Hart Interim Library

Front Lobby

Doug Cosper will read excerpts from his book "On Wings of Wonder" and Anna Cosper will oversee an art activity. Mary Rose will share a brief history of Elias Cosper. Local History artifacts will be displayed.

Join us at the Rockford Public Library, Hart Interim location, for a special evening with Doug and Anna Cosper. This father and daughter team joined forces as author and illustrator of "On Wings of Wonder" and will make a special appearance at the Hart Interim location. Doug will read excerpts from the book and Anna will provide guidance for a hands-on art activity. Doug and Anna will have a question and answer session, as well as an opportunity to get your copy of the book signed.

On Wings of Wonder is a middle-grade fantasy novel, but it's a story of wonder for all ages. RPL's Archivist, Doug Janicke reviewed the book and said the story is multicultural in scope, including everything from magic, old-fashioned carousels, and butterflies – for the butterfly lovers and lepidopterists out there – to ancient civilizations, bushpeople, and, of course, villains. It’s a fast-paced, globe-hopping adventure that engages curiosity and invites openness and learning in diversity, geography, history, personal empowerment, relational skills, and so much more!

It may be of special interest to local history buffs in Rockford that Doug is the great-great-grandson of Elias Cosper. Elias was a prominent, early Rockford resident, Civil War major, Manager of Rockford Tack Company in the Water Power District, and book enthusiast who became known as the “father of the library” for his endorsement, involvement, and financial support of Rockford’s Public Library. In fact, the oldest item currently in RPL’s collection is a historical book once belonging to and donated by Elias, published in 1599! The book will be in our display case on the evening of our event. Also on display will be RPL's first official record book from 1872 to 1897 used by Elias Cosper to record minutes from the Library Board meetings.