Looking For A Good Book? These Are The 15 Wisconsin’s Libraries To Check Out

Best public library in Wisconsin

If you’re interested in finding a captivating read, be sure to explore these seven libraries in Wisconsin for a wide selection of books. From popular bestsellers to hidden gems just waiting to be discovered, each library offers an exciting range of literature options.

Ranking the 15 Best Public Libraries in Wisconsin

Best public library in Wisconsin
Best public library in Wisconsin

Milwaukee Public Library Central Branch

  • Address: 814 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (176)
  • Phone: +1 414-286-3000
  • Website: Link
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Sunday: Closed
  • Reviews:
    I love this location. The building itself is elegant and charming, and the children’s area is expansive and will keep your kiddos occupied for hours! I love the monthly family events and the used book store.
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By Alison White (5 years ago)
    This is one of my favorite public libraries in Milwaukee. The building is large and has several sections. The children’s section is adorable. They have blocks for kids, a smal tower that kids can play inside, puppets that can be borrowed as well, and lots of books in a variety of different languages including Arabic children’s book.

    Staff are friendly and very helpful.

    In the summer, they have a reading program for both children and adults. My child and little brother loved the reading program/ challenge and felt competent due to very encouraging words they received from staff and also the prizes they got.

    ✭✭✭✭✭ By Maryam A (3 years ago)
    The library was nice but theres barely any parking and you have to pay to park so be prepared.
    ✭✭✭ By Mildrea Hood (3 months ago)
    They threw out a journalist for taking pictures…kinda sad when a library doesn’t understand the first amendment. That or they have something to hide from the public…we will never actually know, because apparently the press isn’t allowed to gather information on them…I wonder if they have the book, “1984” in stock…
    By G C (7 months ago)
    I like the Milwaukee Public Library. The staff are really professional and helpful. The only thing I didn’t like was that the front doors to the main entrance had a sign saying “go to the wells entrance” probably due to Covid 19. It should be more specific because it was kind of hard to find our way to get in, but once we got in the building and settled, everything went phenomenal! Lots of computers, printers, and of course books! They even have movies to check-out and DVDs. It’s easy to get a library card as well, and they are good with helping you get signed up and getting one. I will definitely go back again. 😊
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By Victoria Best (Tori) (7 months ago)

Waukesha Public Library

  • Address: 321 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (161)
  • Phone: +1 262-524-3680
  • Website: Link
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
    Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
    Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    It’s a library. A very nice clean library. Comfortable place. If you need a place to research something this is the place. They also have computers with print capabilities. Friendly people willing to help.
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By W.J.S. Videos (a month ago)
    The Waukesha Public Library has the greatest variety of books: fiction; nonfiction; magazines; newspapers; educational; etc., but it’s the atmosphere, the energy within the Library, that has encouraged me to learn, stay longer than intended, and enjoy many other ways to expand my knowledge! For instance, on my visit to the library today, I was greeted with exhibits full of wonderful art creations by the Pewaukee Area Art’s Council! I am truly amazed at how talented, and creative the local high school students are – gifted beyond their years, Rembrandts in the making! Walking through a plethora of art, meeting some of the artist themselves, the parents of one of the top awarded drawings, and conversations with the others walking through a labyrinth of beautiful art – is one of many experiences at the Waukesha Public Library that I was glad to be a part of!
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By Matthew “Matty Ice” Newby (3 years ago)
    Very helpful staff and very nice library. I was able to print what I needed off the computers they have available for the patrons.
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By Michelle Johnson (a month ago)
    We haven’t been here in years! I mean well before the renovations. All I have to say is wow! I had a question about my card I was treated with respectful, positive professionals. A lot better experience then my very first time. I still remember and it was in 2015. So I based my stars off of yesterday. Thank u!
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By b w (8 months ago)
    Amy in the 3D printing lab is phenomenal! She was SO helpful and kind to my daughter and went above and beyond to make time for her. My daughter is so grateful for the experience!
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By Kerry Allyn (7 months ago)

Racine Public Library

  • Address: 75 7th St, Racine, WI 53403, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (134)
  • Phone: +1 262-636-9217
  • Website: Link
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Sunday: Closed
  • Reviews:
    This is amazing place to go to every now and then! I love going here. It makes me feel like i am a child again. I’m really happy that this library isn’t closed… I would be really sad. 100% would recommend to go to this awesome place! They’re selling books for $1.50 too!
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By Fruta Dulce (5 months ago)
    Great resource. Not sure why some employees speak so loudly. I thought libraries should be quiet? Also the heat is on SO HIGH it’s intolerable. But again great resource and great library. 5 stars!!
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By Rama Daje (3 months ago)
    Great selection with helpful staff. It has a color & black and white printer, scanner and fax machine. There are plenty of computers to use. Printing and copies cost money but everything else is free. You can check out as many books as you’d like. They also have DVDs to check out. It can get loud sometimes so if you need quiet I would suggest reserving a study room.
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By Katie Phillips (6 months ago)
    It’s just me but I guess I have always loved the library even when introduced to me way back in the 60’s. Libraries don’t throw cool little festivals for their neighbors in other towns I lived in.
    A fun time even for this semi senior.
    ✭✭✭✭ By AG Lopez (6 months ago)
    Very nice library right on the lake. Great selection of books and magazines.
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By Jon Dezek (2 months ago)

Franklin Public Library

  • Address: 9151 W Loomis Rd, Franklin, WI 53132, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (91)
  • Phone: +1 414-425-8214
  • Website: Link
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    I’m glad the A/C issue was just temporary. The 3D printer rocks and the staff are generously helpful. I just wish they would take at least debit, if not credit, cards, for more than just fees.
    ✭✭✭✭ By Joshua Chandra (5 months ago)
    They turned the lights off ten minutes before close. Grossly unprofessional. Great library besides the aberrant patron treatment
    By Michael Brown (4 months ago)
    They don’t have a very large selection like I’m accustomed to from NYC; but the staff is so nice. They also have some good events for children at the library; what I really love is the ease of borrowing from other branches at your local branch (as long as it’s part of the county). Anyway, I really like it a lot. My son loves playing in the kid’s area. They also have things that you can use for like resumes and job searching like copy machines, computers, printer, and even a fax machine.
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By NYC Gal Out (10 months ago)
    What a great library. Well laid out. Public and private reading or work areas. Good selection, especially in the children’s section. Nice outdoor patio as well.
    Good selection of movies.
    Large selection to choose from in the library system to order books.
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By Jason Curtis (a year ago)
    Weekly stitching group meets there. Nice, clean meeting rooms. Staff is very helpful and friendly.
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By Gayle (7 months ago)

Oak Creek Public Library

  • Address: 8040 S 6th St, Oak Creek, WI 53154, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (89)
  • Phone: +1 414-766-7900
  • Website: Link
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Sunday: Closed
  • Reviews:
    Nice place but needs improvement. It’s a nice two story modern library but almost impossible to find a precise book without putting in a serial number, pin and than waiting for an email for it to arrive to be placed on hold with a slip. Movies are easier to find than book titles and even those you would have to request to find at another library. Good for browsing and quiet reading for kids and students. Mediocre staff who spend more time chatting amongst themselves than actually helping you “u scan your own material.”
    ✭✭✭ By Zulfiqar Bakhtiari (2 months ago)
    This is a beautiful modern library that I only visited once and I didn’t interact with any librarian. As far as the facility goes I’ve never seen nicer. Check out my photos and like my review 🙂
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By Evelyn Champion (3 years ago)
    One of our favorite Milwaukee County Libraries! So many spaces for so many different activities make this library stand out, and the kids area is truly fantastic.
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By Danielle Brannan (a year ago)
    A great library with some later hours. Large AV selection. Lots of great places inside to sit and read.
    ✭✭✭✭✭ By James Thoenes (2 months ago)
    As I have done three or four times before, I used a study room for a conference call we do with my family in Oklahoma. Normally this goes well…but yesterday for some reason the call kept dropping. I literally cancelled study room. 4 and went outside in the courtyard/picnic area. It was fine out there…75°
    ✭✭✭✭ By Mary Atkinson (8 months ago)

Greenfield Public Library

  • Address: 5310 W Layton Ave, Greenfield, WI 53220, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (85)

Brookfield Public Library

  • Address: 1900 N Calhoun Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (83)

Middleton Public Library

  • Address: 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI 53562, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (78)

Brown Deer Public Library

  • Address: 4301 W Brown Deer Rd, Brown Deer, WI 53223, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.3 (71)

Fitchburg Public Library

  • Address: 5530 Lacy Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (71)

Hudson Public Library

  • Address: 700 1st St, Hudson, WI 54016, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (40)

North Shore Library

  • Address: 6800 N Port Washington Rd, Glendale, WI 53217, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (38)

Milton Public Library

  • Address: 430 E High St # 100, Milton, WI 53563, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (34)

St. Francis Public Library

  • Address: 4230 S Nicholson Ave, St Francis, WI 53235, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (31)

Kiel Public Library

  • Address: 511 3rd St, Kiel, WI 53042, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.9 (17)
Best public library in Wisconsin
Best public library in Wisconsin

Thank you for reading! If you have any additional information on the best public libraries in Wisconsin, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!

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