to our Fall Celebration Author Reveal Party, and more!
Memberships make excellent gifts for family, friends, teachers, coworkers, and the other bookworms in your life. Make your membership donation at wisconsinbookfestival.org/give.