Madison Public Library invites you and your family to celebrate library joy! We have many free and fun activities planned throughout the year, and we look forward to seeing you often-- both in libraries and in our community! There will truly be something for every one this summer as we celebrate the many wonderful ways that kids are reading, creating, writing and playing with WE READ.
We Read is made possible thanks to support from Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation, Madison Public Library Foundation, Dick Goldberg & Lisa Munro, and David Wood & Jane Doughty.
Reading
Books By the Bag
This summer stop into any library or on the Dream Bus and grab a WE READ tote bag. Fill it up with your favorite library books! Not sure what to read? Ask your librarian! We would be happy to help you find the perfect summer read.
Literacy Tips for Babies & Toddlers
At each library this summer, we will be sharing a Literacy Tip during storytimes, at the front desk, and on TV screens in library spaces. Look to these spaces for advice on how to engage your little ones in pre-reading activities to help them build skills and excitement about reading. These tips will change weekly throughout the summer.
Early Literacy Calendar
For babies and pre-readers, we have an Early Literacy Calendar created by the Public Library Association. The calendar (available in both English and Spanish) is full of engaging content designed to help begin a literacy journey with your little ones. Calendars include learning activities, curated book lists, nursery rhymes, song lyrics, early literacy tips, suggested reading material and more! Stop into any of our library locations after June 7 to pick up the June-December pages of the 2024 calendar.
The first six months were released as part of the Winter WE READ campaign, and will be given out as available - ask your librarian!
Book Lists
Storytimes
Ebooks + Audiobooks
Nine local artists were selected by the Bubbler at Madison Public Library to lead art-making programs for We Read all summer long
We Read Bubbler Artists-in-Residence
The We Read Bubbler Artist-in-Residence (formerly Bubbler Artist in the Neighborhood) runs June to August 2024. This program places a local artist into each of our nine libraries for the entire summer with the goal of hosting weekly programs for kids and families. The vision and expertise of local teaching artists mingles with collaborative input from library communities - creating something entirely new that's rooted in literacy, creative self-expression, and hands-on learning for children and families. READ ARTIST BIOS
We'll host a kick-off event led by each artist at every library location during the month of June where you can meet YOUR We Read Bubbler Artist-in-Residence, design your own card for the WE READ Card Game, pick up a WE READ bag and start your summer at the library.
We Read Bubbler Artists + Program Dates
- Alicia Ashman Library: Rita Salm (They/Them) | Tuesdays, 2-3pm June 25 - August 13
- Goodman South Madison Library: Ellie Braun (She/Her) | Mondays, 1-2:30pm June 17 - August 5
- Central Library: Kati Fernandez-Lambert (She/Her) | Thursdays, 10-11:30am June 13 - August 1 (No program on July 4 in observance of Independence Day)
- Hawthorne Library: Savannah Starling (She/Her) | Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30pm June 26 - August 14
- Lakeview Library: Elias Mittelstadt (He/Him) | Wednesdays, 3:30-5pm June 12 - August 14 (No program on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth)
- Meadowridge Library: Lashay the Artist (She/Her) | Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm June 18 - August 20 (No program on August 13)
- Monroe Street Library: Poornima Moorthy (She/Her) | Fridays, 2-3pm and Saturdays 10am - 12pm on various dates between June 15 - August 24 (PLEASE CHECK THE CALENDAR)
- Pinney Library: Renee Gavigan (She/Her) | Tuesdays, 10-11:30am June 11 - August 13
- Sequoya Library: Meghan Rosing (She/Her) | Wednesdays, 10-10:45am June 12 - August 14 (No program on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth)
These artist residencies are funded by the Friends of Madison Public Library, Friends of Monroe Street Library, Friends of Sequoya Library, and Madison Public Library Foundation.
The Dream Bus Making & Learning Intern leads art and making programs at Dream Bus stops and during community events throughout the summer.
Dream Bus Maker Intern
Every summer, the Dream Bus brings on a Making & Learning Intern to help create fun programs as our library on wheels expands its offerings to fit the increased demands for service that summer brings. As the weather gets warmer, the invitations to attend community events begin to roll in, and with them come requests for support and activities for kids and families. This often looks like signing people up for library cards, providing information on library services, giving book recommendations, and much more.
Last summer, the Dream Bus attended more than a dozen community events, including Mobile Madison, Parks Alive, neighborhood block parties, and more! Throughout it all, the Making & Learning Intern provided opportunities for kids to get creative through art and making activities. Here's what last year's intern, Holly Wergin, had to say about her experience working with kids throughout the summer:
“There is really nothing like the feeling of contentment and happiness that comes with working and learning from children,” Wergin said. “They exude positivity and silliness that I think a lot of us older people need sometimes.”
Check back in this space throughout the summer to meet the 2024 Making & Learning Intern, hear what projects they've got planned, and see photos from the Dream Bus. See the Dream Bus schedule.
WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest is Open!
The WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest returned April 1 to celebrate the connection between reading and writing, as well as the beauty of youth voice in our community! The theme for the 2024 Writing Contest is “Celebrate Small Heroes.” Every act of heroism, bravery, or kindness - no matter how small - matters.
The theme was chosen by this year's Youth Ambassador and last year's Grand Prize Winner, Diya Dwahal. We can't wait to hear your stories of everyday acts of heroism and the impact they can have.
Aspiring writers in the Madison area, ages 18 and under, are invited to submit a short story, poem, song, etc. with the chance to win CASH PRIZES, get recognized on the field at a Forward Madison FC game, be published in the Youth Voices Anthology, and participate as one of the featured authors at the Wisconsin Book Festival Fall Celebration in October.
Learn More
Submit a Story
Youth Voices Anthology
Playing
The WE READ Card Game is back by popular demand! This is our version of summer reading, and there are a few reasons why. The game was designed to encourage kids to read and play all summer long in a way that builds literacy development and it engages the whole family in reading. It also doesn't require kids or families to “track” reading, while simultaneously offering more equitable options for reading outside the library for those who face transportation barriers. Most importantly, it's fun, open ended, and celebrates reading as the reward.
How do you play the game?
We made a whole video to walk you through it, which you can watch below. The basics are that there are two types of cards in the deck: READ | LEE and PLAY | JUEGA. Each READ | LEE card is packed with fun challenges or activities to encourage kids to read and celebrate the reading they’re already doing. You can start by picking a READ | LEE card and doing the activity you see on the card. Once that's done, reward yourself with a PLAY | JUEGA card, each of which offers a joke, rhyme, tongue-twister or other instant, reading-based reward.
What's different this year?
The big thing that's changed this year is that you can play the game all summer long! We added numbers, suits, and images to the deck so that games like charades, memory, go fish, and more are possible (instructions included!). Plus, every card and deck is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
What about prizes?
The WE READ Card Game is NOT tied directly to prizes at the desk. The deck is the deck, and prizes are tied to interactions with staff, so kids don’t need to remember to bring cards back. Kids earn prizes this year by filling out or responding to a weekly Share Your Voice prompt at the desk. You can take home specialty prizes like wooden bookmarks that you can decorate yourself, snap bracelets, and mini maker kits!
Play Guide
Baby Song Books
Play in the Wild
Upcoming Programs
See the list of events and programs you can participate in over the next 30 days below:
Additional programs are available on madpl.org/calendar
Apply for a Library Card
You can apply for a card or manage your Library account in-person at any of our physical locations, including the Dream Bus. Library cards give you access to the Wisconsin Digital Library, ebooks, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, streaming video, books and more!
If you don't already have a valid library card, you can apply for one online. There are two card options: Individual and Organizational.
Get an Organizational Card
Get a Library Card
Social Media
Be sure to join in the fun with what you're reading and how you're reading using the hashtag #WeReadMadison and tagging @MadisonPublicLibrary on Instagram and Facebook. Plus, we've got a great selection of book lists that cover lots of genres and topics. Check them out now!
Like/Follow/Tag @madisonpubliclibrary
Access our Media Kit for graphics, press release and an email template for easy sharing.
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