Cedarburg Reads
Cedarburg Reads is a community-wide program co-organized with the Friends and the library with the singular goal of helping Cedarburg residents in meeting their neighbors, one conversation at a time. This month-long program happens once a year in the fall.
Designed to bring people together through the reading and discussion of a common book, programs like this one have been implemented throughout the country to create a shared experience of civic unity through the reading of literature.
Related events about the book topic happen in the library and the community throughout the month.
2022 Cedarburg Reads… And Writes!
Join us in the 2022 Cedarburg Reads…and Writes! community read event which will also include the inaugural Cedarburg Reads writing contest!
This Year’s Book
“Every Now and Then” by Lesley Kagen: A heartfelt coming-of-age story about three young girls searching for adventure during the summer of 1960. Frankie, Viv, and Biz, eleven-year-old best friends, would forever remember it as the summer that evil paid a visit to their small town and upset their idyllic lives. “Every Now and Then” is a story about ties that bind forever, the timelessness of guilt and grief, and the everlasting hope for redemption.
Lesley Kagen is a speaker, narrator, actress, Milwaukee native, and New York Times bestselling author of ten novels, including her newest and this year’s Cedarburg Reads pick, “Every Now and Then.” Common themes in her stories, which are often set in the 1950s-60s, include dealing with loss, family, mystery, truth, community, corruption, and childlike perception. Lesley currently resides in Cedarburg.
Watch video chat with Lesley Kagen
Cedarburg Reads Writing Contest
A judges panel reviewed original short stories and creative nonfiction/memoir based on the theme of “Hometown Memories.” 1000 words or less submissions by Ozaukee County residents were accepted in four age groups: grades 3-5, 4-8, high school, and adult.
The winners were recognized at an author event at the library on Oct. 25. Local author Lesley Kagen gave a presentation about her recent novel “Every Now and Then,” which is set in a small town similar to Cedarburg.
Cedarburg Writes Winners at Author Event, L-R: Jean O'Keefe, Cedarburg Reads Committee & Friends of the Library; Clare Birmingham; Erin S.; Lesley Kagen, author of Every Now and Then; Emmett Barry (front); Emmalynn Griffin. Not pictured: Chris LaRose.
2022 Winners
Adult: A Eulogy of Home by Clare Birmingham
In this heart-felt story, the author writes about having to say good-bye to her childhood home and the memories created within those walls. The writer relays the ups and downs of growing up in an old house with humor and emotion.
High School: After the Light by Chris LaRose
Not all hometown memories are good ones as told in this haunting story about a 60-year-old man who has just died. As he is being transported to be laid to rest in his childhood cemetery, his spirit offers a grumpy perspective about his final journey, the town he’ll be buried in and the miserable life he led. Suddenly a boy, apparently a ghost of his younger self, is seen running alongside the hearse and meets them at the gravesite with a message for the deceased.
Grades 6-8: Dear Small Town by Erin S.
The first sentence reads: “I know you and you know me.” In this story, the author exchanges letters with her hometown and reminisces about the good times and not so good times growing up there. The writer asks the hometown if it remembers those times. “Of course” is the response which adds: "I know someday you’ll leave ... but your impact will forever remain here.”
Grades 3-5 (tied for first place): How Do You Speak Human? by Emmalynn Griffin
This story is about living in Cedarburg from a pet’s point of view. The writer tells the tale of two dogs who escape from their “humans” and get disoriented. But alas, “Ranger,” the police canine comes to their rescue. When the dogs are reunited with their owners, they can finally understand the words spoken from their “humans.”
Read "How Do You Speak Human?"
Grades 3-5 (tied for first place): Hometown Memories by Emmett Barry
In this story, a youngster recalls how it felt when his family picked up and left Chicago to move to Cedarburg to open a retail business. He came home from school that last day of second grade and found the house empty except for a single roll of toilet paper. It made him feel sad, but by the time they arrived in Cedarburg and settled into their new home, he realized that he had a whole other life ahead of him to make memories.
Join a lively bunch of folks who love to be part of the library and the Cedarburg community! Experience the results of your time and effort by seeing programs happening and folks checking out new materials.
Find out more!