Frequently Asked Questions

Who can watch the show portion of Wonder Round-up?

Anyone! We invite members of the public to watch the show, which will be mid-morning.

 

I’m a librarian, but not in west Texas. Can I still come see the showcase?

 

Yes. Any librarian is invited to attend the entire event, although pricing to book certain acts may be higher based on where your library is. For example, libraries from the far northern Texas panhandle may have not be able to book a performer at this event quite as economically as other libraries in the area.

 

How does Wonder Round-up help me save money on my Summer Reading Program budget?

 

Performers and artists that work Summer Reading have to charge libraries a certain amount of money for travel costs. When two or more libraries in a nearby area can book the same performer for around the same time, that performer can lower the travel cost.

 

For example, if a library in Big Lake, Texas wanted to hire a puppeteer from Dallas for June 3, that performer may have to charge $600. But if other libraries nearby in San Angelo, Midland, and Fort Stockton also book that same performer for June 1st through the 3rd, then the rate for all the libraries could drop as low as $300 each. This is called a Talent Share or Talent Sharing.

 

Wonder Round-up helps libraries discover the best talent that is willing to travel to West Texas in the first place, and we help encourage performers to book multiple libraries in a general area.

 

I’m a performer or artist. Can I be a part of Wonder Round-up?

We would love to hear from you. To be considered for our talent roster, please contact Bronson Chadwick at 432-413-6816. As a rule of thumb, we try to limit the roster to one performer per discipline. (Ex. one clown, one face painter, one storyteller, etc.) We also give preference to acts that are a part of the Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster, but we welcome anyone act or artist to apply.

 

Is Wonder Round-up intended to take the place of other library showcases and networking events?

 

Not at all. Wonder Round-up is sponsored by the Magic in the Library Initiative, and our mission is to promote literacy and libraries. Other networking events are valuable and we are not in competition with those organizations. The focus of Wonder Round-up is to help West Texas libraries find talent that is willing to travel the distance, coming in from as far as Houston or Longview. Many performers and artists who attend the other events are not willing to travel more than one hundred miles or so.

 

What happens if the event cancels due to inclement weather or other disaster?

Our event is in January and the possibility of bad weather is certainly real. If we have to reschedule we will do so immediately, preferably for a date before Valentine’s Day.

 

Are registrations refundable?

 

Due to the nature of what we are doing, all sales are final. You may however, transfer your registration to another librarian at your own library or elsewhere. For concerns, please contact Bronson directly at 432-413-6816.

 

Can I register at the door?

 

Yes, but the cost is much higher at the door. We recommend paying online in advance.

 

I’m a librarian but I only want to see the show in the morning. Can I come and just watch the show?

 

We don’t recommend that. By coming to the show only you won’t be able to attend the Talent Sharing session after lunch which will offer reduced pricing for Summer Reading Program performers. Also, you’ll miss out on lunch!

​

I'm not a librarian but I'm interested in booking some of the talent from Wonder Round-up. Can I still register?

Yes. This event is for anyone who wants to book one of these performers. For example, if you are the director of a summer camp, a school principal, an activities director, etc., you could greatly benefit from this event and we welcome your attendance.

 

Can I bring someone with me?

Everyone in attendance must pay for a registration. If you and a fellow librarian are traveling in from your town library, both of you must register for the event. Likewise, if you are bringing a family member with you then they will also have to register. (We don't charge registration for children under three years old.)

What’s included with registration?

Registration includes morning mixer events, tickets to the show, lunch, a brief workshop on grants for libraries for summer reading, and most importantly, the Talent Share activity in the afternoon where you can discuss pricing for specific performers you saw during the show.

 

Will we as librarians have the opportunity to discuss sharing performers in private at the event?

Yes. During the Talent Share activity performers will not be allowed in the room so librarians can speak freely without pressure to book a specific act.

 

I’m coming in from far away. Is there a hotel nearby?

Yes. There are a few places in Ballinger, and there are also many hotels in San Angelo, Texas less than twenty minutes away.

 

Will the performers at Wonder Round-up follow the Summer Reading theme for 2026?

It’s up to each individual performer to decide if/how they will follow the theme for next summer. In our experience, most performers will angle at least one portion of their program towards the summer theme, if not the entire program.

​

Am I obligated to book a performer from Wonder Round-up? What if I don't like the talent I see?

​

Libraries are under no obligation to book an act from Wonder Round-up, but we think it's highly unlikely that you'll dislike our talent picks! Each act has been chosen very carefully.

Why is the event happening in early January?

Based on our research, most performers do the bulk of their bookings for West Texas Libraries between January 2, and February 14. After that date most libraries and performers are booked up for the summer. This timing will help you get ahead of the hustle and bustle of Summer Reading.