WE READ at Madison Public Library

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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. 

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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.

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Built off the practices of the Public Library Association's Every Child Ready to Read program, Madison Public Library’s early literacy philosophy incorporates five key elements: reading, talking, playing, singing, and writing. This summer’s WE READ program has lots of opportunities for babies, toddlers, and older kids to build their literacy skills at the library through:

Reading 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 at all locations (except Alicia Ashman Library) this winter break and beyond.

Engaging in Literacy-Rich Activities

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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

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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!

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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.

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.

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: