Library Books
MMSD is partnering with the Madison Public Library and the Dream Bus to increase student access to library books while students are attending school virtually. Students will be able to pick up books from their nearest Madison Public Library location. Students will be able to check out books regardless of library fines.
Locations
FAQ
- How do I know when my school's pick up hours are?
- What if I have previous unpaid fines from my school library or Madison Public Library? Can I still pick up books?
- Can I choose which book I want or will the librarian choose for me?
- Do I need a library card to pick up books from the Madison Public Library?
- What kinds of safety precautions will the library staff be taking?
- Can I go to any school I want to get a book?
- When do I need to return my books?
How do I know when my school's pick up hours are?
Library dates and times will be listed on this website. You can also find information about a school by going to their Destiny Discover Library page.
What if I have previous unpaid fines from my school library or Madison Public Library? Can I still pick up books?
Can I choose which book I want or will the librarian choose for me?
Elementary Students K-5 - When you arrive at an elementary school site you can share with the person that is working with you what your interests are. They will then select books that will hopefully meet your wishes.
Secondary Students (6 - 12) - Students will place a hold on a specific title before they come to the school pick up site. You will get a notice saying the book(s) has been set aside for you. The book or books will be pulled and waiting for you when you arrive.
Do I need a library card to pick up books from the Madison Public Library?
Yes at this time you do need an MPL library card to check out public library books. If you don’t have a library card right now you can apply for one on Madison Public Library's website.
What kinds of safety precautions will the library staff be taking?
Only MMSD staff will be allowed into school buildings to limit contact. While in the buildings staff are expected to wear face masks, stay six feet away from others, and keep a log of people that interact with them for more than 15 minutes. Books will be in quarantine for at least 24 hours after they are returned to the library before they are redistributed.
Can I go to any school I want to get a book?
Elementary students may go to any elementary school that is listed on the district website to get books. Secondary students (grade 6 - 12) will need to go to their home school to get the book that they requested.
Students can return their library books to any school in the district or to the technology hubs (La Follette and Memorial high schools).
When do I need to return my books?
Public Libraries
Madison Public Library locations are offering curbside pick up. You can reserve a book online and pick it up curbside, or call the library (608-315-5151) and they can help you place a hold.
The Dream Bus will be working with Madison Public Library to drop off books at community centers and MSCR Cares sites for students to use during programming.
How to get a library card
If you do not already have a library card, you can apply for a library card on Madison Public Library's website. There are two options: a virtual library card and a full-use library card. You can use a virtual library card to access eBooks, audiobooks and other online materials. You can use a full-use library card to place holds for physical books, CDs and DVDs that you can pick up from your nearest Madison Public Library location.
Anyone can sign up for a free library card (children under 16 will need an adult's permission). You can do this online by filling out this form. If you are requesting a library card for a child under 16, their parent or guardian will also need to attach a copy of a valid photo ID to the request.
If you do not know where your library card is or your address has changed, you can fill out the online form and the library will send you a new card or update your information. If you have any questions, you can visit the library's Library Card information page or call the library at (608)315-5151.
Curbside Pickup
If you already have a library card, you can use it to browse materials on LINKcat. When you find something you’d like to check out, simply hit the “Place a Hold” button and choose the library that you'd like to pick it up at. You will be notified when your books or library materials are ready to be picked up. You can pick up materials safely and conveniently by making an appointment to pick up books online or by calling the library directly.
Are you unsure of what kinds of books you want? Fill out a quick form online and Madison Public Library librarians will put together a bundle of new books based on your interests. This is a great way to find new materials for the whole family.
No more library fines!
The Madison Public Library is now fine free! Madison Public Library stopped assessing late and overdue fees in August 2020 and is currently working on waiving existing fines for library patrons. You can call the library at (608)315-5151 to check on the status of your fines.
MMSD Libraries
We are excited to be able to provide students with access to resources in a safe manner. Please note that students and families will not be allowed in school buildings and should remain in vehicles whenever possible and follow all guidelines for school distributions.
Elementary schools
Elementary school families may visit any participating elementary school site during their pick up hours to check out books. Elementary school librarians will put together bags of books based on themes (animals, mysteries, sports) or by grade level, and families will be able to select a book bag based on their student's age or interests.
How to reserve a book in Destiny Discover (MS and HS)
Students in middle and high schools can reserve books in Destiny to pick up at their school during the designated hours. Below are video instructions on how to reserve books in Destiny (click the square in the corner to view a bigger version of the video), or you can use the written instructions for reserving a book in Destiny