City of Madison, WI
09/30/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/30/2025 14:29
Mayor Rhodes-Conway Investing in Imagination Center
For Immediate Release
September 30, 2025
Today, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced funding for the new Imagination Center at Reindahl Park. She is including $320,000 in the 2026 Executive Operating Budget proposal to fully staff Madison's 10th library, which is set to open next fall.
"The Imagination Center is one of my top priorities in 2026 because it's an investment in one of the fastest growing parts of Madison. Libraries are the heartbeat of a healthy community. Every Madisonian deserves equal access to these important institutions," said Mayor Rhodes-Conway at a news conference. "The Madison Public Library is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. I'm proud to build off the City's long legacy of supporting access to information for all our residents."
Libraries are important resource hubs that provide access to knowledge, engaging programs, professional assistance, and a wide range of services that help strengthen communities. Madison's northeast side has never had a library, and it took years of advocacy and planning before capital funding came together to build the Imagination Center. It will serve tens of thousands of residents in one of Madison's most diverse and growing neighborhoods. This collaborative project between Madison Public Library, Madison Parks, Madison Engineering and the Madison Public Library Foundation also includes a new park pavilion and enhancements to Reindahl Park. Mayor Rhodes-Conway says the additional funds in 2026 for the library system will ensure the Imagination Center is fully staffed while continuing current service levels at the City's other libraries.
"Now more than ever, local governments need to prioritize the basic needs of residents and the services that make Madison a wonderful place to live," said Mayor Rhodes-Conway. "The Imagination Center will help lift up all of Madison."
Last week, the Mayor announced a historic city investment in homeless services that will help fund operations at the soon-to-be opened Bartillon shelter. The full 2026 Executive Operating Budget proposal will be released on October 7 and finalized after consideration and amendments from the Finance Committee and the Common Council.
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