University of Wisconsin–Madison

Find

The Wisconsin Water Library has a large collection of materials about water, including children’s books, research publications, educational kits, and lesson plans. Dip your feet into water facts and dive into suggested reading lists. The entire library collection is searchable through the UW-Madison Libraries’ online catalog.

Three boxes of the journal "American Water Works Association"

Research

Need help finding the information you need? The library is happy to assist with research. Submit a reference question using the Ask Water form.

A stack of books about climate change

Reading Lists

The Wisconsin Water Library is a unique collection of almost 30,000 volumes of water-related information, with particular emphasis on the waters of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes.

A cliff face with pine trees above blueish green water

Water Facts

Discover facts about Wisconsin’s many kinds of water.

Photo of an US Lake Survey map, circa 1850.

Featured Digital Collections

The library collects and preserves science-based resources in support of the UW Aquatic Sciences Center.

Resources for Librarians & Educators

Find a variety of lesson plans, educational materials, and kits for formal and informal educators, librarians, and parents.

"Jump around with frogs!" outreach STEM kit materials.

Did you know?

There are 35,000 islands in the Great Lakes.

Most people are stunned to learn that there are some 35,000 islands in the Great Lakes, ranging from a large stone with its top above water level to the world’s largest freshwater island, Manitoulin. Islands: Great Lakes’ Stories focuses on 18 of these islands with their histories and personalities.

From: Islands: Great Lakes’ Stories / By Gerry Volgenau.

Questions? Get in touch.

Wisconsin Water Library staff are happy to answer questions and assist with research. Contact us to get started or plan a visit.