Events Calendar

During the winter months, what could be better than getting together for a friendly puzzling competition at Central Library? Assemble a team of up to five people to compete in a race to see who can complete a 500-piece puzzle the fastest! We'll have space for 13 teams to compete on the third floor of Central Library for generously donated prizes provided by I'm Board, Games & Family Fun. Want to compete, but don't have enough people for a team? Don't worry! We have ten individual spots available, and we'll assign you to a team so that you can join the competition.

If you're more into puzzling to relax, fear not, there's something here for you, too. Celebrate your appreciation for the jigsaw puzzle by enjoying some non-competitive tables for those who want to work at their own pace in community while watching the competition unfold.  Throughout the event, we'll also be offering an ongoing puzzle exchange, light refreshments provided by Ugly Apple Cafe, door prizes, and the musical stylings of DJ Shotski. 

 How to participate: 

• You can sign up as a team of 3-5 people, or as an individual 
• Individuals will be matched up to form teams on the day of the competition 
• Everyone who signs up should arrive at 9:30am for check-in and reading of the rules. The competition starts at 10am 

Registration for the competition is full. If you would like to get added to our waitlist, please email community@madisonpubliclibrary.org.

You do not need to register to attend the puzzle exchange or watch the competition, so please join us!

Join other neighborhood families for a casual library playdate for children ages 5 and under and their caregivers. We’ll feature open-ended play materials and lots of books! Siblings welcome.

Come enjoy Chinese storytime and art play with Tingting!

Each storytime will be presented in Mandarin. Intended for children aged 3-7 years. All are welcome!

Join us this Saturday from 10:30-12:30 in the youth services programming room at Central Library for hands-on art and craft projects inspired by this week's Overture Center's Kids in the Rotunda performance  (free performances happening at the Overture Center across the street at 9:30am & 1:00pm). All ages welcome with fun projects accessible to every level. Don't forget your library card to browse awesome books and materials about art, music, dance, and fun while you're here! 

Children ages 7 and under should be accompanied by a grown up. 

Join The Kids Chef, Lily Kilfoy, for a series of cooking classes for school-age kids, tweens, and their families. Participants will learn about different foods, where they come from, how to follow recipes, and how to use a variety of tools.  Registration is not required, but participation will be limited to the first 25 attendees. 

Food generously provided by Willy St. Co-op North.

Join Unidas por Hilos for monthly workshops where a member will teach participants how to prepare a traditional meal, share personal memories associated with the dish, and embroider the recipe on cloth from the tablecloths used during the meals. 

Unidas por Hilos is a community of Latina immigrants, living in Dane county, Wisconsin, who create textile art and community. Their group provides a safe and inclusive space where Latinas connect with each other and share their experiences as immigrants living in the United States.  Through their textile art, they not only showcase their cultural heritage, but also share their stories, struggles, and triumphs. Their group is a testament to the power of community and the resilience of immigrant communities. Although they come from different countries and backgrounds, they are united by their love of art making and shared experiences as immigrants. 

This is a FREE workshop.

Registration is required to participate.