Irvin L. Young Memorial Library
🏢 SHARE Consortium · Whitewater, Wisconsin
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library
Rooted in a 1904 Beaux-Arts building funded by a bequest from Mary Flavia White, the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library has grown into a fully modernized community hub with a Makerspace, expanded teen area, and outdoor event space — all at the heart of Whitewater, Walworth County.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–8:30pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–8:30pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–8:30pm |
| Thursday | 9am–8:30pm |
| Friday | 9am–5:30pm |
| Saturday | 9am–5:30pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 431 W. Center Street, Whitewater, WI 53190
Phone: (262) 473-0530
Website: whitewaterlibrary.org
Plus Code: 86JHR7M7+7F (Whitewater, WI)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Irvin L. Young Memorial Library
The public library in Whitewater, Wisconsin traces its origins to June 17, 1904, when the White Memorial Library was dedicated thanks to a $17,000 bequest from Mary Flavia White in memory of her father Samuel Austin White. In 1991 the library was renamed the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library. A recent construction and renovation project expanded the early-learning wing, added a larger Makerspace stocked with free-to-use tools and technology, created a new teen area, additional collaboration spaces, and an outdoor event space while improving accessibility throughout. The library belongs to the SHARE (Shared Holdings and Resource Exchange) Consortium, linking 43 libraries across Dodge, Jefferson, Racine, Walworth, and Washington counties, giving cardholders access to more than 2.8 million items. The collection itself holds about 82,000 print volumes and over 54,000 downloadable eBooks and 16,000 digital audiobooks through OverDrive/Libby.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded 1904 as the White Memorial Library, funded by a $17,000 family bequest — one of Walworth County's oldest public libraries
- Makerspace filled with free tools, 3D printers, and supplies for creating, STEAM projects, and maker programs
- SHARE Consortium member: access to 2.8 million items across 43 libraries in five Wisconsin counties
- Collection of 82,000 print volumes plus 54,000+ eBooks and 16,000 digital audiobooks via OverDrive/Libby
- Renovated facility with expanded early-learning wing, teen area, collaboration spaces, and accessible outdoor event space
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Whitewater cardholders can borrow, stream, and learn free through Wisconsin's statewide and consortium digital collections:
📚 Services
- Makerspace with free tools, supplies, and technology for all ages
- Public computers, printing, scanning & free Wi-Fi
- Interlibrary loan through the SHARE Consortium (43 libraries, 2.8 M items)
- Meeting and collaboration rooms
- Downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming media via Libby & hoopla
- Curbside pickup and self-checkout
🎸 Programs
- Makerspace and STEAM programming for children, teens, and adults
- Children's storytimes and early-literacy programs
- Teen area events and activities
- Summer Reading Program
- Adult programming and community events
- Outdoor events in the new community event space
📍 Nearby Libraries in Walworth & Jefferson Counties
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Whitewater · Browse all Wisconsin libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Makerspace at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library?
The Makerspace is a dedicated area in the back of the library stocked with free tools, supplies, and equipment — including 3D printers and other technology — that any library patron can use at no charge. It supports creating, making, STEAM projects, and hands-on learning for all ages, and the library regularly runs Makerspace-based programs and workshops.
How many libraries can I borrow from with a Whitewater library card?
As a member of the SHARE (Shared Holdings and Resource Exchange) Consortium, an Irvin L. Young Memorial Library card gives you access to more than 2.8 million items from 43 libraries spanning Dodge, Jefferson, Racine, Walworth, and Washington counties in Wisconsin.
How did the library get its current name?
The library opened in 1904 as the White Memorial Library, built with a $17,000 bequest from Mary Flavia White in memory of her father Samuel Austin White. In 1991 the library was renamed the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, a name it has carried for more than 34 years at the Center Street location.
Is the library open on weekends, and what are the Saturday hours?
The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays.
🔨 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.
🖨 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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