Announcements

EFFECTIVE APRIL 29TH, 2021 9AM
THE MIDDLETON PUBLIC LIBRARY FACILITY OPENS
WITH REDUCED HOURS AND INCREASED SAFETY MEASURES.
CURBSIDE PICKUP SERVICES, VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING, AND OUTREACH CONTINUE!

Updated on Thursday, April 8th

The Library is facility is re-opening in alignment with the Madison Dane County Public Health Department, the Department of Public Instruction, and the South Central Library System while following best practices and procedures that prioritize the health and safety of library staff and patrons. Thank you for your patience and for using your library!

Hours of Operation Effective April 29th:

Monday	Curbside Only 12-6PM
Tuesday	Curbside Only 12-8PM
Wednesday	Curbside Only 12-6PM
Thursday	Library Open 9AM-8PM
Friday	Library Open 9AM-6PM
Saturday	Library Open 9AM-5PM
Sunday	Currently Closed

Total visitor capacity is limited at this time.

Yes, these services are available when Library Open:
Browsing physical collections
Self-check holds pick-up
Computers, Printing, Faxing, Scanning, WIFI

Restrooms

No, these services are not yet available:
All in-person events
All room reservations
Eating and drinking
Seating
Access to lower level
Book donations and Friends Book Shop
No cash payments

Returns: The outside book drop is open 24/7 and the inside book drop is open during Library Open hours. The Middleton Public Library remains a fine-free library.
Curbside Pickup:

Please visit https://mid.linkcat.info to search and place holds, or call (608) 827-7401 during curbside hours.
Monday               Curbside 12-6PM
Tuesday               Curbside 12-8PM
Wednesday        Curbside 12-6PM
Please wait until you receive a ‘Holds Available’ notice before reserving a pick up time to ensure that your hold is processed and ready for you.

The schedule opens daily for same day pick up. Schedule your reservation at midlibrary.org/pickup or call (608) 827-7401.

Guidelines for In-Person Visits:

Leave food and drinks at home: Eating and drinking not allowed at this time.

Wear a mask: Masks are required inside all locations in accordance with the Amendment to State of Wisconsin Governor’s Emergency Order #15.
Limit your visit: At this time, we are limiting capacity to 30% (excluding staff). Minimizing your time in the Library will ensure more people have access to services. If the Library is at capacity, staff will help form a queue and guide you inside as soon as they can. Other services, like access to computers and printing, may also have increased wait times. For group visits please call or email 24 hours in advance.
Maintain physical distancing: There will be signs to help maintain 6ft. of distance at entry/exit and points of service.
Sanitize your hands when you enter: There are sanitizing stations with ethanol-based sanitizer at the entrance and throughout the Library. Restrooms are also available.
Browse the display tables for your next read: Library staff have filled the tables throughout the main level with new great titles in adult fiction, non-fiction, young adult, and kids’ books. Enjoy browsing!

More Library Services!

What to read next: Visit https://www.midlibrary.org/Databases and check out everything from magazines and newspapers, to children’s books and reading recommendations. Access is free with your library card. Fill out a Librarian’s Choice form on midlibrary.org for hand selected materials for all ages.

Library Programs: Library staff are offering online content and hosting programs virtually. See our online events calendar, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our e-newsletter to stay up to date on offerings. New offerings are added each week and recorded programs are accessible from midlibrary.org

Free WIFI Access: Anyone is welcome to use the WIFI. The WIFI radios have been moved to external windows in all directions, for a gigabit fiber connection to the Internet. Park along Hubbard Ave. or in the lots next to or even behind the building. Look for “Middleton Public Library Free Internet” on your device. Printing and copying services are available by appointment at (608) 827-7403.

Need a Library Card?: Residents of the South Central Library System service area who do not have a library card can apply for a card online.

What is Zoom!?: Zoom is a FREE video conferencing product that works on most devices that have a microphone and front facing camera—laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets. The library is using Zoom’s video capabilities so you can see the presenter in real time, from the comfort of your own home, while the library is closed. Visit www.zoom.us to download Zoom on your computer or install the Zoom app on your device to create an account.

About Facebook Live!: Storytimes and other programs for all ages are shared using Facebook Live! You do not need a Facebook account to watch, just search for the Middleton Public Library. Access live and recorded programs at midlibrary.org

Contact Us:
Phone: (608) 827-7401
Email: info@midlibrary.org
www.midlibrary.org

Library Board of Trustees meets the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30PM.
All meetings are open to the public.

IN HONOR OF JUNETEENTH : A STATEMENT FROM THE MIDDLETON PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dear Neighbors,

This Juneteenth, the national conversation about race is alive in our community. Across the nation, including Middleton, small and mid-sized communities are playing an important role as they step up to be part of the dialogue about anti-racism and inequity. Middleton Public Library pledges itself to join the efforts of all who share in the mission of building a community free of racism, hatred, and intolerance. Black Lives Matter.

The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and now others, have demonstrated once again, that the battle against racism and intolerance is not over. That racism is not only individual subtle and violent acts, but invisible systems conferring dominance on a group. Middleton Public Library will look inward to examine our organizational practices, policies, procedures, and identify where and how we can do better, and be better. Together, let’s challenge ourselves and each other to meet the moral imperative of confronting and dismantling systemic racism.

Middleton Public Library stands with those in Dane County, the state of Wisconsin, and throughout our country who are exercising their Constitutional rights to protest against systemic racism, inequity, and violence against the Black community. As a public library, we stand for the innate equality of all we serve. Libraries are for everyone. We pledge to do our part to help our community recognize and celebrate that diversity, inclusivity, and equity are pillars of a strong and thriving community.

Intellectual freedom is the cornerstone of democracy and public library service. Public libraries have a long history of being agents of social change, and Middleton Public Library is committed to continuing that work. We believe in enlightenment through education and value lifelong learning. Through our inclusive resources, programs and staff, we will continue to grow and share collections and connections with the community that inspire conversations about timely topics. We are listening and learning. Love, justice, hate, equality, friendship, prejudice, peace, anger, fear, humor…through the power of reading we can learn about and understand these topics, make sense of our own lives, and build stronger relationships with our families, neighbors, community, and the world. Libraries grow and transform with their communities. We hope you’ll join us in exploring how your public library can contribute to justice and equity.

In solidarity,
Jocelyne Sansing, Middleton Public Library Director
Middleton Public Library Board of Trustees: Robert Burk, Courtney Ward-Reichard, Roshelle Ritzenthaler, MaryBeth Paulisse, Christopher Morris, Rose Sime, Thomas Yost, Cynthia Zellers, and Rob Seltzer