About the Library

Beloit Public Library provides an outstanding array of services for people residing the City of Beloit and outlying areas. In a community known for its diversity, BPL strives to reach everyone in the community with unique programming for all ages, a full range of library materials, and rapidly evolving computer technology and workforce development tools and resources. Located at 605 Eclipse Boulevard, BPL serves the Beloit community by providing resources and services that support literacy, workforce development, and quality of life.

As a department of the City of Beloit, Beloit Public Library is governed by a nine-member library board approved by the City Council. Materials from all 29 SHARE Consortium libraries may be borrowed by Beloit Public Library cardholders, under the protocols of Prairie Lakes Library System.

A Brief History

Beloit Public Library has served the community since the late 1800s, with early library service beginning through local volunteer efforts and the first formal library established in 1859. In 1901, Beloit received a $25,000 grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to construct a dedicated free public library building, which opened in 1903 and marked an important milestone in the library’s growth. As Beloit’s needs evolved, so did the library. In 1972, the library moved downtown into the former post office building at 409 Pleasant Street after a major renovation. In 2009, Beloit Public Library relocated to its current home at 605 Eclipse Boulevard. Once a JCPenney anchor store at the Beloit Mall, this newly renovated space offered 62,300 square feet of space with room to grow and expand.

In Summer 2025, the library began a two-phase building renovation. Phase I, which is currently underway, is funded by a $3.89 million Wisconsin Department of Administration Flexible Facilities Program grant and is expected to wrap up in early 2026. It focuses on improving services tied to workforce development, healthcare access, high-speed internet, and education. Phase II will be the development of Discovery PLAYce. Scheduled to open in Fall 2026, Discovery PLAYce will transform the library’s children’s area into a 6,000-square-foot interactive learning lab designed for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers. It will feature immersive Learning Play Stations inspired by Beloit’s landscape, a robust picture book collection, and resources to strengthen caregiver confidence.

Strategic Plan

Beloit Public Library operates within a three-year Strategic Plan that supports its five values of Community, Literacy, Resources, Technology & Facilities, and Staff.

COMMUNITY: We believe that all members of our community deserve respect and equitable treatment.

LITERACY: We believe that literacy is essential for the well-being of every member of our community and that a literate community is a vibrant community.

RESOURCES: We believe that informed residents contribute to a healthy community.

TECHNOLOGY & FACILITIES: We believe that up-to-date technology and facilities must be available to all members of the community.

STAFF: We believe that the staff is the Beloit Public Library’s most valuable asset.

Vision Statement

Connecting our community to the world of ideas where learning never ends.

Mission Statement

To provide enriching and inspiring learning opportunities for all members of our diverse community.

Open Minds Open Doors-City Presentation 2021
BPL Floor Map
Library Brochure
Library Brochure (Spanish)
Strategic Plan 2025-2027