John Tortorice moves to History Department

By Andrew Wallmeyer

The Friends of the UW-Madison Libraries say farewell this month to development specialist and Friends liaison John Tortorice, who is taking a position as a program administrator in the history department for the George Mosse Fellowship Program.

Tortorice came to the libraries as a graduate student in the School of Library and Information Sciences in 1992. In that time, the Friends of the UW-Madison Libraries have dramatically increased their visibility and membership. Tortorice is quick to point out how much he has gained from the experience.

"I have learned so much from the lectures, from the board members and from people in the community who use the libraries," he said. "It is really a part of lifelong learning to stay connected with the university through the libraries.

"I really take pleasure in letting people know what an extraordinary library this is, and what is available here," he said. "Seeing their enthusiasm for what they find here and for the institution has been a very enjoyable experience."

Paula Panczenko, director of the UW-Madison Tandem Press and president of the Friends, said that Tortorice has been a "tireless cheerleader, friend and coordinator."

In addition to a highly popular lecture series that attracts standing-room only crowds, the Friends sponsor a library grant program that has provided more than $100,000 in grants to the campus libraries. The grants primarily support acquisition and conservation of library materials. The Friends also provide four $1,000 grants-in-aid annually for non-local humanities scholars to use UW-Madison's collections.

To support their programs, the Friends operate a semiannual book sale that has become the largest single used book sale in southern Wisconsin, which attracts buyers from around the Midwest. The most recent sale in March raised more than $19,000, bringing the five-year sales total to more than $211,000. Nearly 60 volunteers coordinate the event.