March is National Reading Month, and what better way to celebrate than by giving a huge shoutout to Brown County Library? From thousands of books and digital resources to surprising and unique check-out options (cake pans, anyone?) and creative programming, there really is something for everyone at the library.
Established in 1968, Brown County Library was the first county-wide library system in Wisconsin. Today, the system includes the Central Library, eight additional branches, and a Bookmobile, serving over 80% of the households in Brown County.
Another cool fact? Our county library system contains some of the very best libraries in the country! Recognized for its outstanding service, Brown County Library has been named Wisconsin Library of the Year three times—in 1980, 1993, and most recently in 2023. It has also received national recognition, earning the title of National Library of the Year in 1994.
So whether you’re a bookworm, a lifelong learner, or just someone looking for new ways to have fun, let’s explore all the things that make Brown County Library great!
1. Books, Books, and More Books!
Obviously, we have to start with the books (it is National Reading Month, after all)! With over 2.3 million materials circulating annually, Brown County Library is a treasure trove of stories, knowledge, and adventure for all ages and interests. Start browsing their catalog today!
2. A Treasure Trove of eBooks and Digital Audiobooks
The library isn’t just about physical books—your next great read (or listen) is just a tap away! With a variety of digital resources like Hoopla and Libby, you can borrow bestselling books, binge audiobooks, and even explore magazines, all from the comfort of your home.
3. Librarians: Unsung Heroes
Librarians are the superheroes of the library world. Need a book recommendation? Help navigating research tools? Assistance with tech? These passionate experts are here to help, making your library experience smooth, informative, and fun.
4. Check Out More Than Just Books
Did you know you can borrow more than just reading material? Brown County Library offers some unexpected (and seriously cool) items, including:
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Seed Library: Start a garden with free seeds suited for Wisconsin’s climate.
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Cake Pans: Check out a cookbook and a cake pan and get baking!
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Carnival Games: Perfect for school events, fundraisers, or backyard parties.
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Arduino Kits: Learn about coding and electronics with hands-on projects.
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Chromebooks & Mobile Hotspots: Stay connected wherever you go.
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Guitar Pedals: Test out new sounds without spending a dime.
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Board Games & Video Games: Game night, anyone?
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Book Club Kits: Everything you need for your next book discussion.
5. Endless Learning Opportunities
Your library card is basically a magic key. Unlock workshops, events, new skills, and fascinating discoveries. Whether you're looking to master a new hobby, level up your career, or just geek out over some extreme weather facts, Brown County Library has you covered.
Workshops & Events
All year long, you’ll find events and workshops for every age, from trivia nights to zine fests, art workshops to educational talks and even renaissance faires and annual events like Pop Con. Want to learn about Wisconsin’s Sandhill Cranes? Curious about tornadoes and blizzards? Want to learn to draw comics? There’s an event for that.
Learn a Language
Dreaming of learning French before your big trip to Paris? Want to brush up on your Spanish? Need ESL resources? With Rosetta Stone, you can build reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in 29 different languages—all free with your library card!
Gale Courses
Skill up with over 100 online courses taught by expert instructors. Gale Courses offers everything from business and marketing to creative writing and coding. New sessions start every month!
Creativebug
Calling all makers and crafters! Dive into Creativebug’s professionally-produced arts and crafts video classes and learn everything from watercolor painting to embroidery. Get your gluesticks and log in with your library card!
Research Tools
Got a big project coming up? Looking into your family history? The library’s research databases and digital encyclopedias have everything you need. Dig into local history, trace your genealogy through census and military records, or just go down a fascinating research rabbit hole.
6. Learn Practical Life Skills & Get Guidance
Home Improvement Source
Ready to DIY? Access a collection of magazines and reference books packed with expert tips on home improvement and repair projects. Log in with your library card and start planning your next project!
Job & Career Resources
If you’re looking for a job or planning a career change, the library should be your first stop! Get access to career guides, job search tools, and weekly “Need Help Finding a Job?” workshops where Career Navigators from Worker Connection Services will be on-site to help with everything from resume writing to interview prep—so you can feel confident landing that next opportunity.
Cars, Driving, & Engine Repair
The library’s auto repair resources provide repair, maintenance, and service information for most cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. With step-by-step procedures, troubleshooting guides, and a video library, you’ll be back on the road in no time. Plus, explore detailed, user-friendly repair guides for small engines, covering more than 25 years of models.
Legal & Tax Assistance
The library offers legal resource guides, government information, and even tax prep assistance. Stay informed and stress less!
Practical Programs
Want to keep your produce fresh longer? Thinking about starting a compost bin? Need a crash course in computer basics? The library hosts hands-on workshops throughout the year to help you gain practical, everyday skills.
Community Resource Tuesdays
Each week, a different local social service agency is on-site to provide information about their programs and services. Whether you're looking for housing assistance, healthcare resources, or other community support, this is your chance to get connected.
7. Amazing Programs for Toddlers, Kids, & Teens
Storytimes for All
Snuggle up for baby, toddler, and family storytimes throughout the week, including bilingual English/Spanish storytimes and sensory playtimes.
Kid-Centered Workshops & Events
From creative crafts to tech-based learning, the library hosts a huge variety of events and activities for kids and teens. Examples of past and upcoming programs include LEGO robotics, sew a sleeping bag for your stuffie, paint a pet rock, board game bonanzas, make friendship bracelets, Dungeons & Dragons 101, themed escape rooms, and so, so much more!
Explora
Kids can safely explore topics that interest them using trusted, age-appropriate sources. Search by keyword or browse by topic, plus access children’s magazine articles filtered by reading level to find just the right fit.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Give your little one a head start in reading! This year-round early literacy program encourages families to share books together, with fun milestone prizes for every 50 books read.
Learning Trails
Take storytime outside with Born Learning Trails at the Central and Southwest Branch libraries! These interactive outdoor stations, featuring signs in English and Spanish, encourage simple literacy-boosting activities parents can do with their kids.
Free DMV Practice Tests
Ready to get behind the wheel? The library offers free practice tests for car, motorcycle, and commercial driver’s license exams to help you hit the road with confidence.
Cellcom Children's Edible Garden
Located in front of the Central Library in downtown Green Bay, this unique hands-on learning space grows fresh produce used in educational programs. Library visitors can even take home free veggies, with extra harvests donated to local food pantries.
Library Bonuses!
There are so many more resources, programs, and things to explore at the library, we simply couldn’t fit them all in one list! Here are just a few more to get you started.
Public Art at the Library
Check out local talent through Reflections: Local Art at Your Library exhibits. These exhibits are featured at the Central Library, Kress Family Branch (De Pere), and Weyers-Hilliard Branch (Howard), giving artists a space to share their work with the community. Interested in exhibiting your art? Artists can apply to display their work for an eight-week exhibit—just fill out the Art Exhibit Application.
Reserve a Room
Need a quiet place to study or a spot to host a meeting or get-together? Most library locations offer private study rooms and larger meeting spaces available for public reservation when not in use for library events. Reserve yours here.
Computer & Printing Services
Reserve a computer, print important documents (in color or black & white), copy, scan, and fax with ease.
TeachingBooks
A goldmine of 250,000+ free resources for teachers to help enrich kids’ and teens’ reading experiences, including author interviews, read-along audio books, book trailers, and diverse book resources and reading recommendations.
Free Newspaper & Magazine Access
Stay informed with access to newspapers and magazines, covering current events, local news, and in-depth articles.
How Can You Support Brown County Libraries?
Your support helps keep the library thriving! Here are some ways you can make a difference.
Get a Library Card
The simplest way to support the library is to sign up for a free library card and take advantage of everything the library has to offer!
Volunteer
Give your time and talents by volunteering in a variety of ways, from clerical work to greeting visitors, organizing materials, or assisting with projects. Tweens and teens can volunteer too!
Shop the Big Book Sale
Book lovers rejoice! It’s time to add to your “to be read” pile! The Big Book Sale is the Friends of the Brown County Library’s biggest fundraiser, with proceeds directly funding library equipment, programs, and materials. Sales happen three times a year (Fall, Spring, and early Summer) at the Central Library in downtown Green Bay. Stock up on books while supporting a great cause!
Give-A-Kid-A-Book
Spread the joy of reading through the annual Give-A-Kid-A-Book campaign, which collects and distributes new books to kids in need during the December holidays. Organized by the Friends of the Brown County Library, this program ensures that every child has the chance to build their own personal library.
