About the Library
Mission
The Prescott Public Library enriches the community by fostering lifelong learning through free access to knowledge, culture, and recreation.
Vision
The Prescott Public Library is a center for information and community, where people of all ages learn, discover, and connect.
Values
Access
Intellectual Freedom
Lifelong Learning
Collaboration
Customer Experience
Library Cards
Borrowing
Policies
Board of Trustees
2025 ANNUAL REPORT SNAPSHOT
Visits to the Library
Great to See You!
Visits increased 4%! You visited us at the library for things such as checking out materials, faxing, printing, studying/tutoring, working, and attending programs.
e-Items checked out
E-Checkouts Rising
The number of digital items checked out at our library increased by 10% in 2025. This includes e-books and audiobooks through the Wisconsin Digital Library (and the Libby app).
Registered Users
Find Something New!
We welcomed 265 new library card holders in 2025! Library cards give you access to books, wi-fi hotspots, Rokus, e-books/audiobooks, activity kits, and so much more!
Attendance & Engagements
Growing Engagement
Program attendance increased 75.5%! We offered 491 programs and outreach opportunities to the community (in-person and off-site).
Testimonials
I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the Prescott, WI local library. The programs they offer have been a lifesaver for me and my family. It’s been a great way for us to stay connected with our community and meet new people.
The importance of libraries to
the communities they serve cannot be underestimated. Even if you do not use the library, the positive effects they have on
the people who rely on them, leaves a lasting impact on the community as a whole. I LOVE my libraries!!
It has been an amazing
resource for me and my family. First as a homeschooling mom and today as a senior citizen, the library has always
served my needs! The friendly, helpful staff welcomed me and, especially, my three children….I love my Prescott Library.
Annual Reports
A History of the Prescott Public Library
A library was opened in 1855 for general reading, the Transcript announced, adding “the public is indebted chiefly to the ladies.” George M. Oakley was librarian. The library was open from 3 to 4 p.m., on Friday, and patrons were expected to pay 10 cents for each book drawn. There were 130 volumes.
On Feb. 14, 1857, the Prescott Library was officially organized, and open from 6 to 9 on Saturday evening. Officers were Rev. Richard Hall, G.M. Oakley, P. Felt, J.M. Bailey, J.M. McKee, J.S. Ayres, and A. Young. J.W. Hill was librarian.
A year later, however, a notice appeared in the Transcript: “Lost, Prescott Library known to be in existence a year ago with 200 books. Does anyone know its whereabouts?” The next week James W. Hill reported that it was at his office above the Mammoth Store.
In 1866 the library was removed to the school house and opened every Friday at 4 p.m. There were 284 volumes. Annual dues were 50 cents.
The Library moved into other locations until 1887 when the association disbanded and the books were divided among members.
On June 18, 1900, The Prescott Public Library Association was formed. R.B. MacLean and Dr. George M. Dill were officers, Oliver Gibbs, librarian. In 1932, Miss Mary Johnson gifted the library $1,000, a donation that permanently secured a library for the City. The library was housed in what is now the Welcome and Heritage Center on Broad Street. In 1990 the library moved to the new city hall on Borner Street.
–“A History of Prescott, Wisconsin” by Dorothy Eaton Ahlgren and Mary Cotter Beeler.