Madison Central Library, WI

Madison Public Library encourages visitors of the newly renovated Central Library to be inquisitive, creative, and willing to learn. There are plenty of opportunities as this dynamic library features something for everyone: quiet reading or study spaces, ample internet access on various devices, an enormous whimsical children’s area, teen center, local history room, makerspace, digital media lab, and much more!

One of the new features in the library is a room dedicated solely to local history. This room, furnished with Demco’s TotaLibra shelving and tables, invites patrons to explore Madison’s rich history. Beyond journals, books, and newspapers there is a custom display case built into the top of a shelving unit that can be changed to showcase local artifacts.

TouchIT interactive touchscreens were installed on every floor of the 5-level library, creating new experiences and opportunities for patrons throughout. Each of the areas is unique but one common thread throughout is that technology has enhanced the patron experience. Here’s a look at how the library is utilizing touchscreen technology.

Teen Center

Teenagers enjoy having a wall-mounted 80″ TouchIT board all to themselves – adult patrons are prohibited in the teen zone!

Location: Madison, WI
Client: Madison Public Library
Architect: Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle
Population Served: 240,000
Completion Date: September 2013

Children’s Area

A large dedicated program room features a wall-mounted 80″ touchscreen, offering children a more interactive experience during story hour and other group activities. Public iPads are extremely popular and are loaded with lots of fun and educational games for children.

Art Gallery

A new art gallery on the 3rd floor brings a refreshing and exciting experience to the library. Artists can use the touchscreens to extend the experience beyond the featured installation as well as offer video art for display.

Digital Media Lab

A mobile touchscreen outside the Digital Media Lab showcases stop motion videos and other creations, encouraging visitors to explore this new space. The height-adjustable mobile stand can easily be rolled into the room to support class instruction and production.

Meetings and Events

Community events, corporate presentations, weddings, and other gatherings will benefit from the availability of interactive touchscreens in the large and small conference rooms, and other public use spaces. The easy to use technology can welcome guests with a slideshow or interactive presentation. The TouchIT boards on mobile stands fit into the library’s elevators, making transport between floors effortless.

Interactive Signage

The touchscreens are used as part of the digital signage plan in entryways and high traffic areas, highlighting upcoming activities & events. The library is currently developing an interactive map that will welcome patrons and help them navigate this new, much larger library.

Makerspace

Artists in residence use the TouchIT boards to engage visitors in the creation process, assist with instruction, feature past creative projects and entice return visits for future programs.