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Madison Metropolitan School District

Mad for Reading

Mad for reading - student listening to a book
Mad for reading - student looking up from a book

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is committed to amplifying the brilliance of all students. MMSD is proud to launch our citywide "Mad for Reading" program to deepen the joy, excitement and fundamental importance of literacy and bi-literacy. Literacy is not only a gateway to understanding and interacting with the world, it is the core of everything we do.

Through this program, we highlight MMSD's unwavering commitment to the educational success of our students and Madison's shared commitment to literacy. “Mad for Reading” is a powerful tool that drives engagement and success in the district’s broader educational goals.

In the coming months, get immersed in a world of possibilities. From thrilling reading challenges that ignite your competitive spirit to captivating author visits that bring stories to life, Mad for Reading has something for everyone to enjoy.

  • All-City Reads unites us as we delve into the pages of a shared book, sparking discussions and forging connections across our vibrant community.
  • Or imagine the joy of coming together for lively Book Clubs, where voices are heard and perspectives are valued.
  • Prepare for enchanting evenings filled with wonder at our Family Literacy Nights, where storytelling and creativity intertwine to create unforgettable memories for young and old alike.
  • Embrace the digital realm with our curated Digital Reading Resources and ignite your imagination with just the click of a button. Discover new worlds, learn new skills and embrace the power of community.
  • Mark your calendars for our Community Literacy Events. Join neighbors and friends to celebrate the magic of reading and the boundless opportunities it brings.

So, families and community members, gear up for a journey like no other. Together, let's dive into the wonder of words, the joy of storytelling, and the endless adventures that await within the pages of a book. Get ready to be “Mad for Reading!”

MMSDtv

 

Join Us for the MAD for Reading Kickoff Event Press Conference! 

We're excited to invite you to the MAD for Reading Kickoff Event Press Conference—live on our YouTube channel! 

Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to hear from our leaders, learn about the exciting upcoming events, and get all the details about how you can be part of this amazing reading initiative!

Date: January 23, 2025
Time: 5:30

Watch on YouTube

As we embark on this literary adventure, we invite families and community
members to join us in fostering a love for reading that knows no bounds.
Sign Up to be part of the Mad for Reading Movement and help write our next Chapter

Literacy in Action…

Mad for Reading

 

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Sunday, December 29
Monday, December 30
Tuesday, December 31
Wednesday, January 1
Thursday, January 2
Friday, January 3
Saturday, January 4
Sunday, January 5
Monday, January 6
Tuesday, January 7
Wednesday, January 8
Thursday, January 9
Friday, January 10
Saturday, January 11
Sunday, January 12
Monday, January 13
Tuesday, January 14
Crestwood Literacy Night in the Allied Neighborhood
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Boys and Girls Club, 4619 Jenewein Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Wednesday, January 15
Gillespie Battle of the Books Competition
All Day
Ezekiel Gillespie Middle School, 101 S Gammon Rd, Madison, WI 53705, USA
East High Student Book Club
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East High School Library Media Center
Thursday, January 16
Friday, January 17
Madison Reading Project Free Book Fair @ Anana
All Day
Milele Chikasa Anana Elementary School, 6323 Woodington Way, Madison, WI 53711, USA
Saturday, January 18
Sunday, January 19
Monday, January 20
Tuesday, January 21
Wednesday, January 22
Virtual Author Talk: Power of Poetry with Jason Reynolds (7th - 8th grade)
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Book Break app in Classlink
Thursday, January 23
"Everyone Stop & Read"
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Milele Chikasa Anana Elementary School, 6323 Woodington Way, Madison, WI 53711, USA
Emerson Family Literacy Night
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Emerson Elementary School, 2421 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53704, USA
Mad for Reading Kickoff
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Southside Elementary School, 501 E Badger Rd, Madison, WI 53713, USA
Friday, January 24
Saturday, January 25
Sunday, January 26
Monday, January 27
Tuesday, January 28
Book Fix Kick Off
All Day
LaFollette LMC
Anana Battle of the Books Competition
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Anana LMC
Muir Battle of the Books Competition
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John Muir Elementary School, 6602 Inner Dr, Madison, WI 53705, USA
Literary Lancers Book Club
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LaFollette LMC
East Feeders Battle of the Books 4th & 5th Grade
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Emerson Elementary School, 2421 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53704, USA
Elvehjem Celebration of Learning
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Elvehjem Elementary School, 5106 Academy Dr, Madison, WI 53716, USA
Wednesday, January 29
LaFollette Read It and See It Book Club
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La Follette High School, 702 Pflaum Rd, Madison, WI 53716, USA
Thursday, January 30
Marquette Battle of the Books Competition
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Marquette Elementary School, 1501 Jenifer St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
Southside Battle of the Books
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Southside LMC
Friday, January 31
Lake View Battle of the Books
All Day
Lake View LMC
Hawthorne Battle of the Books Competition
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Hawthorne Elementary School, 3344 Concord Ave, Madison, WI 53714, USA
Saturday, February 1

Monthly Book Lists and Activities

Mad for Reading Kickoff Month - A World of Words Book Suggestions

A World of Words Book List

 

Monthly Reading Bingo Card

Bingo Card

 

Native American Month Book Suggestions

Mad for reading logo on Native American pattern

 

Mad for Reading Customizable Bookmark - Fall

coloring bookmark

 

Disability/Ability Awareness Month Book Suggestions

Disability/Ability Awareness month book lists

 

Mad for Reading Customizable Bookmark - Winter

Winter colarable bookmark

 

Hispanic Heritage Month Book Suggestions

Hispanic Heritage Month Reading Lists

 

Looking for Something to Do… Madison Public Library is Offering the Following FREE Opportunities:

Minecraft Club

Minecraft Club at Goodman South Madison Library is moving to Monday afternoons! Play in both creative and survival worlds with gaming devices that will be provided for you. Participants will take turns so everybody has a turn to create and explore! Recommended for ages 8 and up. No registration required. This is an ongoing club that will take place every Monday afternoon from 3:30-5pm beginning Monday, January 27 and lasting through May. See the full schedule online or look for Minecraft clubs at other library locations at madpl.org/gaming

 

Parent & Teen Night Program

February 5, 12, 19 | Hawthorne Library

Madison Public Library is partnering with the UW Office of Extension to offer a multi-session Parent & Teen Program at Hawthorne Library in early February. Parents will learn skills to help engage and encourage teen development, while teens and tweens (working in a separate space), will be building life skills around communication, time management, and more. All participants will enjoy some light refreshments throughout the evening. Registration is required for these programs, and each sessions will cover something different, so we encourage you to sign up for all three sessions if you're able. 

Bilingual Storytimes

Multiple dates & locations

We've got a bilingual storytime planned at Pinney Library  on Saturday, January 18 from 10-10:30am. All stories, songs and activities will be in both English and Spanish - no registration is required, and siblings and families are welcome. See you there! If you can't make that storytime, don't worry - we have more Spanish and Bilingual storytimes planned in multiple libraries this Spring! See what's coming up at madpl.org/cuentos

Local Tutoring Resources

Madison Public Library is dedicated to supporting students' academic success by connecting families with a variety of local tutoring resources in the Madison area. We offer information on school and community-based programs, free tutoring services, and private tutoring options to cater to diverse learning needs. Whatever your needs are, there is sure to be a resource perfect for you! Plus, kids can sign up for 1-on-1 writing help with Madison Writing Assistance's trained writing coaches for FREE at various library locations starting on February 3 when the service returns. 

A students smiling while listening to instruction

What is the Science of Reading?

The science of reading is the converging evidence of what matters and what works in literacy instruction, organized around models that describe how and why.

Learn More

Three sudents picking out books in the library

Early Literacy and Beyond Task Force

MMSD and the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education formed a joint task force focused on analyzing the most promising approaches to teaching reading and literacy.

Learn More

The science of reading is a collection of scientifically-based research about how children best learn to read. Learn more about Evidence-Based Reading Strategies as it relates to the 2023 Wisconsin Act 20.