The staff at the Irvin L. Young Memorial library, 431 W. Center St., Whitewater, have announced several programs that will be made available to the public in October.

They include a “Love. Family. Freedom.” presentation which is meant to provide an overview of LGBTQ+ families and the environment in which they are living; a “Bizarre History of Wisconsin,” presentation, which focuses on the paranormal; a Guided Journaling, workshop designed to help participants explore the world of journaling; a program titled: “Read or Treat,” which combines the fun of Halloween with reading, and a screening of “Wisconsin Pride,” a PBS Wisconsin documentary, which, according to information released by the library, “brings hidden LGBTQ+ stories forward, and reconsiders our state’s history in that light.”

A brief description of each activity follows.

‘Love. Family. Freedom.’

According to the release, Love. Family. Freedom. will be presented by Kim Simes, who is the chief of staff at a national nonprofit organization called People and Culture for Family Equality. As stated in the release, the organization “exists to create a world where everyone can experience the unconditional love, safety and belonging of family.”

The presentation will be held Monday, Oct. 2, at 5:30 p.m., and will provide an overview on LGBTQ+ families and the environment in which they are living. A leader in the LGBTQ+ movement, according to the release, Simes credits her success with putting “relationships and connections with and among people first, while working to make inclusive, positive changes for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.”

Simes holds an undergraduate degree in communications, and a master’s degree in counseling, both from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.  

As stated in the release, the presentation is cosponsored by nonprofit organizations Whitewater Pride and the League of Women Voters of the Whitewater Area.

Within the release, Ellen Penwell, president of the league, noted that the organization is “proud to partner with the Irvin L Young Memorial Library in support of programming that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, which align with the league’s policy and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in principle and practice.”  

The program is free and open to the public. Those with questions are encouraged to contact the library by phone: 262-473-0530.  

Bizarre history

According to the release, Chad Lewis will present a program titled: “Bizarre History of Wisconsin,” Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 6:30 p.m.

Describing the “good (ole) days of Wisconsin,” within the release as “filled with strange deaths, ghosts and spirits, sea serpents, peculiar people, medical anomalies, oddities, psychic phenomena, and UFOs,”  the presentation is anticipated to change the way one thinks about the state,” the release states. The event is free and open to adults and teens, according to the release.

As stated in the release, Lewis is a paranormal researcher and author. He holds a master’s degree in applied psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Lewis has trekked across the world in search of the paranormal. From tracking vampires in Transylvania and chasing the Chupacabras in Puerto Rico, to searching for the elusive monster in Loch Ness, and pursuing ghosts in Ireland’s castles, Lewis brings more than 18 years of research experience to his presentations. 

Those with questions about the presentation are encouraged to contact Sarah French by email: sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or phone: 262-568-2782. 

Guided Journaling

According to the release, area writer Katy Daixon Wimer will be facilitating a free workshop to guide those interested in beginning and keeping a journal.

“Enjoy reflective journaling prompts and inspiring, lively conversation. Feel free to bring your own journal or a small journal will be provided,” the release stated.    

The workshop will be held at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library’s Community Room Wednesday, Oct. 4, between 6 and 7:30 p.m. 

Registration is required. The program is recommended for adults, and teens are able to participate along with a responsible adult.

To register, visit: whitewaterlibrary.org and click on “Events – Registration Forms.” Registration may also be achieved through email: sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or by phone: 262-458-2782.  

‘Read or Treat’

“Read or Treat,” an event hosted by the Zeta Sigma Chi sorority, is open to children of all ages and will be held Thursday, Oct. 5, between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.

According to the release, books, a fun Halloween craft, and goodies will be supplied.   

The event is free and registration is not required, the release stated.

Those with questions are encouraged to contact the library by email: sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or phone: 262-458-2782.  

‘Wisconsin Pride’ 

The library, on Monday, Oct. 9, will be hosting a free screening of “Wisconsin Pride” a PBS Wisconsin documentary which explores “hidden LGBTQ+ stories” and “considers” the state “in that light,” according to information released by the library.

The screening is set to begin at 5:30 p.m.

According to the release, the documentary invites viewers to “learn about trailblazing Wisconsinites who, when faced with intolerance, responded by creating community, living authentically, fighting for rights and having pride in themselves.”    

The two-hour documentary is a collaboration between PBS Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Historical Society and will be presented in two parts with a short intermission in between each hour. An informal community discussion will follow the film. The screening is cosponsored by The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area and Whitewater Pride, the release stated.