Celebrate National Library Week April 19-25 at Madison Public Library

Madison Public Library invites community members to visit one of its nine locations (or the Dream Bus) during National Library Week and fill out a Share Your Story postcard, detailing how library services, resources, collections, and spaces spark joy.  

"Libraries are the foundation of a strong community. Beyond the essential physical resources like books and computer access, it acts as a vital community hub and gathering place for so many," said Alex, a Madison Public Library patron who saves an average of $284 per month with her library card. "As a mother of young children, I can personally attest to the immense value of their youth programming. There is something for everyone and it's a place for our kids to learn and explore together while also being a crucial space for parents/caregivers to connect and build a supportive network." 

Library supporters can also participate remotely by using the Library Value Calculator online to estimate how much they save by using library services each month and filling out a form to share why their library is important to them.  

Madison Public Library supports everyone's right to read and choose their own materials. The American Library Association (ALA) will release the State of America's Libraries Report, highlighting key trends, statistics, and issues affecting all types of libraries during the previous calendar year. This report also includes a list of the most challenged books in 2025. Learn more and support  Right To Read Day or read the full State of America's Libraries Report when it's released on April 20. 

National Library Workers Day celebrates the dedicated staff who make library services possible. This year, Madison Public Library will host a screening of The Librarians in partnership with PBS Wisconsin and Madison Reading Project. The event will take place at Pinney Library from 7-9pm. Before the screening, attendees will view a new PBS Wisconsin social series highlighting two Madison Public Library librarians and the impact of their work in the community, offering a closer look at the people behind the scenes.  Register for the film screening.

Follow along @MadisonPublicLibrary on Facebook and Instagram to see more staff highlights and stories on National Library Workers Day. 

Madison Public Library continues its outreach efforts through Madison and Dane County's mobile library, the Dream Bus, and partnerships across the community. These initiatives ensure that library resources reach neighborhoods that may face barriers to visiting a physical location.  

Outreach happens in many ways throughout the year at Madison Public Library – from school visits, to home delivery and from summer tabling events to community partnerships. As the Library prepares to open its new location this September, a new public art piece provided another opportunity for outreach and engagement.  

In February, the Bubbler's team visited Sandburg Elementary School to get students' help in selecting a public art piece for the outdoor patio at the upcoming Imagination Center at Reindahl Park. After learning about the proposed artworks, each student cast their vote using a dot sticker to choose their favorite. Students shared thoughtful and candid feedback ranging from concerns about safety to excitement about the colorful and creative designs. This visit was one of many community engagement efforts. The library also gathered input through an online survey and outreach visits to neighborhoods around the area. This feedback was carefully considered in the final decision, that will be shared with the community in the coming weeks.  

Madison Public Library remains committed to expanding access and fostering engagement through its nine existing locations, the Dream Bus, and the Imagination Center Library coming soon to the northeast side of Madison. 

Follow along with the Imagination Center Library progress currently under construction at 1914 Parkside Dr.  

On this day, community members are encouraged to engage in local decision making and learn more about how libraries are supported at the city level. Madison Public Library will highlight opportunities to connect with local alders and stay informed about issues that impact library services and the broader community. 

By participating in Common Council meetings, you can have a say in policies, services, and developments that directly affect your lives - and libraries. All Council meetings are open to the public to attend in-person and streamed live on Madison City Channel. To learn more: 

• Upcoming Meetings & Agendas 
• Watch Online or Attend in Person 
• Register for Public Comment 
• Find Your Alder 
• Contact Council 

Learn how much you can save by using the library. As part of National Library Week, Madison Public Library will share stories from real library users highlighting the financial impact library services have on their lives. These stories show how the library helps the community save money while staying connected.  

What's the value of the library to you? Find out by trying the Library Value Calculator, an online tool that shows what library card users save each month when they utilize the library's free services and resources.  

The best way to celebrate National Library Week – and libraries – is to get a library card! Wrap up the week by visiting a library location and signing up for a library card – or, keep it simple and sign up online!  Find your joy at the library -- by attending a program, checking out materials, or simply spending time in the space -- Madison Public Library has something for everyone.  

What to Bring When Signing Up for a Library Card:  

• Photo ID 
• Proof of Address (option exists if patrons don't have a permanent address)