Anyone who enjoys reading will undoubtedly find a home in Waukesha, WI. Since the city is home to several libraries, book lovers can escape into another world while reading their favorite literary works. The Waukesha Public Library is one of these libraries.
The Library is a member of the Bridges County Library System. The system is one of the state’s public library systems in Wisconsin (WI), with 24 public libraries located in the counties of Waukesha and Jefferson.
This article will let you know more about Waukesha Public Library and what are the perks and activities that you can enjoy with the Library.
History
The Waukesha Public Library is a 71,566 square-foot institution situated in scenic Cutler Park in Waukesha, Wisconsin’s geographic center. The Library was founded in 1896 and became the sixteenth Andrew Carnegie-funded institution in Wisconsin in 1903; it has since had five extensions and restorations, the most recent three being in 1988, 2005, and 2010.
The Wisconsin Library Association named the Waukesha Public Library “Wisconsin Library of the Year” in 2011.
Library Services
The Library serves guests with polite, responsive, and high-quality service. Putting the consumer first and treating them with respect, the Library offers over 800 programs. It has a collection of over 350,000 items.
The Waukesha Public Library is open on the following days:
- Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
The Waukesha Public Library offers various services and has a devoted staff available to assist patrons with anything they need. The assistance is available, whether it is a vast research assignment or just locating a book to read.
Due to the worldwide pandemic, the Waukesha Public Library is now providing reduced services. While entering the Library, all visitors are expected to wear a mask. To keep everyone healthy, library personnel wear masks, clean their hands, and keep a safe distance. To ensure everyone’s safety, the Library has a time restriction and no sitting spaces.
Despite the worldwide epidemic and the implementation of healthy procedures, the Library remains open and provides the following services:
- Grab and Go There is self-service pickup and touchless self-checkout accessible.
- The collections on the first and second floors are open for browsing.
- Computers are available for usage for a maximum of one hour.
- There are three service desks available.
- The Drive-Up Return Slot is now available.
- Toilet rooms are functioning.
- The Book Sale has begun.
Computer and Internet Services
On the first level, the Library includes about 20 computers accessible for Internet surfing, Microsoft Office software, color and black-and-white printing, and more. Additionally, the Library includes laptop computers that users may check out for usage inside the facility. Also, the Library provides the following services:
- Wireless Internet Access
- WiFi Hotspot Pilot Program
- Printing/Wireless Printing
- Scanning and Faxing
- Microfilm Readers/Printing
- Photocopier
- 3D Printing
- iPads
Public Meeting Room
When not in use by the Library, the Community Room may be leased by Waukesha County-based non-profit organizations. Organizations may utilize the space for commercial purposes or private social activities. It has a capacity of 65 and must be booked in advance.
Study Rooms
Three group study rooms (maximum capacity six people) and four individual study rooms (maximum capacity two persons) are available for use in the Library. Individuals are restricted to two hours of usage each day due to excessive demand. The study rooms cannot be rented in advance, and there is no waiting list for these spaces. The use of the facility is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
Class Visits & Tours
The Waukesha Public Library invites schools and groups of all ages to learn more about the Library’s facilities and many resources. The whole Library was renovated recently, with the Adult collections, reference room, and Teen Zone on the first floor in 2005. The Library formally launched the second floor’s new children’s section in March 2010. 321 Alphabet Square is included in this lovely setting for youngsters and adults.
321 Alphabet Square is an interactive playroom for preschoolers to practice their pre-reading abilities. This bright and large structure is ideal for browsing, reading, chatting, and checking out books, movies, and music!
Group leaders and instructors may make specific requests about the sort of content given. The majority of visits will run between 30 and 40 minutes and will include the following:
- Library Instruction
- Stories and book discussions
- Tours to children’s, teen’s and adult areas
- Demonstration of print or non-print resources
Book Sale
The Friends of Waukesha Public Library operates a book sale at the Library’s entrance, just across the Special Services Desk. It is made up of donated books, CDs, DVDs, and items taken from the Library’s collection. The Friends will utilize the proceeds from the sale to help the Library’s activities and services.
Cutler Park
As is the case with the other libraries, the Waukesha Public Library is next to a park. Cutler Park has a playground, a stage, and even an Indian mound from ancient times.
After-Visit Activity
Spending a day or simply a few hours at the Waukesha Public Library is a beautiful experience. It’s worth expressing your enjoyment of the Library’s services and collection with family and friends and perhaps inviting them to join you on your next visit.
Visiting Tofte’s Table after exploring the Waukesha Public Library is an excellent idea. This family-owned restaurant aims to establish a location where anybody can enjoy fine meals at a reasonable price in an intimate, relaxed setting. It boldly serves nuanced, fresh interpretations of traditional American comfort cuisine.
Tofte’s Table is the ideal setting for creating lasting memories with people who matter most to you. Its menu is brimming with shareable items. Whether you stop by for a quick snack or meet with friends for a leisurely dinner, we’re here to serve you and look forward to making you feel at ease.
Make your reservations at Tofte’s Table now. Reservations may be made online at resy.com or by phone at 262.408.5633 after 4:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday.