Madison County Library, Inc.

The Madison County Library provides materials and services to help community residents obtain information meeting their personal and educational needs. The library serves as a learning and educational center for all residents of the community. Special emphasis is placed on stimulating children's interest and appreciation for reading and learning.

More About Us

The Madison County Library sponsored the first county library in 1937. On June 4, 1969 the library moved from the one room in the War Memorial Building and officially opened in the historic "Thomas W. Lewis" home, which had been purchased in 1967.
In 1987 an addition, funded by local donations, was added onto the back of the historic building. In August of 2006 the second addition to the building was moved into, creating an additional 3000 square feet of space on the top floor and 3000 square foot unfinished basement for our future needs. That loan was paid off within 5 years, thanks to our patrons and supporters.

The pandemic has left us us with only a letter drive and the Give Local Piedmont as livelihood along with the generosity of our patrons.  We are proud of the efforts we made during this time to make sure our citizens' needs were fulfilled, whether it was our curbside service, video recorded Story Hour, or increased Wi-Fi coverage.  

Today the Madison County Library is one of only 12 independent libraries in the state. It currently has 5823 registered patrons (1/3 of our county population), 55,000 books in the collection and averages 350 people visiting per week. DVD's, books on CD's, E-books and audible downloads and Wi-Fi and internet access are part of routine services that were hard to imagine even a few years ago.

Our Summer Reading Program is one of the best services we offer, thanks in large part to our Friends group and the Madison Education Foundation. We are looking forward to  9 programs this summer, starting with a free book giveaway and including  3 science programs, a an Instrument petting zoo and a live theater group. We had 123 kids attend beginning robotics and coding class. 

 According to a report done by the Library of Virginia,

• Children and teens who attended summer reading programs performed better academically and experienced greater gains in their academic performance than their nonparticipating peers.  Participants out-performed nonparticipants on tests across all measures and grades, kindergarten through 8.
• The effect of summer reading programs did not differ by gender, limited English proficiency status, or economically disadvantaged status.

Testimonials

In an anonymous survey about the library, patrons were asked to comment on what they value most about us.

1. As a friendly, quiet telecommuter friendly spot, the open and peaceful atmosphere has always left me happy to return.
2. I enjoy the wide variety of books on many subjects, the Wi-Fi made available both inside and outside. The staff is always kind and respectful to the patrons.
3. The warmth of the environment...
4. Being easily located, easy staff, great programs
5. Access! Serving our town and County in an outstanding way. A major asset to the community.