Libraries
Library Branches Relish Their Individual History
Here are important dates in the history of Madison's libraries:
*In 1853, Silas U. Pinney, a Madison lawyer, became a charter member of the Madison Institute, which was a subscription library.
*On March 21, 1872, the state Legislature approved “An Act Authorizing Cities and Villages to Establish Free Public Libraries and Reading Rooms.”
*On Nov. 21, 1874, the Common Council of Madison approved an ordinance for the organization of a free public library.
Each library branch has its own important dates:
Central Library
*First located in the City Hall, the Madison Free Library took over the Madison Institute Collection when it was created in 1875.
*The Carnegie Building opened on Feb. 23, 1906, at 210 N. Carroll St. Industrialist Andrew Carnegie had donated millions of dollars to support the start-up of libraries in the early 1900s, hence the name. The building was torn down in 1965 to make way for a parking ramp.
*The current Central Library at 201 W. Mifflin St. opened in June 1965.
Hawthorne
*Established in 1906 at 1053 Williamson St.
*The Carnegie Building at 1249 Williamson St. opened in 1913.
*Relocated to 2041 Atwood Ave. in 1958 and acquired its name.
*Relocated to 2817 E. Washington Ave. in the Madison East Shopping Center in 1973 *Will relocate to 2705 E. Washington Ave. in the same shopping center inJuly.
Monroe Street
*Established in 1944 at 2606 Monroe St.
*Combined with Sequoya Branch in 1960.
*Relocated to present building at 1705 Monroe St., which the library built in 1962.
Lakeview
*Established in 1953 at 1313 Northport Drive.
*Relocated to 2845 N. Sherman Ave. in 1966.
*Enlarged in 1974.
Sequoya
*Established in 1957 at 404 Glenway St.
*Relocated to 513 S. Midvale Blvd. in 1960.
*Enlarged in 1995.
South Madison
*Established in 1967 at 2310 S. Park St.
*Moved to 2222 S. Park St. in 1995.
Pinney
*Established in 1966 at 205 Cottage Grove Road.
*Enlarged and moved to 201 Cottage Grove Road in 1974.
*Enlarged and moved to 204 Cottage Grove Road in 1996.
Meadowridge
*Established in 1974 at 5740 Raymond Road.
*Enlarged in 1978.
Alicia Ashman
*Branch named after a longtime board member and library advocate was established at 733 High Point Road.
Bookmobile
*Established in 1953 with a borrowed vehicle.
*First vehicle bought in 1956.
*Second vehicle bought in 1969.
*Ceased operations at the end of 1982.
*Readmobile began in April 2000.
*``Discovery to Go'' Readmobile project with Madison Children's Museum.
