Madison Public Library

First Friday Film Night is almost here, and this first film of the month is family-friendly!

Join us on Friday, August 7 at Lakeview Library for a free screening of the award-winning animated film Ernest & Celeste (2012).

Follow Celestine, a creative young mouse, and Ernest, a kindhearted bear, as they form an unexpected friendship that challenges the fears and expectations of their very different communities. Filled with humor, heart, and beautiful animation, this charming story is perfect for kids, families, and movie lovers of all ages.

Bring your family, grab a seat, and enjoy a cozy movie night at the library on August 7 from 6-8pm.

Save the date for an author talk with Dr. Crystal Moten, an award-winning public historian, leader, and highly sought after speaker in the Galleries, Archives, Libraries and Museum (GLAM) sector.

Dr. Moten currently serves as Associate Director of Collections at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York Public Library, a research library of the NYPL The New York Public Library and she'll be visiting us at Hawthorne Library on August 15 to discuss her book, Continually Working: Black Women, Community Intellectualism, and Economic Justice in Post War Milwaukee. The first 20 attendees will receive copies of the book!

The lecture will explore the stories of Black working women who resisted employment inequality in the Midwest, from the 1940s to the 1970s. Dr. Crystal M. Moten will center the political and intellectual strategies that Black Midwestern working women used to critique and resist employment discrimination, exploring their tireless efforts to shed light on histories we desperately need to learn more about.

No registration is required for this event - simply mark your calendar for Sat, August 15 at Hawthorne Library at 2pm. This event is made possible thanks to Beyond the Page, National Endowment for the Humanities and Madison Community Foundation.

Music sounds better when learning!

The Growing Voices series is designed for little ones (birth-5) to sing, play instruments, dance, and have fun together alongside their parents or caregivers. There are two upcoming events at Meadowridge Library on August 3 & 10 from 10-11:30am.

See a full list of dates and more information at madpl.org/growingvoices.

Summer is flying by, but that means filled-in WE READ Maps are trickling in!

Library staff have been loving hearing about everyone’s goals and progress throughout the summer and can’t wait to reward those who show them their maps with the 2026 commemorative WE READ badge (available while supplies last).

Maps can be shown to a library staffer at any library location now until the end of the summer, regardless of whether the map is fully completed. Come and show us what you’ve been up to!

Bring your stories to life one frame at a time!

Drop in to Lakeview Library's Stop Motion Animation Lab next Mon, August 3 from 1-2:30pm and try our stop motion and hand-drawn animaiton stations. Whether you're creating your first animation or looking to sharpen your skills, animator Nate Clark will be on hand to demonstrate techniques, answer questions, and help you get started.

Nate Clark is a filmmaker, actor, and animator whose work spans the video game and film industries. His projects have earned recognition from organizations including the BAFTA Awards, the Hugo Awards, and the Critics Choice Awards. Since 2012, he's taught digital media production for all ages at Madison Public Library as part of The Bubbler at Madison Public Library, helping aspiring creators turn their ideas into animated stories.

No experience necessary, just bring your imagination and drop in!

Today is the first day of In-Person Absentee Voting (IPAV) for the August 11 Fall Primary Election across the City of Madison, Wisconsin Government!

Madison residents can vote early at any IPAV location between July 28 - August 8, including at seven Madison Public Library locations. During in-person absentee voting, you can also return absentee ballots and register to vote with City Of Madison Clerk staff (except for during the three days prior to the election).

Not sure if you're already registered? Check your voter registration status, see what's on your ballot, and confirm your voting location at myvote.wi.gov before traveling. Be sure to confirm dates and times for in-person absentee voting at the library by visiting madpl.org/vote.

Plus - did you know? You'll already have everything you need to get a library card if you're registering to vote, so why not get one while you're in the library over the coming weeks?

Many people are surprised to learn that Wisconsin had Prisoner of War camps during WWII, housing about 20,000 POWs.

Bob Block, member of the Oregon Area Historical Society, will present on the POW camps in the United States and Wisconsin next week on Tues, August 4 at Pinney Library from 6:30-7:45pm. He'll share interesting stories of former prisoners of war and those who worked alongside them.

No registration required! This program is part of the Beyond 250 series focusing on U.S. American history and is sponsored by Beyond the Page, National Endowment for the Humanities and Madison Community Foundation.

Join us for Read & Breathe, a special storytime at Alicia Ashman Library on Wednesday mornings from 10:30-11:15am that weaves together books, songs and mindful practices for children and their caregivers.

We'll begin with stories, songs, and a few mindfulness games and end with a time for child-led play. All activities help children develop important communication, pre-reading and emotional regulation skills.

Families are welcome to stay as long as they like; siblings and friends are welcome.

No registration required; we'll see you next Wed, July 29!

See all future dates at madpl.org/storytimes

Neighbors and friends, join us on Saturday, August 8 from 9:30-11:30am to celebrate Jennifer Bastian’s impact as the artist-in-residence over the past two years at Thurber Park.

The Thurber Park Artist Residency was founded in 2019 in partnership with the City of Madison, Wisconsin Government and this multi-year residency provides a private studio space within Thurber Park (3325 Thurber Ave.) for an artist to develop their own art practice by working towards the creation of a public art piece for the City of Madison and inviting the community in to see and experience the art-making process.

Jennie's residency, titled Hold & Release, has explored how art can help us access the emotions our daily lives don't leave room for by working with our hands to create collages, portraits, grief garlands, and more. All ages are welcome to attend this celebration where we'll tie up loose ends!

No registration is required and free refreshments will be available.