
Welcome to the
Schumacher Library
Open Wednesday - Friday
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
(and on weekends as staffing allows)
Olbrich's Schumacher Library houses approximately 3,500 volumes with an emphasis on home gardening in the Midwest, landscape design, rainforests, tropical plants, herbs, trees and shrubs, individual plant species and more. All visitors are welcome to explore the many resources available.
Open hours are Wednesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on weekends as staffing allows. Visit the library during open hours, call (608) 246-5805, or email olbrichplantinfo@cityofmadison.com.
Browse and Hold Books Online

Everyone can browse the Schumacher Library collection online. Just visit our online catalog and search.
Olbrich members can also put books on hold from home. To place a hold just click Hold and enter your Olbrich member number when asked for your Patron ID. Books will be held for up to 7 days. Pick up and return your items during library hours or arrange to pick up your books at the Olbrich lobby greeter desk.
Questions? Call (608) 246-5805 or email olbrichplantinfo@cityofmadison.com.
Plant and gardening Information Resources
Need help with plant identification? Use iNaturalist or Pl@ntNet to identify plants at home or those you have seen in the garden.
For answers to your gardening questions, use these online resources:
- Contact the Horticulture Helpline, staffed by Master Gardeners, by phone or email regarding home garden questions.
- The University of Wisconsin-Extension Learning Store provides information about trees, shrubs, vegetables, flowers, landscaping, insects, and plant diseases.
- Plant Information Online, maintained by the University of Minnesota, provides sources to nursery plants and seeds. It is searchable by common and botanical plant name. It also indexes science and garden literature.
- Follow Seasonal Garden Tips from Olbrich's Horticulture staff.
- Read Gardening Articles & Resources from Olbrich's Horticulture staff.
Have a question about plant diseases or pest infestations? Explore the online resources of the University of Wisconsin Extension Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic, or contact the clinic directly at (608) 262-2863 or bdh@plantpath.wisc.edu.
Garden & Nature Community Reading Group
Join other garden, plant, and wildlife enthusiasts to discuss books and ideas about gardening, plants, nature, and the environment in the Garden & Nature Community Reading Group. This group is a partnership between Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Steenbock Library, the UW Arboretum and Schumacher Farm Park.
All discussions are free and participants are encouraged to read the selected book prior to participating in the discussion. Books are not supplied but are available at Schumacher Library, partner libraries, and the Madison Public Library system.

September Read: Bicycling with Butterflies: My 10,201-Mile Journey Following the Monarch Migration by Sara Dykman
Winner of the 2021 National Outdoor Book Award in Outdoor Literature
In Bicycling with Butterflies, Dykman recounts her incredible journey becoming the first person to bicycle alongside monarch butterflies on their annual migration - a round-trip adventure that included three countries and more than 10,000 miles alone on a bicycle made of recycled parts. Join us to discuss this remarkable story and the wonders of migrating butterflies.
Meeting Date: Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Location: Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 P.M.
Register here: Bicycling with Butterflies

November Read: Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty
Winner of the 2020 Wainwright Prize for UK Nature Writing
Diary of a Young Naturalist chronicles a year in the life of sixteen-year-old climate activist Dara McAnulty. He shares all the joys and challenges of a life filled with family, friendships, a passion for nature, and the complexities of living with autism. Join us to discuss this remarkable new voice in nature writing and explore the role of the naturalist in modern society.
Meeting Date: Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Location: Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 P.M.
Register here: Diary of a Young Naturalist
Contact Information
Schumacher Library
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: (608) 246-5805
Fax: (608) 246-4719
olbrichplantinfo@cityofmadison.com