Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books

11/09/2025

What an AMAZING weekend! Friday night, we had a fabulous keynote with Christina Clancy, being interviewed by Jim Higgins. And today! Panels, panels, panels! And people everywhere. The event turned out beautifully. If anyone took photos, please feel free to share!

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11/07/2025

Do you know what tonight is?
It's Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books Eve! Tomorrow at 5:00 p.m., the festival returns with a roar as we host a reception for authors, moderators, vendors, and guests of the festival. Then we'll have our keynote, which is open to the public. Christina Clancy will be talking about her novel, Snowbirds, with Jim Higgins, books editor of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
And then SATURDAY! From 9 - 3, a full day of panels and solo presentations featuring over 60 authors that you know and love...or will get to know and love.
This festival is a feast for readers. Books will be for sale as well, so come get your Christmas shopping early!
Held at Carroll University in downtown Waukesha. We will be in the Campus Center in the ballroom on Friday night, and in Rankin Hall all day Saturday.
Come welcome us back while we welcome you back! Turn the page with us!

Every program at the Festival of Books is free. However, there is a charge for the Friday Night Reception from 5 pm to 7 pm where you can meet the honored guests who put it all together and the authors who will be presenting.

11/04/2025

So did you all see the Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Book's founder, Laraine O'Brien, today on WTMJ's new afternoon talk show, What's Brewing, Miwaukee? Here it is, in case you missed it. It's great info about the festival!

For 15 years, the Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books gathered authors and readers together for an annual Book Festival.

11/03/2025

THIS IS IT! This is the week of final preparations for the return of the Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books! We begin on Friday with our keynote, Christina Clancy, author of Shoulder Season and Snowbirds. Then Saturday is our full schedule with a total of 20 panels featuring 61 authors.
The festival is taking place this year at Carroll University, located at (essentially) 101 N. East Avenue in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The Friday night keynote takes place in the ballroom at the Campus Center, and then Saturday takes place in Rankin Hall.
You can see the entire schedule and a map at www.sewibookfest.com
It's time! Come on out for a celebration of reading and words!

Every program at the Festival of Books is free. However, there is a charge for the Friday Night Reception from 5 pm to 7 pm where you can meet the honored guests who put it all together and the authors who will be presenting.

10/05/2025

Coming up this Thursday, the 9th! Our kick-off event for the return of the Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books!
Held at Books & Company in Oconomowoc, Kathie Author Kathie Giorgio will be launching her newest book of poetry, Let Me Tell You, Let Me Sing!, and reading with two other poets from the festival: Richard Hedderman, program committee member and moderator, and BJ Best, professor at Carroll University, our new home, plus presenter and moderator at the festival. The event begins at 6:30 and continues to 7:30, followed by book-signing. Hope you can make it!

PRE-FESTIVAL KICKOFF Thursday, October 96:30-8:00 pmAt Books & Company1039 Summit Ave., OconomowocKathie Giorgio introduces her new book, Let Me Tell You, Let Me Sing! This new collection of her poetry boldly expresses the reach and impact of poetry. From haiku to prose to even a poem put together b...

09/25/2025

Poster up at Books & Company for our festival warm-up event on October 9! Kathie Giorgio with BJ Best and Richard Hedderman!

09/23/2025

We're warming you up for the return of the Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books with a book launch event featuring Author Kathie Giorgio, Richard Hedderman, and BJ Best! October 9, 6:30 p.m. at the fabulous Books & Company of Oconomowoc. Hope to see you there!
https://sewibookfest.com/pre-festival-kickoff-eventkathie-giorgio-introduces-her-new-book-of-poetry/?fbclid=IwY2xjawM_yYpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhY6mgXRUaFzKi8P9o1fk1UOXPN3KsSABUZ1dlsyGY3Dh3iRhPwM3gBqXGV-_aem_k0rxjS4_RLXeujbqDoSWSg

PRE-FESTIVAL KICKOFF Thursday, October 96:30-8:00 pmAt Books & Company1039 Summit Ave., OconomowocKathie Giorgio introduces her new book, Let Me Tell You, Let Me Sing!Richard Hedderman and Carroll University Professor B.J. Best, two other poets, will each be reading on the program. Hedderman serves....

09/23/2025

We still have room, if you'd like to participate in our Writers' Marketplace! Check this out at

Promotion & Selling Event for Authors and Exhibitors Here is your opportunity to personally promote your book, your organization or sell your goods and services to 1,500+ readers at the Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books to be held on November 7 & 8, 2025 at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wiscon...