Burlington Public Library
🏢 Prairie Lakes Library System · Burlington, Wisconsin
Burlington Public Library
Burlington Public Library traces its roots to 1908 when the Burlington Library Association formed the city's first library; today it operates from a handsome 1917 former post office at 166 E. Jefferson Street and circulates roughly 200,000 items a year to some 19,000 residents in Burlington and surrounding Racine County communities. It is also home to Shelldon, the library's resident Russian tortoise — one of the most beloved mascots in Wisconsin public libraries.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–8pm |
| Thursday | 9am–8pm |
| Friday | 9am–6pm |
| Saturday | 9am–4pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 166 E. Jefferson St., Burlington, WI 53105
Phone: (262) 342-1130
Website: burlingtonlibrary.org
Plus Code: 86JHMPHF+8M (Burlington, WI)
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📖 About Burlington Public Library
Burlington Public Library's story begins in 1908 when the Burlington Library Association founded the city's first lending collection, which became the municipal library in 1913. The current building started life as Burlington's post office in 1917; the library moved across the street from City Hall into the building in 1964 and expanded in 1987. Today the library holds 62,000 volumes, 117 periodical subscriptions, more than 5,700 DVDs, 1,700 audiobooks and 2,500 large-print titles, with annual circulation near 200,000. It belongs to the Prairie Lakes Library System (formed in 2023 from the merger of Lakeshores and Arrowhead Library Systems) and participates in the SHARE Consortium, whose shared catalog covers 24 libraries across Kenosha, Racine, Rock and Walworth counties. Patrons also get access to Libby, Kanopy, Mango Languages and Wisconsin's BadgerLink statewide research database.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded in 1908; housed since 1964 in a landmark 1917 post office building on E. Jefferson Street
- Collection of 62,000 volumes plus 5,700+ DVDs, 1,700 audiobooks and a large-print section — annual circulation ~200,000
- Member of the SHARE Consortium: one card unlocks 1.7 million items across 24 libraries in 4 counties
- Home to Shelldon, the library's Russian tortoise — a local celebrity with dedicated educational programming
- Book Bike outreach program and curated monthly Book Box subscription for community members
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Burlington cardholders can read, stream and research for free through the SHARE network and Wisconsin's statewide BadgerLink platform:
📚 Services
- Free library card — valid at all 24 SHARE Consortium member libraries in 4 WI counties
- SHARE shared catalog at ent.sharelibraries.info — search and request across 1.7 million items
- 16 internet workstations, word-processing computers and free Wi-Fi
- Printing and copying services
- Study room and meeting room reservations
- Experience Passes: free and discounted passes to museums and area attractions
- Reference, reader's advisory and interlibrary loan
- Digital library card available for remote access to all online resources
🎸 Programs
- Children's and youth programming
- Adult programs including Movie Mondays
- Summer reading program for all ages
- Book Bike community outreach
- Monthly curated Book Box subscription
- Animal education programs featuring Shelldon, the library's Russian tortoise
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southeast Wisconsin
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Burlington · Browse all Wisconsin libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Burlington Public Library building?
The building at 166 E. Jefferson Street was built in 1917 as Burlington's federal post office. After the post office relocated, the library moved in from its previous home in City Hall across the street in 1964. The building was expanded in 1987 and remains the city's public library today.
Who — or what — is Shelldon?
Shelldon is the library's resident Russian tortoise and unofficial mascot. Tortoises are long-lived animals with a calm, approachable presence, which makes Shelldon a favorite educational ambassador for children's programming. The library's website features dedicated content about Shelldon as part of its community outreach.
What is the SHARE Consortium, and how does my Burlington card help me use other libraries?
SHARE is a cooperative of 24 public libraries across Kenosha, Racine, Rock and Walworth counties in Wisconsin. With a Burlington library card you can search all member collections through the shared catalog at ent.sharelibraries.info and request items for pickup at Burlington — giving you access to more than 1.7 million items.
Are there Sunday hours at Burlington Public Library?
Sunday hours are seasonal: the library is open Sundays in the fall and winter (hours resume in September) but closed on Sundays during the summer. For current Sunday hours, check burlingtonlibrary.org or call (262) 342-1130 before your visit.
📚 This library has study rooms. See how library study rooms work — booking, time limits and quiet vs group rooms — and find other libraries with study rooms libraries with study rooms by state.
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