Madison Reporter

The Madison Public Library is set to celebrate its 150th anniversary with parties across all nine library locations on the Saturdays of May 10, May 17, and May 31. The public is invited to join the festivities that commemorate the library's history and look towards its future.

Library Director Tana Elias stated, “The first Madison Public Library opened with just two rooms and 5,000 books on May 31, 1875, so it’s only fitting that during the month of May - 150 years later - we would commemorate Madison’s early commitment to literacy and lifelong learning, thank our many community supporters over the years, and celebrate this momentous anniversary while looking forward to the future of library service in the City of Madison.”

Each library event will feature historic slideshows, trivia games with gift bundles, and opportunities to sign up for a library card. Attendees can also enjoy cake and coffee, and reflect on the library's impact through interactive art installations by National Velvet.

Families can gather WE READ materials for the library’s summer reading initiative while each library will offer unique activities that highlight its character. Notably, Alicia Ashman Library celebrates its 25th year, while Pinney Library marks its fifth year at its current location.

The celebration at the Central Library is expected to be the largest, with speeches by Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Library Director Tana Elias, and Madison Public Library Foundation Executive Director Conor Moran. The theme of the celebration is "Celebrating the Past; Inspiring the Future."

Mayor Rhodes-Conway emphasized, “I encourage everyone to attend the 150th anniversary party at Central Library, in addition to the celebrations at your neighborhood library. These events are an opportunity to get a library card, learn about the history of libraries in Madison, and be part of shaping and inspiring the future of library service over the next 150 years.”

Looking ahead, the Madison Public Library is planning the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park, which will serve as a new library and community space, expected to open in 2026. Conor Moran stated, “The Imagination Center at Reindahl Park will help set the scene for how libraries operate in Madison as we head into the future.”

For more details on these celebrations, visit madpl.org/150yearparties. The anniversary parties are supported by the Madison Public Library Foundation.