We are committed to the health and safety of our staff and the public, and are working closely with the City of Madison and Public Health of Madison and Dane County to be proactive and take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
All Madison Public Library buildings and book drops are currently closed. Due dates of checked out materials will be extended to July 1.
Available services
Curbside pickup service
Beginning May 11, curbside pickup service will be available by appointment between the hours of 11am-7pm Monday through Friday and 12-5pm Saturday. Place holds in LINKcat or call 608-315-5151 for assistance in finding books on the shelves for curbside pickup at all libraries except Alicia Ashman Library, currently under renovation. Learn more about curbside service and how to make appointments.
Reference assistance and help with resources
Have a question not related to your library card, or specific to using our online collections like Libby/OverDrive/Wisconsin's Digital Library? Ask our reference librarians via email and they'll respond as soon as they are able, or call our centralized telephone service line at 608-315-5151. The line is staffed 11am-7pm seven days a week while we are closed.
Using your library card
You can use your library card while we're closed 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 608-315-5151 (11am-7pm, seven days a week) and a library staffer will help. Don't have a card? Request a virtual library card if you are new to using the library.
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.
Unavailable services
Building access
Libraries will be closed to the public until we can safely open. We have not yet set a reopen date and will await guidance from local and state officials before doing so.
Book drops and library returns
Book drops are currently closed; please keep library items until we reopen. Due dates will be extended to July 1 and no fines will be assessed.
Events and meeting room reservations
All in-person public events, public meetings, and private meetings have been cancelled until further notice. We do not know when we will reopen; when we do reopen, we do not expect to be open at full capacity right away. It is better for everyone to make reservations when we know for certain that we can accommodate all expectations of groups who want to meet in our spaces and that we can ensure their safety.
Tax assistance
The library was hosting three VITA and AARP tax assistance sites this year at Central, Lakeview, and Sequoya libraries. This service was postponed by the providers and customers have been notified. Income tax filing and payment dates have been extended to July 15, 2020, by the IRS.
Appliance stickers
The library serves as a site for purchasing appliance recycling stickers for the City of Madison Streets department. You can still purchase these online, by mail, or by phone.
Visit our Library @ Home page to learn about all the ways you can still interact with Madison Public Library during our closure.
Library Updates and Resources
Centralized Telephone Service Available, Curbside Service Starts May 11
Madison Public Library now offering telephone service, Internet Access Information Line, and announcing curbside pickup service beginning May 11.
Library to host first online events this weekend and next week
Library to host first online events
Sign up for a library card online!
Now you can sign up for a virtual library card without visiting our libraries.
Important Update on Checked Out Materials
While our libraries are closed, please be advised that book drops are also closed. Please keep library materials until libraries reopen. Due dates of checked out materials will be extended to accommodate the closure, and holds will be retained at libraries until libraries reopen.
The Bubbler Provides Online Resources for Creators of All Ages
The Bubbler Provides Online Resources for Creators of all Ages
Know the Facts
- Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity.
- People who have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or people who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread are at an increased risk of exposure.
- Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people.
- You can help stop COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath.
- There are simple things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy.
Source: CDC
Be Proactive
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Source: CDC