Watertown Public Library
🏢 Bridges Library System · Watertown, Wisconsin
Watertown Public Library
Watertown Public Library occupies the original Carnegie building dedicated on June 14, 1907, making it one of Wisconsin's most storied library addresses — now home to a Makerspace, Library of Things, and seven-day service for Jefferson County's largest city.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 100 S. Water St., Watertown, WI 53094
Phone: (920) 262-4090
Website: watertownpubliclibrary.org
Plus Code: 86MH57VF+MG (Watertown, WI)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Watertown Public Library
The Watertown Public Library has roots in a community fundraising effort begun around 1900, when two women's clubs organized a theatrical benefit that raised $60 and sparked a citywide movement. By May 1902, citizens pledged $5,000 at a mass meeting in Turner Opera House, and the library opened on March 2, 1903 at 104 Main Street. A successful second application to Andrew Carnegie secured a $20,000 gift, and the classically styled Carnegie building at 100 South Water Street was dedicated on June 14, 1907. The Cole Memorial Hall addition followed in 1931, and a major renovation and expansion was completed in 1984. The library celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2003. Today it is a member of the Bridges Library System — a 24-library consortium serving Waukesha and Jefferson counties — and offers a Makerspace, subscription boxes, a Library of Things, and active monthly programming including the Cinema Club and Hooks & Needles craft circle.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Original 1907 Carnegie building — one of the oldest continuously operating library buildings in Wisconsin
- Makerspace available for creative and hands-on projects
- Library of Things lending program: borrow everyday items beyond books
- Monthly Cinema Club film screenings and Hooks & Needles knitting circle for adults
- Member of Bridges Library System: shared catalog across 24 libraries in Waukesha & Jefferson counties
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
BadgerLink — Wisconsin's statewide digital library — is free to all Wisconsin residents and available through Watertown Public Library.
📚 Services
- Free library card for Watertown and Jefferson County residents
- Meeting room reservations
- Mobile and in-building printing services
- Makerspace for creative and hands-on projects
- Computer access and Wi-Fi
- Exam proctoring
- Book bag curation service (staff-curated reading selections)
- Subscription boxes (including movie editions)
- Library of Things lending program
- Library Passes program for local attractions
🎸 Programs
- Cinema Club (monthly film screening and discussion)
- Hooks & Needles (adult knitting and crocheting circle)
- STEAM Team (science and arts exploration for children)
- Little University Storytime (early literacy for young children)
- Library Battleship challenge (National Library Card Month)
📍 Nearby Libraries in Jefferson & Waukesha Counties
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Watertown · Browse all Wisconsin libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Watertown Public Library part of a shared catalog system?
Yes — the library is a member of the Bridges Library System, a consortium of 24 public libraries in Waukesha and Jefferson counties. With one card you can borrow items from any member library and search the shared CAFÉ catalog at bridgeslibrarysystem.org.
What can I make or do in the Makerspace?
The Watertown Public Library Makerspace is available for creative and hands-on projects. Contact the library at (920) 262-4090 or visit watertownpubliclibrary.org for current equipment, reservation details, and any orientation requirements.
What is the Library of Things at Watertown?
The Library of Things lets you borrow practical, everyday items you might only need occasionally. The library also offers subscription boxes — including movie-themed editions — that you can check out like a book. Check the current catalog for available items.
Does the library have a book recommendation or curation service?
Yes — the library offers a book bag curation service where staff select a personalized bag of reading recommendations based on your interests. Fill out a request form on the library's website or ask at the desk, and the staff will have a curated bag ready for your next visit.
🧰 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 has a makerspace / 3D printing. See how library makerspaces and 3D printing work and find other libraries with a makerspace makerspaces by state.
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