Pewaukee Public Library and the Wisconsin Science Festival

Article and photos submitted by Jenny Wegener, Head of Youth Services, Pewaukee Public Library

Have you ever thought…

“I wish I could reach a wider community.”
“I wish I could get some help promoting my programs.”
“I wish people would check out these great nonfiction titles.”
“I wish someone would give me a cool t-shirt.”

Stop wishing and do something about it! Participate in the Wisconsin Science Festival and reach a wider community, benefit from state-wide promotion, and increase interest in your 500’s! Oh, and yes, you can get a shirt, too!

The Wisconsin Science Festival took place again on October 20th to 23rd. This fabulously eclectic celebration of community and science is produced by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), the University of Wisconsin- Madison, and Morgridge Institute for Research. 

Science Festival events take place all over the state, in 2015 there were 285 events spread over 89 locations and 36 communities. An amazing 37,000 people attended Wisconsin Science Festival events last year.

Libraries are a natural partner for the Science Festival because we are havens for learning and curiosity. Partnering with the Wisconsin Science Festival gives you access to free publicity – your event will be on their web page, included in the directory of events, and you will be able to order free promotional materials. Because of the state-wide promotion, you may find that your events are attended by community members who are not familiar with your library – this is your chance to impress them! Display all of your nicest science books and boost your circulation numbers!




Participation is easy: just do an event that fits your comfort level. A great way to start out is to offer a science program from a performer or local expert. In Pewaukee, we’ve grown our offerings to include “Hands-On” science in the morning, a special program in the afternoon, and, because we have an active astronomy club, a star-gazing event in the evening. Do what you can afford in staff time and programming money. You may even want to consider “killing off” your Halloween program and doing SCIENCE instead!

Call for Wisconsin Science Fest Proposals

Become one of the several public libraries in the state participating in the Wisconsin Science Festival with an event of your own this year! The 2016 Wisconsin Science Festival will take place at venues around the state from October 20-23. It's a great opportunity for hands-on STEAM programming or whatever best suits your community and staff interests.

You're invited!

Join us as one of the nearly 100 venues participating in the 2016 Wisconsin Science Festival! The four-day festival connects people with science, engineering, technology, art and math and provides opportunities for your organization to:

• Reach new audiences
• Create community connections
• Gain visibility
• Build partnerships
• Celebrate the sciences, arts and humanities in Wisconsin

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Participation is simple and free

All you have to do is to provide the program. We'll work directly with you to answer questions and publicize your event. We'll also provide promotional items and offer webinars for you to network and learn more about the festival.

Get started here:
Many answers and information for new festival hosts can be found on our website and our staff are always more than happy to speak with you to assist your planning.

Read the call for participation | Sign up! | Get some programming ideas

Applications for hosting an event at your site are due June 17.

Kickoff webinar
This year, we're offering live webinars to help you with your programming and coordinate with other sites in your region of the state. The goals of the calls are to:

• Provide guidance and resources for programming
• Build networks and collaborations
• Work with you on communications and marketing

The first webinar session will be offered on Tuesday, April 26, at 10 a.m.

To register for this informational webinar, click here.