Madison Public Library's tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for more than 145 years. Our nine locations throughout the City of Madison are open six days a week (with limited Sunday hours) and welcome over a million visits each year.
Governance
The Madison Public Library is an agency of the City of Madison. It is governed by a nine-member Library Board of Directors appointed for three-year terms by the Mayor of Madison. Functioning under the aegis of Chapter 43 of the Wisconsin Statutes, the MPL Board works in conjunction with the Mayor, Library management and staff, and the Madison Common Council to carry out the Library's mission in the community.
Madison Public Library is part of the South Central Library System, a cooperative network of 53 public libraries in a seven county area. The System offers a shared online catalog, daily delivery of books and media, and reciprocal borrowing privileges among libraries.
Madison Public Library at a Glance
In 2024, Madison Public Library...
- Welcomed 1,371,269 visitors from Madison, Dane County, and beyond
- Circulated 2,239,510 million library books and materials
- Facilitated 140,958 in-person computer sessions
- Issued 15,642 new library cards
- Provided space for 28,195 meetings and study sessions
- Hosted 4,477 programs with 92,774 attendees
You can check out more details on our 2024 Year in Review or on our combined annual reports for the Madison Public Library Foundation and Madison Public Library.
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
Madison Public Library Vision
Madison Public Library: where worlds connect and dreams are built.
Madison Public Library Mission
Madison Public Library sparks literacy, fosters curiosity and supports community. We provide equitable access to experiences, ideas and resources necessary to thrive.
Adopted by the Madison Public Library Board January 4, 2024.
Madison Public Library Values
- Learning in all forms
- Diverse perspectives
- Intellectual freedom
- Customer experience
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Making a difference
View a printable version of the library's vision, mission, values and strategic priorities.
Library Board
Madison Public Library is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors, appointed for three year terms by the Mayor of Madison.
Media Relations
Download logos, contact our media team, read recent news features, and browse photos of Madison Public Library.
Our Impact
Libraries are full of stories. Go deeper with stories of community impact centered around equity, literacy, accountability, engagement and community.
Annual Reports
Madison Public Library and Madison Public Library Foundation create a combined Annual Report each year with the help of a Bubbler artist.
*A note on Madison Public Library Annual Reports:
You can request a print copy of recent Annual Reports by calling 608-266-6318. If you'd like to find older versions of our Annual Report, digitized copies of historical Madison Public Library annual reports from the early 1900s can be found in the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Library and Information Studies Collection.