U.S.S. Liberty Memorial Public Library
🏢 Monarch Library System · Grafton, Wisconsin
U.S.S. Liberty Memorial Public Library
Grafton's public library carries one of the most distinctive names in Wisconsin — a memorial to the 34 sailors killed when the USS Liberty was attacked in 1967, honoring a donation from the local Grob family that built the current home.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 1620 11th Ave., Grafton, WI 53024
Phone: (262) 375-5315
Website: graftonpubliclibrary.net
Plus Code: 86MJ827W+JV (Grafton, WI)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About U.S.S. Liberty Memorial Public Library
In 1989 the library moved into its present building on 11th Avenue after a $250,000 gift from Grafton brothers Benjamin and Theodore Grob, founders of Grob Inc., the industrial saw company. They chose to name the facility the U.S.S. Liberty Memorial Public Library after the Navy intelligence ship attacked in international waters off the Sinai Peninsula on June 8, 1967 — 34 crew members lost their lives, and sixty survivors attended the June 1989 dedication ceremony. The library is a member of the Monarch Library System, a consortium of 32 libraries serving Dodge, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Washington counties formed when the Eastern Shores and Mid-Wisconsin library systems merged in 2017. Cardholders have access to more than 2.3 million items through the shared Monarch Catalog, plus Wisconsin's statewide BadgerLink database collection. A recently upgraded community room features artifacts and relics connected to the USS Liberty, keeping the memorial's story alive for new generations.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Memorial to the 34 crew members of the USS Liberty — 60 survivors attended the 1989 dedication
- Part of the Monarch Library System with access to 2.3 million+ items across 32 member libraries
- Community room featuring USS Liberty relics and Grafton local history artifacts
- Book drop on the southeast side of building available 24/7 for returns
- Free BadgerLink access: newspapers, genealogy databases, academic journals, and more for all Wisconsin residents
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Your free Grafton card unlocks BadgerLink — Wisconsin's statewide online library — plus eBooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines through the Monarch Catalog.
📚 Services
- Free public Wi-Fi and computer access
- Printing, copying, and scanning
- Interlibrary loan through Monarch Library System
- Meeting room / community room (reservations available)
- 24/7 book drop for after-hours returns
- Online catalog and account management
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytime programs
- Summer reading program for all ages
- Adult book clubs and author events
- Friends of the Library events and book sales
📍 Nearby Libraries in Ozaukee & Washington Counties
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the library named after the USS Liberty?
In 1987, Grafton brothers Benjamin and Theodore Grob donated $250,000 toward the new building and chose to name it in memory of the 34 U.S. Navy sailors killed when the USS Liberty was attacked in international waters on June 8, 1967. Sixty survivors attended the dedication ceremony in June 1989.
Can I borrow items from other Monarch Library System branches?
Yes. Your Grafton card gives you access to the shared Monarch Catalog, which holds more than 2.3 million items from 32 member libraries in Dodge, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Washington counties. Request items online and pick them up at Grafton.
Is there a book drop if the library is closed?
Yes. A 24-hour book drop is located on the southeast corner of the building, facing the parking lot, so you can return materials any time.
Does the library have meeting room space?
Yes. The community room — which also displays USS Liberty relics and local history artifacts — is available for reservations. Contact the library at (262) 375-5315 or email grafton@monarchlibraries.org to check availability.
📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries 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.
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