Join us for our “Moonshine by Moonlight” author talk and whiskey tasting Friday, Nov. 15, at 5 p.m. at Lisbon Library. Ann Hanigan Kotz will take us through the early 20th century journey through prohibition in Iowa along with why many families turned to bootlegging. You’ll discover the distant past, beginning with the murder of a pastor in Sioux City, the tarring of an official by the Iowa City Beer Mafia, the rumrunning of Iowa’s infamous rye whiskey in Templeton, and the current exploits of today’s underground whiskey business.

After the talk, attendees are invited to walk to area establishments Addy’s Public House, Bill’s Tap, Beau Dylans, Inc. and Whitey’s Bar and Grill for free whiskey tastings.

Ann Hanigan Kotz was born in Denison and lived on a farm southwest of town with her parents and five siblings. During her summers, she spent time at the Carnegie Library, reading becoming a passion early in her life.

After high school, Ann attended the University of Northern Iowa and earned a bachelor of arts in English. She started her education career in 1988 and continued teaching high school English for 33 years, finishing at Waukee High School in central Iowa. She also received a master of arts in education from Viterbo University.

As a teacher, Ann was passionate about making her students better writers and readers. She credits her writing ability to studying and teaching the craft. Later in her profession, Ann taught college-level classes to high school students who themselves wanted to become teachers. Ann considers teaching one of the most honorable professions.

Retired from teaching, Ann Hanigan Kotz currently resides in Adel, Iowa, with her husband John Kotz.