Books, Early Literacy, and Storytimes
Madison Public Library is dedicated to connecting families with the resources they need to create a lifelong love of reading!
- For babies and toddlers, our youth librarians host weekly storytimes across the city to help build early literacy skills using the give components recommended by the Public Library Association's Every Child Ready to Read program - singing, talking, playing, reading, and singing.
- For school-age and middle school kids, browse recommended reads through our book lists or make new friends with our youth graphic novel club.
- For teens, check out the teen writing club or the WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest, and be sure to sign up for the Booked for Teens email newsletter for the latest teen reads.
Get a Library Card
Your reading journey starts with a library card from Madison Public Library! Check out books, movies, music, and items from our Library of Things with this FREE card available to all ages.
eBooks and Audiobooks
Did you know you can check out books from your phone, tablet, or computer? Wisconsin's Digital Library has hundreds of titles available in eBook or Audiobook format, and your family can browse, place holds, and enjoy them from anywhere using the Libby app.
MADreads Reviews
Each week, our Youth Librarians read and review titles to keep up with what's happening in the world or picture books, board books, and youth literature. Read their reviews to find out whether that children's book you've been eyeing is worth the hype -- and better yet -- whether it's right for your family.
Attend a Storytime
Madison Public Library hosts a variety of storytimes for kids of all ages throughout all nine library locations. Storytimes are free and do not require a library card to participate.
Storytime Starters
Based on the themes used at Madison Public Library's preschool storytimes, these thematic lists include books, songs, fingerplays, Play Literacy suggestions and more! Whether you're a parent or caregiver looking to bring the fun of storytime home, or you're an educator who needs storytime ideas, these helpful kits will get you started.
Browse Book Lists
You'll find dozens of book lists featuring librarian-recommended titles from a wide range of authors with a diverse characters.
WE READ
WE READ is Madison Public Library's year-round celebration of reading! We help your family find things they love to read and celebrate the reading you're already doing. Reading includes graphic novels. Reading includes audiobooks. Reading includes game instructions or captions on your favorite TV show. It all "counts", and the important thing is that YOU love to do it.
Throughout the year, Madison Public Library plans WE READ activities and programs during spring break, winter break and throughout summer to keep kids, teens, and families entertained while school is out. We work with Bubbler artists to infuse hands-on making activities, share the benefits of play, and incorporate other fun literacy and writing themes, as well.
During the summer, our WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest invites kids 18 years and under to share their voices and compete to win cash prizes. This city-wide competition is a wonderful way for kids to express themselves through storytelling, songs, poetry, comics, and more.
Discover, Explore, and Grow
Play is an important part of early literacy, but it's also just...well...fun?! You may already know about our nine, unique play spaces and the wealth of open-ended toys that are in each of them, but perhaps you're less familiar with some of these other ways your family can discover new things, explore online resources, and grow together at the library. Browse below to get in touch with your inner child or find endless play opportunities for your kids and teens at Madison Public Library.
App Picks for Kids
Technology is an inevitable part of daily life - but how can you sift through the noise to select the best online apps for your family? Library staff have done some of that legwork for you, reviewing as many free or low-cost apps as possible and providing recommendations.
Play Spaces
Every library has a unique play space with open-ended toys, books, and games - find the right play for your family!
Kanopy Kids
Kanopy is Madison Public Library's video streaming platform with access to more than 30,000 movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more. Kanopy Kids is curated to support early literacy, STEM education, and even foreign language learning, and includes characters from Sesame Street, PBS Kids, Weston Woods, and more.
Events for Kids & Teens
Each month, our libraries host hundreds of programs for kids! Browse our events calendar to find a LEGO club, art workshop, cooking class, science experiment, or book club for your kids or the whole family to enjoy.
Gaming
From Minecraft to Board Games, and from Dungeons & Dragons to Nintendo Switch, our libraries have gaming events galore! Whether you're looking for a regular weekly meet-up or just a drop-in game night with the family, we've got you covered.
Teen Bubbler
Check out local teen voices and learn more about the Bubbler's hands-on workshops led by teaching artists. The mural shown here was created through an outreach program called Making Justice, which connects Bubbler artists to at-risk and court-involved teens to foster self-expression via graphic and 3D art, photography, spoken word, performance, video and life skills projects.
Technology, Homework Help, and Research
Libraries are hubs of information, connection, and referral. We partner with Madison Writing Assistance to offer 1-on-1 writing help for all writers in the community, and we also offer many online databases that can help students and families research for essays, complete homework assignments, and prepare for tests like the ACT and SAT. High schoolers and young adults can also access resources to help prepare their first resumes or find the right career for themselves. Check out the resources below to find out how the library can help you thrive on your quest for knowledge!
Wi-Fi and Computers
Each library location has free Wi-Fi (including the Dream Bus) and public computers available for all ages to use. For the full use of computers and study rooms, make sure you have a Madison Public Library card, and talk with your caregiver about how to best utilize these spaces and resources.
Wireless Printing
Need to print that paper for class or make copies of a project for school? The library has free or low-cost printing, faxing, scanning, and copying services available at each location. Plus, you can now print remotely - send in a job from your phone or home computer and pick it up at the library location of your choice!
Tutoring Resources
Need a little extra help or just looking to get ahead? Our librarians put together a list of tutoring options in the Madison area, including some free school- and community-based options.
Test & Career Prep
For high school students and young adults looking to prepare for the future, Gale Peterson's Test & Career Prep database is a fantastic resource. You can take full-length practice tests for everything from the ACT, SAT and GED to more specific career paths like TOEFL, LSAT and more. This database also provides templates for resumes, cover letters, and websites that will stand out to employers.
Homework Help
There are several online databases that can be logged into from home to help with research as kids do their homework! Britannica School Edition provides articles, graphics, and videos to make student research fun and interactive, as well as searchable by grade level. Science Reference Source is perfect for those STEM classes, while databases like Literary Reference Source or Points of View Research help with essay writing.
Transparent Language
Transparent Language is Madison Public Library's language-learning database and app. KidSpeak is the version for younger learners, and provides 6 languages for kids to learn, including options for English Second Language (ESL) students.
More Ways to Explore
Visit the Dream Bus: The Dream Bus is our library on wheels! Traveling around the city to more than a dozen stops each week, the Dream Bus helps us increase access to library service by reducing transportation barriers and bringing our collection to those who otherwise might not be able to enjoy it. See the Dream Bus schedule.
Your Child’s First Library Card: Not sure when to get your child a library card? There can be benefits and challenges at any age. We walk you through the pros and cons, as well as welcoming you to Madison Public Library once you've gotten your first card. Visit this page if you're still exploring whether a library card is right for your kids.
ComicsPlus: This is another great online database that your kids and teens can use from home via an app. ComicsPlus has comic books, graphic novels, manga and more - all available 24/7 with no wait times and no holds! Start reading today.
Plan A Library Tour: We love working with schools, daycare centers, and other educational programs to support Madison students. If you're interested in scheduling a tour of one of our library spaces, please reach out to youth@madisonpubliclibrary.org and we'll help you find the right connection. Are you an educator? See what other resources are available to support your work in the classroom.
Library @ Home: Even more online resources! You'll find some of our always-available videos to enjoy when you need ideas for projects to do with kids or a little bit of online entertainment you can rely on. Explore multi-session Cooking with Chef Lily, Art with Amy, and Family Music Time series, as well as many other online resources for grown-ups and kids. Find resources available anywhere you are.