Let's Talk About Healthy Boundaries

Come learn about healthy boundaries with an age-specific focus for elementary youth! This event debuts a story written by teen advocates in our community especially for kids ages 4-10 and their loved ones. Presented by RCC ......More

Come learn about healthy boundaries with an age-specific focus for elementary youth! This event debuts a story written by teen advocates in our community especially for kids ages 4-10 and their loved ones. Presented by RCC Game Changers Cohort of Youth Activists, this hands-on learning opportunity will explore setting healthy boundaries and help you to normalize boundary setting and practice consent in a joyful and positive way.  View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/lets-talk-about-healthy-boundaries-74746

Central Library - Youth Program Room

One-on-One Computer Assistance

Get help brushing up on essential computer skills, safely browsing the internet, creating and using an email address, filling out online applications, or even writing resumes and cover letters. Sign up for a one-hour one-on-one appointment by stopping into the Central......More

Get help brushing up on essential computer skills, safely browsing the internet, creating and using an email address, filling out online applications, or even writing resumes and cover letters. Sign up for a one-hour one-on-one appointment by stopping into the Central Library or calling the reference desk at 608-266-6350. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/one-one-computer-assistance-57921

Central Library - Study Room 211

LEGO Club

Flex your engineering and design muscles and join other LEGO fans to build your own unique creation! The library will provide lots of LEGOs and you provide the imagination. No registration required. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/even......More

Flex your engineering and design muscles and join other LEGO fans to build your own unique creation! The library will provide lots of LEGOs and you provide the imagination. No registration required. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/lego-club-62691

Central Library - Youth Program Room

Personal Archiving Lab: Drop-In Tutorials

The Personal Archiving Lab at Central Library is a collection of equipment that can be used to digitize at-risk analog materials like home movies video tapes audio cassettes photographs and more. Stop by the Central Library on Mondays, 2-4pm for a tutorial on how to us......More

The Personal Archiving Lab at Central Library is a collection of equipment that can be used to digitize at-risk analog materials like home movies video tapes audio cassettes photographs and more. Stop by the Central Library on Mondays, 2-4pm for a tutorial on how to use the library's Personal Archiving Lab. Tutorial duration is approximately 20-30 minutes. The instructor may not be able to accommodate those who arrive after 3:40pm. Following the tutorial, you will be able to make an appointment during library hours to use the equipment - up to 3 hours per day - for your personal archiving project. The Personal Archiving Lab supports the following formats: VHS and VHS-C tapes DVDs (not BluRay); Hi8 tapes, audio cassettes; MiniDV; photographs (including negatives and slides) and other paper-based documents. It does not support 8 or 16mm reel-to-reel film or audio tape. Patrons who use the lab must bring some form of external storage â a portable hard drive, or a thumb drive â on which digital files can be stored. Call 608-266-6350 for more information. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/personal-archiving-lab-drop-tutorials-58156

Central Library - Local History Room

Spring Election In-Person Absentee Voting

Madison Public Library partners with the City of Madison Clerk's Office to offer in-person absentee voting at every library location. Times and frequency vary by location, so be sure to check the full schedule at ......More

Madison Public Library partners with the City of Madison Clerk's Office to offer in-person absentee voting at every library location. Times and frequency vary by location, so be sure to check the full schedule at madpl.org/vote before traveling.  You can register to vote ON SITE when voting absentee in-person. Voters who need to register due to a recent move or name change will also need to show an acceptable proof of address document. Voter registration is not allowed the three days before an election. An absentee voter must return their own completed absentee ballot to Clerk staff at in-person absentee voting locations, including Madison Public Libraries. Please check the In-Person Absentee Voting locations page on the City Clerk's website for other voting sites or more details. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/spring-election-person-absentee-voting-58526

The Art of Junk Journaling

A Junk Journal is a handmade book made of repurposed, upcycled materials.  This book can be a place to tell your story through poetry, writing, drawing, ripping paper and gluing things together, cutting pictures out of magazines that you like...or however! There are n......More

A Junk Journal is a handmade book made of repurposed, upcycled materials.  This book can be a place to tell your story through poetry, writing, drawing, ripping paper and gluing things together, cutting pictures out of magazines that you like...or however! There are no rules in junk journaling and no artistic experience needed! Come and relax and make something beautiful!  This program is intended for adults and youth, ages 8 and up.  Please bring any journal/notebook/planner that you have laying around that you'd like to repurpose.  We will provide magazines, stickers, interesting papers, and other crafting items, as well as glue sticks and scissors. Feel free to bring items from your own craft stash to use or share. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/art-junk-journaling-62631

Central Library - Youth Program Room

Wisconsin Book Festival Presents John DeMain for Working with My Heroes

We do expect a large crowd for this event. Admission and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. We will offer an overflow seating option, if the room reaches capacity.  A Grammy and Tony Awardâwinning conductor, John DeMain has been a fixture of Madison, Wis......More

We do expect a large crowd for this event. Admission and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. We will offer an overflow seating option, if the room reaches capacity.  A Grammy and Tony Awardâwinning conductor, John DeMain has been a fixture of Madison, Wisconsin, for more than three decades, serving as music director of the Madison Symphony Orchestra and artistic director of the Madison Opera. Before and since then, he has been an internationally recognized conductor, equally at home in the worlds of classical music, opera, and Broadway. In Working with My Heroes, written with the late Greg Hettmansberger, DeMain recounts incredible experiencesâfrom his days studying piano in Youngstown, Ohio, to his years as an undergraduate and graduate student at Julliard, to his early jobs in summer stock productions, to numerous acclaimed productionsâwithout ever losing sight of the wonder and awe he felt as a young musician first learning his way in the world. With warmth and humor, he provides valuable insight into the business of music making, while also sharing behind-the-scenes stories of entertaining situations he found himself in throughout the yearsâfrom playing piano at a gangsterâs wedding to an unexpected dressing room encounter with a Broadway star to conducting an opera with circus elephants. DeMain has had many career-defining moments behind the podium, conducting world premieres of Leonard Bernsteinâs A Quiet Place, John Adamsâs Nixon in China, and Jeanine Tesoroâs Blue, as well as the U.S. premiere of Philip Glassâs Akhnaten, among others. He guest-conducted symphonies and operas in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and elsewhere. DeMain cemented his reputation with the 1976 Houston Grand Opera performances of George and Ira Gershwinâs Porgy and Bess, establishing its stature as a quintessentially American opera. The singers, musicians, and composers DeMain has worked with over the past six decades are a veritable Whoâs Who of American classical music. This memoir places readers by his side, allowing them to experience all the wonders and joy of a life spent making music. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/wisconsin-book-festival-presents-john-demain-working-my-heroes-63756

Central Library - Meeting Rooms 301 and 302 Combined

Spring Election In-Person Absentee Voting

Madison Public Library partners with the City of Madison Clerk's Office to offer in-person absentee voting at every library location. Times and frequency vary by location, so be sure to check the full schedule at ......More

Madison Public Library partners with the City of Madison Clerk's Office to offer in-person absentee voting at every library location. Times and frequency vary by location, so be sure to check the full schedule at madpl.org/vote before traveling.  You can register to vote ON SITE when voting absentee in-person. Voters who need to register due to a recent move or name change will also need to show an acceptable proof of address document. Voter registration is not allowed the three days before an election. An absentee voter must return their own completed absentee ballot to Clerk staff at in-person absentee voting locations, including Madison Public Libraries. Please check the In-Person Absentee Voting locations page on the City Clerk's website for other voting sites or more details. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/spring-election-person-absentee-voting-59826

Red Cross Blood Drive

Description Central Library Madison and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive. Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today! Come to give March 25 and get a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. See rcblood.org/March for details.......More

Description Central Library Madison and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive. Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today! Come to give March 25 and get a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. See rcblood.org/March for details.Plus, successful donations get free  A1C testing (1 result per calendar year).  Drive Details: Site: Central Library Address: 201 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703 Room Name: Community Room 301 Date: Wed March 25, 2026 Time: 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime. Thank you for supporting the American Red Cross blood program! Schedule your Donation Today! View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/red-cross-blood-drive-46666

Central Library - Meeting Rooms 301 and 302 Combined

Baby & Toddler Storytime (ages birth to 3)

READ and PLAY with your favorite baby or toddler! Reading, singing, talking and playing with your baby from the beginning is important because the roots of language are developing in a babyâs brain even before they can talk. Come in as you can, take a break when you an......More

READ and PLAY with your favorite baby or toddler! Reading, singing, talking and playing with your baby from the beginning is important because the roots of language are developing in a babyâs brain even before they can talk. Come in as you can, take a break when you and your child need to.  Library programs are always free. Siblings and childcare groups are welcome, no registration necessary.   View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/baby-toddler-storytime-ages-birth-3-62201

Central Library - Youth Program Room

Multi Age Storytime (children & families 5 & under)

READ and PLAY together with children under age 5! Engaging with books, songs and playful experiences all help children develop communication skills, patience, empathy, and pre-reading skillsâ and helps to build a lifelong love of reading. Library programs are always fr......More

READ and PLAY together with children under age 5! Engaging with books, songs and playful experiences all help children develop communication skills, patience, empathy, and pre-reading skillsâ and helps to build a lifelong love of reading. Library programs are always free. Older and younger siblings and childcare groups are welcome, no registration needed.   View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/multi-age-storytime-children-families-5-under-62206

Central Library - Youth Program Room

Free Mending

Weâre here to mend anything you need for the colder months, including clothing, coats, and any other fabric-related repairs, except for zippers. Sewers from the Sewing Machine Project will be available to mend your things for free every Thursday of the month. View th......More

Weâre here to mend anything you need for the colder months, including clothing, coats, and any other fabric-related repairs, except for zippers. Sewers from the Sewing Machine Project will be available to mend your things for free every Thursday of the month. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/free-mending-55411

Central Library - Study Room 211

Wisconsin Book Festival Presents Richard J. Davidson and Cortland Dahl for Born to Flourish

Presented in partnership with Humin and Tergar Meditation Community of Madison. In a world pulling our thoughts and emotions in so many directions, Born to Flourish offers a way to turn stress and anxiety into clarity and calm. Renowned neuroscientists and contemplati......More

Presented in partnership with Humin and Tergar Meditation Community of Madison. In a world pulling our thoughts and emotions in so many directions, Born to Flourish offers a way to turn stress and anxiety into clarity and calm. Renowned neuroscientists and contemplative teachers Richard J. Davidson and Cortland Dahl bring us a powerful program rooted in decades of research from the Center for Healthy Minds. Focusing on four transformative practices, they bring us key tools to help train our brains to overcome depression, despair, and loneliness. Awareness: Learn to be fully present with your emotions so that you can embrace all of lifeâs ups and downs. Connection: Grow meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging by cultivating kindness and appreciation. Insight: Learn to know yourself through self-inquiry, so that you can break free from old narratives. Purpose: Connect with your core values and guiding motivation to create clarity and make sound decisions. We are all born with a natural ability to flourish, but that ability needs to be trained for us to live a thriving life. The good news is that only a few minutes of practice each day makes a measurable difference. With actionable steps and inspiring stories, Born to Flourish helps you integrate these practices effortlesslyâwhether youâre commuting, doing chores, or simply lying in bed. This is a call to embrace lifeâs chaos and tap your inner strength. For anyone seeking to enhance their mental health and overall well-being, Born to Flourish will light a way forward. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/wisconsin-book-festival-presents-richard-j-davidson-and-cortland-dahl-born-flourish

Central Library - Meeting Rooms 301 and 302 Combined

Housing Navigation Services with Urban Triage

For those who are seeking stable housing, drop by Room 210, 2nd floor and meet with a Housing Navigation Specialist from Urban Triage. No appointment required.  View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/housing-navigation-services-urban-......More

For those who are seeking stable housing, drop by Room 210, 2nd floor and meet with a Housing Navigation Specialist from Urban Triage. No appointment required.  View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/housing-navigation-services-urban-triage-70006

Central Library - Study Room 211

Free Tax Filing at Central (Appointment required)

Free assistance from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers to help you fill out and file your Federal and Wisconsin personal income taxes. Call 608-266-6350 no earlier than January 21, 2026 to make an appointment (required). The VITA program is an IRS and ......More

Free assistance from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers to help you fill out and file your Federal and Wisconsin personal income taxes. Call 608-266-6350 no earlier than January 21, 2026 to make an appointment (required). The VITA program is an IRS and Wisconsin DOR initiative designed to support free tax preparation service for the underserved. The VITA program offers free tax help to people who generally make $56,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. Some situations are outside the scope of the service -- ask if in doubt. You must have lived in Wisconsin for ALL of 2025 to use this service. All Central Library appointments will be on SATURDAYS: 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11 **We will begin taking appointments on Wednesday, March 11 for the March 21 thru April 11 (3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11) tax help dates.   Click here for a list of all 2026 Tax Assistance dates at Central, Lakeview, and Sequoya Libraries, or take a look at our calendar. Appointments are required at all locations. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/free-tax-filing-central-appointment-required-64431

Central Library - Meeting Rooms 301 and 302 Combined

Art After Overture

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......More

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.  View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/art-after-overture-63146

Central Library - Youth Program Room

Water stories project

How connected are you to freshwater in Wisconsin?  What do Wisconsin waterways mean to you?  We invite you to share your water story and help explore how personal experiences shape our care for freshwater in Wisconsin.  View this event at https://www.madisonpubl......More

How connected are you to freshwater in Wisconsin?  What do Wisconsin waterways mean to you?  We invite you to share your water story and help explore how personal experiences shape our care for freshwater in Wisconsin.  View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/water-stories-project-76001

Central Library - Conference Room 104

One-on-One Computer Assistance

Get help brushing up on essential computer skills, safely browsing the internet, creating and using an email address, filling out online applications, or even writing resumes and cover letters. Sign up for a one-hour one-on-one appointment by stopping into the Central......More

Get help brushing up on essential computer skills, safely browsing the internet, creating and using an email address, filling out online applications, or even writing resumes and cover letters. Sign up for a one-hour one-on-one appointment by stopping into the Central Library or calling the reference desk at 608-266-6350. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/one-one-computer-assistance-57926

Central Library - Study Room 211

Baby & Toddler Storytime (ages birth to 3)

READ and PLAY with your favorite baby or toddler! Reading, singing, talking and playing with your baby from the beginning is important because the roots of language are developing in a babyâs brain even before they can talk. Come in as you can, take a break when you an......More

READ and PLAY with your favorite baby or toddler! Reading, singing, talking and playing with your baby from the beginning is important because the roots of language are developing in a babyâs brain even before they can talk. Come in as you can, take a break when you and your child need to.  Library programs are always free. Siblings and childcare groups are welcome, no registration necessary.   View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/baby-toddler-storytime-ages-birth-3-62211

Central Library - Youth Program Room

Multi Age Storytime (children & families 5 & under)

READ and PLAY together with children under age 5! Engaging with books, songs and playful experiences all help children develop communication skills, patience, empathy, and pre-reading skillsâ and helps to build a lifelong love of reading. Library programs are always fr......More

READ and PLAY together with children under age 5! Engaging with books, songs and playful experiences all help children develop communication skills, patience, empathy, and pre-reading skillsâ and helps to build a lifelong love of reading. Library programs are always free. Older and younger siblings and childcare groups are welcome, no registration needed.   View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/multi-age-storytime-children-families-5-under-62216

Central Library - Youth Program Room

Lifeline Assistance

Staff from the East Madison Community Center will be at the front entrance of the Central Library to help people apply for Lifeline. Lifeline is an Federal Communications Commission program that makes phone, interne......More

Staff from the East Madison Community Center will be at the front entrance of the Central Library to help people apply for Lifeline. Lifeline is an Federal Communications Commission program that makes phone, internet, or bundled services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides a monthly discount on qualifying services from participating providers. This program is made possible by a grant from Lifeline and support from East Madison Community Center. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/lifeline-assistance-67886

Central Library - Fairchild Foyer

Madison Area Junk Journal Club

Join us for a Junk Journal meet-up on the first Wednesday of every month. If you are a scrapbooker, collager or if you love junk journaling, this is a perfect time to meet like-minded friends! Work on your own pages, share ideas and hang out! We will have limited maga......More

Join us for a Junk Journal meet-up on the first Wednesday of every month. If you are a scrapbooker, collager or if you love junk journaling, this is a perfect time to meet like-minded friends! Work on your own pages, share ideas and hang out! We will have limited magazines, paper, scraps, etc. but plan on bringing your own journal, glue and other materials. This program is not intended for children. Come to the Central Library and go to the ground floor Bubbler Room. There is limited space, so please register ahead of time.   View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/madison-area-junk-journal-club-56026

Central Library - Bubbler