WE READ is an ongoing initiative at Madison Public Library focused on the joy of reading! Through engaging programs and activities that happen both in libraries and out in the community, you and your family can participate year-round in the way that works best for you.
Start Your Reading Adventure May 1
Picking up a WE READ Map
Getting a WE READ bag
Sharing Your Voice
Submitting to the WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest
Attending a Storytime
Exploring New Toys in our Play Spaces
Making Art with a WE READ Bubbler Artist-in-Residence
And more!
This summer, we invite you to visit any of our nine locations for the chance to read, play, create, and write in community. May your summer journey be off to a great start!
The WE READ program is funded by Madison Public Library Foundation, Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation, Friends of the Madison Public Library, Roots & Wings Foundation, and Jane Doughty & David Wood.
WE READ Map
The WE READ Map is a way for you to keep track of what you're reading and set fun, creative reading goals for yourself or your family this summer. Your creative reading goal could be as straightforward as reading 10 books before the end of August or as creative as making a scrapbook inspired by what you read this summer.
Here's how you can use the map:
- Visit any Madison Public Library or the Dream Bus beginning May 1 to pick up a WE READ Map
- Pick a creative reading goal
- Break up your goal into smaller pieces and write each piece on the steps along the map
- Add stickers to show how the steps along the way felt as you experienced them
- Include memories and stories from your summer
- Starting August 1, pick up your celebratory souvenir at any Madison Public Library.
Tell us about your summer reading adventures!
Engaging in Literacy-Rich Activities
Look to the digital screens when you visit a Madison Public Library. In addition to upcoming program information, they’ll also have advice on how to engage babies and toddlers in early literacy activities to help build skills and excitement about reading - whether in the library or at home.
Checking Out Books By the Bag
This summer we have new WE READ tote bags! Grab one while supplies last, and fill it up with your favorite library books. Not sure what to read? Ask a librarian for help finding read-alikes or go online to find book lists for every age, interest, genre, and reading level.
Sharing Your Voice
Madison Public Library wants to hear from you! What do you wish you could do with friends at the library? If you could make any rule for the library, what would it be? May-August, stop into one of our library locations or hop on the Dream Bus to fill out a Share Your Voice card. Answer the featured questions and return them at the desk to earn prizes!
Prizes vary by location, but could include rainbow pencils and mini notebooks, mini maker kits, or customizable snap bracelets. On the Dream Bus ONLY, pick up sunglasses to stay cool and protect your eyes while you read outdoors this summer!
Book Lists
Not sure what to read? Browse our book lists for librarian-approved reading recommendations!
Storytimes
Find multi-age storytimes for babies and toddlers that help form a life-long love of reading at Madison Public Library.
Ebooks + Audiobooks
Start reading eBooks and listening to Audiobooks using the Libby App and your Madison Public Library Card.
Beat the heat this summer by stopping into any of the nine Madison Public Library locations to cool off and play. We know that open-ended, child-led play builds brains and muscles…and is just plain fun!
All of our libraries have toys that give kids opportunities to be creative, problem-solve, and collaborate with other kids. Check out our online play guide to find the right play for your family at one of nine libraries.
New Toys Foster New Skills
Keep an eye out this summer for these skill-building toys for babies and toddlers:
- Sensory Tubes
- Baby Rain Sticks
- Stacking Spoolz
The new toys we've added to our play spaces are focused on sensory development, as well as stacking and fine motor skills.
Read Out Loud to a Reading Buddy
Reading out loud helps kids learn literacy and fluency, but kids can feel pressure when reading in a class environment or reading to adults.
Reading Buddies allow kids to practice reading in a low-stress way and encourage play. Now available in the play spaces at all locations (except Alicia Ashman Library).
Play Guide
Madison Public Library has unique play spaces at each of our nine locations. Find the right play for you!
Baby Song Books
Pick up this helpful resource at the library or listen online! Play and sing along with your baby or toddler.
Upcoming Programs
Sign Up for the Library Kids newsletter to stay connected to play programs, library events, and new books!
WE READ Bubbler Artists-in-Residence
Back by popular demand! Local teaching artists lead fun, hands-on art programs in our libraries throughout the summer. Art builds connections to literacy, creative self-expression, and hands-on learning for children and families. This program runs June through August.
Summer Program Schedule:
Alicia Ashman Library
Deck Salm returns as a WE READ Bubbler Artist-in-Residence for the second year in a row - this time at Alicia Ashman Library! Deck will host open art studios where participants can try a new creative project each week - be prepared to get messy! All ages and abilities are welcome.
Tuesdays, 2-3:30pm | June 24 - July 29, 2025
Dream Bus
Kailea Saplan (they/them) is a mixed and non-binary artist-scholar originally from Hawai'i. They have been a teaching artist with Madison Public Library since 2016 and are excited to bring their artistic talents to the Dream Bus for select dates in July and August!
See all dates and times on the Dream Bus webpage.
This project is funded in part by a grant from the Madison Arts Commission, with additional funds from the Wisconsin Arts Board.
Goodman South Madison Library
Children learn by creating and doing! Express yourself at Goodman South Madison Library led by bilingual teacher and artist Rosi Bermúdez McHugh with a variety of affirming, mixed-media projects for all ages.
Every other Wednesday, 2:30-4pm | June 11-August 6 & August 13, 2025
Hawthorne Library
Savannah Starlin will host four workshops for kids and teens focused on art projects that involve paint! For youth under 8, it's recommended that an adult or responsible older sibling accompanies them.
Mondays, 4:30-6pm | July 7, July 21, August 4, August 18
Lakeview Library
Elias Mittelstadt returns for his third summer at Lakeview Library! Elias is a designer and artist who is often inspired by technology - his offerings this summer will feature a different hands-on project for kids each week.
Wednesdays, 4-5:30pm | June 25 - August 13, 2025 (no program on 07/16 or 08/06)
Meadowridge Library
Lashay the Artist! returns to Meadowridge Library for a second summer! Well versed in everything from poetry to painting to hairstyling, Lashay the Artist! will offer six sessions focused on affirming, mixed-media projects for all ages.
Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm | July 8 - August 12, 2025
Monroe Street Library
Artist Rosi Bermúdez McHugh will host a monthly art-making workshop at Monroe Street Library for kids and families on the second Saturday of each month from June-August.
Saturdays, 10:30am - 12pm | June 14, July 12, August 9
Pinney Library
Artist and elementary school teacher Renee Gavigan returns to Pinney Library for a second summer! Enjoy messy, exploratory art projects that could feature some elements of Renee's own practice like watercolor or quilting, and will include fun make and takes for littles.
Tuesdays, 10-11:30am | June 17 - July 22, 2025
Sequoya Library
Local Montessori teacher and artist Meghan Rosing is back at Sequoya Library for a second summer! Get ready to create art using reclaimed materials with fairytales, poetry, children's books, and folk tales for inspiration. Expect collage, ink, brushes, dip pens and more.
Wednesdays, 10-11am | June 25 - July 23, 2025
Central Library
Kids and families will have lots of opportunities to create thanks to Central Library's Artist-in-Residence, National Velvet! Throughout the summer and beyond, our resident cake-maker will be bringing the merriment with open studio hours, workshops, and outreach activities.
Check back soon for specific dates and times.
WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest Returns May 1
The WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest will open for submissions on May 1, 2025 with the opportunity for youth 18 and under to get published and to win up to $500 in cash prizes thanks to support from the Madison Public Library Foundation.
This annual contest, hosted by Madison Public Library in collaboration with Forward Madison FC and the Wisconsin Book Festival, is for kids in the Madison area. The library accepts submissions in English, Spanish, Hmong and other languages, and writing can be in the form of short stories, songs, poems, comics, graphic novels, and more.
Contest Dates: May 1 - June 30, 2025
Ages: 18 and under
2025 Theme: Roots
2025 Youth Ambassador: Justin Festge Russell (Madison's Youth Poet Laureate)
The WE READ program is funded by Madison Public Library Foundation, Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation, Friends of the Madison Public Library, Roots & Wings Foundation, and Jane Doughty & David Wood.
Upcoming Events
Pinney Library
- Jul19-Youth Program Room
- Jul23-Youth Program Room
- Jul26-Youth Program Room
- Jul30-Youth Program Room
- Jul30-Youth Program Room
- Aug06-Youth Program Room
- Aug06-Youth Program Room
- Aug16-Youth Program Room
Alicia Ashman Library
- Jul21-Community Room
- Jul22-Community Room
- Jul23-Community Room
- Jul24-Community Room
- Jul28-Community Room
- Jul29-Community Room
- Jul30-Community Room
- Aug04-Community Room
- Aug06-*In Alicia Ashman Library
- Aug13-Community Room
Meadowridge Library
- Jul21-Community Rooms A and B and Kitchen Combined
- Jul21-Quiet/Socializing Room
- Jul22-Community Rooms A and B and Kitchen Combined
- Jul28-Community Rooms A and B and Kitchen Combined
- Jul28-Quiet/Socializing Room
- Jul29-Community Rooms A and B and Kitchen Combined
- Aug04-Community Rooms A and B and Kitchen Combined
- Aug04-Quiet/Socializing Room
- Aug05-Community Rooms A and B and Kitchen Combined
- Aug11-Community Rooms A and B and Kitchen Combined
- Aug11-Quiet/Socializing Room
- Aug12-Community Rooms A and B and Kitchen Combined
- Aug16-Community Rooms A and B and Kitchen Combined
- Aug16-Community Rooms A and B and Kitchen Combined
Sequoya Library
- Jul22-Meeting Rooms A and B Combined
- Jul23-Meeting Rooms A and B Combined
- Jul25-Meeting Rooms A and B Combined
- Jul29-Meeting Rooms A and B Combined
- Jul30-Meeting Rooms A and B Combined
- Aug01-Meeting Rooms A and B Combined
- Aug05-Meeting Rooms A and B Combined
- Aug07-Meeting Rooms A and B Combined
- Aug12-Meeting Rooms A and B Combined
- Aug15-Meeting Rooms A and B Combined
Central Library
- Jul23-Youth Program Room
- Jul23-Youth Program Room
- Jul24-Youth Program Room
- Jul26-Youth Program Room
- Jul28-Youth Program Room
- Jul30-Youth Program Room
- Jul30-Youth Program Room
- Jul31-Youth Program Room
- Aug06-Youth Program Room
- Aug06-Youth Program Room
- Aug06-Youth Program Room
- Aug07-Bubbler
- Aug09-Youth Program Room
- Aug11-Youth Program Room
- Aug13-Youth Program Room
- Aug13-Youth Program Room
- Aug14-Youth Program Room
- Aug16-Youth Program Room
- Aug16-Youth Program Room
Hawthorne Library
- Jul23-Community Room
- Jul30-Community Room
- Aug04-Community Room
- Aug06-Community Room
- Aug13-Community Room
Goodman South Madison Library
- Jul23-Meeting Room 115
- Jul24-Meeting Room 115
- Jul31-Meeting Room 115
- Aug06-Meeting Room 115
- Aug07-Meeting Room 115
- Aug13-Meeting Room 115
- Aug14-Meeting Room 115
Lakeview Library
- Jul23-Community Room - Table Side
- Jul28-Community Room - Fireplace Side
- Jul30-Community Room - Table Side
- Aug13-Community Room - Table Side
Monroe Street Library
- Aug09-*In Monroe Street Library
Get A Library Card
You can apply for a card or manage your Library account in-person at any of our physical locations, including the Dream Bus. Library cards give you access to the Wisconsin Digital Library, ebooks, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, streaming video, books and more!
