Wayne Wiegand, F. William Summers Professor Emeritus spent eight years at Florida State University research and teaching library science courses, all while impacting the lives of students – like Micah Vandegrift.

Wiegand retired in 2010 and recently authored a new book, Part of Our Lives, A People’s History of the American Public Library. This Fall, he begins a tour promoting the book.

Drawing on the voices of the everyday patrons of cherished libraries, Wiegand digs into the heart of libraries in America. The book traces the history of the public library, featuring records and testimonies from as early as 1850. Pulling from newspapers, memoirs and biographies, Part of Our Lives paints a clear and engaging picture of Americans who value libraries not only as civic institutions, but also as social spaces for promoting and maintaining community.

Wiegand has authored nearly a dozen books, including Books on Trial: Red Scare in the Heartland, Irrepressible Reformer:  A Biography of Melvil Dewey, and more. Find his books on Amazon.

Wiegand will visit Tallahassee on November 12, 2015 at the Leon County Public Library at 7 PM.

The event will be moderated by Chuck McClure with comments from Mark Mustian, Word of South Festival Organizer and Amy Johnson, Florida State Librarian.