Specialized Collections

The Central Library features a special collection of nonfiction and fiction celebrating African American Culture. Located in a display area on the 2nd floor of the library, the collection is home to nearly 400 books by Black authors that explore, highlight, and celebrate the African American experience. The titles cover a range of topics, including literature, contemporary essay collections, biographies, history books, cookbooks, art and photography collections, and more. The collection is made possible by the support of a former MPL staffer.

Interested in reading the trendiest titles but want to skip the hold list?  Madison Public Library’s bestseller collection gathers the most in-demand fiction and nonfiction print titles that are topping national bestseller lists and local demand, with selections refreshed on a regular basis. Bestseller collections are at all MPL locations, can be checked out for 14 days, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis inside the library.  

The Lakeview Library Culture Collection is especially curated to provide multicultural materials with an intentional focus on authors of color and issues affecting underrepresented communities.  The collection seeks to highlight joy and resilience, and to bridge the gap of difference to celebrate unity through diversity.  With a mix of classic and contemporary titles, these books offer something for everyone.  They're housed in the beautifully renovated new book section near the front windows--look for the crane sculpture to point your way there!

Large print books are available at all library locations. A list of new large print books is published monthly for both Fiction and Non-Fiction.

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The Local Materials area of the Central Library contains materials about Madison, Dane County & Wisconsin history -- past and present. These materials include books, pamphlets, and newspaper clippings, maps, government documents, newspaper and periodical indexes. For more information about local history, see our recommended internet sites on Madison and Dane County history, our Research Guide to Local History, or information about obtaining an obituary from the library.

The Seed Library is a self-sustaining seed exchange program. Choose from flower, herb and produce seeds then "check out" seeds for at-home gardening. After growing and harvesting the vegetables, participants are encouraged to return seeds to the library to be checked out to someone else.

PRISM (People Resources in South Madison) established this multicultural collection for children at the Goodman South Madison Library in memory of Anna Mae Mitchell. These books, which span the breadth of cultures, races, and ethnic groups, are a lasting tribute to her life and work. To this day, the collection continues to be supported by her family, friends, and those who remember her important contributions...

Sequoya Library houses Madison's largest and most heavily used picture book collection, focusing on Caldecott and other award-winning picture books.

Too Good to Miss is a special collection of popular books that are truly too good to miss.  Some are new and popular titles, others are older titles that might not have had as much media attention as a bestseller or celebrity book club selection but are still great reads that deserve another look.  New books are added to the collection monthly and are available at all Madison Public Library locations on a walk-in, first-come-first-served basis.  

The Madison Public Library has materials for adults, kids, and teens available to check out in Spanish and other world languages, as well as materials to help you learn another language.