Fundraisers

Madison Public Library Foundation hosts two signature fundraising events annually: Lunch for Libraries in the spring, and Ex Libris in the fall.

Join Us for Ex Libris on November 6, 2026

Tickets are Now on Sale

Circular logo features illustrated books on a cocktail pick, and the words: Ex Libris: Craft Beverages & Bites to Benefit the Library

Ex Libris is a celebration of local craft beverages and culinary creations. Our 2026 event will be held on November 6, 2026 at Central Library.

Ex Libris proceeds support Madison Public Library collections, services and programs through Madison Public Library Foundation’s unrestricted Annual Fund.

For Event Details
This is an image that promotes an event called Ex Libris: Craft Beverages & Bites to Benefit the Library. The event will be held at Central Library from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, November 6. The presenting sponsor is Scooter Software. Their logo is an illustration of a scooter. On one side of the image is a logomark for the event which features three books on a cocktail pick. In a photograph, delectable small bites from a past event are displayed. An image set in the interior of Central Library at night shows four diverse event participants depicts them as smiling, holding beer sampling cups and enjoying small bites of food.

Lunch for Libraries Raises Over $164,000 on May 6, 2026


More than 800 supporters turned out for Madison Public Library’s 15th annual Lunch for Libraries fundraiser on May 5, 2026 at Monona Terrace and Convention Center. The event featured National Book Award-winning author Jesmyn Ward, in conversation with UW-Madison Creative Writing professor and author, Nate Marshall.

Ward spoke about her new book, On Witness and Respair. The event, which is Wisconsin’s largest gathering of library supporters, generated over $164,000 before expenses to benefit the Wisconsin Book Festival. Thank you to our other sponsors, table captains, co-chairs and planning committee for their support.

Award-winning author Jesmyn Ward discussed her new collection of
essays On Witness and Respair, with conversation partner Nate Marshall at Lunch for Libraries, 2026.

 

View Our Photo Gallery
Nate Marshall in conversation with Jesmyn Ward at Madison Public Library Foundation's 15th Annual Lunch for Libraries event.

Deepen Your Impact

For information on year-round event sponsorship opportunities, please email events@mplfoundation.org

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Madison Public Library Foundation
201 W. Mifflin Street
Madison, WI 53703
608.266.6318
Tax ID: 39-1777242

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