Dream Bus

Visit the Dream Bus at Community Events

Come get a library card, browse books, or pick up WE READ materials when you see the Dream Bus at these community events this summer!

Every summer, the Dream Bus brings on a Making & Learning Intern to help create fun programs as our library on wheels expands its offerings to fit the increased demands for service that summer brings. Get to know this year's intern, Yaritza Garcia, with a Q&A below! Yaritza will ride along with the Dream Bus on its weekly stops around Madison, as well as attending special events like Juneteenth in Penn Park, Parks Alive, Mobile Madison and more.

Q: Tell us a bit about your background. What are your career goals? 

A: I’m from Madison and grew up in the Allied/Fitchburg area with my brother, sister, and dog Rocky. I am bilingual and grew up speaking Spanish at home. I graduated from Verona High School and am currently studying at UW-Milwaukee where I’ll be a senior next year. My major is Public Health with a certificate in Global Health. When I graduate I want to work with children and women/maternal health, and find a career where I can help kids and families. 

Q: What made you apply for the internship?

A: I applied for this internship because I love working with children. My current job while I’m in school is at a daycare on campus. My favorite part of working with those kids is doing arts and crafts to develop their fine motor skills and speech skills. I love working with kids and helping them to grow into the people they want to be. 

Q: What do you have planned for people who visit the Dream Bus this summer?

A: We are going to be traveling with the button maker all summer long! It’s a kid favorite and has already gotten a lot of love in just the first day. Next week we have little monsters to make - friendly or scary monsters - whatever they want. And other fun crafts that change every week. 

Q: What aspects of the internship are you most looking forward to?

A: Making arts and crafts with children. I am so excited to interact with the kids more in this community. I missed having the chance to engage with kids while I was in high school during COVID, and it has been a really important part of my experience in Milwaukee. I want to get to know my own community, especially now as an adult and make a positive impact on their summer. Especially with the chance for them to be outside and have fun. 

Q: Share one of your own library memories!

A: Every summer, when my siblings and I were kids, my mom would take us to the library to do the summer program and activities. We would read books, earn prizes, and go back every week. We really liked reading and it was an awesome time to spend time together. 

Come meet Yaritza in person this summer to make fun projects with the whole family!

The Making & Learning Internship is made possible thanks to the Alliant Energy Foundation.

Parks Alive

Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly activities, music and free food. Events are held in parks across the city from June-August 2024. Connect with your neighbors and engage with your community at a Parks Alive event near you! Park locations include Allied Park, Aldo Leopold Park, Elver Park, Hammersley Park, Meadowood Park, Owl Creek Park, Penn Park and Worthington Park. SEE ALL EVENTS

Mobile Madison

Join the Dream Bus and other Mobile Madison partners for an evening of fun. Enjoy free snacks, books, art activities, fishing games, fitness, and more. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for the movie in the park! There are two Mobile Madison events for Summer 2024, and both take place in June as a kick-off for summer. Mobile Madison is a partner collaboration bringing free, fun activities to Madison neighborhoods.

• Tuesday, June 11, 5-8pm | Elver Park
• Thursday, June 13, 5-8pm | Brittingham Park

See the full list of participatingorganization

Juneteenth

June 15, 1-4pm | Penn Park

The library is thrilled to be included in the Kujichagulia Center for Self-Determination's Juneteenth In the Park celebration again this year.  Library staff will be at Penn Park (2101 FIsher St) on Saturday, June 15 from noon-3pm, right after the Juneteenth parade.  

• The Dream Bus will be registering people for library cards and checking out books.
• Noon-3pm, The Bubbler at Madison Public Library will host a special project with Lashay the Artist! our Summer 2024 Artist-in-residence at the Meadowridge Library
• Noon-3pm, stop by the Madison Public Library table to register for a library card, learn about library resources, pick up some cool WE READ swag and ask questions about library resources.

We can't wait to see you in Penn Park!  And remember, Juneteenth is now an official City of Madison holiday, so all Madison Public Libraries will be closed on Wednesday, June 19.

Think Like A DJ

August 8, 4-6:30pm | Harmony Apartments

The THINK LIKE A DJ: Varsity Program uses the four core elements of Hip-Hop culture (DJing, MCing, Breakdancing, Graffiti) to teach financial literacy, artistic independence and entrepreneurship to youth. In one hour kids will be inspired and empowered to use their artistic gifts to achieve their dreams. Join us for DJing, a rap game and a graffiti contest! Contest winners will earn prizes and all participants will receive a copy of the Think Like A DJ coloring book

West Fest

August 10, 12-2pm | Elver Park

More info coming soon!