Public library systems of Wisconsin
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In the state of Wisconsin, public library systems are not operated by the state, but they are eligible for funding from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. While not required to be, all 382 public libraries (and 87 branch locations of those libraries) in Wisconsin's 72 counties are members of a library system.[1] Under state law, the territories of library systems receiving state funding must consist of one or more whole counties, must not overlap, and must maintain a minimum population of 100,000. Additionally, new library systems may be created only if their territory has a minimum population of 200,000. The law provides for two types of library systems: consolidated systems, which place all libraries in one county under a centralized leadership, and federated systems, which provide services to but do not control the public libraries of one or more counties.[2] As of 2025, all 15 public library systems in Wisconsin are federated.[1]