About

Bridges Library System supports a network of 24 public libraries serving Jefferson and Waukesha counties in southeastern Wisconsin. Bridges Library System is one of 15 state-funded library systems in Wisconsin.

Mission

Bridges Library System’s mission is to strengthen member libraries by fostering collaboration and innovation.

Bridges Library System staff supports libraries through key services such as:

  • CAFÉ Online Catalog: Managing the CAFÉ (Catalog Access for Everyone) online catalog, which offers patrons access to over 2 million items from all member libraries in one easy search. A CAFÉ library card may be used at any library in the Bridges Library System and provides access to a variety of digital resources, including ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and databases.
  • Material Delivery: Coordinating delivery services between locations and across Wisconsin, ensuring patrons can easily access requested items.
  • Collaborative Purchasing: Securing group purchasing discounts for resources, helping libraries reduce costs and maximize their budgets.
  • Consulting: Providing library staff with guidance, training, and access to high-quality continuing education programs to support their professional growth and success.

Through shared resources, technology, and cooperative services, Bridges Library System connects communities, expands access, and supports member libraries to better serve their patrons.

History

Bridges Library System was founded on January 1, 2016, when the single-county Waukesha County Federated Library System (WCFLS) expanded to include Jefferson County, creating a two-county system.

Originally established in 1981, WCFLS served 16 libraries in Waukesha County. The merger added 8 more libraries, giving patrons access to 24 public libraries and an expanded collection. Additionally, it resulted in an annual cost reduction for member libraries while enhancing services and resource sharing across both counties.

Services

a stack of books on a desktop with a person on one side holding the books and another person on the other side handing over their library card

CAFÉ = Catalog Access for Everyone

Bridges Library System manages the CAFÉ online library catalog. Library patrons can search and browse over 2 million items available at our 24 public libraries.

A women reading on a tablet outside on a sidewalk

E-Content Management and Support

Bridges Library System provides access to digital content, including ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines, as well as online tools like Consumer Reports and Morningstar.

A woman reading a comic book inside a library

Interlibrary Loan and Delivery Service

Bridges Library System coordinates the delivery of requested materials between member libraries and facilitates connections to the statewide delivery service, expanding patron access to more library resources

Learn more about our services


CAFÉ (Catalog Access for Everyone)
Bridges Library System manages the CAFÉ online library catalog. Library patrons can search and browse over 2 million items available at our 24 public libraries. In addition, Bridges Library System also manages the CAFÉ Libraries free mobile app.

Database Management Services
Bridges Library System oversees the CAFÉ database and cataloging process to ensure catalog integrity and offer a high-quality user experience.

Online Resource Access
Bridges Library System negotiates the purchase of online reference resources shared by member libraries, including AncestryLibrary, Udemy, Consumer Reports, and more. This cooperative arrangement saves member libraries thousands of dollars compared to the cost of purchasing these databases individually.

E-Content Management and Support
Bridges Library System provides management and support of the Jefferson and Waukesha Counties’ libraries’ digital access through the Wisconsin Digital Library on the free Libby app. This vast statewide resource provides access to ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines that can be downloaded directly to digital devices. The Wisconsin Digital Library content is funded with both local library funds and library system funds. In addition to the basic subscription, the library system participates in the “Advantage Program” designed to shorten waiting periods for citizens in Jefferson and Waukesha Counties.

Interlibrary Loan and Delivery Service
Even though the Bridges Library System member libraries own over 2 million items, some items aren’t owned by any of the 24 libraries. In those cases, materials can be requested from other libraries through the state library catalog, WISCAT.

Please contact your local library to make the request and the Bridges Library System delivery service will bring the items requested to the local library. Bridges Library System pays for Monday through Friday delivery service at each member library as well as for the link to the statewide delivery service.

Internet Service
Public libraries in Jefferson and Waukesha Counties offer access to the Internet using a high-speed connection provided to each library in part through grant funds awarded to Bridges Library System. Bridges Library System manages the connection between the internet service provider, the network provider, and the libraries. Bridges Library System offers web hosting and email services to member libraries.

Reference Service
Questions requiring research or special resources can be referred by local libraries to the System’s resource library, the Waukesha Public Library. Responses are sent back to the local library. The resource library also purchases items for of interest to library staff.

Youth Services
Bridges Library System provides a variety of support for youth services, led by a dedicated youth services librarian. Offerings include a summer library program workshop for youth services staff, the Kids’ Choice Award program, early literacy grants, coordination of summer program incentives and performances, and more.

Inclusive Services
Bridges Library System offers coordination for inclusive services in libraries, including applying for LSTA grants and supporting innovative programs, such as the Library Memory Project, accessibility studies, hearing loop projects, and more.

Continuing Education
Bridges Library System sponsors and coordinates continuing education workshops and meetings to help member library staff and board members keep up with developments in the library field. Additionally, grants are available for the purpose of professional development for library staff in the South Eastern Wisconsin (SEWI) Area.

Consulting
Bridges Library System personnel work one-on-one with library staff and local library boards whenever individualized professional help is needed. From answering questions about the annual report, to providing assistance with setting up a website, to providing new director orientations, to helping with planning, the staff is ready and able to assist member libraries.

Marketing
The Bridges Library System provides marketing and promotional services and materials to highlight the value of both its member libraries and the system as a whole to the public.

County Library Planning and County Funding Administration
Counties are the building blocks of Wisconsin’s regional library system structure. Bridges Library System provides administrative services to the county library planning committee of Waukesha County and the county library board of Jefferson County.

Bridges Library System also administers the county funding formulas and makes annual budget requests to the appropriate county committees and boards. Bridges Library System receives and validates all adjacent county library requests, oversees the contracts with other systems, and administers county library payments in Waukesha County.


Bridges Library System – Serving the libraries of Waukesha & Jefferson Counties