Current Availability of Library Services

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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 Madison & Dane County to be proactive and take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Due to increasing rates of COVID in January 2022, we will be canceling or rescheduling some in-person programs and moving others online. Please check our event calendar for up-to-date information.

Questions?

Call us during open hours at your preferred location. Leave us a voicemail if we're not available and we'll call back during open hours. Call this number for more information about any of the following services.

Available 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: vary by library

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

In-Person Browsing and Self-Serve Holds Pickup

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: vary by library

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. 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 Transparent Language, 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.

Madison Public Library has made the decision to go Fine Free

Updates: Madison Public Library is now fine free!

FINES: While we are no longer assessing overdue fines on materials checked out at Madison Public Libraries, you may still see some fines on your library record. Those fines will be for Outerlibrary Loan items, from materials checked out at libraries that still charge overdue fines, or for items that are overdue more than 29 days and are considered "lost." In the meantime, if you have questions or need fines waived to place holds, please call the library at 608-266-6357.

Learn more about our decision to go Fine Free.

Unavailable Services

Appliance stickers

The library previously served as a site for purchasing appliance recycling stickers for the City of Madison Streets department, but Streets is changing their large item and appliance collection system. Libraries will no longer sell appliance stickers.

Visit our Library @ Home page to learn about all the ways you can interact with Madison Public Library 24/7.

Information Sources

Public Health of Madison & Dane County
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Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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World Health Organization
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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.