News Flash: Madison Library Gets Top Honor

Central Library Named Top Public Works Project

Madison's Central Library received a huge honor last week when it was named the top public works project in Wisconsin by the Wisconsin chapter of the American Public Works Association, the Wisconsin State Journal reported recently.

The Central Library's extensive makeover turned an outdated, but well-used building in downtown Madison into a state-of-the-art showcase. The renovation cost about $30 million, used green and sustainable building materials, and took 22 months to finish.

"Noteworthy features include 20 conference rooms, specially designed space for children and teens, an art gallery and a community room with built-in audio and visual equipment for workshops, meetings and hands-on classes," states the article. "The building also has a media lab where library patrons can get training on software and other technology tools."

The library has worked hard to attract a multi-generational crowd, using trendy events like Bookless and Stacked. Those events, in part, have evolved into a new effort called The Bubbler, which offers pop-up, hands-on workshops sponsored by the Madison Library in locations across the city.

The new Central Library is up for national honors from the American Public Works Association. If you haven't already visited the new space, head down and check it out for yourself!