Another successful Book Fest is in the books!
On June 20-21, attendees of HPL Book Fest 2025 enjoyed writing workshops, an author fair, and a chance to network with other area authors and book lovers. If you missed it, check out some of the highlights below. As a special bonus, the Wisconsin Writers Association recorded its podcast from the library during the event. Listen to interviews with committee members, authors, and keynote author, Maggie Ginsberg.
The 2025 HPL Book Fest committee would like to thank everyone who participated this year. Heartfelt gratitude to the Friends of Hedberg Public Library for their continued sponsorship, and community sponsors Anytime Catering, Bagels & More, Mocha Moment, and Timber Hill Winery.
"I’m moved and mind-boggled by the care and attention to detail the Hedberg Public Library crew showed me and Still True at Book Fest 2025 ... Thank you to my fellow authors for the great classes and company, and to all of the readers I met at the fireside reading and the author fair."
-Maggie Ginsberg, keynote author
Watch our website for more great events featuring authors this fall, including An Evening with Author Ann Bausum and our November writing workshops. Writers AND readers are always welcome!
The committee is excited to get started on the planning for Book Fest 2026 - so stay tuned to our website early next year if you're interested in being a presenter or part of our Author Fair!
An Evening with Author Maggie Ginsberg
Book Fest 2025 kicked off with a Friday evening reception hosted by the Friends of Hedberg Public Library featuring appetizers, a cash bar, and a meet and greet with Madison author, Maggie Ginsberg.
The social hour was followed by a discussion of Maggie's book, Still True. Readers were able to chat with Maggie about her process, get the scoop on book characters, and talk about some of the challenges Maggie faced while completing her novel. It was a lovely evening and the perfect way to gear up for Saturday's events.
Workshops & Networking
Saturday started with workshops presented by a variety of authors - including how to write comic books, character creation, the ins and outs of the publishing industry today, how to avoid getting lost in research, using your truth in your work, and the perils of plot. The workshops concluded with a Master Class led by Maggie Ginsberg sharing her tips about getting unstuck.
Keynote Speaker: Maggie Ginsberg
Maggie led a discussion regarding the challenges she faced while writing and publishing, as well as ten ways she used to get unstuck.
Author Fair
The day wrapped up with an author fair which gave readers an opportunity to chat with authors and purchase personalized copies of their books. More than 20 authors participated from Janesville and surrounding areas.