At the Library 10/10/24

 

3^rd Year of WPL Author Fest!

By LeAnn Kunz

    A few years ago the Washington Public Library started an annual Author Fest to celebrate local and Iowa authors. In 2022 our headliner was the best selling author Heather Gudenkauf! We felt so fortunate to host such a prominent writer who is a favorite of many of our readers at the WPL. Her reading was dynamic and she was gracious to everyone who wanted a signed copy of her book. We also had readings from our own Washington authors including John Bain, Julie Gentz, John Greener, Michael Kramme, Jean Wolf Logan, Corinne Stanley, and Dave Stoufer. It was a satisfying start to this yearly program.

Heather Gudenkauf signing books

Heather Gudenkauf reads

 

WPL staff Tammy Valentine, Mia Schrock, Author Heather Gudenkauf,
and WPL staff Jenisa Harris, LeAnn Kunz, and Cary Ann Siegfried

         

    Last year our headliner was Beth Howard, aka “The Pie Lady”. Not only did Beth read, she also did a pie demonstration! One lucky patron even won that pie. Again, we could not have picked a nicer person to visit us. Beth was lively, fun, and friendly to everyone. The other Iowa authors reading that day included Venise Berry, Eric Gapstur, Dan Henderson, and Leigh Michaels.

Sally Reighard wins a pie made by Beth Howard

Beth Howard demonstrates pie making

    

WPL staff Alison Greiner, Cary Ann Siegfried, LeAnn Kunz, author Beth Howard,
and WPL staff Jenisa Harris and Tammy Valentine

    We are delighted to continue the festival this year on Friday, October 18  and Saturday, October 19. Tammy Valentine and I like to try new things, so this year we are hosting a Friday brunch with Jennie Fisher at 11 am on October 18. Jennie was born and raised in Washington and moved back here in 2020. She works remotely as a book cover designer for the University of Illinois Press and was just recently promoted to Senior Design Coordinator. At the free brunch, Jennie will be speaking about her work as a designer and there will be refreshments. She is also displaying her work in the Helen Wilson Gallery on the 2^nd level of the library during the month of October. Don’t miss a chance to hear her speak and to view her unique artwork as part of Author Fest ‘24.

Caleb "The Negro Artist" Rainey performing

    The  following day we will kick off our Saturday morning with a special Washington Writers’ Workshop at 9 am with our headliner Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey. Caleb is a writer, film maker, and teacher who specializes in spoken word poetry. In this free workshop, he will be working with teens and adults who would like to learn the craft. Following that, Caleb will be performing at 10:15 am and will be available to sign his books. His performances are energetic and emotional and you won’t regret spending the morning with him. Our second performer, Chuy Renteria, who is an author, artist, dancer and teacher, will be reading at 11:15 am. Finally we will wind up the day at noon with Darcy Mulsby, who is an author, photographer, foodie, and is known as “Iowa’s Storyteller”. These three featured authors, as well as many authors from our past festivals, will all be available in the Author Room throughout the event to visit with you and to sign their books.

    Come out and celebrate the talent that Iowa can call its own! The WPL Author Fest is an excellent way to appreciate those authors who make us all happy to be readers.