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Alicia Ashman 25th Anniversary Party

Posted by Liz on Sep 10, 2025 - 4:23pm
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various photos of patrons performing tasks at Alicia Ashman Library

Celebrate 25 years of Alicia Ashman Library on Saturday, October 11 from 10am - 12pm! Alicia Ashman Library is the most recent completely new library to be added to the Madison Public Library system, opening in its current location on the far west side to become our ninth library in October 2000.

Longtime Madison alderwoman, civic activist, namesake, and former Library Board president Alicia Ashman joined then-Alder Susan Hamlin in cutting the ribbon at the grand opening of Alicia Ashman Library on October 11, 25 years ago. 

Now, we invite Alicia Ashman Library patrons or those who want to discover this west-side gem to gather in celebration with cake, giveaways, interactive activities for all ages, and more.

Activities will include: 

  • Mini Cake Sculptures: An Art Workshop with Bubbler Artist-in-Residence National Velvet
  • Alicia Ashman Library time capsule unveiling
  • Community Puzzle – 25th Anniversary edition
  • Guest Speakers, including Margie Navarre-Saaf, Alicia Ashman’s inaugural Librarian and current Borrower Services Manager
  • Button-making
  • Historic photos
  • A collection of “Book Drop Memories Discovered”
  • The opportunity to share your first library memory, what you love about the library now, and your hopes for the library of the future by adding candles to a non-edible art cake created by Bubbler Artist-in-Residence National Velvet
  • Library card sign-up

No registration is required. 

Plus, don't forget - if you're an existing library card holder, you can swap your library card for the special edition 150th anniversary design created by local artist Jaundy Brunswick in October while supplies last.