Project Summary

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Madison Public Library is Thriving

• 2,347,234 visitors in 2010 (more than 500,000 to Central)
• 4,750,667 books and media items circulated (818,420 from Central)
• 2,894,251 million web page visits system-wide
• 693,432 in-library internet uses (184,995 at Central)
• 77,867 people attended 3,082 classes and events (19,270 at Central)
• 4,036 new cardholders signed up at Central in first half of 2011
• 47,686 residents live on Isthmus with Central as their branch; 80% are card holders
• 557 meetings held by community groups in free meeting rooms at Central

A New Central Library for the 21^st Century

• An all new model urban library
• Comprehensive offering of educational information and resources
• Social engagement as a community center, program catalyst, and regional destination
• Greater access to collections
• Five-times as many computers
• Dedicated spaces and services for teens, children, elderly, small business, and many of Madison’s disadvantaged
• Diverse and robust programs and services

More Than a New Building, MPL is a Change Agent

• Ultimate success to be measured by community impact
• Fundamental notion of the library endures; it is free and open to all
• Central plays an essential role in serving some of the city’s most vulnerable populations
• Facility design includes ideas from community partners who serve Madison’s disadvantaged
• The library is an important part of Madison’s social fabric
• A new Central Library will dramatically improve the effectiveness and reach of community connections and resources

Visitor Numbers to Surge

• More than 1 million visitors are anticipated in the first year
•  180,000 youth expected to visit

A New Central Library for a New Era

• Public libraries are evolving as demographics change and technology rapidly advances 
• Madison Public Library will better fulfill its mission to inform, inspire, enrich and entertain with a stunning model, urban library

Campaign Progress