Support Our Annual Fund
10 PERCENT OF gifts Go TO ENDOWMENT TO SUSTAIN LIBRARIES
Support Innovative Programming That Meets Community Needs
Last month, our community demonstrated how much it values its city services when Madison taxpayers voted overwhelmingly to support a $22 million referendum. One vital aspect of those services is Madison Public Library, which can now maintain its current level of operations. The “yes” vote is a testament to Madisonians believing in the quality of our library system — one that welcomes and serves everyone, fosters learning and personal growth, and encourages us to dream big.
While the referendum approval will keep library doors open, donations to our annual fund fuel so much of the excitement happening inside and outside — especially the innovative programming for all ages. Today, Madison Public Library Foundation invites you to say “yes” to your library once again: Give before December 31 to double your impact, thanks to a $100,000 anonymous matching gift from several loyal donors!
The library designs its programs with patron influence to meet community needs. Our foundation enhances those offerings by contributing half the costs required to deliver this essential programming each year. Among the programs presented in 2024 were:
- English classes to those new to Madison and the U.S.
- a full year of dynamic author experiences through the Wisconsin Book Festival
- cooking classes for youth and adults
- a variety of creative workshops, from indoor gardening to gratitude journal-making, led by community partners and local artists
- art exhibits and artist residencies with hands-on artmaking opportunities
- instructional sessions on how to start a podcast, plus access to all the tools needed to produce one
Storytimes are core to the library’s mission, but in 2024, staff took them a step further — from Wiggles & Words, a merging of music and movement, to Read & Breathe, a combination of books, songs, and mindful practices. These early literacy activities helped kids develop communication skills, patience, empathy, and
pre-reading skills, as well as the beginnings to a lifelong love of of reading.
Out in the community, staff set up tables at events like Parks Alive!, where those who face barriers to visiting the libraries picked up literacy materials and participated in hands-on activities. And outdoors, library-led birding outings and other environmental programs, like the Naturalist-in-Residence series, bridged the literary and natural worlds.
To expand our cultural understanding, the library worked with underrepresented groups to create educational event opportunities like the recent Library Takeover: Mindfulness the Indian Way; and the Teejop and Beyond series as part of Native American Heritage Month. This month at Goodman South Madison Library, patrons can view the art exhibit I AM A Man: The Re-humanization of Black Men, with an accompanying event series featuring performances and conversations.
Programming is a crucial part of library services that brings us together to think, talk, and thrive. A gift to our annual fund this month will help the library continue to craft inventive programs, as well as support the purchase of new collection items, technology and infrastructure, staff training, and other critical needs. Please take advantage of our limited-time $100,000 matching gift opportunity with a contribution today.
Hope you’re reading something good,
Conor Moran
Executive Director
P.S. Two monumental events are on the horizon: In 2025, our outstanding Madison Public Library will mark 150 years of service to the community with a yearlong celebration. Additionally, the city’s northeast side will soon have a library of its own: a groundbreaking for the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park is expected to take place in late spring. This new partnership with Madison Parks and City Engineering will be the library’s 10th location, and the first new location in 25 years. Expect to hear lots about the sesquicentennial and the Imagination Center project beginning in January.
Madison Public Library Foundation
201 W. Mifflin Street
Madison, WI 53703
608.266.6318
Tax ID: 39-1777242
