Congratulations on your child’s new card!
We are so happy to have you join the Madison Public Library family! Here are a few tips to help you have a great library experience:
- Share library materials. Please return library materials on time. No fines are charged on any children’s materials (these items are all marked with a + on the item’s spine label), however, lost and damaged fees may apply.
- Have a special library shelf at home. One way to help keep track of your library materials is to create a special shelf, basket, or bag at home just for library items.
- Let us know about damaged items. If you’ve checked out an item that is torn or damaged, please let staff know. You can talk with someone at the checkout desk or send an email to madcirc@madisonpubliclibrary.org.
When to Get A Card
So how do you decide when it is right to get a card for your child? Here are a few things to think about when deciding what is right for your family.
- Babies - You can read to your baby from the day they are born. Babies live to hear your voice, it helps them learn about the world around them, and builds literacy and communication skills. You can get a library card in your baby’s name and check out great books for them.
- Considerations: If you have books checked out on your card and your baby’s card, that is two accounts you need to keep track of.
- Preschool - As children get a little older, and especially if you have been visiting the library, they will be able to understand the need for a library card to check out books. Getting their first library card can be an exciting event and can help children feel grown up and responsible for their books and other materials.
- Considerations: Caregivers will need to work with young children and help them learn how to manage that responsibility.
- Elementary School - School-age children are beginning to read on their own, pick out books on their own, and may even begin visiting the library on their own, so if they do not already have their own library card, now may be a good time to get one.
- Considerations: Children will still need some assistance keeping track of their library card and the books they have checked out. A library card and library books are a good, relatively low stakes way to learn responsibility.
- Middle School - Middle and high school aged students will likely need access to books and resources to help them with school work. A library card will allow students to check out books and use the library’s many online resources.
- Considerations: Even older children will need some assistance keeping track of materials.
Yes, a library card can be work for a caregiver, but it can also be a valuable lesson in responsibility for a child, helping kids feel more grown up and engaged in their library usage.
Tips for Choosing Books
- Find books together. You are encouraged to choose library materials with your child to ensure your child is checking out materials appropriate for your family. If you have concerns, you may restrict access to children’s materials only.
- Read what interests your child. Comic books, graphic novels, non-fiction, historical fiction, fantasy — there are so many different styles that may interest your child. Choose what they love to help them love reading.
- Ask a Librarian. Not sure what to read next? Our Librarians love to help kids and families find their next great book! Just stop by and ask us, send an email to reference@madisonpubliclibrary.org, or request a Library CSA box.
- Read a review. Check out MADreads to get reviews written by our own Librarians.
- Try a database. Your new library card gives you access to Novelist (and Novelist K-8), a great database that can help you find new titles to try based on what you’ve already read and liked. Visit the Research & Discovery section of our website for more information.
Free Classes and Events
The Madison Public Library offers a wide variety of free classes and special events. Please visit our online calendar to see what's happening now in your local library!
Stay up-to-date with Library News
Follow the Madison Public Library on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and subscribe to our Madison Public Library Insider enewsletters:
- Library Kids: Book recommendations and library news and events for families or caregivers of children aged PreK- Grade Six. Published every two weeks.
- Booked for Teens: Booked for Teens is a newsletter of new teen books and teen events and classes. Published monthly.
- Check It Out: News and updates about Madison Public Library programs and services. Published every two weeks.
- Wisconsin Book Festival: Sign up for Festival updates and year-round author events in or in partnership with Madison libraries.
To subscribe, visit www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/insider.