The Adult Library is a comfortable space in the Library for reading, studying, or working. Within the Adult Library is our Periodical Area containing a beautiful fireplace to sit by while reading our newspapers and magazines.. We also offer a public Conference Room, History Wall, restrooms, and computer area. Before you enter the Adult Library you will walk past our New Arrivals area where all of the new items added to the Adult collection are kept. Enjoy the monthly art displays on our Viroqua Area Foundation Community Art Wall and inside our Marie Weltzin Art Display case.  For a complete schedule of upcoming adult programs please scroll down.

All library programs are of no-cost to our patrons. 

To view recorded programs, please visit our YouTube channel HERE, or type in to YouTube: McIntosh Memorial Library Viroqua, @mcintoshmemoriallibraryvir9220

 

To register for adult programs, click HERE

We are shifting to an online registration system for our programming. Please fill out the form above to register for the program you are interested in.  You will be notified within 7 business days with either a confirmation email, or a notification that you are on the waitlist.

Please contact [email protected] or 608-637-7151 ext. 7 with questions.

Jennifer Chiaverini Vernon County Reads Author Talk!

Friends of the McIntosh Memorial Library to Host:

Antiques Appraisal Event with expert Mark Moran

Antiques & Collectibles Appraisal Event

Hosted by the Friends of the McIntosh Memorial Library

Join us on Thursday, October 10th from 11:00am to 2:00pm in the library lobby for an antiques and collectibles appraisal with Mark F. Moran, a renowned author and expert in the field.

Moran, a former senior editor at Krause Publications and a guest expert on Antiques Roadshow, has authored over 25 books on antiques and collectibles.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, October 10th
• Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm
• Location: Library Lobby
• Cost: $15 per item (max 3 items)
• Pre-registration required: Register at the library front desk with payment at time of registration.

Home Visits: For large or fragile items, Moran offers home visits at $75/hour within 10 miles of the event. To arrange, call 715-281-5060 or email [email protected].

Categories of objects for appraisal may include:

• Americana, including autographs and historical documents.
• Fine art, including paintings, drawings, prints and statuary.
• Furniture (usually smaller pieces are best).
• Ceramics, including figural pottery, vases, dishes, kitchenware and stoneware.
• Glassware, including marbles and souvenir items.
• Vintage photographs, including snapshots, tintypes, ambrotypes and daguerreotypes.
• Advertising, including posters, lithographed tin, paper and figural objects.
• Folk art, including carvings, quilts, weathervanes, windmill weights and “outsider” art.
• Assorted toys, including dolls (bisque, composition and plastic), windups and mechanical banks.
• Metalware, including iron, bronze, brass, pot metal, silver, silver plate.
• Clocks, including mantel, hanging and figural.
• Costume jewelry, including brooches, bracelets, earrings.
• Musical Instruments, including string, wind and reed instruments.
• Antique and vintage lighting of all kinds.
• Books.
• Sports Memorabilia.

Excluded items: all weapons, including swords and knives (though folding knives with advertising are accepted); traps (like leg-hold); Nazi memorabilia; coins and paper money; fine jewelry, including precious gems; Beanie Babies.

Questions about objects not covered here can be submitted to Moran in advance to determine if they are appropriate. Suggested categories for advance inquiry include, but are not limited to: Oriental, Native American and other tribal objects (African, Oceanic); ancient artifacts (Egyptian and other early cultures); fossils and minerals; automotive items; nautical and military-related objects; records; antique tools and technological objects (typewriters, cameras, assorted machinery or instruments for scientific measure, like sextants, telescopes, microscopes, etc.). When in doubt, email inquiry can often address this.

For questions or to inquire about other items, contact Moran at [email protected] or Maggie Strittmater at 608-637-7151 ext. 7 or [email protected].

 

Author Talk: “When the Bugle Calls: A Soldier’s Memoir”

With Ray Boland

The McIntosh Memorial Library, in partnership with Vernon County Over 50, invites you to a special author talk featuring Ray Boland on Wednesday, October 16th, at 2:15 PM. Join us in the library lobby for an inspiring discussion about his memoir, When the Bugle Calls: A Soldier’s Memoir, a powerful testament to faith and determination in the face of adversity.

Ray Boland’s memoir chronicles the remarkable journey of a young boy from humble beginnings, the son of a World War II veteran, who rises to significant national security roles over three decades. From 1961 to 1991, Boland shares his compelling rags-to-riches story, reflecting on his experiences as a soldier, pilot, and leader.

Having enlisted in the National Guard in 1956 to avoid the draft, Ray eventually became a Colonel in the Regular Army, commanding a combat brigade in Germany during the Cold War and serving two years in Vietnam as an Army pilot. Throughout his 30 years of service, he faced numerous challenges and personal struggles but remained steadfast in his commitment to serve.

In his talk, Ray will share his eyewitness perspectives of 50 years of American history and pay tribute to all the men and women who served our nation. His memoir captures a spirit of resilience that resonates not only with veterans but with anyone who has faced challenges in life.

Event Details:

• What: Author Talk: Ray Boland – “When the Bugle Calls: A Soldier’s Memoir”
• When: Wednesday, October 16th, 2:15 PM
• Where: McIntosh Memorial Library Lobby

Ray Boland, a 30-year U.S. Military Veteran, previously served as a public school teacher in rural Wisconsin before being called to active duty. He holds a Master of Science degree in Communications and has completed various military education courses, including the U.S. Army War College. After retiring from the Army, he served as the Secretary of Veteran Affairs in Wisconsin. Now residing in Sparta, Wisconsin, Ray published his memoir at the age of 86.

 

Beginning Woodcarving Class

Are you interested in learning the art of woodcarving? Join us for a Beginning Woodcarving Class at the McIntosh Memorial Library on Saturday, October 19th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This hands-on workshop will be led by experienced woodcarvers John Sutton, Judy Gates, Carson Labelle, Wayne Robson, and Randy Dahlen.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn essential woodcarving techniques in a supportive and creative environment. If you have your own tools, please bring them along to enhance your experience.

Event Details:

• What: Beginning Woodcarving Class
• When: Saturday, October 19th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Where: McIntosh Memorial Library Program Room
• Registration: Required. To register, visit mcintoshmemoriallibrary.org under adult programs or go to https://forms.office.com/r/keGBmetiJ0.

This class is perfect for beginners looking to develop their skills and explore the world of woodcarving. Additionally, for more woodcarving opportunities, check out programs at the Bekkum Memorial Library in Westby and the Knutson Memorial Library in Coon Valley as this class will be traveling to bring as many people the opportunity to learn.

Learn to Lead Like a Pro Virtual Program

with Dr. Matthew Raidbard

Coaches are invited to a transformative virtual workshop, “Learn to Lead Like a Pro,” with Dr. Matthew Raidbard on Monday, October 21st, at 5:30 PM. This program will take place via Zoom and requires prior registration.

Dr. Raidbard brings 18 years of experience as a men’s college basketball coach and a senior-level college athletics administrator. His passion for leadership in sports led him to pursue a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, during which he conducted original research on athletic coach leadership practices. His findings revealed that many coaches lack the tools and resources needed for their critical leadership roles, inspiring him to write his new book, Lead Like A Pro: Effective Leadership Styles for Athletic Coaches.

In this engaging workshop, Dr. Raidbard will emphasize the importance of coaches viewing themselves as leaders and making intentional choices in their leadership styles. Participants will learn how to align their leadership practices with their personal values and beliefs, as well as understand the profound impact their choices can have on their athletes, both positively and negatively.

Event Details:

• What: Learn to Lead Like a Pro: A Leadership Workshop for Coaches
• When: Monday, October 21st, 5:30 PM
• Where: Virtual Program via Zoom
• Registration: Required. Visit mcintoshmemoriallibrary.org under adult programs to register, or go to https://forms.office.com/r/keGBmetiJ0.

 

Taste of Vietnam: Make Authentic Spring Rolls

with Tan Pham

Groups/Monthly Programs:

Chess Club 65

Chess Club 65 is back! Calling all chess enthusiasts! The McIntosh Memorial Library invites players of all ages and experience levels to join our Chess Club, starting Wednesday, October 23rd, and running through March 26th, 2025. Sessions will take place every Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Led by experienced chess coaches Tim Jenkins and other skilled players, the Chess Club is a fantastic opportunity to learn, practice, and enjoy the game of chess. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, coaching will be available to help you enhance your skills and strategy.

Event Details:

• What: McIntosh Memorial Library Chess Club
• When: Wednesdays, October 23rd – March 26th, 2025, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Where: McIntosh Memorial Library, 205 S. Rock Ave., Viroqua, WI 54665
• Registration: Required for players ages 12 and under. To register, please go to mcintoshmemoriallibrary.org under youth programs or sign up on-site.

Boards will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own if possible.

Tabletop Takeover

1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 4:00pm-6:00pm

 

The Fellowship

Islands of Brilliance:

Small Group Classes for Those on Autism Spectrum

Wednesdays from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the McIntosh Memorial Library.

This program will bring together neurodiverse teens and young adults in the Viroqua area.

Interested participants can connect with us at https://islandsofbrilliance.app.neoncrm.com/forms/connectwithus or call (262) 224-4230. To ensure individual attention, each community fellowship is limited to 10 participants.

The weekly, 60-minute sessions run February through September and will be led by a local educator and artist who have been hired and trained by IOB. Many of the Brilliant Fellows identify as neurodivergent and/or have close ties to the autism community.

The Fellowship is being held in-person on Wednesdays from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the McIntosh Memorial Library. The classes couple a creative hands-on activity with a technology component that helps students express themselves and encourages them to develop positive interaction skills. In addition, attendees will establish connections with peers and mentors in their community, which can help address the isolation that neurodiverse teens and young adults often face.

Funding for the program came from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services through a grant using American Rescue Plan Act dollars.