Madison Reporter

Christina Clancy, the bestselling author, will be the focal point of the 25th Anniversary Book Club Café organized by the Friends of Madison Public Library. The event is scheduled for Monday, May 19, at the Central Library in Madison, WI. Clancy is known for novels such as "The Snowbirds," "Shoulder Season," and "The Second Home." Her insights on writing, libraries, and book clubs will be shared at the gathering.

Local bookseller, Mystery to Me, will provide attendees the opportunity to purchase Clancy’s works, with a session for book signing during the event. Tickets to the Book Club Café are sold for $25, including coffee, tea, pastries from Blue Plate Catering, a Book Club Favorites booklet, and the 30th-anniversary edition of "Reading Group Choices."

“This booklet contains titles submitted by book club members, so it’s full of great reads, and serves as an invaluable guide when looking for inspiration for what to check out next from the library,” said lead organizer and Chair of the Monroe Street Library League, Carol “Orange” Schroeder. The public has until May 5 to contribute top titles online to the booklet.

Coinciding with the 150th Anniversary of libraries in Madison, this event encourages support from Dane County book club members and individual readers. “This year’s Book Club Café is special for several reasons," stated Liz Boyd, Digital Services and Marketing Manager at Madison Public Library. "Not only is it the 150th Anniversary of our libraries, but Madison Public Library is also building a tenth library this year with the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park. Organizations like the Friends and the Madison Public Library Foundation are more important than ever as an avenue for locals to show their support for books, authors, and the entire library system in a fun, grassroots way.”

The event will feature open seating and offer attendees the chance to participate in a raffle for mystery book bags and Book Club Kits, with proceeds supporting the library. Tickets are available through pre-registration at madpl.org/bookclubcafe, with the event running from 7-9 pm.