Madison Public Library

Directions Website

Madison Public Library Madison Public Library's Central Library is open 7 days/week. Visit the library online at http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org.

See the full hours online at madpl.org/ and event or programming information at madpl.org/social/instagram. Madison Public Library’s tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for more than 145 years. Our nine locations throughout the City of Madison are open six days per week and welcome over 2.2 million visits each year. Our social media policy reflects that of the City of Madison. You can read the full policy here: https://www.cityofmadison.com/policy/social-media

We're still enjoying fall days, and there’s still time to get outside and explore nature with us!Nature Everywhere Madis...
10/22/2026

We're still enjoying fall days, and there’s still time to get outside and explore nature with us!

Nature Everywhere Madison has two more free programs this October for young readers:

-Oct. 25, 10:30-11:15am | Two Many Pumpkins! at Lakeview Library

-Oct. 26, 10:30-11:15am | Nature Wands with Coral Conant Gilles, Storytelling Naturalist at the Imagination Center Library.

All programs are free, designed for children ages 5 and under, and don’t require registration.

“I hope to encourage participants to write their own story. We all have stories to tell, and we want to hear them.” Sher...
10/22/2026

“I hope to encourage participants to write their own story. We all have stories to tell, and we want to hear them.” Sherman Funmaker is a returning presenter for the Teejop & Beyond program!

A Bear Clan member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, he was born in Black River Falls as one of 11 children, and graduated from UW-Baraboo with an English Degree. He has been writing since 2006 and his first book, "Bear Tracks: Memories of a Ho-Chunk Elder", was published by the Wisconsin Historical Society in February of this year, and we're excited to be hosting him for a reading and author talk next week on Wed, Oct 28 at Sequoya Library from 7-8:30pm. No registration is required!

The trend of no registration will continue for two additional programs hosted next week by Kimberly Crowley on Thurs, Oct 29 (5:30-7:30pm) at Lakeview Library and Sat, Oct 31 (1-3pm) at Meadowridge Library! At both programs, participants will have the chance to sample traditional indigenous foods such as corn soup, wild rice casserole, and frybread. As you eat, you can chat with Kimberly about her recipes, and take home additional information on ingredients and where to source them, too.

Learn more about upcoming programs on our website by searching "Teejop & Beyond".

The annual Period Party series will return in November! The Period Party is a 3-part series taking place on Mondays (Nov...
10/21/2026

The annual Period Party series will return in November! The Period Party is a 3-part series taking place on Mondays (Nov 2, 9, and 16) from 5:30-7:30pm with a resource fair and final celebration planned for Sat, Nov 21 from 12:30-3pm. We partner with Public Health Madison & Dane County and UW-Madison Department of Medicine and Public Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology to provide in-depth presentations on topics related to menstruation.

“The program is designed to provide evidence-based education for children and parents,” said Rachel L., Youth Librarian at Goodman South Madison Library and coordinator of the Period Party. “We hope the information provided during these events empowers people who menstruate and reduces the stigma associated with menstruation and puberty.”

Each of the first three sessions includes time for kids and families to ask questions, browse related books from the library’s collection, and pick up free giveaways. All events take place at the Atrium at Villager Mall (2300 S. Park St) and require registration. Search "Period Party" on our website to see event details.

We know, Hispanic Heritage Month is *technically* over--but, at Madison Public Library, the celebration continues!!If yo...
10/20/2026

We know, Hispanic Heritage Month is *technically* over--but, at Madison Public Library, the celebration continues!!

If your children are learning Spanish or if you're looking for a space to converse with others in your mother tongue, visit one of our Bilingual Storytimes.

The Imagination Center Library will begin a series of bilingual storytimes this November on Mondays from 10:30-11:15am. Pinney and Monroe Street Libraries also have regular Bilingual storytimes happening this fall.

No matter where you go, your kids will have a blast reading and playing in English and Spanish. Bilingual storytimes are free and don't require registration.

Search "Cuentos" on our website to see the full lineup.

Today is the first day of In-Person Absentee Voting (IPAV) for the November 3 General Election across the City of Madiso...
10/20/2026

Today is the first day of In-Person Absentee Voting (IPAV) for the November 3 General Election across the City of Madison, Wisconsin Government!

Madison residents can vote early at any IPAV location between October 20-31, including at seven Madison Public Library locations. During in-person absentee voting, you can also return absentee ballots and register to vote with City Of Madison Clerk staff (except for during the three days prior to the election).

Not sure if you're already registered? Check your voter registration status, see what's on your ballot, and confirm your voting location at the myvote wisconsin website before traveling. Be sure to confirm dates and times for in-person absentee voting at the library, link in bio.

Plus - did you know? You'll already have everything you need to get a library card if you're registering to vote, so why not get one while you're in the library over the coming weeks?

One of Mexico's most colorful celebrations is getting closer! Día de Mu***os (Day of the Dead) is a celebration of life,...
10/20/2026

One of Mexico's most colorful celebrations is getting closer! Día de Mu***os (Day of the Dead) is a celebration of life, memory, and connection. Families honor loved ones who have passed by creating ofrendas (altars) decorated with photographs, favorite objects, flowers, and food to welcome their spirits home.

This year, Madison Public Library invites you to celebrate this beautiful tradition with community ofrendas, workshops, storytimes, and activities for all ages.

Oct 19-31 | Central Library
Visit our walk-in community ofrenda, taking a moment to remember and honor people in the community who passed away this year.

Oct 31 | Lakeview Library
Celebrate with artist Gabriela Jiménez Marvan through a community ofrenda, a bilingual paper flower workshop, and a calaveras song demonstration and conversation.

Nov 2 | Meadowridge & Imagiantion Center Library
Come to celebrate, learn, remember, and honor the traditions of Día de Mu***os with your community! There will be games, arts & crafts, a movie screening, and a special concert by award-winning Madison Musician Angela Puerta Music at Meadowridge Library.

Explore the full schedule to plan your visit; link in bio.

Do you have your costume ready? Halloween is getting closer and Central Library is ready to celebrate it during the annu...
10/19/2026

Do you have your costume ready? Halloween is getting closer and Central Library is ready to celebrate it during the annual Trick-or-Treat celebration with more than 60 other downtown locations.

Kids 12 and under are invited to stop by the Lower Level of Central Library between 3-6pm on Wednesday, Oct 28, for a special Trick-or-Treating at the library. We'll have glow-in-the-dark beaded bracelet stations, spooky and sweet books to check out, and a lot (and I mean A LOT) of candy. So come, celebrate Halloween with us, get a lot of candy, and finish your evening with a free movie night on State Street, thanks to Madison Parks.

Save the date for UW Odyssey Project's Why Vote event set for Wed, Oct 28!In an effort to encourage increased voter part...
10/19/2026

Save the date for UW Odyssey Project's Why Vote event set for Wed, Oct 28!

In an effort to encourage increased voter participation and a better understanding of voting, we invite you to register to vote, get information about where and how to vote, and hear Odyssey students read their winning “Why Vote?” essays.

The event takes place from 5:30-7:30pm in the ULGM's Black Business HUB and a meal will be provided. Registration is required.

Sign up online at the Odyssey Project's website. We hope to see you there!

Before we say farewell to the weekend, we want to be sure to thank the amazing volunteers who assisted at the Wisconsin ...
10/18/2026

Before we say farewell to the weekend, we want to be sure to thank the amazing volunteers who assisted at the Wisconsin Book Festival Fall Celebration, our friends at A Room of One's Own Bookstore, Lake City Books and Mystery to Me who sold books all weekend, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Discovery Building, and Wisconsin Historical Society, who all served as hosting venues for events, as well as the Madison Public Library Foundation for providing hundreds of free copies of books at five events throughout the weekend and, before that, throughout the entire year! While the Fall Celebration may be coming to an end, the Wisconsin Book Festival will continue with a couple of additional events planned through the end of the year.

Be the first to know about what's happening at the book festival by signing up for their email newsletter online. Thanks to everyone who visited Central Library or any of our partner venues this weekend to enjoy the festival!

Address

201 W Mifflin Street
Madison, WI
53703

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Madison Public Library posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category