Madison Library District
🏢 LiLI — Libraries Linking Idaho · Rexburg, Idaho
Madison Library District
Madison Library District has been the heart of the Rexburg community since 1921, when citizens led by Mayor John L. Ballif launched a book drive that collected 800 volumes and opened Idaho's newest public library. Today its collection tops 120,000 items and the renovated facility on N Center Street serves roughly 800 daily visitors and approximately 36,000 registered patrons in Madison County.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–8pm |
| Thursday | 11am–8pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–2pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 73 North Center Street, Rexburg, ID 83440
Phone: (208) 356-3461
Website: madisonlib.org
Plus Code: 85MCR6H8+55 (Rexburg, ID)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Madison Library District
The Madison Library District serves Rexburg, Idaho — the county seat of Madison County and home to Brigham Young University–Idaho — from its building at 73 N Center Street, close to the landmark Historic Rexburg Tabernacle. The library's origins trace to fall 1920, when concerned citizens gathered at Mrs. S. H. Abbott's home under the leadership of Mayor John L. Ballif to discuss forming a public library. A committee of five women drafted a constitution, and a school-led book drive quickly collected 800 volumes. County commissioners provided two courthouse rooms; the Commercial Club furnished tables and chairs; the City Council allocated $25 a month for the first librarian's salary, and Mrs. Parley Nelson took on that role. The library formally opened in 1921. After more than a century of growth, a major renovation in 2010 modernized the building while preserving its community character. Today the collection encompasses more than 120,000 items — books, audiobooks, films, magazines, activity kits and digital resources — serving roughly 800 daily visitors. Cardholders access Libby for eBooks and audiobooks, LiLI's statewide database portal (including Consumer Reports and Idaho Digital Skills), and an Idaho Talking Book Service for patrons with visual impairments.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded in 1921 after community leader Mayor John L. Ballif convened citizens who collected 800 volumes and secured courthouse space — over a century of public service
- Collection of more than 120,000 items serving approximately 36,000 registered patrons with roughly 800 daily visitors
- Located near the landmark Historic Rexburg Tabernacle in downtown Rexburg, the Madison County seat
- Major building renovation completed in 2010, modernizing the facility while maintaining its central community role
- Idaho Talking Book Service offered for patrons with visual impairments, plus extended evening hours Tuesday through Thursday
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Madison cardholders can borrow, stream and research free through Idaho's digital network:
📚 Services
- Public computers, internet access & free Wi-Fi
- Printing, copying & scanning
- Idaho Talking Book Service for patrons with visual impairments
- Interlibrary loan and purchase-request suggestions
- 24-hour phone renewal line: (208) 356-6658
- Activity kits and learning materials for all ages
- Library Elf notification service for holds and due dates
🎸 Programs
- Story Time for toddlers and young children
- Toddler Time and Book Buddies
- Teen Action Council and teen programming
- Adult book clubs and reading groups
- Summer reading program and challenges (general, teen and junior levels)
- Fan fiction contests and seasonal events
- Maker Space open lab sessions
- Adult English language learning classes
📍 Nearby Libraries in Eastern Idaho
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was Madison Library District founded and what were its origins?
The library was founded in 1921. Its origins trace to fall 1920, when Mayor John L. Ballif convened concerned citizens at a private home to discuss creating a public library in Rexburg. A committee of five women drafted a constitution, a school-led book drive collected 800 volumes, county commissioners provided courthouse rooms, and Mrs. Parley Nelson became the first librarian — all within months of that first meeting.
What are the Madison Library District's hours?
The library is open Monday 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m. It is closed on Sunday. For phone renewal, call the 24-hour line at (208) 356-6658.
How large is the Madison Library District collection?
The collection encompasses more than 120,000 items including books, audiobooks, films, magazines, activity kits and digital resources. The library serves approximately 36,000 registered patrons and sees roughly 800 daily visitors.
Does Madison Library District offer services for patrons with visual impairments?
Yes. The library offers access to the Idaho State Talking Book Service, which provides audiobooks and reading materials in accessible formats for patrons who are blind, visually impaired or have another print disability. Contact the library at (208) 356-3461 or askmadisonlibrary@madisonlib.org for details.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.