Book It with Bucky
Athletes Who Read. Leaders Who Inspire.
Wisconsin Athletics is excited to Book It With Bucky — a summer literacy program that sends UW student-athletes to libraries across Wisconsin for youth storytime events, fostering a love of reading in kids throughout the state.
Each visit includes complimentary distribution of Bucky READ posters and children's books in collaboration with 2nd & 7, a nonprofit whose mission is to promote reading by providing free books and positive role models to kids in need — while encouraging young community athletes to pay it forward.
The program is supported through a generous gift from the James and Sue Patterson Foundation.
Sign-up closes Friday, July 25 or until all visits have been filled.
Limited number of story time visits are available.
Wisconsin student-athletes visited a community partner to read and share the joy of learning.
What's Happening
EVENT SCHEDULE
June – July
Summer Library Visits
Student-athletes will visits libraries across the state, coordinated via Badger Talks. One request per library. Limited number of story time visits available.
September 5
READING IN Green Bay
Join Bucky and the Badgers in Green Bay on September 5, 2026 before Wisconsin Football versus Notre Dame at Lambeau Field.
September 5
Kick off the school year
The summer programming concludes with a distribution of posters to Madison Metropolitans School District and several other community partners as they ramp up the school year.
For Libraries
How to Get
Involved
Request a Visit
Submit your library's request through the Badger Talks platform. One request per library. Available weekdays in June and July while slots last. Limited number of story time visits are available.
We Confirm & Connect
Wisconsin Athletics will confirm your visit and connect you with the student-athlete coming to your community for storytime.
Host the Event
Welcome the Badgers to your library! They'll lead storytime and kids go home with free books and a Bucky READ poster.
The Bucky READ Poster
Every visit includes complimentary Bucky READ posters for kids to take home — a reminder that reading and Badger pride go hand in hand.
Free Downloads
Made Possible By
Our Partners
James & Sue Patterson Foundation
Book It With Bucky is supported through a generous gift from the James and Sue Patterson Foundation, whose mission is to strengthen communities by focusing on issues that foster wide participation and encourage learning. Sue Solie Patterson earned her degrees from UW–Madison, was an All-American swimmer, and is a New York Times best-selling coauthor of children's books.
2nd & 7 Foundation
Books provided in collaboration with 2nd & 7, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting reading by providing free books and positive role models to kids in need. Their mission empowers young athletes to pay it forward in their communities through the gift of literacy.
Learn About 2nd & 7 →Library Sign-Ups
Request a
Badger Visit
Bring a Wisconsin student-athlete to your library this summer. Visits are free, include materials for kids, and are coordinated through the Badger Talks platform.
Things to Know
- Available weekdays in June and July while slots remain
- One request per library
- Sign-up closes Friday, July 25 or until all visits are filled
- Each visit includes complimentary Bucky READ posters and children's books for attendees
- Requests are submitted and managed through Badger Talks (badgertalks.wisc.edu)
