Books in a Box: Lutie Stearns and the Traveling Libraries of Wisconsin [Hardcover]

Stuart Stotts (Author)

Book Description

Big Valley Press is pleased to announce the publication of Books In a Box: Lutie Stearns and the Traveling Libraries of Wisconsin. Lutie Stearns established hundreds of traveling libraries in Wisconsin between 1895 and 1914. A founder, and later employee, of the Wisconsin Free Library Commission, Lutie’s mission of sharing books and opportunity brought her to North Woods lumber camps, to farming communities, and to industrial centers throughout the state. Despite a devastating stutter, she gave thousands of book talks and, later in her life, became a famous public speaker. Along the way, she met and worked with such historical luminaries as State Senator Joseph Stout, Zona Gale, Jane Addams, and Robert LaFollete. Books in a Box is a fictionalized biography for children aged 8-14. It is drawn from Lutie’s correspondence, magazine articles, and other historical accounts. Turn of the century Wisconsin is the backdrop for her story, and period photographs illustrate both the character of the state at the time and the particulars of traveling libraries. Lutie emerges as a passionate advocate for literacy, as a Progressive political activist, as a women’s rights advocate, and as an astute community organizer. People of that time said that Lutie Stearns proclaimed the Gospel of the Village Library with the same conviction as a revival preacher. Books in a Box brings Lutie Stearns to life in an accessible story that students and adults will savor and remember.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“I highly recommend Books In A Box for purchase by public and school libraries or for your own personal library." --Larry Nix; Retired Director Public Library Development for WI

About the Author

Stuart Stotts is a songwriter, storyteller and author who has performed in schools libraries and community festivals throughout the Midwest, and farther, for nearly twenty years. His first book, The Bookcase Ghost, was published in 1997 by Midwest Traditions.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Big Valley Press (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976537206
• ISBN-13: 978-0976537205
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #669,011 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stuart Stotts writes non-fiction for children. He lives in Deforest, Wisconsin, and makes most of his living performing for kids and families, and leading workshops and trainings for teachers and librarians. He also has recordings available, and he's currently at work on another Wisconsin biography, of Father Groppi, as well as various other projects which will someday surely come to fruition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A work of imagination, originality, and superb storytelling appropriate for readers from 8 to 80, September 14, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Books in a Box: Lutie Stearns and the Traveling Libraries of Wisconsin (Hardcover)

A work of imagination, originality, and superb storytelling appropriate for readers from 8 to 80, Books In A Box: Lutie Stearns And The Traveling Libraries Of Wisconsin is the "biography" of a passionate pioneer librarian, who brought books to hundreds of communities in Wisconsin from 1895 to 1914. She traveled alone, defying winter weather and wilderness hazards to bring her libraries to loggers, students, farmers, and families. Her belief in the power of books to change the world was nothing less than inspirational, and she continued to work with the American Library association and write articles advocating social change and education long after retiring as a traveler bringing books. Her life, legacy, and personal triumphs make for a singularly uplifting read. A superbly written novel, Books In A Box: Lutie Stearns And The Traveling Libraries Of Wisconsin is a unique and very highly recommended read, as well as a "must" addition all Wisconsin community library collections!