A Summer's Reading

One of the interesting and pleasantly-challenging aspects of our work in libraries is to match a library user with the texts that he or she will most want to read, be it for research or entertainment.

If you intend to read for fun this summer, chat with us, check out our campus libraries’ Pinterest Board to "Summer Reads", revisit the 2014 "Book Madness" selection or try some of the tools, below. Each one of these additional resources enables you to explore a genre or factor a recommendation based upon authors, books or themes you already enjoy.

• Fiction Connection (and nonfiction connection)
• Novelry 
• Which Book?

Locate available copies of books on campus or within the UW-System by using the library catalog and its UW System search feature. The Madison Public Library, as part of the South Central Library System, is also an amazing resource for satisfying popular reading interests--search its catalog to locate items of interest.  (Subscribe to its MadReads Daily for book recommendations).

And, if you haven’t yet discovered it, Steenbock Library hosts its very own "Little Free Library" in which you can also freely exchange popular reading materials.

Barn Dance (June 27)

Kick up your heels and benefit CIAS research and instruction with a celebratory barn dance, Friday, June 27, 2014. As part of its 25th Anniversary celebration, CIAS (Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems) will welcome students, staff, alumni and friends to Schuster’s Farm in Deerfield for an evening that will feature, in addition to dancing, the music of Thirsty Roots (aka Graminy), a silent auction and refreshments.

The event runs from 7:00-10:30 PM.  Tickets ($10 in advance; $15 at the door) can be purchased from Brown Paper Tickets or at the CIAS office (phone 608-262-8018 or email for hours). Do note that there will not be a credit-card option at the event.  Ticket prices for children ages 5-12 will be $5.00; those younger than 5 attend for free.

Free Summer Reading Club (for adults!)

When was the last time that you participated in a summer reading program?!  If you’re in town this summer, stop in to one of our Madison Public Library branches to register for its Adult Summer Reading Club, or, you can also register online. 

Log your finished reads, in person, at your local branch or do so online to qualify for weekly prize drawings beginning the week of June 17 (all summer reading clubs began June 1).  You can also browse by branch to see what other participants have been reading and enjoying--all the better to discover something new to add to your reading list.

In addition to the copies, you can check-out from our public libraries, do consult our campus library catalog, if more convenient, to find available copies of a desired read.

I am Malala

The next Go Big Read has been selected!

Chancellor Rebecca Blank and a review committee of campus faculty, staff and students have selected I am Malala as the 2014-2015 common book selection for the UW-Madison campus.

Chancellor Blank invited the review committee to consider those nominated titles that examined issues of service.  As a model of service, Malala Yousafzai has campaigned mightily, and at great personal risk, for the right of girls and young women (all children, really) to pursue their education.  During her address to the United Nations, she stated, "So let us wage a glorious struggle against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism, let us pick up our books and our pens, they are the most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education first."

For more information, visit the publisher’s site for the book. And, do consult with campus and area public libraries for available copies.

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. Go Big Read will welcome your participation with this new title during the forthcoming academic year.

Read the press release.

Note: UW-Madison instructors interested in using the book can request review copies by contacting the Go Big Read office.

Look Mom...I'm at the Library!

Tell your friends and family where you study with a free, library postcard! 

Take a break, select and write your postcard, then drop it off in our dedicated drop-box.  We will take care of the postage and send it on its way. 

The original images that inspired each of the four different postcard designs were supplied by University Archives.

Look for our postcard-writing station near the front entrance during finals week.

UW Family Gardening Day (May 10)

Put some spring in your step with a visit to our neighborhood this Saturday.  From 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, the D.C.Smith Greenhouse and the Allen Centennial Gardens will welcome campus and community guests to find inspiration for gardens, large and small, with tours, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.

As Steenbock Library dwells handsomely between these two destinations, our staff will be ready to supply guests with information about the collections and services we supply to those with--and those who aspire to have--a green-thumb.  Partners in this endeavor to share information and resources of interest to campus and community include library staff from Wisconsin’s Water Library and Dane County Public Libraries' Seed Library Project.

Look for our information kiosk, outside, near the front entrance to the library.  In case of rain, you will find us in Room 240.  When you enter our building, you will also have an opportunity to browse a selection of titles from our gardening collections.  We also have some gardening-themed Pinterest boards to showcase selected titles.  Do note that these boards supply a visual teaser to what we have and not every item in our collection.  Speak with our library staff for assistance finding more!

Gardening with the Wild
Compost It!

The Potted Garden

Read the Gardening Day press release!

What's in Your Garden?!

Save the date for two opportunities this coming weekend to consult with experts and select the plants best suited to your gardening style and available space.

"Plant Sale with the Pros", Olbrich Gardens

The staff of Olbrich Botanical Gardens hosts its "Plant Sale with the Pros", Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10, from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM (Friday) and from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM (Saturday).  Look for tents, 3330 Atwood Avenue.

The sale features Wisconsin-hardy annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs and more. Master gardeners and Olbrich’s horticulturists are available to answer questions. Proceeds from the sale benefit Olbrich Gardens.  See the 2014 Plant List!

Native Plant Sale, Arboretum

The Friends of the Arboretum hosts its annual Native Plant Sale, Saturday, May 10, from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Look for tents near the Visitor Center.   Information sheets are available online for the various native trees, shrubs, prairie, savanna and rain-garden plants available at the sale.

While every effort is made to supply a quantity of each species, the Friends cannot guarantee that everything will remain available, or in the quantities desired, upon your arrival.

My rule of thumb (green thumb, that is!)--get there early! Experts will be on hand to help you locate species and to answer questions.

Ride to Farm, 2014

Plan now to hop on your bike to benefit the Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers with the eleventh annual "Ride to Farm" (Saturday, May 31).  Visit the Event Information page to learn more about the two route options for this year’s ride.  Both routes, which include rest-stops at area farms with a sampling of treats, will begin and end at Birch Lake Park in Barneveld.

For more information, 2014 highlights, and to register, visit the Ride to Farm site.  The Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers is a program managed by the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems and the Farm and Industry Short Course.

Where the Locovores go...

Go where the locovores go and benefit REAP in the process by using a selection of coupons to area restaurants and vendors.  The REAP Coupon Book is a "must have" item for Madison-area food lovers who enjoy saving on items purchased from area farmers’ market vendors, restaurants and shops.

The coupon book can be purchased at the REAP Food Group office for $10.00, ordered online, or from participating area groceries, Coops.  Proceeds from the sale of coupon books serve to benefit the Buy Fresh, Buy Local program. To learn more, visit the REAP Food Group site.

Get Your Farm Fresh Atlas!

The 2014 edition of the Southern Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas has been released! Pick up your copy from any of several university and area locations, including Steenbock Library (look for copies at our service desks and information kiosks).

Use the Atlas to locate farms, markets and restaurant partners who bring you fresh, area-grown produce and food products. Do note that many of the area growers welcome visitors with special events, u-pick options, hay-rides and tours.

Should you be looking for options apart from the southern Wisconsin area, consult the site for Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlases or nationally, using the Local Harvest site.

Nourish the links between land and table!  Learn more about the REAP Food Group!

AWA Breakfast on the Farm (Apr 27)

The annual Breakfast on the Farm will be served Sunday, April 27 from 8:00 AM until noon at the campus Stock Pavilion (1675 Linden Drive). Breakfast will include hearty fare with ice cream for dessert.

Tickets can be purchased at the door; $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (65+), $5 for students (K-UW) and $3 for children (5 years and younger). A dollar discount will be granted from the price of breakfast with a donation of three canned-food items. All donations will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin.

This event, sponsored by the Association of Women in Agriculture, includes an educational area, petting zoo, and entertainment.

Come hungry; stay for the fun!

See other CALS Week Events here.

Canine Campus Crawl (Apr 27)

The UW Pre-Vet Club hosts its annual Canine Campus Crawl on Sunday, April 27 (noon -). This dog-friendly, 2.5 mile run/walk serves as a fundraiser for the Dane County Humane Society and the "One Horse at a Time" project. The run/walk departs from Lot 60 (801 Walnut Street).

Pre-registration can be done online. The pre-registration fee is $15 for one person (no dogs) or $20 for one person (up to two dogs). Registration fees for the day of the event (beginning at 11:30 AM) are $20 for one person (no dogs) or $25 for one person (up to two dogs).

For more information, see the information packet.

Visit the Facebook page.

CALS Week Food Drive (Apr 20-25)

The CALS Student Association will be running a food drive during CALS Week, April 20-25, 2014.  Look for designated collection spaces in Ag Hall, Animal Sciences, Biochemistry and Steenbock Library.  All items collected will be donated to the Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.  Please consult the poster at drop-sites for a list of suggested food and non-food items.

See the list of all CALS Week activities and events, here!

Loving of the Land (April 26)

Save the date for the third annual "Loving of the Land" benefit concert!

CIAS, the Nelson Institute and the Agroecology Department welcome you to this third annual night of music. The concert will feature the bluegrass and classical music styling of Graminy with their special guests, Chromatic and Ten, choirs from West High (Madison). 

The concert enjoys additional sponsorship from Wisconsin Public Radio and F.H.King Students for Sustainable Agriculture.

Proceeds from the concert benefit student research in sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Concert-goers will also be welcomed to the event by Master-of-Ceremonies, Stephanie Elkins, host of Simply Folk, Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR).

Date: Saturday, April 26
Time: 8:00 PM
Place: Music Hall, (925 Bascom Mall)
Ticket prices: $10.00 ($5.00 student) in advance; $15.00 ($10.00 student) at the door

Tickets can be purchased from Brown Paper Tickets, the CIAS office (phone 262-8018) or from students in Agroecology.

Science Expeditions, 2014

Madison is a city rich with opportunities for exploring the sciences. This year, UW-Madison rolls out the red carpet to welcome its community during three days of exploration, April 4-6, 2014.

All UW-Madison Science Expedition events are free and open to the public. Begin your expedition with exploration stations then venture to nearby "spectaculars" and open house events. A free trolley shuttle is available to take guests to satellite locations.

View the Science Expeditions schedule for the day and find directions on how to get to the various destinations.

Again this year will be two days and two venues of exploration stations.  Visit the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery on Saturday (10:00 AM-2:00 PM) and the Health Sciences Learning Center on Sunday (10:00 AM-2:00 PM).

Edible Book Festival, 2014

'Have your cake and read it, too' with the annual Edible Book Festival! The festival, which is free and open to the public, will be held, Thursday, April 10.  Stop in to Memorial Library, Room 116 between 11:00 AM until 4:30 PM in order to browse and vote for your favorites; there will be reception (with cake other than the entries!) from 4:00 - 5:30 PM.

As part of the fun, the Libraries encourage all aspiring "food artists", (bakers and book enthusiasts) to participate by crafting their own edible books. An edible book is an entry made of edible materials, with the subject pertaining to books in shape or content. In the past, those participating have worked with cake, Jell-O, cheese, matzo, pretzels and more.  

If you are interested in contributing an "edible book", please complete and return the application form found on the festival page.  The festival page also supplies information about the prize categories and festival sponsors and judges.  The deadline for submitting this application form is Monday, April 7, 2014.

Find inspiration from Steenbock collections.  Ask your librarians for assistance browsing the cookbook collection for cake baking and decorating!

Meet Your Farmers (CSA Open House)

CSAs are alive and well in the Madison area!  The FairShare CSA Coalition will host its annual open house at the Monona Terrace, Sunday March 23, from 1:00-4:00 PM. A "CSA" (Community-Supported Agriculture) is a community venture in which participants pledge their support for a farm’s food production efforts and, in turn, receive a share of the product in various installments.  The CSA model has been extended to include (and support) other small grower/producer products including craft beer, coffee, and seafood.

At the open house, you will be able to chat with farmers and evaluate the different share options--often weekly or every-other-week deliveries of seasonal produce, eggs, cheese, honey or meat depending upon share plan and CSA farm. (And, many of these same folks participate in the area farmers’ markets).

In order to plan ahead, take a look at the Farm List to consider farms and share options that will best satisfy your appetite for produce and level of participation. Many of the farms have application forms that you can submit now.

In addition to supporting a local economy and savoring the fresh produce, there are some other incentives for students and staff. Many health plans furnish rebates for CSA participation. Shares can also be donated to assist families in our community in need. And, less we forget, there are opportunities to volunteer and to learn more with a job or internship at an area farm or FairShare event.

Get Out There! (WI Film Festival)

Save the date for the 16th Annual Wisconsin Film Festival (April 3-10, 2014)! The annual festival brings Madison audiences some of the finest examples of independent, local and international film-making. The 2014 festival will also feature many restorations.  Advance tickets will go on sale Saturday, March 8 (online, or by phone or in-person at Union South).  Screenings will take place at four festival venues on campus, the Sundance Theaters, Hilldale Mall and at the Capitol Theater, Overture Center for the Arts (Sunday, April 6).

Look for the festival guide in the forthcoming issue of the Isthmus (Thursday, March 6). The Festival is presented by the UW-Madison Arts Institute and the UW Department of Communication Arts; additional sponsorship is provided by UW-Madison and community businesses and foundations.
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Madison Reads Leopold, 2014

Visit the UW Arboretum for a special (9th annual) reading from Aldo Leopold’s seminal treatise on life in the natural world and conservation ethos, A Sand County Almanac, among other essays and inspired performances, Saturday, March 1 (beginning at 9:30 AM).

Consult the site for a complete schedule of essay selections and featured speakers from campus and community.   The "Madison Reads Leopold" events are free and open to the public.  The Arboretum Visitor Center is located at 1207 Seminole Highway.

For general information about this and other events, phone the UW-Arboretum Visitor Information Desk (608-263-7888) or visit its Website.

For related interest and inspiration, do review photos and text from the digitized Aldo Leopold Archives (UW Digital Collections)!

Grants Information Collection

Need funding to support your research or study?!  If so, we invite you to become acquainted with the Grants Information Collection as it celebrates its 30th Anniversary. 

The Grants Information Collection, housed in Memorial Library (2nd floor Reference,  Room 262 D/E), supplies access to print and online resources for finding information about fellowships, grants, scholarships and other funding opportunities for individuals, student organizations, and non-profits. The collection also has information on private and corporate foundations and federal funding agencies.  While the print collection does not circulate and must be used on-site, many of its online resources can be accessed from home, library, or office (off-campus access to licensed databases is restricted to registered students, faculty and staff).

The Grants Information Collection can also be used by the general public. Visitors to Memorial Library can obtain a day pass from the entrance desk.  For additional assistance or referral, speak with your Steenbock librarians, consult with Grants Collection Librarian, Ellen Jacks, or attend a Grants Collection workshop.

Visit the selection of library "Research Guides" dedicated to features and resources from this collection.