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

A fictionalized biography of one of our country's greatest librarians. Ages 9 and up. A free curriculum guide for teachers is available. Order from Big Valley Press.

Lutie Stearns travelled throughout Wisconsin for nearly 20 years, spreading travelling libraries to over 1500 isolated communities. Her story is testimony to the power of one woman's passion for equalaccess to information, and to the power of books to change lives. Books in a Box has received accolades from national publications, and was a featured Children's Cooperative Book Center choice. Reviews of Books in a Box.

In 2006, Books in a Box was chosen to be on First Lady Jessica Doyles' list of recommended books for Read On Wisconsin.

Stuart frequently presents programs to students about the life of Lutie Stearns and her place in Wisconsin history. These presentations include photographs and archival material. This program is best suited for 4th graders as they study Wisconsin history.