04/06/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/06/2026 13:02
MADISON, WI--Library users across the South Central Library System should prepare for down time in the LINKcat app and website beginning at 5pm on Sunday, April 12 and continuing through Thursday, April 16.
All Madison Public Libraries* will open late at 12pm on Thursday, April 16 as library staff prepare to change over to the new system. The Dream Bus will also be off the road April 13-17.
51 member libraries across seven counties are working to transition to a new library catalog management software that will impact the LINKcat website and app where library users check their accounts, place holds, and renew items. During the transition, LINKcat and the LINKcat app will be unavailable, and services will be limited at library locations. During this offline period, both holds and due dates on library items will be extended to ensure minimal impact for users. Additionally, overdue or lost item fees will not be incurred.
A number of features will be added to LINKcat once the new version is unveiled on Friday, April 17, including the ability to manage Overdrive/Libby checkouts and holds from within the LINKcat dashboard. Library users will be able to manage all of their physical and electronic items in one place instead of needing to navigate to another website or app.
Once the transition is complete, all passwords/PINs will be reset to a default password and it is recommended that LINKcat users reset their PIN/password information upon first logging in to the system.
See the full list of new features and changes online at madpl.org/linkcatupdate.