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City of Madison

Madison Public Library Releases a Special Edition 150th Anniversary Library Card for NEW Cardholders in September

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A family stands together holding their library cards in front of them and smiling in front of a colorful background

MADISON, WI – From September 2-30, those wishing to get a new library card at Madison Public Library can receive a special edition design created by local artist Jaundy Brunswick in honor of the Library’s 150th Anniversary in 2025.  

“For 150 years, Madison Public Library has provided exceptional library service to residents of the City of Madison. Our library system has grown from two rooms in City Hall to (soon-to-be) ten library locations and a mobile Dream Bus,” said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “This new library card design celebrates the library’s history and impact, while also offering a fresh opportunity to get new cards into the hands of residents. Madison’s libraries have something for everyone, including free programs, collections, community connection, Wi-Fi, public computers, job assistance, and more. I encourage you to get a library card this September!”  

The special offer will last only for a limited time and be rolled out in two phases:  

September: New Library Card Holders 

New library card holders can get the 150th Anniversary edition card when signing up for a library card online or in-person.  

  • Renewals or replacements are not eligible to receive the special edition card in September 
  • For online sign-ups, library cards will be mailed out to the address listed on the application in 1-2 weeks 

“The special emphasis on new library card holders is because September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. Each year in September we invite people into our spaces to discover everything their library card gives them access to,” said Library Digital Services & Marketing Manager Liz Boyd. “This year is our 150th Anniversary, so it feels especially important to extend an intentional opportunity to people who haven’t visited the library before, aren’t sure what the library can do for them, or maybe just haven’t taken that extra step to get a library card. This is that added incentive to come and learn more about the library.”

October: Existing Library Card Holders

Beginning October 1, existing library card holders can swap out their library cards for the 150th Anniversary edition card while supplies last.

Please note: Library staff will be unable to duplicate barcodes, which means those that choose to get the new library card design, will lose their existing library card number.

  • Existing cardholders must exchange their library card in-person at one of Madison Public Library’s nine locations (the Dream Bus will not be included in this promotion). If patrons are unable to come in person due to travel or accessibility, please reach out to our Borrower Services Manager at 608-266-6362.
  • If a cardholder does choose to swap their existing library card for the new design, and they use Libby or request Outerlibrary Loan items, they will need to ask library staff to add the new barcode to their account.

  • Madison Public Library will also hand out a limited supply of library card-shaped stickers with the 150th Anniversary special edition design on them for those who don't want to lose their current library card number but would still like to have a memento from this initiative. 

How to Get a Library Card 

People can sign up for a library card online or visit one of Madison Public Library’s nine locations in September to get the special edition 150th Anniversary Library Card. If exchanging cards in October, library card holders must visit a library location (the Dream Bus is not eligible for this promotion).  

There are several options for getting a library card at Madison Public Library, most of which require: 

  • A photo ID (State ID/driver’s license, school ID, work ID, passport, official DMV print-out, military ID, or consular ID)
  • An acceptable Wisconsin address 

However, library staff will also work with applicants to help gain access to library services. 

About the Card Design 

The special edition library card was inspired by library history mixed with artist Jaundy Brunswick’s personal experiences within Madison Public Libraries. 

A child sits with a stuffed penguin on their lap holding up a special library card and smiling

Library Card Sign-Up Month is a great time to get your child's first library card. Ages 0-15 can sign up for a library card with a parent signature and ID. 

Special Edition 150th Anniversary Library Card from Madison Public Library designed by Jaundy Brunswick

Don't have a library card yet? Apply online today to get this special edition 150th Anniversary design. 

“In celebration of Madison Public Library’s 150 years of discovery, connection and community, I wanted to design a card that captures the enduring joy of reading and the countless stories that have passed through its doors,” said Brunswick. “The swirling patterns crafted from vintage library due-date slips honor the library's rich history, while the vibrant modern palette reflects its ongoing commitment to imagination and innovation. To me, the library is and always will be the heart of any community.”  

Headshot of self-taught digital artist Jaundy Brunswick from Madison, Wisconsin

Brunswick is a self-taught digital artist based in Madison whose work explores the bold, the surreal, and the unrestrained. With over two decades of experience in collage, Brunswick began her artistic journey through analog mediums—using cut-and-paste as a meditative and expressive practice. Today, her digital compositions retain that tactile energy while embracing a vivid, chaotic aesthetic deeply inspired by her childhood imagination and a lifelong fascination with fashion and design magazines. Read Jaundy’s full bio online or visit her Instagram @Jaundy_Brunswick. 

Finding the right artist to design a library card that would evoke 150 years' worth of library history was no easy task, but The Bubbler at Madison Public Library team was primed and ready for just this mission. The Bubbler is the art hub within Madison Public Library and they connect the community to artists through free, hands-on making, exhibitions, and community-wide events primarily hosted in libraries.

“One of the biggest challenges for our team was finding a local artist whose work could capture the limitless potential of libraries - within a very limited space. The Bubbler has worked with Jaundy before to design large-scale vinyl decals for some exhibitions, so we were excited to see how her style would translate to something much smaller and more tactile like the library card,” said Bubbler Programs Administrator Carlee Latimer.  

Learn more about the Special Edition 150th Anniversary library card and Library Card Sign-Up Month at madpl.org/signupmonth. 

The special edition 150th Anniversary library card design was made possible thanks to the Madison Public Library Foundation.  

About Madison Public Library 

With more than 1.3 million annual visitors across nine library locations each year, Madison Public Library’s tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for 150 years. Visit the library online at www.madisonpubliclibrary.org and @madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook and Instagram. 

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