Looking for things to do in Madison with your kids, teens or family? Madison Public Library’s nine locations provide free, fun entertainment year-round regardless of the weather. Bring your family to the library to play, read, study, or participate in programs for all ages.
Read
Books, Early Literacy, and Storytimes
Madison Public Library is dedicated to connecting families with the resources they need to create a lifelong love of reading!
- For babies and toddlers, our youth librarians host weekly storytimes across the city to help build early literacy skills using the give components recommended by the Public Library Association's Every Child Ready to Read program - singing, talking, playing, reading, and singing.
- For school-age and middle school kids, browse recommended reads through our book lists or make new friends with our youth graphic novel club.
- For teens, check out the teen writing club or the WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest, and be sure to sign up for the Booked for Teens email newsletter for the latest teen reads.
Get a Library Card
Your reading journey starts with a library card from Madison Public Library! Check out books, movies, music, and items from our Library of Things with this FREE card available to all ages.
eBooks and Audiobooks
Did you know you can check out books from your phone, tablet, or computer? Wisconsin's Digital Library has hundreds of titles available in eBook or Audiobook format, and your family can browse, place holds, and enjoy them from anywhere using the Libby app.
MADreads Reviews
Each week, our Youth Librarians read and review titles to keep up with what's happening in the world or picture books, board books, and youth literature. Read their reviews to find out whether that children's book you've been eyeing is worth the hype -- and better yet -- whether it's right for your family.
Attend a Storytime
Madison Public Library hosts a variety of storytimes for kids of all ages throughout all nine library locations. Storytimes are free and do not require a library card to participate.
Storytime Starters
Based on the themes used at Madison Public Library's preschool storytimes, these thematic lists include books, songs, fingerplays, Play Literacy suggestions and more! Whether you're a parent or caregiver looking to bring the fun of storytime home, or you're an educator who needs storytime ideas, these helpful kits will get you started.
Browse Book Lists
You'll find dozens of book lists featuring librarian-recommended titles from a wide range of authors with a diverse characters.
WE READ
WE READ is Madison Public Library's year-round celebration of reading! We help your family find things they love to read and celebrate the reading you're already doing. Reading includes graphic novels. Reading includes audiobooks. Reading includes game instructions or captions on your favorite TV show. It all "counts", and the important thing is that YOU love to do it.
Throughout the year, Madison Public Library plans WE READ activities and programs during spring break, winter break and throughout summer to keep kids, teens, and families entertained while school is out. We work with Bubbler artists to infuse hands-on making activities, share the benefits of play, and incorporate other fun literacy and writing themes, as well.
During the summer, our WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest invites kids 18 years and under to share their voices and compete to win cash prizes. This city-wide competition is a wonderful way for kids to express themselves through storytelling, songs, poetry, comics, and more.
Play
Discover, Explore, and Grow
Play is an important part of early literacy, but it's also just...well...fun?! You may already know about our nine, unique play spaces and the wealth of open-ended toys that are in each of them, but perhaps you're less familiar with some of these other ways your family can discover new things, explore online resources, and grow together at the library. Browse below to get in touch with your inner child or find endless play opportunities for your kids and teens at Madison Public Library.
App Picks for Kids
Technology is an inevitable part of daily life - but how can you sift through the noise to select the best online apps for your family? Library staff have done some of that legwork for you, reviewing as many free or low-cost apps as possible and providing recommendations.
Kanopy Kids
Kanopy is Madison Public Library's video streaming platform with access to more than 30,000 movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more. Kanopy Kids is curated to support early literacy, STEM education, and even foreign language learning, and includes characters from Sesame Street, PBS Kids, Weston Woods, and more.
Play Spaces
Every library has a unique play space with open-ended toys, books, and games - find the right play for your family!
Events for Kids & Teens
Each month, our libraries host hundreds of programs for kids! Browse our events calendar to find a LEGO club, art workshop, cooking class, science experiment, or book club for your kids or the whole family to enjoy.
Gaming
From Minecraft to Board Games, and from Dungeons & Dragons to Nintendo Switch, our libraries have gaming events galore! Whether you're looking for a regular weekly meet-up or just a drop-in game night with the family, we've got you covered.
Teen Bubbler
Check out local teen voices and learn more about the Bubbler's hands-on workshops led by teaching artists. The mural shown here was created through an outreach program called Making Justice, which connects Bubbler artists to at-risk and court-involved teens to foster self-expression via graphic and 3D art, photography, spoken word, performance, video and life skills projects.
Learn
Technology, Homework Help, and Research
Libraries are hubs of information, connection, and referral. We partner with Madison Writing Assistance to offer 1-on-1 writing help for all writers in the community, and we also offer many online databases that can help students and families research for essays, complete homework assignments, and prepare for tests like the ACT and SAT. High schoolers and young adults can also access resources to help prepare their first resumes or find the right career for themselves. Check out the resources below to find out how the library can help you thrive on your quest for knowledge!