A Talk in the Woods: Voices Along the Appalachian Trail - a new book by Wisconsin author Cary Segall7/23/2024
 Hundreds of guides and memoirs have been published about hiking the Appalachian Trail since it was completed in 1937. Finally, we finally have a book that is different from all of them. A Talk in the Woods by Wisconsinite Cary Segall captures the stories and motivations of hikers through the eyes of an award-winning reporter and editor. Cary was mesmerized by the ramblers, wanderers, and nomads who are part of the three million people who hike some segment of the trail each year. From 2014 to 2018, he traversed the 2200-mile trail and stopped hundreds of travelers along the way to capture their unvarnished stories. The result is an examination of the allure of the trail and its challenges, from people who share their own varied motivations to take it on. Every hiker has a story, as does every trail angel and hostel owner. Segall brings them all together in a chronicle from one end of the trail to the other. And along the way, Cary includes wisdom about gear, food, weather, and terrain, giving the reader the inside scoop, the valuable planning and packing tips from those who have been there. The book is a must-read for those considering the trail as well as those who have done it and want to re-live the experience. “What you have in your hands is a sterling representation of life on the Appalachian Trail... These stories of loners and lovers; givers and takers; winners and losers are captivating. They remind me of Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology. They are easy to read and shine with their authenticity.” Warren Doyle, founder of the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association and AT Hall of Fame inductee who has hiked the route 18 times. "Segall captures the culture and communication style of the trail, particularly as he chases down rumors of one intriguing hiker or another." Kirkus Reviews Cary Segall worked on the sports desk of the Wisconsin State Journal and took his first backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail with the University of Wisconsin Hoofers Outing Club. He has a bachelor's degree in wildlife ecology and spent three years as a ranger-naturalist in the National Park Service. He returned to the UW for a law degree and became a public-interest environmental lawyer, and returned once more for a master's degree in journalism. He spent fourteen years as a reporter and seven years as a copy editor at the State Journal. He is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Cary is available to visit libraries to talk about his book. For more information, contact Kevin at [email protected].  A Talk in the Woods: Voices Along the Appalachian Trail by Cary Segall with a Foreword by Warren Doyle
Back Burner Books | On sale: July 6, 2024 | 483 pages Paperback: 978-1-736334119; $24.95 | Ebook: 978-1-736334157; $9.95
Greetings, A sincere thank you to all the Wisconsin Public Libraries that have supported our Wisconsin-based documentaries. We appreciate your purchase of our documentaries and know that they will be a great addition to any Wisconsin public library catalog. The public you serve will enjoy these Wisconsin stories. It's important to share the legacy of our fine state with all our local communities. Please note, for the community libraries that have not purchased our documentaries yet, that we do accept your tax exempt status. Feel free to contact me directly to exchange tax forms and place your order. Local Community Events Additionally, based on availability, keep in mind that I would be happy to present my films for local community group events at Wisconsin public Libraries in an effort to promote local Wisconsin libraries, local film development, and most importantly, to share the rich heritage of the great state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Originated Documentaries - Depicting Wisconsin Stories The Edge Ltd., a Wisconsin-based production company, offering two of our Wisconsin documentaries for the public libraries throughout Wisconsin. The "Hogslayer: The Unapproachable Legend" and "Walter: The Missing Link" documentaries are Wisconsin originated and depict impactful Wisconsin stories that have been and continue to be appreciated worldwide. Both films are very educational in nature, offering exciting and heartwarming aspects from the true lives and times of fellow Wisconsinites achieving their goals and influencing others with their remarkable stories. These documentaries are available in DVD, and Blu Ray, or can be streamed from www.edgeltdproducts.com. A synopsis of each film follows. HOGSLAYER: THE UNAPPROACHABLE LEGEND "Hogslayer" is the story of the world champion Norton dual-engine motorcycle dragster from the 1970s that was built and raced from Sunset Motors in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Through the unrivaled innovation of builder John Gregory and the unbridled courage of rider TC Christenson, the Hogslayer took on unyielding challengers to change the world of motorcycle drag racing. This is a true Cinderella story, telling the tale of a small motorcycle shop that took on the best race teams in the world and winning with consistent success. "Hogslayer" is a must-see for Wisconsin history buffs, motorcycle enthusiasts, and racing fans! Watch the "Hogslayer" documentary trailer above. WALTER: THE MISSING LINK - DISCOVERY OF A CENTENNIAL MOTORCYCLE"Walter" is the story of a 1913 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Forecar affectionately known as Walter, and the last-known of its kind in existence. This story chronicles Walter's 100-year journey from service on the streets of Old Milwaukee, then through years of desolation in a barn hay-loft and eventual restoration to become the most valuable service motorcycle in the world. It is a heartwarming story following the journey of a Washington County, Wisconsin's grandfather's desire to teach his grandson the mechanic trade through the meticulous restoration of this unique motorcycle, the most significant barn-find of our times. "Walter" is must-see for Wisconsin history buffs, Harley-Davidson fans, and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts! Watch the “Walter” documentary trailer above.
New presentations by Chad Lewis, author of the strange and unusual: last chance for 2024 dates4/23/2024
 https://www.melindamyers.com/articles/beauty-outside-your-door-2024-library-program Gardening expert and author Melinda Myers is offering all Wisconsin Public Libraries FREE WEBINARS and Gardening Projects from April – June for patrons of your libraries. Below is the necessary webinar registration info and attached are the webinar graphics-- please feel free to use these to promote the webinars to your patrons. If you’d like to host the webinar at your library for your patrons to watch together, simply register your library (using the links below) and then promote your library's viewing party event. Your patrons’ gardening questions can be submitted for Melinda to answer live right after her presentations – simply submit the questions in the Zoom Q&A box during each webinar broadcast. Additionally, the 2024 WI Public Library Program Factsheet has information about the Free Gardening Activities, Videos, and Projects (and webinars) Melinda Myers will be providing for you to use and share with your patrons this spring and summer. The 2024 program info (webinar info & registration links, videos, activities, and downloadable projects will be available at: Beauty Outside Your Door - 2024 Library Program with Melinda Myers.  April 10, 2024, 6:30 p.m. CT WEBINAR: Container Gardening Throughout the Year with gardening expert & author Melinda Myers Use container gardens to boost the color and seasonal interest in any size landscape, garden, balcony, or deck. With your budget in mind, we will explore attractive combinations of trees, shrubs, flowers, edible plants, and those that attract pollinators. Plus, you’ll learn strategies for extending your enjoyment year-round by transforming all or a portion of the container planting with the changing seasons. Register for this free webinar at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SwTJwDSaQgWnm7YU-iY0mg.
 May 1, 2024, 6:30 p.m. CT WEBINAR: Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables with gardening expert & author Melinda Myers Increase the nutritional value and beauty of your landscape by incorporating attractive fruits and vegetables into your landscape, garden beds, and containers. Growing varieties that are both ornamental and productive increases the opportunities for creating a beautiful space right outside your door. We will look at new and proven fruit and vegetable varieties suited to both gardens and containers. Register for this free webinar at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SFUNmF3LSUmpTXGpRMVbiA.
 June 5, 2024, 6:30 p.m. CT
WEBINAR: Under-Appreciated Pollinators with gardening expert & author Melinda Myers The plight of honeybees and monarchs fills the news, but many more pollinators are often overlooked yet critical to the production of food, fiber, and other raw materials we depend upon. Native bees, moths, bats, beetles, flies, and birds are also important. We will look at a variety of pollinators, their role in the environment, and their impact on people. Plus, we will discuss ways to co-exist with these often overlooked and sometimes feared or dreaded animals. Register for this free webinar at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__q1UbmcTTMyyumfGd-o6AA.
If you have any questions, please email Diana Paul, coordinator of this program at [email protected] or 414.758.7047. A new message from the author:
Posted December 20, 2023:
 I am the former Executive Director of the American Neurological Association and the Organization for Human Brain Mapping). Here is the cover and a bit more information about my personal memoir that will SOON be available to readers (PDF file).
I was a former library employee in my small rural NW Wisconsin Library and would sincerely appreciate it if you would share this email and both attachments with the libraries in your system. I self published the book and used Ingram and Amazon to make it easily available to both libraries and individual readers worldwide. It is my prayer that it helps many through the trials and tribulations that dominate today's headlines. Thank you in advance for your willingness to spread my story. I can be reached at [email protected] or on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. I sincerely appreciate any help you can offer to share this book with as many people as possible. I'd cherish your honest book review as well as I consider library directors to be the most expert in the field of information sharing and service to the public. With warm regards, Lori J. Peterson"  Brian Hudelson directs the University of Wisconsin Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic. In 2024 (as he did in 2023), Brian will be providing free monthly Zoom presentations on a range of plant disease topics, which may interest library patrons. This PDF file describes the talks (with brief descriptions), lists the days and times, and also provides information on how to register for the talks. The online descriptions of the talks is also available at https://pddc.wisc.edu/2024-pddc-plant-disease-talks/. Brian has additional advertising materials (an 8.5 X 11 advertising poster for each talk) if these might be of interest to you.  Brian also published a book of plant disease-themed limericks (with additional prose descriptions of the featured diseases, photos, and original artwork). Learn about Limerickettsia: A Plant Pathologist's Book of Verse at https://pddc.wisc.edu/limerickettsia-book/.
If you have questions, please contact Brian at: Brian Hudelson Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic University of Wisconsin-Madison 1630 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706-1598 Phone: (608) 262-2863 FAX: (608) 263-2626 E-mail: [email protected] Website: https://pddc.wisc.edu Follow on Facebook and Twitter @UWPDDC  https://www.wisconsincaps.com Consider booking Barnaby Jones for a speaker showcase at your library! Barnaby is a cryptozoologist, paranormal researcher, author, narrator, speaker, podcast host for "Monsters on the Edge" and "Whispers from the Dark," and founder/lead investigator of Wisconsin CAPS (Cryptids, Anomalies, and the Paranormal Society). Barnaby, in collaboration with Barb and Craig Sulk, will be releasing the book Bigfoot is Hyden: The Incredible True Story of Strange Activities in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on January 1, 2024. This book will be available for purchase at the speaker showcase. You can find more information about Barnaby and CAPS at www.wisconsincaps.com. Speaker showcase presentationsAvailable presentations for his speaker showcase include:
 We are pleased to share below some FREE webinars and gardening activities for 2024 from nationally known and Wisconsin-based gardening expert and author Melinda Myers for all public libraries in Wisconsin. Melinda hopes you can incorporate any or all of the following into your 2024 Library programming calendars. If you have any questions, please contact Diana Paul at [email protected]. Look for more information in the New Year coming via WisPubLib!
Your Library can host a watch party on the dates below or schedule it after the live webinar date and play the recording. If you host a live watch party on the dates below, your patrons will be able to submit questions live and get them answered by Melinda at the end of each webinar. You can also let your patrons know they can individually register for the webinars if they’d prefer to watch them at home. Registration links are below:
The presentation is for adults, often for Friends of the Library groups, who are generally made up of passionate advocates for libraries and books, as Lutie was.
If you are interested in a performance of any kind, please let Stuart know. His website is StuartStotts.com and he's happy to provide references. If you are interested in a summer reading event, Stuart often finds it’s a lot more affordable if libraries work together to combine bookings. "Thanks for your work. It’s not an easy time for many librarians, but I, and many others, believe you play an essential role in our society." - Stuart Stotts Stuart Stotts [email protected] 608-513-0724 www.StuartStotts.com
Since its release, I’ve spoken about Tailspin at more than sixty events including forty libraries. 'Gene Moran’s story is, to put it mildly, amazing and John Armbruster’s presentation drew a crowd that was standing room only, which is rare in our tiny town! The presentation includes photos not included in the book, and Mr. Armbruster relates his experience recording Gene’s story so well. I would whole-heartedly recommend you include John Armbruster in your programming lineup.' - Amanda Hegge, Director, Whitehall Public Library My presentations are an hour long and include video, audio, slides, readings and a display of banners and artifacts. I will also sell and sign books for as long as needed after the presentation. The fee for my presentation is $400. I’ve already spoken at the following places in your Nicolet system area:
For more information on Tailspin, please read the (attached) sell sheet.
 "Shipwrecked and Rescued: Cars and Crew" by Larry Jorgensen The recently released book "Shipwrecked and Rescued" has been selected as one of ten Notable Books for 2022 by the U.P. Publishers and Authors Association.
It's a true story about the only shipwreck and rescue of its kind ever on the Great Lakes. View testimonials (PDF file) about the book. Book price is $22, cost to libraries is $12. Free shipping - books are signed. Contact: Larry Jorgensen [email protected] The following is taken directly from an email from Ryan Bernsten to NFLS:  "My name is Ryan Bernsten and I'm a Midwest-based writer. My upcoming book 50 States of Mind: A Journey to Rediscover American Democracy, which I wrote as a grad student at University of Oxford, is being released by the London-based publisher Bite-Sized Books on June 20th (US Hardcover) and March 28th in the UK. This book is a nonfiction account of my travels across all 50 states to meet people from different walks of life/political persuasions and is a modern take on Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America. I grew up in Madison – I visited Racine, Marinette, Appleton, and Green Bay on my journey and would love to return to Wisconsin for an event with your library in 2023.
Here's some information about the book, a press release, and a press kit is (available below): "Hi, My name is Kaolee Yang, and I am one of the authors of two early literacy Hmong board books. Wisconsin is home to one of the largest Hmong population in the United States, and yet there are very little bilingual titles available in the public libraries. We would love to supply your library with these two new titles that teaches how to count in Hmong, and how to say the colors in Hmong."
"You can learn more about the two books at our website: https://www.thestoryclothshop.com/
Thank you, Kaolee"  The Midwest Book Review acclaims Jeff Nania's Northern Lakes Mysteries, stating they are "Especially and unreservedly recommended for community library collections…"
The audiobook for Figure Eight—read by the author—is now available to serve even more patrons and discounted through the month of May for library purchases. Midwest author Jeff Nania's Northern Lakes Mystery series books are highly sought-after in Wisconsin libraries and demand is growing rapidly across the country. An award-winning author and conservationist, Jeff draws upon careers in law enforcement and natural resources to captivate readers and keep them wondering who is on the right side of the law. In Figure Eight (2019), readers meet John Cabrelli who, after a traumatic incident while on patrol in Madison, retreats to northern Wisconsin and unravels a mystery that could forever change the Northwoods. John's story continues in Spider Lake (2020) and Bough Cutter (2021) as he adjusts to a new life in Namekagon County with a colorful crew of characters in this crime fiction, with themes of community and natural resources throughout. This best-selling Northern Lakes Mystery series is perfect for fans of William Kent Krueger, Victoria Houston, C. J. Box, and Patricia Skalka.  https://www.atcllc.com/learning-center/trees-and-vegetation/grow-smart/grow_smart-library/ 5/4/2022 update from Kelly Bolter, Adult Programming Coordinator @ Milwaukee Public Library: We're counting down the days until Melinda Myers will be celebrating Pollinator Month with your libraries and patrons! She’ll be hosting 3 live webinars and 3 youth videos with corresponding DIY projects that can be done as part of library programming with kids, tweens and teens. These projects can also be accessed online for any families or households who would like to do this at home with take home kits. Attached (below), you will find a DIY Project Supplies List created by Melinda. This could helpful for any libraries who plan on including them in a Summer Reading Program, and any take-and-make kits. Please note that step-by-step instructions for each of these DIY projects and the corresponding videos are being produced and will be available online by 5/16 on the program’s webpage, www.atc-GrowSmart.com/library. This page is currently under development. I’ve also attach(ed) a refresher of the Pollinator Month program and content that will be provided to our libraries free of charge (see the attached June 2022 Pollinator Month Factsheet) and information so you can promote the 3 pollinator gardening webinars presented by Melinda to your patrons (see Pollinator Month 2022 Webinar Registration Info). If you have any questions, please contact Diana Paul at [email protected]. Thank you for getting the word out about the importance of pollinators and ways we can help them! Please note the dates of the Pollinator Month Webinars are June 1, June 15, and June 22. 
Original post: 3/21/2022
June is National Pollinators Month. In an effort to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators and how everyone can help them, American Transmission Co. is teaming up with gardening expert and author Melinda Myers. Together, they will produce and provide libraries throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with educational programming and content for National Pollinators Month. The content and programming will be made available to the libraries at no cost and the libraries may offer the programs and content to their patrons throughout the month of June... 
The issue of mental health is prominent everywhere and it is an issue that commands a new perspective. Without advocacy and awareness, we will continue to wait until the crisis stage to address mental health for Law Enforcement Professionals and by then it may be to late.
The Law Enforcement Culture tends to expect Law Enforcement Professionals to resist normal physiological responses to tragedies or critical incidents. This combination creates the perfect storm when Law Enforcement Professionals are not provided with the tools to deal with effects of the profession.
Please contact me if you would like me to speak about my experience. You can learn more about Stop The Threat - Stop The Stigma at: http://www.stopthethreatstopthestigma.org
Let's work together to Stop The Threat - Stop The Stigma. Please share this (e-mail) with others. Thank you. Sincerely, Adam A. Meyers 13034 30th Avenue Lake Hallie, Wisconsin 54729 Call/Text: (715) 869-3361 StopTheThreatStopTheStigma.org  Rochelle Melander is a writing coach and teaching artist. She is the founder of Dream Keepers, a writing workshop for young people in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and she teaches at libraries, local schools, and museums.  Rochelle's new book, Mightier Than the Sword: Rebels, Reformers, and Revolutionaries Who Changed the World through Writing (Beaming Books; July 27, 2021), is a middle grade social justice book pairing life changing writing exercises with the stories of a diverse group of people who changed lives and communities throughout history. The book features people from a variety of disciplines who used their words to educate people about the stars, advocate for women’s rights, end slavery, save the environment, protest injustice, and more. Sidebars explore types of writing, fun facts, and further resources.
Library directors: if you would like to review the eARC to take a look at this book, please contact Rochelle for a link. She’s also written 11 books for adults, including two books to help people write: Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (and Live to Tell About It) and Level Up: Quests to Master Mindset, Overcome Procrastination and Increase Productivity. Rochelle is also available for author visits. Chad Lewis: Author of the Strange and Unusual Offers Virtual Openings for Fall & Winter 20218/31/2021  Speaker Bio For nearly three decades Chad Lewis has traveled the back roads of the world in search of the strange and unusual. From tracking Vampires in Transylvania and searching for the elusive monster of Loch Ness to trailing the dangerous Tata Duende through remote villages of Belize and searching for ghosts in Ireland's castles, Chad has scoured the earth in search of the paranormal. Chad has been featured on the Discovery Channel's A Haunting, William Shatner's Weird or What, ABC's World's Scariest Places, Monsters and Mysteries in America, along with being a frequent contributor to Ripley's Believe it or Not Radio. With a Master's Degree in Psychology, Chad has authored over 25 books on the supernatural and extensively lectures on his fascinating findings. The more the bizarre the legend is, the more likely you will find Chad there! **Virtual Openings for Fall & Winter** "Due to the rise in Delta and winter driving conditions, many libraries have been asking for virtual options for their Fall & Winter programming. With this, in addition to my in-person programs I have converted all my presentations to include a virtual option through Zoom, Skype, Facebook Live, Blue Jeans, etc...... or even a pre-recorded version as well. Many libraries are even taping the live video to make it accessible through their websites for those who couldn't attend the live broadcast and a pre-recorded option is available as well. I have included all the info for you below---just let me know what you pick. It is great to know that even in these strange times people still crave storytelling. Keep an eye out, Chad Lewis 715-271-1831 www.chadlewisresearch.com" The following information comes from Wisconsin author Kevin Revolinski's newsletter, The Mad Traveler.
 From the publisher:
We are excited to share with you that Figure Eight (2019, Little Creek Press) tied for first place in the Mystery/Thriller category of the Midwest Book Awards announced on Saturday! The second Northern Lakes Mystery, Spider Lake, was released in January. If your library doesn't yet have it, or if you need additional copies, both Figure Eight (2019) and Spider Lake (2020) are available through Baker and Taylor or Ingram. You may also order directly from us or the publisher, Little Creek Press. We have seen many libraries hold virtual events this year. If you are interested in holding a book talk with Jeff, please let us know. Or, if you have recommendations for organizations, podcasts, blogs, or other media outlets we could contact to share these books more widely, drop us an email! We truly appreciate your support over these past 18 months and the role you have played in the success of these Northern Lakes Mysteries. We hope to bring you book 3 soon!
7/1/2020 Update: Wisconsin Author Jeff Nania's Figure Eight Mystery takes Gold in Midwest Book Awards  A note from Jeff & Victoria Nania:
We are reaching out because your library currently carries "Figure Eight: A Northern Lakes Mystery" by Wisconsin author Jeff Nania. We are excited to let you know that Spider Lake, the next book in the series (Northern Lakes Mystery Series) will be here soon! Please let us know if you would like us to ship you copies as soon as we receive them so you can have them by the release on December 3. This last year has been an amazing journey learning about book publishing and distribution. Thank you for being a partner with us. We truly appreciate working directly with libraries to get these books into your patrons' hands. This winter, we will be developing audio formats for both books and hope to include Overdrive's services so that your patrons can listen to this series. We are scheduling events now for winter and spring. Let us know if you'd like to get something on the calendar to share Figure Eight and Spider Lake with your patrons. Jeff & Victoria Nania subscribe to updates from Jeff Nania www.feetwetwriting.com facebook.com/jeffnaniaauthor Upcoming Events: November 14 | Books & Beer (Columbus, WI) November 17 | Reader's Realm (Montello, WI) December 6 | Village Booksmith (Baraboo, WI) January 11 | Pardeeville Library  Figure Eight: A Northern Lakes Mystery (ISBN-10: 1942586558) was published in January 2019 by Little Creek Press in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. It's a perfect pick for patrons who read authors like C. J. Box, William Kent Krueger, Victoria Houston, Nick Petrie, Patricia Skalka, and John Sandford, or readers who just love plot twists and a fast-paced story! (See reviews.) It is a book with high regional interest. The second book in the series, Spider Lake, is expected January 2020.
Figure Eight has been featured in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “Here are four outdoors-related books with a Wisconsin flavor to consider as holiday gifts” by Paul Smith and other media outlets. Jeff is a dynamic speaker and has spoken at dozens of events over the past eleven months and would love to support your public library with an author presentation. He has also been interviewed on WRCO Radio and you can watch him in action at Ocooch Books. Jeff Nania is a feature writer for Wisconsin Outdoor News and other publications. In Figure Eight, the first book in the Northern Lakes Mystery series, Nania draws upon careers in law enforcement and conservation to weave together a thrilling tale of murder and deceit, family and traditions, and second chances and make readers wonder who is on the right side of the law in the Northwoods. Read more. Figure Eight is available through both Ingram and Follet/Baker Taylor. subscribe to updates from Jeff Nania www.feetwetwriting.com facebook.com/jeffnaniaauthor
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