Reception: The Small and the Mighty / We Will Always Be Here

An artist reception for both exhibits will be held Wednesday, December 10, from 6–7 p.m. The event is free and open to all!

The library is excited to debut two complementary exhibits in its Level 3 gallery as part of this year’s One Book, One Community (OBOC) initiative. Together, they spotlight the power of individual action—past and present—and invite visitors to explore themes of social justice, identity, and local history. 

“The Small and the Mighty: Chippewa Valley”—created with local art students and the library’s Visual Arts Committee—pairs curated historical materials with original artwork honoring individuals connected to the Eau Claire area whose achievements have left a lasting mark. Inspired by this year’s OBOC title, The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History by Sharon McMahon, the exhibit links national stories of overlooked heroes with local changemakers.

Alongside it, the library presents “We Will Always Be Here: Wisconsin’s LGBTQ+ Historymakers,” an exhibit on loan from the Wisconsin Historical Society. Featuring artwork by nipinet landsem, an Indigequeer Anishinaabe and Michif artist based in Madison, the display profiles eight LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites whose lives and leadership have inspired progress across the state. Their stories highlight the resilience and impact of Wisconsin’s LGBTQ+ communities.

*One Book, One Community is a region-wide reading program encouraging Chippewa Valley residents to read, discuss, and reflect on a single book centered on a contemporary social justice issue. Through shared conversation, the initiative invites community members to examine how these issues shape local experiences—and to consider meaningful steps toward positive change.