Booktoberfest photos

 

 

 

Like most Wisconsin residents, the staff of the Augusta Public Library was grateful for Saturday night’s rain; however, they were also grateful that it waited to arrive until after their Booktoberfest celebration. Saturday’s sunny, mild weather allowed visitors to enjoy both outdoor and indoor activities at the annual event.

 

 

Morgan paints Sage's face at Booktoberfest

The sunshine illuminated the charming storyboards painted and donated by local artist Pat Gabler for the library’s outdoor Storywalk, which was set up on a grassy area near the library. Visitors could also meet Gabler and browse through other samples of her work, and children could get their faces painted.

 

 

 

Jane and Cassie pose by the Storywalk
 

Near Gabler’s outdoor display, many Booktoberfest patrons enjoyed hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches, beans, chips, beverages, and a large array of desserts donated, prepared, and served by library volunteers. (Although the library gladly accepted voluntary donations, which went toward the Reading Garden, there was no charge for the meal.)

 

 

Guests enjoy lunch at Booktoberfest

Visitors also had the option of attending talks by four different regional authors. First, Minnesota author Carl Brookins spoke on a variety of topics, including his involvement in founding Metropolitan State University and North Dakota’s public television system, as well as the writing and publishing of his numerous mystery novels. Next, Wisconsin author Joe Niese—a librarian in Chippewa Falls—spoke about legendary pitcher Burleigh Grimes, the subject of his recent book Burleigh Grimes: Baseball’s Last Legal Spitballer.

 

 

Carl Brookins
 

 

Joe Niese

After a break for lunch, Minnesota author, artist, and entertainer Natalie Buske Thomas spoke about the inspirations for her Serena Wilcox mystery novels and her Dramatic Mom cartoon series, which is based on actual incidents from her life and illustrated by her daughter Cassandra. As a grand finale, Cassandra—an accomplished artist—taught audience members how to draw cartoon figures.

 

 

Natalie Buske Thomas (left) and Cassandra Thomas

Though the clouds were building by the time Booktoberfest ended, the day was a perfect one for food, fun, and literature at the Augusta Public Library.