Argyle Public Library
🏢 Southwest Wisconsin Library System · Argyle, Wisconsin
Argyle Public Library
One of Lafayette County's oldest cultural institutions, the Argyle Public Library traces its roots to 1880 when local citizens pooled funds to buy books and a shelf at the back of a drugstore — and today it anchors a brand-new building with five times the space of its previous home.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 2pm–7pm |
| Tuesday | 2pm–7pm |
| Wednesday | 2pm–6pm |
| Thursday | 9am–1pm |
| Friday | 9am–1pm |
| Saturday | 9am–1pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 401 E. MILWAUKEE, ARGYLE, WI 53504
Phone: +1608-543-3193
Website: argylepubliclibrary.com
Plus Code: 86JGP42M+GP (ARGYLE, WI)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Argyle Public Library
The Argyle Public Library has served this small Lafayette County village for more than 145 years. It was founded in 1880 when Argyle citizens sold $4 shares to raise $100 for books, housing the collection in the back of Dr. Thurston's drug store. After dormancy, the Argyle Women's Club revived the library in 1923–24, and the village began annual appropriations in 1926 — a commitment maintained through all but three Depression years. The library has occupied several homes over its history, from a 260-square-foot upstairs room in the community building to its current quarters in Argyle. In 2026 the village purchased the former First National Bank property to create a new community center and library space, marking a new era with director Jennifer Detra at the helm. The library is a member of the Southwest Wisconsin Library System (SWLS), which serves Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette and Richland Counties, giving cardholders access to the shared SWLS catalog and statewide resources including BadgerLink.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded in 1880 — over 145 years of community library service in Lafayette County
- Started with $100 raised by citizens selling $4 shares, with books shelved at a local drugstore
- Revived in 1923 by the Argyle Women's Club after a period of dormancy
- Member of the Southwest Wisconsin Library System (SWLS) — shared catalog across 5 counties
- New building era in 2026: moved into the former First National Bank property with five times previous space
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Argyle Library cardholders can access Wisconsin's statewide digital resources for free:
📚 Services
- Public computer access and printing
- Free Wi-Fi
- Online catalog through the Southwest Wisconsin Library System (SWLS)
- Interlibrary loan across the SWLS 5-county region
- Library of Things lending collection
- Room reservation for community meetings and events
- Access to BadgerLink statewide databases
🎸 Programs
- Argyle Book Club — monthly community reading group
- Dementia training workshops in partnership with community organizations
- Children's and family programming
- Community events and seasonal programs
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southwest Wisconsin
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Argyle Public Library get started in 1880?
In 1880, Argyle citizens raised funds by selling $4 shares. With $100 collected, they bought books and a shelf to hold them, and placed the collection in the back of Dr. Thurston's drug store — that was the library's first home. The library later closed for a period before the Argyle Women's Club revived it in 1923–24 with fresh community fundraising.
What counties does the Southwest Wisconsin Library System (SWLS) serve?
SWLS serves libraries across Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette and Richland Counties. As a SWLS member library, the Argyle Public Library shares a catalog with other member libraries, and cardholders can request items from any library in the system.
What is BadgerLink and how do I access it from Argyle?
BadgerLink is Wisconsin's statewide digital library, funded by the state to provide free access to newspapers, magazines, academic journals, genealogy databases and more. Any Wisconsin library cardholder can use it — access it at badgerlink.dpi.wi.gov with your Argyle Public Library card number.
What are the Argyle Public Library's evening hours?
The library is open Monday and Tuesday from 2 to 7 p.m. for evening visits, and Wednesday 2–6 p.m. Morning hours run Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library is closed Sunday.
🧰 This library lends a “Library of Things.” See what you can borrow besides books and find other libraries with a Library of Things Library of Things by state.
🖨 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.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.
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