Bayfield Carnegie Library
Our Mission
The mission of the Bayfield Carnegie Library is to be a compass for curious minds.
The Bayfield Carnegie Library is your choice for information & community networking!
(See our strategic plan at the bottom of this page.)
Our Vision
As one of the oldest public libraries in Wisconsin, Bayfield Carnegie Library has over 150 years of experience in satisfying curiosity, providing information, knowledge and wisdom, and developing community. Starting in 1857, our books helped build a foundation of intellectual freedom. Solidifying that foundation in 1903, Andrew Carnegie built a beautiful facility in which to base service, provide continuity, and center the cultural heartbeat of the Bayfield area.
Our vision is to sustain that heritage. Through its competent and friendly staff, guided by its independent Board, and supported by the City and County of Bayfield and surrounding community members, the Library will adapt its service to meet changing needs.
Collection & Resources
The library owns over 20,000 items available for checkout. Circulation last year included 15,862 books, 1,782 Audio materials. 4,342 Video materials. and 62 Periodicals.
Requests may be placed directly from the online catalog using your name and library card bar code, or you can ask our friendly staff for help.
Our collection includes items of special interest to our area such as sailing, kayaking, boat building, and other marine subjects — including lighthouses! — and local history.
If we don't own the item you need, you can borrow it through Northern Waters Interlibrary Loan Service.
Most of these out-of-town materials are delivered to the library within three days.
Books & Audiobooks
We are constantly adding new items to our collection. Check our home page for the latest additions at this library, or peruse the Featured lists in Merlin. We also have a special classics section.
Magazines & Newspapers
We stock many different magazines and newspapers. Come, make yourself comfortable, and enjoy!
Reference Materials
You should be able to find what you are looking for either in print, or in the many online resources available to library patrons and staff. Staff is alway ready to help.
Technology
The library has five public computer work stations with high speed internet access and word processing. You have complete access to up-to-date online reference resources. Or bring your laptop and jump on our WiFi.
Movies & other video
We have thousands of items available for checkout for adults and children, and we are constantly adding to our collection. Take home a movie to watch tonight!
Bayfield Video Archives
The Bayfield Video Archives collection is available for checkout. These are over 150 Videotaped Interviews of Bayfield area residents created through the assistance of Mary Rice for the Bayfield Heritage Association and directed by John Hanson.
Just For Kids!
A large children's area in the lower level includes books, toys and a "reading nook" for kids.
2022–2027 Strategic Plan
2015–2020 Strategic Plan
