Madison Reporter

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month at Madison Public Library. Started in 1987 by then Secretary of Education William Bennett, Library Card Sign-Up Month encourages learning about local library services and signing up for a card.

According to anonymized data from the South Central Library System, there are 101,317 library cardholders within Dane County who list one of Madison Public Library’s nine locations as their home library. This represents about 40% of Madison’s population.

“The City of Madison is home to more than 200,000 residents, and I would love to see each and every one of them get a Madison Public Library card,” said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “Our library system is exceptional not only locally but nationally as an innovative space for community connection, art, programming, collections, and more. If we want to thrive as a city, we need our libraries to continue providing trusted information, as well as safe and welcoming spaces.”

Residents are encouraged to embrace this national celebration by getting or renewing their Madison Public Library card. Those who sign up in September can take a picture with one of the library’s large orange cards at any location.

For existing cardholders, the library staff has compiled a list of "30 Things You Can Do with Your Library Card at Madison Public Library" on their website—one for every day of Library Card Sign-Up Month. This includes lesser-known services and resources such as the "Library of Things" and the "Library Value Calculator."

“We know that libraries bring value to the community in so many ways,” said Madison Public Library Director Tana Elias. “What other place connects you to your friends and neighbors but also introduces you to people and perspectives you’ve never known? Where else can you vote, learn a language, access free WIFI, read the newspaper, and check out birding equipment? Everyone can find something at the library, and the library has a place for everyone in our community.”

There are several options for obtaining a library card at Madison Public Library; most require a photo ID and proof of current address. However, library staff will assist applicants in gaining access to services.

More information about Library Card Sign-Up Month or applying for a card online is available at madpl.org/signupmonth.

Madison Public Library has been promoting education, literacy, and community involvement for nearly 150 years. Visit them online at www.madisonpubliclibrary.org or follow @madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook and Instagram.