Madison Public Library announced on April 6 that the LINKcat online catalog will be unavailable from April 12 to April 16 while new features are added, and all Madison public libraries will open late on April 16.
The temporary downtime means library users will have limited access to certain services both in-library and from home. This update is important because LINKcat helps organize collections across the South Central Library System’s member libraries, serving a wide community of residents.
During the downtime, library staff can check out materials at service desks using physical library cards. Patrons who wish to pick up holds or check out items for someone else must present that person’s card. Public computers and study or meeting rooms will remain available inside libraries. From home, existing account holders can still use Libby and Overdrive apps as well as online databases, but LINKcat links and www.linkcat.info will not work during this period.
Services that will not be available include self-check machines and library catalog computers within the branches. At home, patrons cannot access the LINKcat website or app, place holds, renew items, manage accounts, receive hold notifications for item pick-up, or view book lists and select newsletters until after updates are complete. Additional information about these changes is available at madpl.org/linkcatupdate.
The City of Madison commits to values such as equity, civic engagement, and well-being in order to foster a thriving community according to its official website. The city was also ranked fifth in the 2024 American Fitness Index among America’s fittest cities according to its official website. High-quality services aimed at benefiting both residents and visitors remain a focus for city leaders according to its official website.
The Common Council works on behalf of residents with an emphasis on safety and well-being according to the official website. The city’s flag—adopted in 1962 with later modifications—features symbols representing local lakes and the State Capitol according to the official website.
As updates are completed by April 17 with new features coming online for LINKcat users across seven counties served by SCLS’s shared catalog system—including nearly three million items—the city continues efforts toward high-quality service delivery.
