Happy National Library Week!

It's National Library Week! This year's theme is "You Belong at Your Library." Do you agree?

Here's a few ways to celebrate:

•  Check out the top ten most banned books list. 2012's list will be released this week.
•  Watch a video of author Brad Meltzer telling how libraries impacted his life.
•  If you can share why YOU belong at the library in a six-word tweet, enter the National Library Week contest!
• Check out the American Library Association's ideas for how to connect with your kids at the library.
• Stop by your local public library, the UW-Madison Libraries, or Wisconsin's Water Library to check out a book, attend an event, and see what's new!

Tales From Planet Earth

This month, the Nelson Institute, in conjunction with the American Society for Environmental History, will present "Tales From Planet Earth," a film festival from March 25-31. Films will be shown at Union South and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, among other locations.

This year's theme is "Environmental Soundings." Stop by to see films about environmental stories in unexpected places, and stories of people making their voices heard on environmental issues. The event will also include keynote speakers and panel discussions.

Click here for more information, schedules, and maps!

"People of the Big Voice" Exhibit at the Steenbock Gallery

The Steenbock Gallery's final exhibit of 2011 is "People of the Big Voice," featuring photography of Ho-Chunk people by Charles Van Shaick. The photography collection comes from the Wisconsin Historical Society, and will be on display from November 7 until December 30th. This Saturday, November 12th, a reception will be held for the exhibit from 1-4 pm, free and open to the public. The Steenbock Gallery is located at the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters.

Van Shaick took portrait photographs in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, for over sixty years. In addition to the exhibit, the Wisconsin Historical Society has also published a book by the same name, People of the Big Voice, by Tom Jones, Michael Schudlach, Matthew Daniel Mason, Amy Lonetree, and George A. Greendeer, featuring this photography. The book is available for purchase from the Wisconsin Historical Society. You can also check it out from the Water Library's recent acquisitions!



For more information and details, visit the Steenbock Gallery's blog.