In Class with Go Big Read

The Go Big Read program is looking to identify instructors who would like to use the 2012-2013 selection, Radioactive, with their classes during the coming fall and spring semesters.  Instructors can apply for free copies of the book, for use with their classes, by completing a request form.
See a listing of courses that plan to participate.

"Go Big Read" is UW-Madison’s common book program where students, staff and the community are invited to read the same book, then participate in a variety of related programs in-and-out of the classroom.

For additional information about how to access the book--including alternative formats, click here.  Visit the author’s site for the book.

Save the date!  Author Lauren Redniss’s public presentation is scheduled for October 15, 2012 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Varsity Hall, Union South.

Libraries Host Blood Drive

The libraries invite eligible donors to stop by Memorial Library, Room 116 (from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM) on Wednesday, August 1 to donate a pint through the American Red Cross.

For additional information about how to donate or to schedule an appointment, phone 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit the Red Cross Website. All blood types are desired and necessary. Donors will be asked to present a blood donor card, a driver’s license or two other forms of ID to check-in.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of those needing your donation

Date and Time:  Wednesday, August 1, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Place:  UW-Madison Memorial Library, Room 116, 728 State Street

Travel Reading

Would you like to recommend a particular travelogue or story that examines the highs and lows of the travel experience?

If so, UW-Madison Libraries are looking for your recommendations about great reads. This week, post your favorite travel account on the Libraries’ Facebook page to be entered into a drawing for a $25.00 UW Bookstore gift card.  Some suggestions, thus far, have included Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Into the Wild, and A Room with a View.  What will you suggest?

Keep visiting our sites. Throughout the summer, the Libraries will be making additional calls for your recommendations about great summer reading.

UW-Madison Day at the State Fair (Aug 8)

Save the date! Come celebrate UW-Madison’s history of service and outreach by visiting its Wisconsin State Fair event, August 8. Located on the fair ground’s Central Mall, the "UW-Madison Day" will feature staff and alumni demonstrating their expertise and inviting fairgoers to "jump around" and experience all that the university has to offer--be that to taste some Babcock Ice Cream or to witness the Wonders of Physics.

Be sure to look for your Steenbock librarians and their campus library colleagues! We will be on hand to distribute some library-themed fun and to answer your questions about how you may visit and access library resources.

The State Fair event will also be an opportunity to donate school supplies to Milwaukee-area students. By bringing a new school supply to the Fair admissions gate, you will receive a voucher toward $5 off a $15 ticket sheet for SpinCity, the State Fair’s new amusement ride and game area (while supplies last).  See the list of necessary school supplies.

If you are unable to visit the State Fair during UW-Madison Day, please do consider making a school supply donation.  Donation boxes can be found at sites across campus--including Steenbock Library and Ag Hall.

For more information about the UW-Madison Day at the State Fair, visit this page.

Drought

There is no denying that southern Wisconsin, as well as many parts of the upper Midwest, is experiencing critical drought conditions with significant and, potentially, long-lasting implications to the success of the farming sector and to those who benefit from its production. 

In response to the various concerns arising from farmers and their communities, the UW-Extension, Cooperative Extension has developed on online guide, Drought 2012.  Visit this guide for news, maps, human health and livestock care.  Consult, additionally, with your Extension agents for advice on how to best manage resources in light of exceptional and challenging circumstances.

Summer Camp Reading

Be it campy or about camp, what would you recommend?

UW-Madison Libraries are looking for your recommendations about great reads (or even films)!  This week, post your favorite camping read (or film) on the Libraries’ Facebook page to be entered into a drawing for a $25.00 UW Bookstore gift card.

Keep visiting our sites.  Throughout the summer, the Libraries will be making additional calls for your recommendations about great summer reading.

Native by Design

Save the date!  This early fall, the University Arboretum will host a Native Gardening Conference (Sunday, September 23).  Its theme, "Native by Design: Gardening for a Sustainable Future" will inspire the Midwest gardener to design and to plant spaces that support native wildlife, attract pollinators, and filter runoff. 

Visit the Arboretum Website to view the program brochure and to print a registration form.  Deadline for registering for the conference is September 14, 2012.

Bike the Barns, 2012

Benefit the Partner Shares program (FairShare/MACSAC) with a challenging, yet picturesque ride to local farms in the Verona, Cross Plains and Blue Mounds communities. 

The Sixth Annual Bike the Barns event is scheduled for Sunday, September 16.  Register soon as there is limited capacity!  At each farm stop, enjoy delicious treats provided by the Underground Food Collective. 

Visit the event site and its Facebook community for additional information regarding route, start-times, pledge-sheets, merchandise, and training opportunities.

Catch the CreativeBug!

DIY Crafters never fear--there are how-to videos for all of us!  The CreativeBug site has brought together a variety of craft artisans who share their inspiration, tips and tricks in video format so that you, at your own pace, may similarly craft a project.  While introductory chapter content can be viewed for free, subscribers to the site ($25.00 per month) enjoy unlimited access to all site workshops.  A percentage of monthly subscriptions are donated to a variety of non-profit arts programs.

But, if you are given to crafting among like-minded individuals, there are many venues in the Madison area (and some quite near to campus) where you can find supplies, take a workshop, or simply spark your creativity by browsing some fine examples.  See what these spaces have to offer:

Anthology

Glitter Workshop

LakeSide Fibers | Sow’s Ear (Verona)

Sewcial Lounge

What will you make today?  Reply to this post with your suggestions about other favorite crafting spots.

P. S. There are any number of titles from campus library collections (many to be found in Steenbock stacks) that can inform your creative endeavors. Run a search of the Library Catalog (try a "Words Anywhere" search) on your craft or hobby-of-interest or speak with your librarians for assistance. Should titles from our campus collections be out to other users, do consider searching the UW System or Madison Public Library.