Naturalist-in-Residence: Story Time at Olbrich Gardens!

Come explore the beautiful gardens at Olbrich with the Naturalist-in-Residence! This years' Naturalist, Andrea, will read two of her favorite picture books--including the book featured in the story walk, If the Rivers Run Free--and follow up with a book signing and Q &......More

Come explore the beautiful gardens at Olbrich with the Naturalist-in-Residence! This years' Naturalist, Andrea, will read two of her favorite picture books--including the book featured in the story walk, If the Rivers Run Free--and follow up with a book signing and Q & A session. In partnership with Olbrich Gardens. Part of Madison Public Library's Naturalist-in-Residence program. The Naturalist-in-Residence is made possible in part through the generous support of Nancy Leff and Kenneth Lerner, and in partnership with Madison Parks.< /p> View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/naturalist-residence-story-time-olbrich-gardens-31508

Central Library - *Offsite (MAD)

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-21360

Central Library - Study Room 211

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); 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. We are unable to offer digitization for Hi-8 tapes at this time. Patrons who use the lab must bring some form of external storage — a portable hard drive, or a thumb drive — 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-21361

Central Library - Media Lab

Coffee & Connection

Each month, Central Library invites local social service providers to share about the different resources they offer to those in need of assistance. Hear a short, informal presentation while enjoying coffee and refreshments and connecting with others who have similar e......More

Each month, Central Library invites local social service providers to share about the different resources they offer to those in need of assistance. Hear a short, informal presentation while enjoying coffee and refreshments and connecting with others who have similar experiences. There will be plenty of time to connect 1-on-1 or in small groups with providers and ask questions about the services they provide.  On July 8, meet with Housing Navigators from Urban Triage What They Do: Dedicated to serving those most in need with a comprehensive suite of services designed to uplift individuals and families. How They Do It: Services include rapid and transitional housing, assisting individuals in securing the necessary paperwork for housing applications, and navigation through the complexities of finding and securing sustainable housing. No registration is required.  View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/coffee-connection-27688

Central Library - Cafe Area

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 baby’s brain even before they can talk! Library programs are always free. Siblings a......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 baby’s brain even before they can talk! Library programs are always free. Siblings and childcare groups are welcome. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/baby-toddler-storytime-ages-birth-3-27984

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 skills​ 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 skills​ and helps to build a lifelong love of reading. Library programs are always free. Older and Younger siblings and childcare groups are welcome. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/multi-age-storytime-children-families-5-under-27985

Central Library - Youth Program Room

Free Mending

We’re 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

We’re 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-21362

Central Library - Study Room 211

Maker Meetup: Explore Weaving

Let your creativity fly as art meets science, technology, engineering and math on Thursday afternoons at the Central Library! Each week we'll explore different supplies and project ideas. Come for a few minutes, or stay the whole time. Best suited for ages 5 and up wit......More

Let your creativity fly as art meets science, technology, engineering and math on Thursday afternoons at the Central Library! Each week we'll explore different supplies and project ideas. Come for a few minutes, or stay the whole time. Best suited for ages 5 and up with some support encouraged. Groups are welcome, but please call the Central Library at 608-266-6345 at least 24 hours in advance if you'd like to bring a group larger than 10. Today we'll explore weaving from small hand-held looms made of recycled materials to large group projects.   Other events in the Central Library's Maker Meetup series (Thursdays, 2-3:30pm) include: June 26: Bubbler Artist-in-Residence National Velvet: Mini Cake Sculptures July 3: A Bubbler Regatta! (Foam boat making and sailing) July 10: Explore Weaving July 17: Bubbler Artist-in-Residence National Velvet: Crafting Crowns, (Paper) Cakes, and Cards  July 24: Building Challenges (Keva Planks and Stacking Cups) July 31: Paper Puppets August 7: Bubbler Artist-in-Residence National Velvet: Fake Bakery Open Studio with Frosting! August 14: Make your own Zines and Minibooks View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/maker-meetup-explore-weaving-28555

Central Library - Youth Program Room

Fake Bakery Open Studios w/ Frosting!!

The Fake Bakery is Open! Drop into the Bubbler Room during open studio hours, where Artist-in-Residence National Velvet is taking cake sculpting to a whole new level. During this time, all the best (and messiest!) materials are brought out for exploration. Can you buil......More

The Fake Bakery is Open! Drop into the Bubbler Room during open studio hours, where Artist-in-Residence National Velvet is taking cake sculpting to a whole new level. During this time, all the best (and messiest!) materials are brought out for exploration. Can you build a cake out of pipe cleaners? Frost it with caulk? Cover it in velvet? Add sequins for sprinkles?! This is a space for all ages to explore wild, wonderful possibilities in cake-inspired sculpture. Is there a cake from your past that lives in your memory? A birthday, a graduation, or one you’ve only ever dreamed of? Let’s (re)create it using unexpected materials like fabric, spackle, spray foam, and more. Drop-in, no registration required. Other Open Studio Sessions with National Velvet (4:00-6:00pm) include: 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/31  This Central Library Artist Residency is supported by Madison Public Library Foundation and Dane Arts. Learn about their residency here! View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/fake-bakery-open-studios-w-frosting-30691

Central Library - Bubbler

Second Harvest FoodShare

Provides FoodShare (food assistance on a QUEST Card) benefit information: help applying and submitting documents, assistance with renewals and reporting changes, as well as ongoing benefit support. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events......More

Provides FoodShare (food assistance on a QUEST Card) benefit information: help applying and submitting documents, assistance with renewals and reporting changes, as well as ongoing benefit support. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/second-harvest-foodshare-21363

Central Library - Study Room 211

Making Fake Cakes: Dream Big! (2-part Workshop)

Do you have big cake dreams? Does frosting one little fake cupcake just not cut it? Do you want to make a unique structure out of cardboard, paper mache it, then add frosting and intricate decorations? This special 2 session workshop is just for you. The first session ......More

Do you have big cake dreams? Does frosting one little fake cupcake just not cut it? Do you want to make a unique structure out of cardboard, paper mache it, then add frosting and intricate decorations? This special 2 session workshop is just for you. The first session will be cake form construction and paper mache. The structures will have time to dry in between sessions. The second session will focus on painting, frosting, sprinkles, decorations, and candles.  This workshop is open to all ages (6+) we anticipate that most kids ages under 10 will need direct, hands-on adult support. The workshop takes place on 7/12 & 7/19. All registrants must commit to attend the entire session on both days.  Saturday, July 12 from 10:00am - 12:00pm at Central Library AND Saturday, July 19 from 10:00am - 12:00pm at Central Library *Please fill out a registration for both sessions. Both youth patrons and adult patrons should be entered seperately so we can account for the correct amount of supplies.  View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/making-fake-cakes-dream-big-2-part-workshop-30695

Central Library - Bubbler

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 paint, poetry, writing, drawing, ripping paper and gluing things together, cutting pictures out of magazines that you  like...or however! Ther......More

A Junk Journal is a handmade book made of repurposed, upcycled materials.  This book can be a place to tell your story through paint, 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! All materials provided, but feel free to bring fabric and wrapping paper scraps, lace, old photos, ribbons, maps, stickers, sheet music, or whatever inspires you! Join in this special intergenerational art series. All ages are welcome.  Drop-in any time between 1 and 2:30, or stay for the whole time.  (Series dates: Saturdays, July 12, July 26, August 9) ¡Hablamos español! View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/art-junk-journaling-28993

Central Library - Youth Program Room

Toddler Art

When toddlers playfully experiment with art materials, they also develop key early literacy skills! Enjoy the tactile wonders of paint, glitter, glue, and more. Smocks or 'messy' clothes recommended. For toddlers ages 18 - 36 months.     View this event at https:/......More

When toddlers playfully experiment with art materials, they also develop key early literacy skills! Enjoy the tactile wonders of paint, glitter, glue, and more. Smocks or 'messy' clothes recommended. For toddlers ages 18 - 36 months.     View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/toddler-art-28006

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-21364

Central Library - Study Room 211

Book Discussion title TBD

title TBD View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/book-discussion-title-tbd-27214

Central Library - Conference Room 104

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 baby’s brain even before they can talk! Library programs are always free. Siblings a......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 baby’s brain even before they can talk! Library programs are always free. Siblings and childcare groups are welcome. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/baby-toddler-storytime-ages-birth-3-27986

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 skills​ 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 skills​ and helps to build a lifelong love of reading. Library programs are always free. Older and Younger siblings and childcare groups are welcome. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/multi-age-storytime-children-families-5-under-27987

Central Library - Youth Program Room

Central Cinema Cinesthesia presents Double Indemnity (1944)

Central Cinema Cinesthesia presents Double Indemnity (1944). Working with cowriter Raymond Chandler, director Billy Wilder launched himself onto the Hollywood A-list with this epitome of film-noir fatalism from James M. Cain’s pulp novel.  'When slick salesman Walter......More

Central Cinema Cinesthesia presents Double Indemnity (1944). Working with cowriter Raymond Chandler, director Billy Wilder launched himself onto the Hollywood A-list with this epitome of film-noir fatalism from James M. Cain’s pulp novel.  'When slick salesman Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) walks into the swank home of dissatisfied housewife Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck), he intends to sell insurance, but he winds up becoming entangled with her in a far more sinister way. Featuring scene-stealing supporting work from Edward G. Robinson and the chiaroscuro of cinematographer John F. Seitz, Double Indemnity is one of the most entertainingly perverse stories ever told and the standard by which all noir must be measured' (Criterion). Hosted by Jason Fuhrman, Cinesthesia is an adventurous, eclectic series of classic and contemporary films that focuses on the complex relationship between literature and cinema. Cinesthesia strives to foster constructive dialogue, while breathing new life into controversial works, neglected masterpieces, and titles in the margins of film history. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/central-cinema-cinesthesia-presents-double-indemnity-1944-21366

Central Library - Meeting Room 302