Madison Public Library Foundation Fall / Winter 2026 Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE

SPRING 2016

FALL/WINTER 2026 SPRING 2016

A newsletter from Madison Public Library Foundation

Mark Your Calendars for Ex Libris $5 million Capital Campaign Reaches Goal Join Us for Imagination Center Grand Opening Wisconsin Book Festival: Fall Celebration Highlights

Imagine the Possibilities Dear friends, It’s hard to imagine all of the possibilities a library contains. Programming sparks interests that become passions. Community events introduce us to neighbors and create friendships through connection. Entire worlds reside between the covers of thousands of books.

Libraries are often asked to be all things to all people.

That’s a pretty tall order, but it’s clear they mean so much to so many. One of the reasons the library is able to reach people with incredibly varied backgrounds is the sheer breadth of the collection. When you sign up for a new library card, you gain access to virtually unlimited stories and unbounded information. When you attend Wisconsin Book Festival events, you engage with the newest books, but also with other curious readers. When you visit a new library location, you see things through new eyes and get pulled in new directions.

This Fall, we look forward to sharing stories about the opportunities libraries provide. As library supporters, you help the library bring opportunity and possibility to everyone.

Hope you’re reading something good,

Conor Moran Executive Director, Madison Public Library Foundation

Mark Your Calendars for Ex Libris Explore Central Library after hours while enjoying craft beverages and small bites. Join Madison Public Library Foundation on November 6, 2026 at Ex Libris!

Bring a date, gather your friends, and make it a memorable night out. All event proceeds support Madison Public Library’s programs and collections through the Foundation’s unrestricted Annual Fund. Tickets go on sale on September 1, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Each $100 ticket includes admission and a full evening of fun:

• Savor small bites from a diverse variety of local restaurants and artisan food purveyors

• Sign up for a library card on site, and enjoy a wide array of donorsupported benefits

• Sip on an exciting array of beverages. Past events have featured beer, wine, coffee, cider, spirits, non alcoholic beers and mocktails

• Snag some swag: take home an Ex Libris-exclusive librarythemed sticker as a souvenir of your evening

• Challenge friends and loved ones to a scavenger hunt throughout the library • Peruse our online auction to find the perfect gift for the book lovers and foodies in your life • Pose for photos with friends and family

For tickets and information, visit mplfoundation.org

An idea many years in the making is about to become a reality, thanks to donors like you! Join Madison Public Library Foundation at the Grand Opening Weekend of the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park, Madison Public Library’s first new library in more than 25 years.

Mark your calendars! On Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26, join us for a weekend of free, family-friendly activities welcoming the library to Madison!

The celebration begins Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 3–4 p.m., featuring local and state leaders, library representatives and community partners.

From 4–8 p.m., the doors will officially open to the public for the first time. Take a self-guided tour of the new space, get a library card, enjoy light refreshments and see everything the Imagination Center has to offer. Families can also enjoy a Wild Rumpus play event from 4–5 p.m. and an outdoor movie from 5–7 p.m. In inclement weather, the Parks Pavillion will be used for these activities.

Family Hub rendering within the ICRP

This new library was made possible in part by the extraordinary generosity of donors like you. We hope you’ll join us to celebrate what our community has made possible and help write the Imagination Center’s first chapter.

The celebration continues Saturday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. with a nature walk and storytime from 10–11a.m., food trucks from 10a.m.–1p.m., hands-on art activities from the Bubbler at Madison Public Library, a Wild Rumpus play event from 12–2 p.m., and live music from 2–4 p.m. Stop in for part of the day or stay for the whole celebration. No registration is required.

Solar tree and patio area behind the ICRP

For more information, visit: madpl.org/imaginationopening Renderings provided by JLA Architects

YOUR DOLLARS AT WORK

Opening Weekend Set for Imagination Center at Reindahl Park

Get More for Free with Your Library Card

Foundation’s $5 Million Capital Campaign Reaches Its Goal Madison Public Library Foundation is proud to announce the successful completion of its $5 million capital campaign supporting the construction of the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park!

More than 250 individuals, organizations and foundations contributed to the campaign, helping the Foundation reach its goal ahead of the library’s opening.

“The hallmark of this campaign has been a steadily gathering enthusiasm about expanded library service for Madison,” says Foundation Executive Director, Conor Moran.

Any additional funds raised will be added to the Imagination Center Library

endowment, creating sustainable, perennial support for the new space.

Endowments currently exist for each of Madison’s libraries, and funds are used to support programming, technology, and building maintenance.

“We are excited to open the first brand-new Madison library in more than 25 years, and to introduce this fabulous new facility to the public,” says Library Director Tana Elias.

Thanks to you, our generous supporters, this new library will serve the community for generations to come. For more information on the capital campaign, visit mplfoundation.org

Read your favorite magazines anytime with the Libby app!

Browse current issues and subscribe to receive notifications when a new issue is available. Thanks to donors like YOU, the library makes it easy to stay informed and entertained.

YOUR DOLLARS AT WORK

Wisconsin Book Festival: Fall Celebration Highlights The Wisconsin Book Festival celebrates a milestone 25 years of bringing storytellers and story lovers together at the Fall Celebration on October 15–18, 2026. More than 80 authors will take part in over 55 events at Central Library and other enues over four packed days of free author events.

“This milestone year is a chance to celebrate everything our community has made possible over the past 25 years,” Wisconsin Book Festival director Jane Rotonda shared. “We can’t wait to welcome readers to hear from incredible authors, discover new books and experience the energy that makes Fall Celebration such a special weekend.”

This year, festivalgoers can expect even more ways to join the celebration, with anniversary swag, a community puzzle and other fun surprises throughout the weekend. Most importantly, the festival will continue doing what it has done best for 25 years: bringing writers and readers together for lively, thought-provoking conversations across genres, perspectives and ideas.

Can’t wait until October? Get in a bookish mood with Emily St. John Mandel on Sept. 25, and John Green on Oct. 1.

St. John Mandel

Green

FALL CELEBRATION HIGHLIGHTS

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF FREE AUTHOR EVENTS!

The festival has something for every reader, from tantalizing poetry and fiction, to scientific deep dives and thought-provoking nonfiction. In a lineup of over 55 events, here are a few in-the-know suggestions to add to your festival experience.

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a Poet Laureate, may we recommend…

BRENDA CÁRDENAS, OSCAR MIRELES + ANGIE TRUDELL VASQUEZ | Friday, October 16

Cárdenas

Wisconsin Poet Laureate Brenda Cárdenas joins former Madison Poets Laureate Oscar Mireles and Angie Trudell Vasquez for “Current and Former Poets Laureate in Wisconsin: A 25th Anniversary Reading,” celebrating Wisconsin poetry and the festival’s 25th anniversary, Friday, October 16, 7:30 p.m., Central Library, Lower-Level Program Room.

Lost in the Stats: Quiz

1

Lost in the Stats is a recurring feature that highlights interesting library-related numbers. In this issue we are showcasing facts about library collections and celebrating the 25th Wisconsin Book Festival Fall Celebration, October 15–18.

In 2025, about how many people attended the Wisconsin Book Festival’s free events?

How many packets did Madison Public Library’s Seed Library program give away in 2025?

Which Madison Public Library collection saw its checkouts increase by 20% in 2025?

A. 3,500 B. 7,500 C. 10,000 D. 14,00 0

A. 15,000 B. 30,000 C. 45,000 D. 60,000

A. Vinyl records B. Video games C. Blu-rays D. Book Club Kits

For quiz answers, scan here

M adison’s Biggest Book Club

2

F rom Seed Packet to Fall Harvest

3

B orrowing Is Booming

If you compete with your family to write the best New Yorker caption, you may enjoy. . .

If politics is your middle name, and you’ve got the bumper stickers to prove it, try. . .

Chast

ROZ CHAST + JASON ADAM KATZENSTEIN | Friday, October 16

#1 New York Times bestselling author Roz Chast and fellow New Yorker cartoonist Jason Adam Katzenstein bring their brilliantly relatable humor to The Two Saddest Kitchens, a new comics conversation about clutter, culinary aspirations and the decidedly imperfect kitchens we actually inhabit.

Friday, October 16, 7:30 p.m., Central Library, Community Rooms 301 & 302.

If you can’t resist a heroine you can’t help but root for, and you’re a sucker for a juicy read with plenty of surprises, then join us for. . .

Katzenstein

Madison native and former Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair, Ben Wikler, discusses his New York Times bestseller This Is The Plan. Drawing on decades of organizing in Wisconsin’s fiercely contested political landscape he offers a practical roadmap for protecting American democracy.

Saturday, October 17, 6 p.m., Central Library, Community Rooms 301 & 302.

If you take an NPR tote bag and your golden retriever, or a cat in a backpack, to the farmer’s market, this event’s for you. . .

Chast

Beloved NPR Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon shares Ulysses S. Cat And Other Animals I Have Known, a warm, witty collection of stories about the memorable animals he has encountered at home and around the world and the extraordinary bonds between people and animals. Sunday, October 18, 12 p.m., Central Library, Community Rooms 301 & 302.

PEN/Faulkner award-winner and National Book Award finalist Deesha Philyaw discusses her funny and frank novel, packed with surprising turns. The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman is about a wife of a popular and powerful megachurch pastor who upends her charmed “rags-to-Rolex” life when her secret past comes roaring into the spotlight. Saturday, October 17, 3 p.m., Central Library, Community Room 301.

Event locations vary. For the full event-lineup and to become a Wisconsin Book Festival member, visit wisconsinbookfestival.org or scan the QR code.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! SIGNATURE SPONSOR

Thank you to Signature Sponsor Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation for their continued support from the first festival to the twenty-fifth!

CHAMPIONS

LEADERS

The Bass Family

pleasant t.

Rowland

Simon

SCOTT SIMON | Sunday, October 18

Philyaw

DEESHA PHILYAW | Saturday, October 17

Wikler

BEN WIKLER | Saturday, October 17

Laura & William Bird

Tana Elias & Andrew Clarkowski

Al Friedman & Susan Tikalsky

foundation

Lucy Sanna

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15– October 15, Madison Public Library will host a series of exciting events highlighting the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latine Americans. Library visitors can enjoy bilingual programs, and programming for all ages such as art making experiences, music and films, and opportunities for conversation and community connection.

Madison Public Library provides free and equitable access to cultural and educational experiences for all Madisonians. The library celebrates ideas, sparks creativity, connects people, and enriches lives, with an emphasis on promoting literacy and equity in library collections, services, and programs.

 At Lee Canta Crea (Read Sing Create), Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a bilingual story inspired by the life of the author’s Puerto Rican grandmother, a beloved music teacher. Lakeview Library, October 3, 10 a.m.

 Come join us for a screening of the Pixar picture Coco at Meadowridge Library on November 2 from 6–7:45 p.m.

EVENTS & HIGHLIGHTS

AASPIRE Internship Program For more than thirty years, the Affirmative Action Student Professionals in Residence (AASPIRE) program has placed more than 250 students into paid summer internships throughout the City of Madison. This paid internship runs 8-10 weeks and focuses on managementlevel projects, mentoring, and a deeper understanding of public service. This summer, Madison Public Library welcomed Marketing & Outreach Intern Vanessa Gavilan!

Toddler receives their first library card at Pinney Library.

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month This September–December, sign up for a library card in person at the Imagination Center Library and receive a special Welcome to the Neighborhood booklet that includes discounts and coupons for local businesses on the northeast side.

It’s a great way to discover some new places to eat, sip, and shop with your books and library materials in hand!

With your card, you’ll also gain access to a wide variety of donor-supported resources, such as books, music, DVDs, and video games; Kanopy’s streaming film library; and Libby’s ebooks, audiobooks, and periodicals like Consumer Reports.

Have you always wanted to start a book club, try a cooking class, give disc golf a whirl, or listen to a vinyl album all the way through? The library’s got you covered with donor-and-partner supported Library of Things disc golf kits, albums and record players, and book club kits. Are you hoping to spend time this winter learning about your family tree? Your Madison Public Library card also gives you access to in-library use of Ancestry.com and our local history collection.

Spread the word and bring a friend to visit our newest library!

Come by the new Imagination Center at Reindahl Park to sign up for your library card and get your Welcome to the Neighborhood booklet!

The offer begins during the Grand Opening Weekend September 25–26, 2026, so don’t forget to bring your proof of address and photo ID. The Imagination Center is located at 1814 Parkside Dr. For more information, visit madpl.org/signupmonth

Vanessa brought creativity, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for connecting with the community. She helped promote WE READ, the Bubbler Summer Artists-in-Residence. She also attended 10 community events, helped visitors sign up for library cards and newsletters, and used her Spanish-language skills to connect with the Latine community.

Gavilan, pictured at Central Library

“My internship has been so wonderful thanks to the amazing people I work with and the community I am serving,” said Gavilan. “I loved being able to connect with people in the Madison community during outreach events, getting to hear what the library means to them and being able to direct them to resources or programming. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to develop my professional skills and passions while enjoying every moment.”

MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARIES madpl.org Alicia Ashman Library 733 N. High Point Rd. Goodman South Library 2222 S. Park St. Hawthorne Library 2707 E. Washington Ave. mplfoundation.org Imagination Center Library Opens 9/25, 1814 Parkside Dr. info@mplfoundation.org Lakeview Library 2845 N. Sherman Ave. Executive Director Conor Moran Meadowridge Library 5726 Raymond Rd. Communications Manager Sarah Best Monroe Street Library 1705 Monroe St. Newsletter Design Georgia Rucker Pinney Library 516 Cottage Grove Rd. Special Thanks: Jane Rotonda and Sequoya Library 4340 Tokay Blvd.

Rodlyn Banting Central Library 201 W. Mifflin St. 201 W. Mifflin Street Madison, Wisconsin 53703 608.266.6318

CENTRAL LIBRARY • 7–10 P.M.

F R I D AY, N O V E M B E R 6 SC

Explore Central Library after hours while enjoying craft beverages and small bites from 30+ Tasting Partners.

T AN

FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO: mplfoundation.org/ex-libris

PRESENTING SPONSOR

LEADERS

Tana Elias & Andrew Clarkowski

All event proceeds fund Madison Public Library’s efforts to spark literacy, foster curiosity, and support the community.

O

TI BU Y

C K E T S!

#ExLibris2026

PARTNERS Josh Anderson & Sarah Neujahr Counting on the Arts Tom DeChant & Paul Gibler Findorff Michael Best Pines Bach Rowe Design & Construction Stafford Rosenbaum SVA Public Accountants TruStage