Madison Public Library celebrates 150th birthday this weekend

MADISON, Wis (WMDX) – This weekend, the Madison Public Library is celebrating its 150th birthday. 

The first Madison library opened May 31, 1875. Now there are nine branches, and a 10th is in the works with the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park. 

The biggest celebration is Saturday, May 17. There’s a parade starting on the Capitol Square and ending at the Central Library. People can meet on the Square at 9:45 a.m. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Library Director Tana Elias will lead the parade. 

Once they get to the library, there will be speakers, tours, storytime and other activities that commemorate 150 years of service to Madisonians. 

There are events at all branches of the Madison Public Library this month. A handful took place last week, May 10. The Hawthorne, Lakeview, Monroe Street, and Pinney locations will have celebrations Saturday, May 31.