Library · Madison
Libraries in Madison
Madison Public Library serves Madison’s 304,881 residents from 9 locations. Last year it logged 1,371,269 visits, about 4.5 for every resident, and lent 3.1M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Madison Public Library
201 W. Mifflin St., Madison 53703
68 hrsopen a week
120,000sq ft
748Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#16
#16 of 30 · Most-used libraries in WI →Among WI towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#16 · Most library borrowing →#20 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
1.4M
visits
4.5 per resident
3.1M
loans, print + digital
10.3 per resident
4,462
programs & events
92K attended
153K
library cards
50% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 100,000+ people
Per-resident numbers, compared only with libraries of a similar size across the country, because a tiny town’s library always looks busier per person.
Visits per resident
4.5 visits · typical 2.1
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
7.1 print items · typical 3.2
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
3.2 e-items · typical 1.4
Higher than 81% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.7 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 74% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.2
Higher than 71% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
50% of residents
Higher than 69% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
3.1M loans last year
Books & media (adults)43%Kids’ books & media26%E-books, audio & streaming31%
Who the programs are for
4,462 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$74 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $22M.
Local 87%State 1%Federal 0%Gifts & other 11%
Locations
Other libraries in Madison
About these numbers
How to read this page
Hours are an averageThe survey reports a building’s public hours for the whole year. We divide by the weeks it was open, so check the library’s own site for today’s hours.
Compared by size“Similar-size” means libraries serving about as many people, nationwide. Per-resident numbers always flatter the smallest towns, so they’re never compared with big cities.
One year, the library’s own countLibraries report their own visits, loans and programs for fiscal year 2024. A library that didn’t respond keeps its address and hours here, with no numbers.
Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services, Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024. Distances are straight-line from the town center.