Who’s Ready for the 1st Annual Get Lit – Literature Festival?
It’s official! The first ever Washburn Get Lit Literature Festival is coming your way April 12th and 13th. This two-day event promises fun for all ages, with activities including author readings, book signings, an adult book fair and more. We’re thrilled to announce that Jeff Nania, author of the beloved Northern Lakes Mysteries Series, will be our headlining author. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of literature and support the Washburn Public Library.
If you would like to have a spot at the Adult Book Fair, would like to sponsor the event or if you are an author, poet, writer or teacher and would like to participate in some way please call or message Melissa at the Chamber 715-373-5017.
Find the current schedule of events and specials below. We will continue to add events and specials as we get more information.
Literature Festival Specials
North Coast Coffee – Enjoy 2 specialty drinks at North Coast Coffee during the week leading up to the festival. You can try the Turkish Delight Latte based off of the book, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and a Blueberries for Sal Italian Soda based off of the book Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey.
211 Martini – Have you ever wanted to taste a book? Well 211 Martini Bar has put together an array of drinks to help you step in to some classics. You can order a Vesper from Casino Royale by Ian Fleming, or you can try a Singapore Sling from Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thomason. How about a Wine Spodiodi from On the Road by Jack Kerouac or a Gimlet from Raymand Chandler’s The Long Goodbye. There’s more where that came from, so be sure to stop in to see all the full menu.
AdventureUs – Did you know the they had books at AdventureUs? Well they do, and they will be having a special on books this week for the Literature Festival. Stop in and check out what they have in stock.
Week Long Activities
Book Walk Along the Lake Walk
Brought to you by the Washburn Public Library – Starting Monday April 8th, take a stroll along the Historic Lake Walk in Washubrn and enjoy a story along the way. The book walk will be available through the end of the Literature Festival.
Friday, April 12th, 2024
Friday Night Book Swap
5pm – 7pm at The Club
Do you have books sitting around the house that you read but don’t plan on reading again? Looking for something new or different but want to save some money? If so, then this event is for you! During the week of April 8th drop off any new or gently used books to the chamber office for the Friday Night Book Swap. You will get a ticket for each book you bring in that can be used during the event on the evening of April 12th. You will be able to choose one book for every ticket you have. Any books left over that evening will be used to fill the local free little libraries. Children’s books are also welcome! You will get a different color ticket for swapping kids books.
How it works –
- Bring in your new or gently used books to the chamber office. We will take down your name and keep track of how many books you brought in.
- Show up at The Washburn Club in Washburn on Friday, April 12th between 5pm and 7pm. There will be an envelope with your name on it and inside will be tickets that you will use to claim your new to you books.
- Shop around and pick out the books you want. Bring them to check out and pay with your tickets. You do not need to redeem all your tickets.
- Any books left at the end of the night will be used to fill the free little libraries in town.
Although we would love for you to bring in your books early so we can sort them and have them all set up before the event on Friday night you can come that night and bring books to swap. You will just check in and we will hand you tickets at that time.
Silent Book Club
6:30pm – 8:30pm at North Coast Coffee
North Coast Coffee will be open on Friday April 12th from 6:30-8:30pm for silent book club. The first half hour or so will be mingling, ordering drinks, and getting settled. The rest of the time will be spent silently reading whatever you want. It’s kinda like a reading date with yourself surrounded by other book enthusiasts. The event is free besides anything that you may or may not choose to order. The full drink menu and ice cream are available to order during the event. North Coast will also have 2 specialty drinks during the week leading up to the festival. You can try the Turkish Delight Latte based off of the book, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and a Blueberries for Sal Italian Soda based off of the book Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey.
Saturday, April 13th, 2024
Jeff Nania Author Talk and Book Signing
9am – 11am at The Club
The Washburn Chamber is proud to announce that author Jeff Nania will be in town for a book talk and signing on Saturday for the Get Lit Festival. Come and learn about Jeff and his Northern Lakes Mysteries series. There will be time to ask questions and hear all about what he is currently working on too. After the talk he will be available to sign books. There will also be books available to purchase on site through Chequamegon Book Company. Coffee will be provided by Full Keel Coffee.
Book Bash
9:30am – 12:30pm at Washburn Public Library
If you have kids or grand kids you will not want to miss the Book Bash! Kiddiwink Kids is putting on quite the show. There will be read alouds and book signings by local authors, crafts, sensory activities and a book fair all in the basement of the Washburn Public Library from 9:30am – 12:30pm. 20% of the proceeds from the children’s book fair will go to the library! This FREE celebration of reading and creativity will be fun for the whole family. For schedule of authors visit the Facebook Event page.
Jeff Krogstad Author Talk and Book Signing
12:30pm – 1:30pm at Cafe Coco
Jeff Krogstad, author of Death on Disappointment Mountain, will be at Coco’s to talk about his book during the Literature Festival. He will have signed copies of his books available for purchase. He will also have a booth at the Adult Book Fair later that evening too.
Free Little Library Workshop
1:30-3:30pm at Washburn High School, Shop Room
Join us for a hands-on and fun-filled Free Little Library Workshop hosted by Washburn High School’s Tech Ed teacher, Mr. Earing, along with his enthusiastic students! Whether you’re a seasoned builder or a complete novice, everyone is welcome to join us in the shop room at the high school. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of woodworking as we work together to construct Free Little Libraries to be placed around our community. You can come and go as you like. It’s a chance to learn new skills, connect with others, and make a tangible impact in promoting literacy for all ages. If you are interested in having a Free Little Library in your neighborhood be sure to reach out to Melissa at the Chamber for more information.
Write on! Writing Workshop With Parker Sterling
2:30pm-4pm at the Washburn Cultural Center
Whether you’re a beginning, practiced, or published writer, this workshop is for you and offers a kaleidoscope of methods and motivations to start and keep writing. Craft-driven, positive, collegial and with a dose of levity, Sterling’s workshops are for any writer in any genre looking to keep writing while learning more about the craft of writing while spending time in good company.
In addition to vetting novel and interesting strategies on how to start and keep writing, this workshop will offer a couple prompts and writing time. This is a free workshop but you need to register HERE to ensure there is enough room and materials.
Adult Book Fair
6pm – 9pm at The Club
Join us for the Get Lit Adult Book Fair, where you can indulge your inner bookworm and relive the excitement of book fairs from your childhood! Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of literary wonders, where every corner holds treasures for bibliophiles of all ages.
The Get Lit Adult Book Fair isn’t just about indulging your literary cravings; it’s also a chance to give back to the community. This event serves as a fundraiser for the Washburn Public Library, supporting its mission to promote literacy and lifelong learning. With every purchase of a VIP ticket ($30), you’re helping to ensure that the magic of books continues to thrive in our community. There will be raffles, door prizes, 50/50 and more.
Vendors Include:
- Chequamegon Book Company
- Spinster Books
- Author Sally Bair
- Author Jeff Krogstad
- Author Linda Berg
- Author Donald Johnson
- Wickie Candle Company
- and more
This event is free and open to the public. VIP Tickets are on sale now at the Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce office.
$30 VIP tickets include:
- Get Lit tote bag – filled with book related goodies – pencils, stickers, buttons, etc. ($20 value)
- Get Lit book light ($5 value)
- Hippie Crap lip balm ($5 value) – First 25 bags only
- A copy of The Little Book of Love From Chequamegon Bay and Beyond ($6 value)
- Coupon for $5 a book at Spinster books or Chequamegon Book Company during the fair or 10% off in store. ($5+ value)
- Book Store Road Map
- 1 raffle ticket ($5 value)
- Exclusive VIP room with snacks, drinks, make and take book marks & magnets.
All proceeds go to the Washburn Public Library.