Wisconsin InfoLink is an almanac of Wisconsin facts and resources compiled by Ron Larson. On the WisconsinWatch blog, Larson introduces us to some of these gems.

Public libraries offer a wealth of information in their physical book and reference collections. Besides the in-house resources, most public libraries in Wisconsin also offer a variety of online information through their respective web sites.

Many of the public library web sites include information that is restricted to patrons with library cards for that particular library. But the libraries also offer links to free information. Wisconsin InfoLink offers an easy and quick way to locate the various Wisconsin public library web sites by going to the Library heading and choosing the Wisconsin Public Libraries link.

You will find links to hundreds of Wisconsin public libraries worth exploring. For example, the Cedarburg Public Library has an extensive number of links, ranging from Architecture to Wisconsin Industries. To start your exploration, simply click on the “Helpful Links” button on the left side of the Cedarburg Public Library’s home page.

You’ll find other useful library web pages at the Hedburg Public Library in Janesville (click on “research tools” in the top menu), or the Oshkosh Public Library (click on “research center” on the menu on the left) or the Markesan Public Library (click on “research tools” in the top menu). Explore for yourself, you’ll be surprised at what the public libraries are offering.

Better yet, get a library card and expand the number and types of resources that are available to you at your public library through a click of the mouse.