On the Same Page: ‘Bear Tracks: Memories of a Ho-Chunk Elder’ next week at Reedsburg Public Library
Author Sherman Funmaker will be in the Library Community Room discussing his new book, "Bear Tracks: Memories of a Ho-Chunk Elder," on Monday, Aug. 24, at 6 p.m. (Submitted photo)
Our regular summer programs for kids finished up last week, but there’s still plenty of things happening through the end of the month. Programs next week include an author visit and the library’s monthly book discussion group. Summer reading challenges for youth and adults end this Saturday, Aug. 22, at 2 p.m., so be sure to redeem reading trackers for prizes and get tickets in now. Prize drawing winners will be notified next week.
On Monday, Aug. 24, at 6 p.m. local author Sherman Funmaker will share his book “Bear Tracks: Memories of a Ho-Chunk Elder.” The book was published by the Wisconsin HIstorical Society Press in February of 2026. Funmaker, grandson of renowned storyteller Xéhachiwinga (Mountain Wolf Woman), shares his life story through poems and short essays. He explores such topics as family, coming of age, personal loss, poverty and racism, while illuminating how his Ho-Chunk culture has informed his life and perspective. There is no registration or fee required to attend this program.
Reedsburg Public Library’s monthly book discussion for August meets on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., in person and also via Zoom. This month’s selection is “The River is Waiting” by Wally Lamb. The book follows Corby, a prison inmate struggling to survive life on the inside, where he witnesses brutality, but also experiences kindness and kinship with a prison librarian, a tenderhearted cellmate, and a teen needing a role model. Several copies of the book are available at the library for checkout.
The monthly book discussion continues on the fourth Tuesday of each month, and fall selections have been announced. “Count My Lies” by Sophie Stava will be the topic of discussion for Sept. 22. In this “Good Morning America” Book Club Pick, Sloane Carraway insinuates herself into the lives of wealthy Jay and Violet Lockhart, becoming their nanny. However, the Lockhart’s may be telling lies of their own.
On Oct. 27, Isabel Allende’s novel “My Name is Emilia del Valle” will be examined. Emilia del Valle, born in 1866 to an Irish nun, never knows her father. Later as a journalist she travels to Chile to cover a civil war, and unexpectedly meets her estranged father, and confronts an unknown family history.
The popular “Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry is the Nov. 24 selection. Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson are competing for the opportunity to write the biography of Margaret Ives – heiress and tabloid princess. One will win out if they don’t fall for each other first.
Those just wanting to try out a book discussion are always welcome to join our friendly and engaging group.
For questions about any library service or program, call the library at 608-768-READ (7323) or email at info@reedsburglibrary.org.
