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-21344

Central Library - Study Room 211

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-21345

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-21346

Central Library - Local History Room

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.  No registration is required.  View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/coffee-connection-27687

Central Library - Cafe Area

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-21347

Central Library - Study Room 211

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-21348

Central Library - Study Room 211

Introduction to Stop Motion Animation for Families

Make your own mini-movie with our table-top stop motion animation stations. We'll even show you how to share your creation to an email address so you can watch it whenever you want! Pick up a number when you arrive, first come, first served. Best suited for ages 5 and......More

Make your own mini-movie with our table-top stop motion animation stations. We'll even show you how to share your creation to an email address so you can watch it whenever you want! Pick up a number when you arrive, first come, first served. Best suited for ages 5 and up with some support encouraged. Youth under 10 should be accompanied by an adult. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/introduction-stop-motion-animation-families-30079

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-21349

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-21350

Central Library - Media Lab

Naturalist-in-Residence: Meet the Naturalist at Olin Park

Meet this year’s Naturalist-in-Residence, Andrea Debbink, as she kicks off her six-week residency with the Madison Public Library! At this informal talk and Q& A, Andrea will share the inspiration for her theme, “At Home in Nature,” preview her upcoming library events,......More

Meet this year’s Naturalist-in-Residence, Andrea Debbink, as she kicks off her six-week residency with the Madison Public Library! At this informal talk and Q& A, Andrea will share the inspiration for her theme, “At Home in Nature,” preview her upcoming library events, and talk about her experiences writing nature-based books for children and adults including her new Madison-area hiking guide, Urban Trails: Madison.  This event is open to the public and will be hosted at the Olin Park shelter, at 1156 Olin-Turville Ct, Madison, WI 53715.  Part of the MPL Naturalist-in-Residence. For more information visit madpl.org/naturalist. 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. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/naturalist-residence-meet-naturalist-olin-park-30257

Central Library - *Offsite (MAD)

Podcasting kit tutorial

Curious about podcasting? Join us for a demo of the Library Podcasting Kit and learn about the basics of recording and sound editing. The kit consists of one audio interface box that takes the input from two microphones and feeds into a laptop. We will work on a small......More

Curious about podcasting? Join us for a demo of the Library Podcasting Kit and learn about the basics of recording and sound editing. The kit consists of one audio interface box that takes the input from two microphones and feeds into a laptop. We will work on a small recording project in teams. The kit is compatible with PC or Apple laptops - you can bring your own or use a library laptop. Registration required. Registration for this session opens on Wednesday 6/4/25. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/podcasting-kit-tutorial-28800

Central Library - Media Lab

Central Cinema Cinesthesia presents Cooley High (1975)

Central Cinema Cinesthesia presents Cooley High (1975). < p> 'Director Michael Schultz and screenwriter Eric Monte—who drew on his own experiences growing up in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing project—arrived at something truly unique in 1970s cinema with Cooley High: ......More

Central Cinema Cinesthesia presents Cooley High (1975). < p> 'Director Michael Schultz and screenwriter Eric Monte—who drew on his own experiences growing up in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing project—arrived at something truly unique in 1970s cinema with Cooley High: an endearingly funny, tender, and authentic portrait of Black teens striving toward a brighter future, brought to life by a dynamic ensemble cast and set to a heavenly hit parade of Motown classics' (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-cooley-high-1975-21351

Central Library - Meeting Room 302

Book Discussion of The Lost Apothecary

Two stories, 200 years apart, centered on an apothecary shop in London and the vials sold to women looking to be rid of the men in their lives. Join us for discussion and sometimes dessert. Newcomers warmly welcomed. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrar......More

Two stories, 200 years apart, centered on an apothecary shop in London and the vials sold to women looking to be rid of the men in their lives. Join us for discussion and sometimes dessert. Newcomers warmly welcomed. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/book-discussion-lost-apothecary-21352

Central Library - Conference Room 104

Library closed for Juneteenth

Library closed for Juneteenth

Podcasting kit tutorial

Curious about podcasting? Join us for a demo of the Library Podcasting Kit and learn about the basics of recording and sound editing. We will work on a small recording project in teams. The kit is compatible with PC or Apple laptops - you can bring your own or use a l......More

Curious about podcasting? Join us for a demo of the Library Podcasting Kit and learn about the basics of recording and sound editing. We will work on a small recording project in teams. The kit is compatible with PC or Apple laptops - you can bring your own or use a library laptop.  Registration required. Registration for this session opens Saturday, 6/7/25. View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/podcasting-kit-tutorial-28801

Central Library - Media Lab

1000 Words: Stories from the VA's My Life, My Story Project

Join for a conversation on the healing effect of telling one's story and how stories can help humanize medical care.    Since 2013, writers from the VA's My Life, My Story project have asked more that 9,000 Veterans at VA hospitals around the United States to tell thei......More

Join for a conversation on the healing effect of telling one's story and how stories can help humanize medical care.    Since 2013, writers from the VA's My Life, My Story project have asked more that 9,000 Veterans at VA hospitals around the United States to tell their life stories. With the Veteran's permission, those stories go into the Veteran's medical record so that VA health care providers can read them and get to know their patients better.    Our panel will feature:   Thor Ringler (writer-editor at My Life, My Story)Jennifer (Jenn) Sluga (Kosovo veteran),William (Bill) Schrum (Vietnam veteranand Dr. Liana Eskola (VA palliative care provider).    Q& A will follow the panel discussion  1,000 Words: Stories from the VA's My Life, My Story Project, is the title of a book which shares the stories of 15 Veterans 1,000 Words will soon be available as a book club discussion kit. The My Life, My Story project began in Madison, WI, at the William S. Middleton VA Hospital and has been adopted in over 80 VA hospitals around the country.  View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/1000-words-stories-vas-my-life-my-story-project-30143

Central Library - Meeting Room 301

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-21353

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 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-3-27980

Central Library - Youth Program Room

Red Cross Blood Drive

Central Library Madison and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive. Come to give blood in June and get a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. PLUS, get a chance to win a $7,000 prize! There will be two winners. Terms apply: rcblood.org/Count. Drive ......More

Central Library Madison and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive. Come to give blood in June and get a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. PLUS, get a chance to win a $7,000 prize! There will be two winners. Terms apply: rcblood.org/Count. Drive Details: Site: Central Library Address: 201 W. Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703 Room Name: Community Room 301 Date: Wed Jun 25, 2025 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! View this event at https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/spaces/events/red-cross-blood-drive-21355

Central Library - Meeting Rooms 301 and 302 Combined

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-27981

Central Library - Youth Program Room