2025 Central Wisconsin Book Festival to be held across the region Sept. 25-2

The Central Wisconsin Book Festival (CWBF) is proud to announce its event schedule for 2025! The 9th annual CWBF will be held from September 25 through September 27 with events in Wausau, Stevens Point, and Wisconsin Rapids. A special bonus event will also take place on October 4. This year’s highlights include New York Times bestselling author and humorist Michael Perry, author Rebecca Kanner and her brand new September release “Last One Seen,” Nickolas Butler’s return to discuss his newest book “A Forty Year Kiss,” and Midwest native Jon Hickey whose debut novel “Big Chief” shares tribal politics and insights.
All Central Wisconsin Book Festival events are free to attend, with no registration required. For more information, visit www.mcpl.us/cwbf or look for the Central Wisconsin Book Festival on Facebook and Instagram.
A complete list of scheduled events is below:
Thursday, September 25
Bestselling Author and Humorist Michael Perry

Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: McMillan Memorial Library, 490 E. Grand Ave., Wisconsin Rapids
New York Times Bestseller and rural Wisconsin native Michael Perry will join us to discuss his books and “reflective roughneck” takes on life in rural America.

Friday, September 26
Creative Short Story Workshop with Author EC Quinn

Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Marathon County Public Library, 300 N. First St., Wausau
Young storytellers ages 7 to 13 can join us to bring their writing to life on this no-school day for a fun writer’s workshop with Wisconsin author EC Quinn! Please register in advance on our website mcpl.us as space is limited.

Narrative Illustration Workshop with Illustrator Duachaka Her

Time: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Marathon County Public Library, 300 N. First St., Wausau
Children can become the authors of their own stories in this narrative illustration workshop held by Hmong-American cartoonist and illustrator Dua Her. Space is limited, so please register in advance.

“Gittel” with Laurie Schneider

Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Janke Book Store, 505 N. 3rd St., Wausau
Laurie Schneider’s historical novel “Gittel” tells the story of a fierce, courageous Jewish girl growing up in a tight-knight community of Eastern European immigrants. Schneider will talk about the novel, answer audience questions, and sign copies of her book!

“Land Rich, Cash Poor” with Brian Reisinger

Time: 5:15-6:15 p.m.
Location: Timekeeper Distillery, 720 Grant St., Wausau
Wisconsin author Brian Reisinger will discuss his new book about the land and legacy of modern rural America. Food, beverages, and books will also be available for purchase at this event.

“Wisconsin Idols” with Author Dean Robbins

Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Location: Marathon County Historical Society, 410 McIndoe St., Wausau
Author Dean Robbins serves as editor in chief for On Wisconsin Magazine and Isthmus. He will talk about his essay collection illuminating Wisconsin as a cross roads for people who changed the world.

“A Forty Year Kiss” with Nikolas Butler

Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Portage County Public Library, 1001 Main St., Stevens Point
Nickolas Butler returns to give a talk on his newest book, “A Forty Year Kiss” about a small-town love story and second chances. There will be a Q&A and book signing session as well.

Writing and Illustration Recognition & Open Mic
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Location: UW Center for Civic Engagement, 625 Stewart Ave., Wausau
Join us as we congratulate the winners of Marathon County Public Library’s Creative Writing and Illustration Contests! We will keep celebrations going with an Open Mic Night where local writing talent can share their works. Bring a piece suited for general audiences and take us into your world.

Saturday, September 27
Potage County Public Library Local Author Fair
Time: 8:00-9:30 a.m.
Location: Portage County Public Library, 1001 Main St., Stevens Point
Come and meet local published authors from our community, discuss their works, and purchase their books (plus, have them signed)! Featured authors include: Jill Sisson Quinn, Doug Henderson, Faith Blum, Jason R. Davis, Joy Kirsch, Rick Bie, Lor E. Lynn, Greg McKinney, T.J. Monroe, and Tom Jensen.

Children’s Book “An Introduction to Hmong History 101” with Brian V. Xiong
Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Location: Marathon County Public Library, 300 N. First St., Wausau
Dr. Brian V. Xiong is a professor of Ethnic and Hmong Studies. His latest children’s book offers an introduction to Hmong history and cultural values. Xiong will also answer questions and sign books!

“The Quiet Librarian” with Allen Eskens
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Portage County Public Library, 1001 Main St., Stevens Point
Award-winning, bestselling author Allen Eskens will talk about his latest murder mystery novel about a Minnesota librarian. There will also be time to answer questions and sign books.

“Time, Beauty, & Grief” with Betsy Korbinyr
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Janke Book Store, 505 N. Third St., Wausau
Native Wisconsinite Betsy Korbinyr will present “Time, Beauty, & Grief.” Not only does her novel mention every state park in Wisconsin, it also offers a unique coming of age story about a 65-year-old! Come listen, ask questions, and get your book signed.

“You Don’t Need a Budget” with Dana Miranda
Time: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Marathon County Public Library, 300 N. First St., Wausau
Financial journalist and educator Dana Miranda’s book, “You Don’t Need a Budget,” empowers readers with its non-traditional budgeting methods. Listeners can ask questions and pick up a signed copy.

“Chainsaw Love” with James Card
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Portage County Public Library, 1001 Main St., Stevens Point
Central Wisconsin resident James Card will give a talk on his new book, “Chainsaw Love: Field Notes on the World’s Most Dynamic Power Tool.” Learn about the storied history of chainsaws and the people who use them.

Open Mic Poetry
Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Location: Portage County Public Library, 1001 Main St., Stevens Point
Local poets can share their work at our open mic hour. Poets should plan to bring at least one to two poems suitable for a general audience. This event will then mark the finale of CWBF activities in Stevens Point!

“Last One Seen” with Rebecca Kanner
Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Marathon County Public Library, 300 N. First St., Wausau
Bestselling author Rebecca Kanner will give a behind-the-scenes look at her writing process, answer questions, and sign copies of her newest thriller: “Last One Seen.”

Fantasy & Science Fiction Editing with Rebecca M. Zornow
Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: UW Center for Civic Engagement, 625 Stewart Ave., Wausau
Calling fans of science fiction and fantasy! Book coaching firm co-founder and Wisconsin author Rebecca M. Zornow is holding an interactive and practical editing talk about concepts like world building, line editing, and more tailored toward science fiction and fantasy writers.

“A Clan of Our Own” with Brian V. Xiong
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Hmong American Center, 1109 N. Sixth St., Wausau
Dr. Xiong will share from his collection of stories “A Clan of Our Own: Coming Out Experiences of Gay Hmong Men.” The groundbreaking book gives voice to often unheard personal narratives.

“Wisconsin Field to Fork” Local Food Panel
Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Location: Marathon County Public Library, 300 N. First St., Wausau
Join us for a panel discussion and celebration of connections between farmers, chefs, and the local community. The panel will feature Lori Fredrich, author of “Wisconsin Field to Fork: Farm-Fresh Recipes from the Dairy State,” as well as Chef Nate Bychinski of Red Eye Brewing Company, and Tenzin & Stacey Botsford of Red Door Family Farm. Afterwards, come over to Red Eye to enjoy exclusive menu items!

“Big Chief,” Tribal Politics with Jon Hickey
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: UW Center for Civic Engagement, 625 Stewart Ave., Wausau
Midwest native and celebrated author Jon Hickey will present his debut novel, “Big Chief.” His talk will highlight interesting aspects of his research and how experiences described in his book intertwine with the wider American experience.

Saturday, October 4
Q&A with “Revival” Author Tim Seeley
Time: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Marathon County Public Library, 300 N. First St., Wausau
Tim Seeley is an acclaimed comic book writer and co-creator of the Revival series, a supernatural crime saga set in and around Wausau, Wisconsin! Seeley will discuss his inspiration behind the series as well as its recent journey to the screen. After a brief talk, the author will also hold a Q&A session.

The 2025 Central Wisconsin Book Festival is organized by the Marathon County Public Library, Portage County Public Library and McMillan Memorial Library, along with community volunteers.