The Library will be closed on Nov. 11 for Veterans Day.

The Library will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. On this day, we will be joining the City in honoring and recognizing our veterans. The outdoor return will be available, and no fines will be charged.

Normal Library hours will resume on Thursday, November 12, at 9:00 AM.

Waukesha Public Library Feasibility Study

Waukesha Public Library is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit interest from qualified consultants to develop a fundraising feasibility study proposal. The successful Firm/Consultant will provide expertise in determining the feasibility of running a successful capital campaign for the purpose of renovating and expanding the Library’s children’s space on the second floor.

Following completion of the feasibility study, the Library will determine whether to move forward with a capital budget request to the City of Waukesha, a capital campaign to raise private support and achieve the fundraising goal. If the feasibility study recommends a capital campaign, the Library Board of Trustees reserves the right at its sole discretion to continue with the selected Firm/Consultant or with another in planning, launching, and running such a campaign.

Use the link below to access the RFP.

https://waukeshapubliclibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Waukesha-Public-Library-Feasibility-RFP-2026.pdf

Udemy will be discontinued on December 31, 2026.

Bridges Library System member libraries will discontinue access to the Udemy online learning platform on December 31, 2026. 

This decision was made after reviewing systemwide usage and costs over the last three years and determining that the cost of the service outweighs the number of active users across the library system. Member libraries regularly evaluate online resources to ensure library services remain sustainable and responsive to community needs. 

We hope this advance notice provides enough time to complete any courses already in progress. If you have questions or would like help exploring other library resources, please contact your local library.

New Library merch has dropped!

New Library merchandise is available now! From comfy apparel to fashionable accessories, there’s something for every Library fan in our online store. A portion of each purchase goes to the Friends of Waukesha Public Library. So, shop online, support the Library, and wear your Library gear with pride!

The Carnegie Corporation awards a $10,000 gift to WPL.

We’re excited to announce that Waukesha Public Library is receiving at $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York! Carnegie Libraries hold a special place in American history and in the hearts of generations of Americans. Between 1886 and 1917, Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of 1,681 libraries nationwide. Today about 1,280 are still serving their communities. Opened in 1904, Waukesha Public Library is one 63 Carnegie Libraries in Wisconsin built through this historic program. Many thanks to the Carnegie Corporation for their generous gift and support of our Library.

You can explore Carnegie Libraries across America on this interactive map: carnegie-libraries.carnegie.org.

Take our virtual Library tour.

Step inside Waukesha Public Library from the comfort of home! Curious where storytime happens? Want to get a glimpse inside Studio 321? You can see it all on our 360-degree virtual tour. It’s the perfect way to get to know us better–whether you’re planning your first visit or just want to explore. Click HERE and start your virtual stroll through our state-of-the-art facility today.

Tax Payment Box

The City of Waukesha has placed a tax payment box outside the Library near our outdoor return. If you choose to make your tax payment at the Library, please place it into that box. We are not able to accept payment at our Public Services Desk or through our outdoor return. If payments aren’t placed in the tax payment box, we cannot guarantee that they will get to the City. Click HERE to see the full list of options for paying your property taxes.

 

Puzzle Exchange

Are you a jigsaw puzzle fanatic? Why buy new ones when you can trade used jigsaw puzzles with others in the community for free? Stop by the jigsaw puzzle exchange at the Library and pick up a new puzzle. How does it work? You bring a puzzle in, and take a puzzle home. No need to stop by the Public Services Desk. When you’re ready for a new puzzle, bring it back and trade again. We hope you enjoy this service!

 

Finding your holds at the Library

If you’ve never picked up holds at the Library before, finding your items is easy! Everything is filed alphabetically by the first two letters of your last name, followed by your first and middle initials. When you get to the Library, follow the signs to find the correct holds section. Then, look at the receipt sticking out of each item to help you find your holds. Once you locate your items, they can be checked out using our self-checkout machines, or you can take them to the Public Services Desk. If you have any questions, a staff member will be happy to assist you.

Can’t remember your library card number? Set up a username!

Want to place holds or access your account without having to remember your library card number? Now you can! Setting up a username is easy and can be done from the comfort of home.

  • A username may be used to log into your account in place of using your barcode number.
  • Create a username by logging into your account, selecting “My Record,” and then clicking on “Change Logon.”
  • Once you create a username, the system will send you an email confirming the change.
  • Your username can be used interchangeably with your library card number to log into your account.
  • Your username will NOT work for logging into OverDrive or Libby.

Please contact the Reference Desk at 262.524.3682 with any questions.