Events Calendar

Join Pinney Library Studio's Artist-in-Residence Phil Hassett, owner of Washboard Press, to learn more about letterpress printing. In this workshop we will work with wood type to explore ways of using color, texture, arrangement of letters on the page, and other printing techniques to print expressively. We will be printing single words for the current “What is a Word for NOW?” project in the studio—you can bring your own words to contribute, or select from words that have been contributed by the wider community. We may explore techniques for layout of text on angles or curves, advanced inking techniques, and other ways to modify the printing process to print words in ways that add new layers of meaning to them. 

Both typography workshops (10/26 & 11/2) are the same content and are in high demand; please select one session date to register for. Registration for this session opens on Oct. 19, 2024. If full, call Pinney Library information desk at 608-224-7100 to be placed on a short waiting list in case of cancellations. This 2 hour workshop is designed for adults and ages 12+ and is for all-skill-levels.

About the Artist: Phil Hassett is a local letterpress printer living in Madison, WI, where he maintains a small collection of historic printing presses and a growing collection of historic and modern printing type. A lifelong musician, he named his print studio Washboard Press because of the sound one of his presses makes, and because he enjoys doing by hand what is now more usually done in a more automated way.

The Munch Mobile Lunch Van will make a stop at Lakeview Library on Saturdays this fall.  All people in and around the library can get a free lunch between 12:00 and 12:20pm.

Join us at the library for an exciting new project.

This is the first of two sessions.  The project is making "peace" garlands using a letterpress.  

The skills for this session are for children ages 8 and up.  

There are limited spots available.  Registration is required and opens up two weeks prior to the event on October 19.

Funding is provided by the Monroe Street Library League.

Join us at the library for an exciting new project.

This is the second of two sessions.  The project is making "peace" garlands using a letterpress.  

The skills for this session are for children ages 8 and up.  

There are limited spots available.  Registration is required and opens up two weeks prior to the event on October 19.

Funding is provided by the Monroe Street Library League.

The Madison Writing Assistance (MWA) program offers free, one-to-one writing support for community members at library branches throughout the city. Our friendly, experienced writing coaches are happy to help with writing projects across a wide range of genres, including resumes, cover letters, application essays, grant proposals, fiction writing, memoirs, and more.

Schedule an appointment online with the link below, by phone, or in person.

MWA services are made possible through generous donations from the Evjue Foundation and UW Anonymous Fund, along with administrative and program support from the UW-Madison English Department, the UW-Madison Writing Center, and our Library and neighborhood center partners.

Presented in partnership with the Children’s Theater of Madison. Please note this event will be held at the Overture Center Capitol Theater. 

Registration for this event has reached maximum theater capacity and is now closed.

If you already registered, you must bring a printed or digital copy of your submission form receipt to the event for entry.

At the event, seating will be by general admission. Doors will open at 4:15 p.m. If you do not arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the event, your seat will be released to the public.

Pre-signed copies of Hot Mess will be distributed for free to attendees courtesy of the Wisconsin Book Festival and the Madison Public Library Foundation. There will not be a signing line or personalizations at the event. Copies of Awesome Friendly Kid and Diary of a Wimpy Kid books will also be available for purchase at the event.

In Hot Mess, book 19 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney, Greg Heffley is in for a particularly awkward summer with his whole family.

When the Heffleys agree to spend summer break with both Mom’s and Dad’s relatives at the same time, they have to figure out how to be in two places at once. With Greg caught in the middle, can the Heffleys pull off the ultimate scheme? Or will their vacation turn into a hilarious hot mess?

This side splittingly relatable summer story is the funniest Wimpy Kid book yet! The Hot Mess Show is sure to be just as fun and entertaining. Jeff will be serving up laughs and celebrating the latest Wimpy Kid book, while satisfying your craving for family fun!