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Operating as usual

10/07/2020

During How to Handle Uncertainty - Gen Gomlam Meditation/Talk on Wednesday, October 14 at 6m, Gen Kelsang Gomlam will share practical methods from Buddhist psychology to transform the increasing uncertainty and growing challenges of our times into fuel for spiritual growth and mental resilience. This wisdom will not only help us cope with things right now, but will give us courage and strength to sustain both ourselves and others in the future. Without a doubt, this is a teaching for our time!

10/07/2020

Listen MKE Live: Election 2020

The presidential election is just a month away. Watch our special Listen MKE Live at 12:30 p.m. on October 7 for information about what you need to do to make sure your voice is heard. Guests: Joan Johnson, Milwaukee Public Library director and city librarian, and Claire Woodall-Vogg, executive director of the Milwaukee Election Commission

10/07/2020

One Minute Wednesday: Other Words for Home

Miss Jennifer hosts One Minute Wednesday, featuring Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga. This powerful book is about a young, Syrian refugee trying to find her place in America while staying true to herself. Check it out: http://bit.ly/otherwordswarga

Miss Jennifer is here with this week's One Minute Wednesday to discuss "Other Words for Home". A powerful book about a young Syrian refugee trying to find he...

10/06/2020

This month the Novel Ideas Book Club talks about Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. New members are always welcome - we hope you can join our virtual discussion!

10/06/2020

The presidential election is just a month away. Watch our special Listen MKE Live at 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 7 for information about what you need to do to make sure your voice is heard. Guests: Joan Johnson, Milwaukee Public Library director and city librarian, and Claire Woodall-Vogg, executive director of the Milwaukee Election Commission

10/06/2020

Technology Tuesdays continue on October 13 at 3 pm! This week we explore how to build a blog on the most popular online publishing platform Wordpress.com.

10/05/2020

Census deadline extended to October 31, 2020

The deadline to complete the 2020 Census has recently been extended through Saturday, October 31st. Completing the Census, which consists of nine questions, takes minutes and can be done online by visiting www.My2020Census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020.

Census data is used to determine federal funding of critical services, representation in the House of Representatives, and more. As part of an American Library Association Library Census Equity mini-grant, MPL partnered with local artists to create murals on branch library locations to increase awareness of the Census. Four MPL Branches, located in Census tracts with the lowest current response rates, feature Census window messaging:

• Milwaukee Public Library Center Street Branch with artist Adwoa Asentu
• Milwaukee Public Library M.L. King Branch by artist Rozalia Singh
• Milwaukee Public Library Mitchell Street Branch by artist Nicole Acosta
• Milwaukee Public Library Washington Park Branch by artist Audrey Moore

Visit www.2020census.gov for more information. #2020Census

10/04/2020

Stay connected with your Milwaukee Public Library! Check out what’s happening virtually this week. View our complete list of virtual programming at mpl.org/stayconnected.

10/02/2020

Write On! our creative writing program offers prompts (like, write about someone you met only once and made an impression) and timed writes. Plus you'll get two things a writer needs to get words out: a goal and a deadline. We hope you'll join us virtually on Oct 8, 22 or Nov 5, 19 - we'd love to write with you every time!

10/01/2020

Is social distancing getting "ruff"? "Purr"haps virtual visits with some cute fur babies are th e cure! Join us Monday, October 5 at 6:30 pm for Pandemic Pets, an evening of showing off and talking about every pet owner's favorite topic: their pets! According to the CDC, one benefit of pet ownership is decreased feelings of loneliness. Pets have also been shown to help lower stress, and improve immune systems, just what we need during a global pandemic. You're welcome even if you don't have a pet!

09/30/2020

Census Message Rohingya.mp4

Milwaukee Public Library has created a series of Census videos in multiple languages featuring local community members encouraging you to complete the Census and to Be Counted!
It's not too late to participate in the 2020 Census! The deadline for this once-in a decade opportunity is today, September 30, 2020. Census data is used to determine federal funding of critical services, representation in Congress, and much more.
The census is the cornerstone of our democracy. Census data is used to determine funding for key federal programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Section 8 Housing, school lunch programs, Title 1 school funding, and other critical programs that directly impact our communities.
Census data also helps determine political power and representation in Congress as well as the implementation of crucial civil rights policies.
Self-responding to the census is the easiest way to make sure you are counted amid the COVID-19 situation. Self-response is quick, easy, and can be done by online or by phone.

09/30/2020

Wednesday, October 7 at 6:30 pm is our Vegetarian Cookbook Club: Fall Harvest meeting. Join us virtually - new members welcome. This month, share your favorite fall-inspired recipes and cookbooks. Check out a cookbook or two for inspiration and let the group know what worked for you.

09/29/2020

This week, October 6 at 3 pm during Technology Tuesdays we explore how to stay connected to your neighbors through Nextdoor and Facebook groups so you can be aware of important updates in your community.

09/29/2020

Census Message Spanish.mp4

Milwaukee Public Library has created a series of Census videos in multiple languages featuring local community members encouraging you to complete the Census and to Be Counted!
It's not too late to participate in the 2020 Census! The deadline for this once-in a decade opportunity is September 30, 2020. Census data is used to determine federal funding of critical services, representation in Congress, and much more.
The census is the cornerstone of our democracy. Census data is used to determine funding for key federal programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Section 8 Housing, school lunch programs, Title 1 school funding, and other critical programs that directly impact our communities.
Census data also helps determine political power and representation in Congress as well as the implementation of crucial civil rights policies.
Self-responding to the census is the easiest way to make sure you are counted amid the COVID-19 situation. Self-response is quick, easy, and can be done by online or by phone.

09/28/2020

Census Message Arabic.mp4

Milwaukee Public Library has created a series of Census videos in multiple languages featuring local community members encouraging you to complete the Census and to Be Counted!
It's not too late to participate in the 2020 Census! The deadline for this once-in a decade opportunity is September 30, 2020. Census data is used to determine federal funding of critical services, representation in Congress, and much more.
The census is the cornerstone of our democracy. Census data is used to determine funding for key federal programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Section 8 Housing, school lunch programs, Title 1 school funding, and other critical programs that directly impact our communities.
Census data also helps determine political power and representation in Congress as well as the implementation of crucial civil rights policies.
Self-responding to the census is the easiest way to make sure you are counted amid the COVID-19 situation. Self-response is quick, easy, and can be done by online or by phone.

09/28/2020

Friday, October 2 at 5:30 pm is Doors Open - Celebrating Central: A Brief History. The Milwaukee Public Library's Historic Downtown Central Library is approaching its 125th anniversary. It has survived growth, additions, remodels and even pandemics as it continues to modernize to meet the Milwaukee areas' needs and support branch locations. Join us to see some 19th, 20th and 21st century images of the changes to public and staff spaces including some rarely seen areas.

09/27/2020

Census Message Karen .mp4

Milwaukee Public Library has created a series of Census videos in multiple languages featuring local community members encouraging you to complete the Census and to Be Counted!
It's not too late to participate in the 2020 Census! The deadline for this once-in a decade opportunity is September 30, 2020. Census data is used to determine federal funding of critical services, representation in Congress, and much more.
The census is the cornerstone of our democracy. Census data is used to determine funding for key federal programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Section 8 Housing, school lunch programs, Title 1 school funding, and other critical programs that directly impact our communities.
Census data also helps determine political power and representation in Congress as well as the implementation of crucial civil rights policies.
Self-responding to the census is the easiest way to make sure you are counted amid the COVID-19 situation. Self-response is quick, easy, and can be done by online or by phone.

09/27/2020

Stay connected with your Milwaukee Public Library! Check out what’s happening virtually this week. View our complete list of virtual programming at mpl.org/stayconnected.

09/26/2020

Census Message French.mp4

Milwaukee Public Library has created a series of Census videos in multiple languages featuring local community members encouraging you to complete the Census and to Be Counted!
It's not too late to participate in the 2020 Census! The deadline for this once-in a decade opportunity is September 30, 2020. Census data is used to determine federal funding of critical services, representation in Congress, and much more.
The census is the cornerstone of our democracy. Census data is used to determine funding for key federal programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Section 8 Housing, school lunch programs, Title 1 school funding, and other critical programs that directly impact our communities.
Census data also helps determine political power and representation in Congress as well as the implementation of crucial civil rights policies.
Self-responding to the census is the easiest way to make sure you are counted amid the COVID-19 situation. Self-response is quick, easy, and can be done by online or by phone.

Celebrate the richness of Hispanic Heritage with these great books for middle graders! These stories highlight Latinx wr...

09/26/2020

MPL Kids - Hispanic Heritage for Middle Graders

Celebrate the richness of Hispanic Heritage with these great books for middle graders! These stories highlight Latinx writers, illustrators, and characters. #HispanicHeritageMonth #LatinxHeritageMonth #KidsOfMPL

Come take a look at our Hispanic Heritage for Middle Graders booklist selection from our kids page!

These books, perfect for 6-9 year olds, show Latinx characters in various national and cultural contexts. They're great ...

09/25/2020

MPL Kids - Hispanic Heritage for Kids

These books, perfect for 6-9 year olds, show Latinx characters in various national and cultural contexts. They're great during Hispanic Heritage Month, but also any time of year. #HispanicHeritageMonth #LatinxHeritageMonth #KidsOfMPL

Come take a look at our Hispanic Heritage for Kids booklist selection from our kids page!

09/25/2020

Census Message Somali.mp4

Milwaukee Public Library has created a series of Census videos in multiple languages featuring local community members encouraging you to complete the Census and to Be Counted!

It's not too late to participate in the 2020 Census! The deadline for this once-in a decade opportunity is September 30, 2020. Census data is used to determine federal funding of critical services, representation in Congress, and much more.

The census is the cornerstone of our democracy. Census data is used to determine funding for key federal programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Section 8 Housing, school lunch programs, Title 1 school funding, and other critical programs that directly impact our communities.

Census data also helps determine political power and representation in Congress as well as the implementation of crucial civil rights policies.

Self-responding to the census is the easiest way to make sure you are counted amid the COVID-19 situation. Self-response is quick, easy, and can be done by online or by phone.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage with these great books for kids; suggested for those from birth to age 5! These stories high...

09/24/2020

MPL Kids - Hispanic Heritage for Young Children

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage with these great books for kids; suggested for those from birth to age 5! These stories highlight Latinx writers, illustrators, and characters. #HispanicHeritageMonth #LatinxHeritageMonth #KidsOfMPL

Come take a look at our Hispanic Heritage for Young Children booklist selection from our kids page!

09/24/2020

The 2nd Annual Deaf StorySlam is Sunday, September 27th at 1 pm. This free virtual event features local Deaf storytellers sharing their true personal stories!
• Register: it’s free and easy! https://bit.ly/2Fsrey5
• Get ready: check out last year’s in-person Deaf StorySlam and learn what to expect from a StorySlam. https://youtu.be/C_zC3iwgpvs
• Raise your hands and wave: support our local Deaf community storytellers throughout the event by signing applause in American Sign Language (ASL). Raise your hands and wave!
Thank you to the Deaf Storytelling project funders: Bader Philanthropies; a Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant from the American Library Association’s Public Programs Office; UW-Milwaukee Deaf Awareness Week; and Ex Fabula members.

09/23/2020

Technology Tuesdays continues September 29 at 3 pm with an overview of how LinkedIn--the internet's number one professional networking website--allows you to create and promote workplace skills, experience, and successes.

09/23/2020

Middle Grade One Minute Wednesday: Free Lunch

Join Miss Sarah to learn about an awesome memoir by Rex Ogle, "Free Lunch"! Check out a copy: http://bit.ly/fr33lunch

Join Miss Sarah to learn about an awesome memoir by Rex Ogle, "Free Lunch"!

09/22/2020

Simple Science: Eye Experiments

Inspired by the true life story of Dr. Patricia Bath, let’s experiment with our vision--testing both our depth perception and field of vision.

Take inspiration from the true life story of Dr. Patricia Bath, then experiment by vision--testing both your depth perception and field of vision.

09/22/2020

Whether in boxes under the bed, or in the basement, many of us have family photographs and letters that are precious. A Milwaukee Public Library archivist will share solutions to common challenges of preservation, specifically for photographs and letters on Monday, September 28 at 5:30 pm during the virtual program Preserving Family Memories : Preserve and Store.

09/21/2020

Strings & Things continues through fall. We meet Wednesdays at 12:30 pm. Join other crafters for our casual, drop-in knitting and crochet circle from wherever you are. Show off your latest projects, ask for help if you're stuck, and chat. All crafts welcome!

09/20/2020

Stay connected with your Milwaukee Public Library! Check out what’s happening virtually this week. View our complete list of virtual programming at mpl.org/stayconnected.

09/19/2020

Prompts Against Anxiety #21—from Derrick Harriell

Join Milwaukee Public Library and Woodland Pattern Book Center by participating in weekly Prompts Against Anxiety. A different artist will share thoughts on writing, creating, and sharing ideas based on a weekly theme. Sign up for the weekly prompts.
This week's prompt is Personification: A Social Justice Prompt from Derrick Harriell, author of Stripper in Wonderland, Cotton, and Ropes. Originally from Milwaukee, Harriell directs the MFA Creative Writing Program at the University of Mississippi.

Hip hop-lyricism and poetry can be seen interchangeably. Meaning, both artistic forms of expression are grounded in the use of similar sonic, lyrical, metaphorical, and metric ethos. In 1996, the rapper Nas released the song “I gave you power” on his classic album It Was Written. In the song, a...

09/18/2020

We're kicking off Technology Tuesdays on September 22 at 3 pm! We'll delve into cutting the cord and exploring alternatives to traditional cable television. In the following weeks we'll explore Building a Blog, Using Zoom for Holiday Gatherings and more.

09/18/2020

The 2nd annual Deaf StorySlam is Sunday, September 27th! New tellers, fresh stories and all happening on a virtual platform. This event is FREE and open to everyone. Time: 12:45pm entry, 1pm stories. Interpreters will be present.
Register today: https://bit.ly/2Fsrey5

Thank you to the Deaf Storytelling project funders: Bader Philanthropies; a Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant from the American Library Association’s Public Programs Office; University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Deaf Awareness Week; and Ex Fabula members.

09/17/2020

Join us Thursday, September 24 at 5pm for our History Buff Book Club with Author Casey Cep. We'll discuss Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee by Casey Cep. Harper Lee, famed author of To Kill a Mockingbird, spent years working on a true crime book based on the case of Alabama serial killer Reverend Willie Maxwell but the book never saw the light of day. Why? Dive into his story and hers with special guest and author Casey Cep at this session!

Address

814 W Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI
53233

General information

Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) is a public library system in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It consists of a Central Library and 12 neighborhood branches, all of which are part of the Milwaukee County Federated Library System. Milwaukee Public Library is the largest public library system in Wisconsin. Atkinson 1960 W. Atkinson Ave. 53209 Bay View 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. 53207 Capitol 3969 N. 74th St. 53216 Center Street 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave. 53210 Central Library 814 W. Wisconsin Ave. 53233 Drive-Up - Central Library 755 N. Eighth St. 53233 East 2320 N. Cramer St. 53211 Good Hope 7715 W. Good Hope Rd. 53223 Martin Luther King 310 W. Locust St. 53212 Mitchell Street 906 W. Historic Mitchell St. Tippecanoe 3912 S. Howell Ave. 53207 Villard Square 5190 N. 35th St. 53209 Washington Park 2121 N. Sherman Blvd. 53208 Zablocki 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave. 53215 MPL Express at Silver Spring 5550 N. 64th St. 53218 24-hour Library Hours Hotline: (414) 286-3287

Telephone

(414) 286-3000

Website

www.mpl.org

Alerts

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Videos

Listen MKE Live: Election 2020

Census deadline extended to October 31, 2020

The deadline to complete the 2020 Census has recently been extended through Saturday, October 31st. Completing the Census, which consists of nine questions, takes minutes and can be done online by visiting www.My2020Census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020. Census data is used to determine federal funding of critical services, representation in the House of Representatives, and more. As part of an American Library Association Library Census Equity mini-grant, MPL partnered with local artists to create murals on branch library locations to increase awareness of the Census. Four MPL Branches, located in Census tracts with the lowest current response rates, feature Census window messaging: • Milwaukee Public Library Center Street Branch with artist Adwoa Asentu • Milwaukee Public Library M.L. King Branch by artist Rozalia Singh • Milwaukee Public Library Mitchell Street Branch by artist Nicole Acosta • Milwaukee Public Library Washington Park Branch by artist Audrey Moore Visit www.2020census.gov for more information. #2020Census

The Kenosha Unrest: A deeper look

Join us at noon Wednesday for Listen MKE Live for a discussion on the unrest in Kenosha after the shooting of Jacob Blake. Among our guests: former Kenosha County supervisor Dayvin Hallmon, who long has emphasized the need to build trust between African Americans in Kenosha and the police, and Marc Levine, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, who has studied the impact of racism on southeastern Wisconsin and has a new study that found caste-like conditions for Blacks in Milwaukee.

Listen MKE Live: Milwaukee's Promise

Six community leaders will share their vision for Milwaukee's future as part of our Milwaukee's Promise project. The online discussion, set for noon Wednesday August 12, will be moderated by columnist James E. Causey of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Milwaukee Public Library Good Hope Branch Opening

Milwaukee Public Library Director Paula A. Kiely and Mayor Tom Barrett were joined by elected officials and MPL Board of Trustees members to open the newest Milwaukee Public Library at 7715 West Good Hope Road on Milwaukee’s Northwest Side. The branch is a $6.35 million investment in the neighborhood and replaces the former Mill Road Branch Library. At 18,400 square feet, the Good Hope Branch Library is the third largest branch in the system, following Mitchell Street Branch at 23,000 square feet and Washington Park at 20,000 square feet. The branch opening was delayed due to COVID-19 and opens under capacity restrictions and with safety measures enacted, including a mask requirement and mandatory social distancing. As such, some typical library activities, such as browsing the collection, are unavailable. Patrons are invited to access the Wi-Fi and computer stations, use copy, printing and scanning services, pick up materials holds, and limited reference services are available.

ListenMKE Live

Please join Listen MKE at 1:30 p.m. on July 8 for a discussion with youth organizers on the frontlines of the movement pushing for black lives to matter. We will talk about the current protests and where we go from here.

Meet Author Matt de la Peña (Virtual Program)

We are a week away from our virtual visit, Meet Author Matt de la Peña, on Monday, July 13th at 2 p.m.! Enjoy a special message from the author, and don’t forget to email your questions for Matt de la Peña to [email protected]. Include your child’s first name in the email! Questions will be selected at random, and Matt De la Peña will share answers during the program! You'll also meet local hero and Milwaukee County Transit System Bus Driver, Shamika Anderson, who will lead a "Wheels on the Bus" sing-a-long. Register today at https://bit.ly/2C9QmYq.

Browser's Book Bash

Celebrate your love of reading, books, and the characters that make them special. The Milwaukee Public Library celebrates our city’s diverse community of readers and the books that Milwaukee loves! Join us at Browser's Book Bash this Saturday, March 7 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Central Library. Enjoy music, comedy, literacy activities, animals, art, and cookie decorating! You might just see the Cat in the Hat or Curious George! Visit mpl.org/browser for event details and a list of book-based fun at neighborhood branch library reader celebrations!

Join us next Tuesday, December 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Milwaukee Public Library Mitchell Street Branch for the Gathering Art, Stories and Place Culmination Celebration, a two-year project funded by a National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant and the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation. Festivities include: Launch of Celeste Contreras' Artist Book, Sneak Peek of the Listening to Mitchell Archive, Ex Fabula UltraShorts Booth, Artists Working in Education, Inc. Truck Studio. Gathering Art, Stories and Place Film, Live music, snacks, and more! ASL interpretation will be provided.

You have two more chances to work with our Artist-in-Residence and learn a new art skill! Join us for Screen Printing Workshop with Celeste Contreras on Wednesdays, December 4 and 11 from 5-7 p.m. at the Milwaukee Public Library Mitchell Street Branch. Bring a T-shirt or any other cloth you’d like to print on!

MPL Live Rap Battle

ICYMI - Check out highlights from last Thursday's MPL Live Rap Battle. A huge shout out to the 8 talented MCs who performed their original songs - Timboloneon The Great (Timothy V.), El' Bang, Brenton Levy, Richie Buz, King Swift, Big Mack, JC Kroupa, and RB Vic. Congrats again to RB Vic for taking home the crown and to our second place winner, Timboloneon the Great. View their work at mplrapbattle.com. #LibraryLoudDays

Rap Battle Promo

They've proven they've got what it takes, but only one will take home the crown…. And a $1,000 cash prize! Cheer on 8 up-and-coming MCs as they battle for pride and prize money at Milwaukee Central Library. Live performance by Ishdarr. Thursday, October 17 at 5:30. Voting is now closed. Learn more about the Battle here: https://bit.ly/2Zb8DdS

Recording Kit Prize

The ultimate Rap Battle Event is taking place this next Thursday, October 17 and EVERY attendee will be eligible to win a professional recording kit. Voting is now closed. Learn more about the Battle here: https://bit.ly/2Zb8DdS

MPL Live Rap Battle

DJ Bizzon will be there. Will you? See the next hot MCs battle for the crown. Special performance by Ish DARR. Thursday, October 17. Voting is now closed. Learn more about the Battle here: https://bit.ly/2Zb8DdS

Rap Battle

Vote for you favorite Rap Battle artist now! Learn more about the Battle and how you can submit your vote here:https://bit.ly/2Zb8DdS

Thanks to the 200+ attendees who joined us last week Thursday, August 8 at the Milwaukee Public Library Martin Luther King Branch for Library Loud Days: American Klassiks. This outstanding Bronzeville Week performance featured Klassik, SistaStrings, and Nickel&Rose. A special thanks to the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation with support from 88Nine Radio Milwaukee for making this event possible. Stay tuned for the next #LibraryLoudDays event! #TBT

Artist-in-Residence Celeste Contreras has been working super hard with Teens of Milwaukee Public Library and Artists Working in Education, Inc. interns to design and paint these spectacular murals. We were very excited to have community member and artist, Jessica Romany (pictured with Celeste) volunteer her time to help us get them done! ⁣ We hope you’ll join us tonight at the Gathering Art, Stories and Place Pillar Mural Unveiling to celebrate these two beautiful additions to the Northwestern Mutual Foundation Studio M Makerspace! There will be art activities led by AWE's Truck Studio, Ex Fabula UltraShorts Booth and most importantly, ICE CREAM🍦 😋! It all starts tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the Milwaukee Public Library Mitchell Street Branch! ⁣

Kids who do more, know more! Kids that participate in the Super Reader Squad earn free or discounted passes to great places around Milwaukee including the Wisconsin State Fair, the Milwaukee County Zoo, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. A special shout out to the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation and our generous sponsors who make the Super Reader program possible each summer. Join the Squad now through August 30, 2019 for ages 12 and younger at superreadersquad.org.

Fear the Deer!

Looks like extinction round 2, Toronto Public Library! LET'S GO, Milwaukee Bucks! Toronto Raptors Bango #fearthedeer #nbaplayoffs2019

We had a great time this past Saturday, March 23 at the Milwaukee Public Library Mitchell Street Branch for Talking Shop: The Evolution of Breakdancing on Mitchell Street! It was so inspiring to hear from different voices and people of different generations talk about how breaking changed their lives and shaped their paths. A special thanks our guests and Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service for capturing video of the event. If you missed it, view it here: https://milwaukeenns.org/2019/03/26/nns-video-watch-mitchell-street-come-alive-with-breakdancing/. Stay tuned for the next Talking Shop series in May as part of the Gathering Art, Stories and Place project.

Calling all zine makers and want-to-be zine makers! Join us at the Milwaukee Public Library Mitchell Street Branch on Saturday, March 9 from 3-5 p.m. In preparation for Milwaukee Zine Fest on Saturday, April 6 at Milwaukee Public Library’s Central Library, we're hosting a Zine Drop-In Workshop led by Gathering Art, Stories and Place artist-in-residence, Celeste Contreras, plus Zine Fest’s Diversity Fellow, Randy Russell Brown. Discuss ideas and format, test out some binding techniques and maybe even make a zine together! This event is FREE and all materials are provided (but feel free to bring your own special pens/tools/paper). All zine-making abilities and backgrounds welcome, from teens to adults!

Lend a helping hand by volunteering at Browser's Book Bash on Saturday, March 2 at the Central Library. With more than 1,200 children expected, we’re looking for approximately 30 volunteers to help all our young guests have an engaging experience. Volunteers will help out from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. by assisting with a variety of activity stations including educational games, cookie decorating, arts & crafts projects, journal making, welcoming guests, helping our mascots, and more. Volunteers must be 14 years or older. Individuals and groups interested in helping out may apply online at http://bit.ly/2EaMS6E.

Join us for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration 2019 on Monday, January 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Milwaukee Public Library Martin Luther King Branch. For the past 10 years the branch has opened on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to offer a celebration filled with poetry, music, dance, crafts, games and community services. Programming for the celebration is supported by the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation. Learn more by visiting mpl.org/MLKDay.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this past Wednesday, December 19 for the 2018 Artist Residency Celebration at the Milwaukee Public Library Mitchell Street Branch. As shared by our Arts Project Coordinator, Katie Loughmiller, "The music was fantastic by SistaStrings, the food was delicious, the remarks were powerful, but what made me happiest was the turnout. We had so many of our amazing community members that we see every day, whose faces are now represented by Erick Ledesma's truly dazzling sculpture, 'Faces of Mitchell'. There were so many people from all over Milwaukee who came out to support both Erick and our new 2019 Artist-in-Residence, Celeste Contreras." We are very proud of the work that Erick has contributed to MPL and the community. Stay tuned for more great things to come as part of the Gathering Art, Stories and Place project in 2019. Learn more by visiting mpl.org/gasp. This project is in collaboration with community partners, Milwaukee Public Library, Listening to Mitchell artists Sonja Thomsen and Adam Carr, Ex Fabula and Artists Working in Education, Inc. The project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional support from the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation.

Join us for the 2018 Artist Residency Celebration, a culmination of Erick Ledesma’s year-long artist residency as a part of the Gathering Art, Stories and Place project on Wed., December 19 from 5-7 p.m. (program begins at 5:15 p.m.) at the Milwaukee Public Library Mitchell Street Branch. Celebrate the unveiling of the new permanent sculpture entitled 'Faces of Mitchell' as well as the many contributions of the inaugural artist-in-residence. The finalist for the 2019 Gathering Art, Stories & Place artist-in-residence will also be announced. Enjoy free food, art projects with Artists Working in Education, Inc.'s Truck Studio, UltraShorts Storytelling Booth with Ex Fabula, a live performance by SistaStrings, and much more! #MPL #facesofmitchell #buildingcommunity #collaboration

Milwaukee PBS Presents The Great American Read Watch Party

We’ve voted for our favorite book and we’ve been waiting all summer to find out which title will be named America’s Best-Loved Book. The votes have finally been tallied! Join Milwaukee PBS, Milwaukee Public Library, Boswell Book Company, and Literacy Services of Wisconsin for The Great American Read Watch Party on Tuesday, October 23 at 7 p.m. at Milwaukee Area Technical College's Cooley Auditorium. The first 200 people to register and attend will receive The Great American Read swag bag! RSVP today at http://bit.ly/2PFmZPp.

Connect with high-quality opportunities and employers at the 2nd Annual Job Expo next Thursday, June 28 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for unemployed and underemployed Milwaukeeans. Special employment opportunities available for ex-offenders, limited English-speakers, and teens. Registration begins the day of the Expo at 9:45 a.m. For an up-to-date list of participating employers, visit mpl.org/JobExpo.

The Great American Read Kick-Off

Milwaukee Public Library will receive a grant from the American Library Association (ALA) and PBS to host programs around “The Great American Read,” an eight-part television series premiering May 22 that will engage audiences with a list of 100 diverse books, encouraging audiences to read the books, vote from the list of 100, and share their personal connections to the titles. The Great American Read Kick-Off will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Following a screening of the television series, a reception and open discussion will occur and books from the list will be available for both check out and purchase. Register for the kickoff at: http://bit.ly/2jYeQHB

We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow, Monday, January 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Day Celebration 2018. Enjoy a full day of activities for the entire family honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Martin Luther King Branch is the ONLY library open on MLK Day. All other Milwaukee Public Libraries will be closed.