Current Availability of Library Services

Public Computers, Internet, and Printing/Copying

By appointment: your preferred library location
Walk up use: available on a first come, first served basis
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5:45am, Sat 12-4:45pm
(except for Monroe Street Library: Mon, Tues, Fri 10am-5:45pm)
 

For more details about this service, visit our Internet and Computer Access page.

In-Person Browsing and Self-Serve Holds Pickup

On Monday, May 24, we transitioned to self-serve holds pickup in libraries on Monday, May 24 (and no longer be offer curbside pickup service). Use our self-serve holds pickup and self-check machines, now available at all nine libraries, for a fast and contact-less holds pickup experience.

All areas of the Library are available for browsing and self-selection of books and other materials.

Place holds in LINKcat or your preferred library location for assistance in finding books for pickup.

Returns

Hours: Book drops are now open 24/7 for returns. 

Regular due dates and checkout periods will now apply. All items checked out at Madison Public Library are now fine free. Please contact our Circulation Department at 608-266-6357 for questions related to returns or fines.

Reference assistance and help with resources

Call your preferred library location
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 12-5pm
(except for Monroe Street Library: Mon, Tues, Fri 10am-6pm)

Call to schedule a computer use appointment, place holds on library materials, ask questions about online collections like Libby/OverDrive/Wisconsin's Digital Library, or other questions. Or, ask a question via email.

Meeting Rooms

Study rooms are now available for use at Central Library and all neighborhood libraries that have small study rooms.  Community meeting rooms are now available during open hours at all neighborhood libraries.  Beginning August 2, community meeting rooms will be available at the Central Library.   Meeting Room & Study Room Policy & Rules of Use

Using your library card

Use your library card to place holds in LINKcat or use our many online collections.  If you need assistance with an expired card or a PIN number, fill out this email form or call your preferred library location. Don't have one? Apply for a card online.

Online collections and programs

With your library card, you'll have instant access to over 71,000 ebooks and audiobooks through Wisconsin’s Digital Library, over 50 online magazines through Flipster, as well as Mango Languages, Consumer Reports, the New York Times, and many more free online resources. We are also beginning to offer a few online programs - visit our calendar for upcoming events.