On the Same Page: ‘What the Light is Hiding’ program and more next week at RPL

This week’s article discusses Reedsburg Public Library’s upcoming presentations, including the rescheduled Dean Robbins’ “Wisconsin Idols” program, as well as Tamara Dean’s talk, “What the Light is Hiding.” Other topics this week include a Mingle and Muse parfait program, as well as a look at Reedsburg Public Library’s local history collection online.

On Sunday, April 26, at 1 p.m., author Dean Robbins will talk about his book, “Wisconsin Idols: 100 Heroes Who Changed the State, the World, and Me.” A visual presentation accompanies his talk about famous people who are from Wisconsin or who have spent significant time in the state, including Reedsburg’s own Agnes Moorhead. There is no registration or fee required to attend this program.

The following week, on Sunday, May 3, at 1 p.m., author Tamara Dean will present a chapter from her book, “Shelter and Storm: At Home in the Driftless.” The book is composed of several essays Dean wrote while living near Viola in the Driftless area. The topic of her May 3 talk is “What the Light is Hiding” adapted from the chapter, “Night Vision.” The presentation tells the story of Jennie Harerbo, who would challenge the efforts of the Rural Electrification Administration to bring electricity to her Driftless address in 1937.

In terms of historical persons, Reedsburg Public Library staff has just added another collection of photographs to the Recollection Wisconsin website, one which complements the collection of the Reedsburg Historic Preservation Commission, with items currently in the Library’s lobby display. In 2019, the Commission received a sizable donation of oil paintings from the family of the late Mable (Mabel) Thompson Seep (1890-1981). Seep and her husband Louis farmed in Ironton and Winfield townships in Sauk County. Mable grew up in Richland County, and was an accomplished artist, author, and teacher. Her landscape paintings can be viewed at the Commission’s website at reedsburghpc.org. The library’s scans of her personal photos, and letters detailing her life can be found at RecollectionWisconsin.org, in the Reedsburg pages.

Weekday activities for adults include RPL’s Mingle and Muse program on Monday, April 27, at 10 a.m., and the book discussion meeting on Tuesday, April 28, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The Mingle and Muse topic is parfaits, both decadent and healthy.

This month’s book selection for discussion is “Mother Daughter Murder Night” by Nina Simon. There are still copies in the library available for check out.

For questions about any library program or service, call the library at 608-768-READ (7323) or email info@reedsburglibrary.org.