The Tardigrade's Bookshelf

07/15/2026

🔬 Science Bookclub is Thursday at 6pm!

This month we're discussing 1984 by George Orwell. Sometimes the best science conversations wander into psychology, technology, surveillance, and the unsettling question of who gets to define reality.

Can't make it today? Good news: our Sociology Book Club is also reading 1984, so you'll have another chance to dive into Orwell's world. Or, if you just can't get enough discussions about power, propaganda, and why "everything is fine" is usually a red flag, come to both.

07/11/2026

🎤 It's Madonna Trivia Day! 💃

Tonight at 7 PM, we're celebrating the Queen of Pop with a trivia night covering every era—from Like a Virgin to Ray of Light, Confessions on a Dance Floor, and beyond.

Whether you know every lyric, every iconic music video, or just came to vogue with your friends, we've got questions for fans of every generation.

Special Prizes from our guest host and writer, Andrew!
🏆 "Prize" for the fewest correct answers
💸 No cover charge
👥 Solo players and teams welcome
🪑 Come early for the best seats! Trivia as near to 7 PM as the bar line will let us.

Collaboration is encouraged. Googling is not.

One overarching rule: Don't be a dick.

Life is a mystery... but tonight's trivia answers don't have to be. See you soon! ✨

07/11/2026

📚 Last-minute deal! Yap & Yoga is heavily discounted today!

Walk-ins welcome. No tickets required. Just $7.

Don't leave our local author hanging all by himself talking to the plants... 🌿

We've slashed the price for today's Yap & Yoga, and we'd love to fill the room with some delightfully nerdy humans.

Come meet a local author, enjoy delightfully weird conversation, move your body just enough to feel smug about it, and enjoy a beverage.

Support a local author. Have a drink. Maybe discover you're closer to touching your toes than you thought.

📍 Today at 2 PM

07/11/2026

Upcoming Fundraiser in the event hall!

A MESSAGE FROM THE HOST!

For years, Becksmas has been my annual birthday celebration and fundraiser in December, but this year I'm trying something new with my very first Half Way to Becksmas party. I'm excited to spend a SUMMER evening celebrating with friends, enjoying some incredible local drag talent, and of course raising some money for some good people!

Join me on Saturday, July 25th at Tardigrade Bookshelf in Appleton as we raise money for the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project, an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites.

Hosted by Anita Bobbypin, Miss Napalese Lounge 2026

Featuring performances by:
• Baylee Davenport
• Antonio Brieonhallbanxz Oliver - Mr Napalese Lounge 2026
• Krystal Kuttabish, Mx Office Niteclub 2026 and Miss Gay Cosmopolitan 2026

21+
$5 Admission / $5 Seats
Doors Open: 9:00 PM
Show Starts: 10:00 PM

Tardigrade's Bookshelf
501 N Richmond St, Suite A
Appleton, WI

If you'd like to reserve seating for your group, email [email protected]

Stunning, amazing, superb flyers by the incomparable Elliot WageGap

07/10/2026

✨✨Fundraising Event Next Weekend!✨✨

TUCKED & TATTED — A Night of Love, Art, and Community

A MESSAGE FROM THE HOST!

Join us Friday, July 17th at Tardigrade’s Bookshelf for a very special night of drag, laughter, and community!

Hosted by the gorgeous Princess Janelza (Jeilanna Josii) & Lyla Voyer

Featuring the talents of
Jade Trinidad
IIman K Thunderkat
And of course ! Beau Mane

This isn’t just a show — it’s a celebration of identity, authenticity, and the power of showing up for one another. Tucked & Tatted is a benefit show supporting Beau Mane’s top surgery journey, helping uplift and support a member of our community as he continues to live authentically and confidently.

Supporting our trans siblings means creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to feel seen, respected, and celebrated. When people are able to live openly and authentically, they can thrive — and happier, supported individuals help create stronger, more inclusive communities for everyone.

Come join us for an evening filled with incredible performances, love, and community while helping make a meaningful difference. Every person deserves the chance to feel at home in themselves, and every act of support brings us closer to a world built on kindness and acceptance.

Beau has always been someone who leads with compassion, kindness, and a genuine desire to uplift those around him. Whether it’s supporting friends, showing up for his community, or making others feel seen and valued, he reminds us that the strongest communities are built by people who choose to care for one another.

This benefit is a reflection of that same spirit — creating a space where we can come together, celebrate authenticity, and support someone on their journey.

07/10/2026

TOMORROW! Madonna Trivia at Tardigrade's Bookshelf!

Strike a pose... it's trivia time!

From Like a Virgin and Material Girl to Hung Up, Vogue, and the Celebration Tour, we're putting your Madonna knowledge to the test across five decades of pop music history.

✨ Starts at 7:00 PM - arrive early for best seats
🎁 Prizes for first three winners provided by our guest writer and host, Andrew!
🏆 A very special "prize" for the team with the fewest correct answers (because we celebrate commitment, even when it's confidently incorrect).
👥 Play solo or bring your smartest pop-loving friends.
⏰ Come early for the best seats—and maybe warm up with a themed cocktail before the first question drops.

Whether you've loved Madonna since MTV or discovered her through Spotify, tonight is your chance to prove you're into the groove.

As always...
No phones.
Lots of laughs.
And don't be a dick.

See you tomorrow!

07/10/2026

07/10/2026

At Tardigrade's Bookshelf, we believe everyone deserves sick days, holidays, AND vacations. So, when it turned out our staffs' family vacations all land on the same week as our family vacation, we decided it would be time to turn off the open sign for a weekend. We look forward to slowing down and recharging, and coming back refreshed and ready for all of the fun that the last weeks of summer will hold at the bookbar and event space.

In the meantime, grab you favorite coffee and mocktails and a book to get you through the weekend without us. 💖

07/09/2026

🖤📚 Fantasy Book Club is tonight @ 6pm!

We're diving into Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo.

No need to be Grisha to join us. . . just bring your thoughts, your theories, and we'll get you you're new favorite beverage.

Check what we're reading next here 👉https://www.tardigradesbookshelf.com/tardigradebookclubs

📩 Email us to get on the email list for reminders.

While our in-store collection is science-focused, our bookclubs explore a variety of genres. These are no-pressure, reader-driven groups where you can enjoy great discussions in a relaxed setting. Join us and connect with fellow book lovers! Please sign up for the bookclub email list if you would li

07/09/2026

🌶️ Spicy Book Club Reminder! 🌶️

Don't forget Spicy Book Club is tomorrow! We're digging into Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl.

Grab a Dirty Soda, a Hard Dirty Soda, or your favorite drink from the bar, and join us for an evening of books, banter, and just the right amount of chaos.

📚 Come for the discussion.
🥤 Stay for the drinks.
😈 Leave your judgment at the door because cliterature is literature

Want a email reminder for bookclubs? Send us a email, and we'll add you to the email list