Check It Out » Central Library

Discover Ancestry Library at Upcoming Workshops

Kim — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:25:49 +0000

Are you interested in genealogy?

All libraries in the South Central Library System (including Madison Public Library) have in-library access to Ancestry Library, the library version of popular genealogy site Ancestry.com. Learn how to use this amazing site from research experts at one of several upcoming workshops offered by the Wisconsin Historical Society and Wisconsin State Genealogical Society.

Ancestry.com Workshop
Presented Lori Bessler, Wisconsin Historical Society Reference Librarian and Outreach Coordinator
Offered September 18, October 23, November 6, and December 18

French Canadian Research Workshop
George Findlen, Guest Lecturer
Offered October 2, 2010

Oh Darned! Where Did I Put Uncle George? (Organizing Your Research) Workshop
Rick Pifer, Wisconsin Historical Society Director of Public Services
Offered December 4, 2010

How To Locate Archival Collections
Dee Grimsrud, Wisconsin Historical Society Reference Archivist
Offered December 11, 2010

Workshops tend to fill up quickly so get your registration forms and payment in as soon as possible!

“Transitions” on display at the Central Library

Jon — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:49:19 +0000

“Transitions,” new work by Nathan Vernau, is on view at the Central Library September 2 through September 29. There will be an opening reception September 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visit Nathan’s website for more examples of his art.

For more information about this exhibit and others, visit our gallery page.

Microsoft Word 2007 Coming to the Library

Molly — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:19:10 +0000

Microsoft Word 2007 is coming to all Madison Public Library public internet computers starting later this month. The Central Library is offering beginner introductory classes to learn about the Microsoft Office Button, the Quick Access Toolbar, the Title Bar, the Ribbon and more. Instructors will also show how to create documents and resumes, format, save and print. No registration is required. Classes will be held in Rooms 202 or 204 on the following dates:

Thursday, August 19, 1-2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 24, 6-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 2, 6-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 7, 1-2:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 16, 1-2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 21, 6-7:30 p.m.

You can also teach yourself with Learning Express, an online tutorial course series available from the library.

Please call the Central Library Reference Desk at 266-6350 if you have questions or ask library staff for more information.

Redeem Your Summer Reading Club Prizes!

Tana — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:21:00 +0000

If your family is participating in the Summer Reading Club, don’t forget to redeem your rewards for a summer of reading! Some prizes are on the verge of expiring, so here’s a guide for what to use when:

Sunday, August 8 - Olbrich Gardens‘ Blooming Butterflies exhibit last day (PreK-gr6 prize #1)
August 16 - last regular Madison Mallards home game (PreK-gr6 prize #1)
August 31 - last date to pick up all prizes at library for Summer Reading Club and Teen Reads or enter Teen Reads prize drawings
December 31 - last date to redeem Noodles & Co. free bowl coupon (PreK-gr6 prize #1, gr6-12 prize #1)
March 31, 2011 - last day to redeem Rocky Rococo pizza slice coupon (PreK-gr6 prize #2)

If you haven’t signed up, it’s not too late! You can sign up for Summer Reading Club or Teen Reads any time between now and August 31, but must redeem prizes by August 31.

Congrats to 2010’s Teen Gaming Tournament Champs!

Alicia — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:01:07 +0000

Mario Kart Wii was the game of champions for Madison Public Library’s 2010 summer Teen Video Game Tournament. After seven exciting qualifying rounds, held at various Madison library branches throughout June and July, 28 racers were invited to the championship at the Central Library on Wednesday, July 28.

The top four racers:
-1st place, Elias, won a golden trophy (Wii-mote and Wii-wheel that is still usable) and a $60 GameStop gift card.
-2nd place, Eric, won a $40 GameStop gift card.
-3rd place, Robbie, won a $25 gift card.
-4th place, Brie, won a $10 gift card.

A great time was had by all. Thanks to all of our competitors for another fantastic tournament. See you all next year!

Looking for more gaming fun at your library throughout the year? Check out our gaming page, with links to gaming software you can check out!

Summer Saturday Sales

Molly — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 21:17:08 +0000

Stop by the Central Library this Saturday, August 7, from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for a Summer Saturday Book Sale.

Teen volunteers will be hosting the book sale on the front courtyard of the Central Library. A wide variety of books for all ages will be for sale: $2 for hardcovers, $1 for paperbacks (same prices as the items in the Friends’ Book Store). Proceeds will be donated to the Friends of Madison Public Library to put toward teen-oriented programs and materials for the new Central Library.

The City of Madison Parks will also be hosting its first Kids to Kids Garage Sale on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the 100 Block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, off the Capitol Square. Youth will be selling their own items to other kids.* This is a great way to find deals on slightly used clothes, games, books, toys, electronics, puzzles, etc. This event is free and open to the public.

*Vendor capacity is full; the City is no longer accepting Kid Vendors. For questions, please contact Anne Whisner at the City Parks Department at awhisner@cityofmadison.com or 608-267-4919.

Share Your Vision for a New Central Library

Tana — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:08:03 +0000

You have a say! Join architects Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle and Potter Lawson for four public meetings about the design of the new Central Library:

Pre-concept Meeting: Thursday, August 5, 7-9 p.m.
Schematic Design Meeting: Thursday, September 9, 7-9 p.m.
Schematic Design Meeting: Thursday, October 14, 7-9 p.m.
Final Schematic Design Presentation: Thursday, November 4, 7-9 p.m.

All meetings will be held at the Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin St.

Help us get the word out about these important meetings! Share our meeting flyer with other interested parties in your office, apartment complex, organization, church, etc. Contact Carol Sawyer in the Library Administration Office at 266-6342 if you would like additional flyers.

Read more about the progress of the Central Library project, sign up for email updates, or share your ideas via email if you aren’t able to attend these meetings.

“I’m hopeful we’ll see high participation in these public meetings so we can hear from the entire community about what they’d like to see in the Central Library. This is the community’s opportunity to weigh in and talk directly with our designers.”
- Tripp Widder, President of the Library Board and Foundation

Celebrate Summer at the Summer Library Carnival on August 11!

Tana — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:08:44 +0000

The third annual Summer Library Carnival is Wednesday, August 11, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Overture Center for the Arts and the Central Library.

Enjoy a special 10:30 a.m. performance by wonderful wacky juggler Andy Head at the Overture Center for the Arts. At 11:15, go next door to the Central Library for carnival games, crafts and more! The entire event is free of charge and open to everyone.

Last year, over a thousand children and their grownups attended this popular event. See pictures of the 2009 and 2008 carnivals on the library’s Flickr photosharing account. And don’t forget to smile when you see our photographer this year!

Summer Reading Club and summer program sponsors include Madison Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Madison Public Library, EdVest, KnowHow2GoWisconsin, Madison Mallards Baseball, Noodles & Company, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Overture Center for the Arts, Rocky Rococo’s Pizza, and South Central Library System, and photographer Peter Patau.

Celebrate Summer at Make a Splash Concert and Picnic on August 3!

Tana — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:03:54 +0000

The third annual Make a Splash Concert & Picnic happens Tuesday, August 3, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Pack a picnic supper and head to the Gardens at 6:30, rain or shine, to play with bubbles and enjoy other water-related fun. At 7:00, local favorite Stuart Stotts will get you singing and laughing while you munch. This free family event is open to everyone. Last year, over six hundred children and their grownups attended this popular event.

Art Fun for the Artsy and Not So Artsy

Kim — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:09:39 +0000

Bring the family and check out some cool art programs happening at the Madison Public Library. These events are presented in conjunction with the library’s Summer Reading Club and are just a few of a series of fun events and programs for preschoolers through teenagers this summer.

Watercolor Painting with Trent - Join artist and youth librarian Trent Miller for an informative and fun watercolor painting class. Students entering grades 3 - 8 will have a blast making their own creative watercolor works of art at one of these sessions.
Tuesday, July 26, 2-3 p.m., Pinney Branch, register online or call 224-7100.
Monday, August 23, 3-4 p.m., Alicia Ashman Branch, register online or call 824-1780 beginning August 16.

Mary Tooley’s Art in a Suitcase - Sensational Sharks - Explore the world of sharks through science specimens, puppets and more in this interactive art experience. Includes an art project.
Thursday, July 29, 2-3 p.m. at the Monroe Street Branch. Call 266-6390 or register online.

Bubble Art - Kids will make a set of stationary using colored bubble solution and straws. For ages 3+. Children under 8 must have an adult helper present.
Saturday, July 31, 11-12 p.m. at the Meadowridge Branch. Register online or call 288-6160.

Sunprints - In this program, we’ll use water, sunshine, specially treated paper, and a little imagination to make beautiful Sunprints!
Monday, August 9, 3 - 4 p.m. at the Alicia Ashman Branch. Register online or call 824-1780.

Beach Frames - Make a decorative picture frame to remind you of that day of sun, surf and sand. All materials provided. Ages 7 & up.
Thursday, August 12, 2 - 3 p.m. at the Lakeview Branch. Register online or call 246-4547 beginning July 29.