Madison Public Library - Goodman South Madison — Attraction in Madison

The girls and I visited several libraries within the Madison area over the summer. They were able to experience participation in several activities. The Goodman library was the closest to us and therefore spent the most time. We spent time reading books, Learn to play different games ( both board and by use of the electronic tablets,) borrowed computers, reserved private rooms when needed, enjoyed the play areas for kids and grabbed timely meals from the munch truck. Visiting the libraries was one of their favorite summer activities. It was also a joy to observed how library staff assist various members of the community with requests for help. Some of the assistance requested by the public which they observed included: Helping the elderly to make phone calls, assisting those at the computer who were applying for jobs, sitting and talking with those who may just needed an ear that day, when necessary, reminding some of the need to be considerate to others who are visiting the library, providing notary services, offering to assist when they see a visitor struggling with a task. Lots of positivities. Good place to socialize and meet new friends. The photos will include visits to a few different libraries within Madison that we visited. When looking for something constructive to do or seeking assistance with certain tasks don’t forget about your...

The Goodman South Madison branch of the Madison Public Library system showcases the recent renaissance of the South Park cooridor. With numerous meeting rooms, a children's section designed to stimulate interaction, original artwork covering the walls and a boatload of computer terminals, this new building serves as a community center in addition to its library duties. Every time I visit, it's buzzing with activity.

I'm a fan of the reading area in the southwest corner of the building. With its fireplace, comfy chairs, a multitude of outlets to plug in your laptop and free wi-fi, it's a great place to drop in and get some work done. It's isolated from the rest of the library, so the activity in other sections of the building does not serve as a distraction to the patrons in this cozy little nook.

The staff members at this location are always über-helpful.

The only negative I can see if that the content selection at this branch is less than the Central Library and some of the other branches. However, with the use of LINKCAT, you can access media from 53 libraries that are members of the South Central Library System, so it's not that big of deal. And with more stores opening in the new Villager Mall, parking can be a challenge at times.

If you haven't visited this library yet, I strongly encourage you to...

Sitting here right now in this library, impossible to study or work as very loud rap music is coming in behind me through someone's earphones. I have my earphones on and cannot here classical study music. I asked to use to a meeting room (only one open) to study and work, the librarian caught attitude, while I was having a panic attack I misplaced my laptop and legal documents, asking the librarian to do his job and keep the library quiet so patrons can read and work, which he finally did. A patron should never have to go through this BS . Especially one that donates money and law books. Im literally still shaking and attempting to refocus. Very sad. People should not have to make a choice of leaving a library in fear of thier own safety, because someone chooses to play very loud and disturbing RAP music about people shooting guns and killing each other at full blast. Why do...