Tour Historic Central Library
Tour the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., with the Friends. Free tours begin at 11 a.m. each Saturday afternoon in the rotunda. Tour goers receive a coupon for a free book at the end of the tour in the Bookseller Store and Café. To arrange for a special tour call (414) 286-TOUR.
CONTEST
Peeps® Diorama Contest
Create your own book-themed Peeps® diorama to display at the library. See if your diorama gets the most votes. You may drop off your diorama at the Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., between April 1 and April 20 to be entered into the contest. The winning diorama will receive a prize. A limited amount of shoe boxes will be available for use. An entry form must be filled out to compete in the contest. Pick up the form at Villard Square before Saturday, April 20.
PROGRAMS
Resume Review
A representative from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development will be on site to help patrons revise old resumes and create stellar new ones to attract the right employers at the Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Monday, April 15, 1-3 p.m. Participants should bring a paper copy of their resume or have access to a digital copy in order to get the best feedback possible to assist them in their job search. Reservations recommended; call 414.286.3011 or make your reservation online at mpl.org.
Creating a Vision Board
Need some help laying out goals you want to accomplish in 2019? Thinking about changing goals you already started for the year? Learn how to create a visual dreams board to help you envision your goals at then Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Monday, April 15, 5-7 p.m. Whether you’ve already created a vision board and want to make some changes, or the whole idea of a vision board is new to you, this program will help you create a visual path to your goals.
Rigged: The Voter Suppression Handbook – Film Screening and Talkback
View the new documentary Rigged at the Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Monday, April 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m., which tells the story of how ordinary citizens and political operatives concerned about a rising tide of non-white and younger voters hatched and pursued a plan to create new barriers to voter registration, disenfranchise minority voters and create an elaborate and false narrative around voter fraud.
Resume 101: First Steps to Building Your Resume
A resume has become a necessary tool in the world of job search and employment applications at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Monday, April 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Make it work to your advantage by learning what employers look for in a resume and what style best markets your strengths. In this workshop you will create a “ready to be typed” personal resume outline.
Zine Workshop
Express yourself and connect with other zinesters as you create a work of art by using or making images and text at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Monday, April 15, 6-7:30 p.m. Discuss ideas and format, test out binding techniques and share feedback, guidance and encouragement as you work towards a completed project. Featuring Milwaukee Zine Fest’s Community Diversity Fellow Randy Russell Brown and Gathering Art, Stories and Place artist-in-residence, Celeste Contreras.
Treasures of the Great Lakes Marine Collection
Learn about a different aspect of the Milwaukee Public Library’s Great Lakes Marine Collection at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, April 16, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Of special interest to divers and genealogists, the program is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about Great Lakes history.
Consumer Rights Clinic with Legal Action of Wisconsin
The Consumer Rights Clinic is a free community based legal clinic for people who have unresolved debt issues, have frequent contact with debt collectors, or are considering bankruptcy as a debt solution. Consumer rights attorney are on site to educate on consumer rights and answer debt related questions at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Tuesday, April 16, 3-5 p.m. There are income restrictions to participate. Call (414) 278-7722 to learn more and schedule to attend a session.
I Am Evidence Documentary Screening
I Am Evidence, a documentary produced by Mariska Hargitay and HBO, tells the story of four survivors whose rape kits went untested for years and traces their journey through the criminal justice system. Attend a free screening at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Tuesday, April 16, 5-7:30 p.m. Following the film, a trained Victim Advocate and Survivor Support Coordinator from UW-Milwaukee’s Counseling and Health Promotion services will facilitate a discussion.
Suicide Prevention: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
Learn to recognize the risk factors and warning signs associated with suicidal thoughts and how to offer hope and help with QPR Gatekeeper Training at the Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Tuesday, April 16, 6-7:30 p.m. Available to parents, friends, teachers, ministers, medical and mental health professionals – anyone who wants to know more about keeping the ones they care about from dying by suicide. QPR Training is led by a Certified QPR Gatekeeper Trainer. This training is not recommended for someone who has recently lost a loved one. Co-Sponsored by Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee.
Visual Journals and Narrative Stories with Artist-in-Residence Celeste Contreras
The 2019 Gathering Art, Stories and Place artist residency in collaboration with Artists Working in Education will begin with workshops focusing on books. Together we will explore codexes, zines, artist journals, artist books, traditional books and non-traditional books at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Wednesday, April 17, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Each participant will be able to create a book in numerous forms, as well as learn and interact with artists, art books and art forms. Resources will be provided for participants. Learn more about the project at mpl.org/gasp Also Apr. 24.
BYOD: Bring Your Own Device
Learn how to download eBooks, magazines, and music to your device by making an appointment with a librarian. The appointment can over Overdrive, RBDigital, Hoopla, or Freegal Music. Appointments are available between 6-7:30 p.m. at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Wednesday, April 17. Sign up by 2 p.m. on Wednesday in person or over the phone. Also Apr. 24.
Movies at Mitchell Street
Join us at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., for a free movie Featuring: The Circle (PG13)(2017) on Wednesday, April 17, 5-7 p.m.
Last Piece Puzzle Club
Enjoy quality puzzle time with other puzzle enthusiasts at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Saturday, April 20, 10-11 a.m. Work on a puzzle weekly until it’s done and get the satisfaction of putting in the last piece! Also Apr. 27.
BYOD: Bring Your Own Device
Get help downloading FREE e-books, magazines, music and more! Bring your library card and device and a librarian will get you started at the Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m.12 p.m.
Soul Food Junkies Documentary Film Screening
A free screening of the documentary from filmmaker Byron Hurt at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, April 20, 1-3 p.m. in Community Room 1. The film explores the history and social significance of soul food to black cultural identity and its effect on African American health – both good and bad. Staff will share information on health and health insurance.
Cell Phone Photography
Learn to utilize basic photography skills on your smart phone camera at the Bay View Branch, 2566 S.
Kinnickinnic Ave., Saturday, April 20, 2-3:30 p.m. Instruction will focus on iPhone and Android phones.
Participants will bring and use their own device for each session. April 20: Cell Phone Photography Basics.
BOOK DISCUSSIONS
Center Street Book Club
Join a neighborhood book discussion of We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union at the Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Monday, April 15, 6-7 p.m.
East Branch Book Club
Join the discussion of Kindred by Octavia Butler at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Tuesday, April 16, 7-8 p.m.
Bay View Book Club for Adults
Join the discussion of Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders at the Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Wednesday, April 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
FOR TEENS
Open Maker Time
Hang out, mess around, and geek out at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St. Come with a specific project in mind, pick from our menu of project options, or collaborate with other teens hanging out in the space.
Monday, Apr. 15, 22, 29, 3:30-7:30 pm
Tuesday, Apr. 16, 23, 3:30-7:30 pm; Studio M Cooking Event Tuesday, Apr. 30.
Wednesday, Apr. 17, 24, 3:30-7:30 pm
Thursday, Apr. 18, 25, 3:30-5:30 pm
Studio M closed Friday, Apr. 19; returns Friday, Apr. 26, 3:30-5:30 pm; Saturday, Apr. 20, 27, 1-4:30 pm
Spring Break for Teens
Snacks and fun daily from April 15-27 in Studio M at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St. Monday, Apr. 15, 22, 1-7:30 pm
Tuesday, Apr. 16, 23, 1-7:30 pm
Wednesday, Apr. 17, 24, 1-7:30 pm
Thursday, Apr. 18, 25, 1-5:30 pm
Friday, Apr. 19, 26, 1-5:30 pm
Saturday, Apr. 20, 27, 1-4:30 pm
Teen Job Center
Drop-in at your library’s Teen Job Center! Get answers to questions about job applications or interviews and get help using the internet to search for and apply to jobs.
Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Monday, April 15, 1-3 p.m. Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Wednesday, April 17, 2:30-4 p.m.
Sphero Robot for Tweens and Teens
During Spreak Break, try out Sphero, the Bluetooth-controlled robotic ball, at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Monday, April 15, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Sphero is not only a super cool toy, but also a powerful introduction to the basics of programming. Using books and other objects, create an obstacle course for Sphero to navigate. Also Tuesday, Apr. 16, 1:30-2:30 pm
AWE Spring Break Animation Camp
Love animated movies and characters? Hang out with other teens who love animation, and try your hand at creating your own animated video. You’ll have access to all the computers and equipment available in Studio M, plus an expert animation artist to help you along the way at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St. Sessions: Monday, April 15, 4-7 p.m.; Tuesday, April 16, 4-7 p.m.; Wednesday, April 17, 4-7 p.m.; Thursday, April 18, 3:30-5:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 20, 2:30-4 p.m.
Cookie School: Learn How to Professionally Decorate Cookies
Join Adija Smith, Food Network “Christmas Cookie Challenge” contestant and owner of Confectionately
Yours, as she offers participants tips and techniques for decorating cookies at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Monday, April 15, 5-7 p.m. Registration required. Please call 286-3011 or register online at mpl.org.
Screen Printing and Paper Making Party
On weekdays during Spring Break, come to Studio M to screen print with friends at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Tuesday, April 16, 1-3 p.m. Create your own designs and then use our screen printing equipment to make a copy to take home. Bring a T-shirt or any other cloth you’d like to print on, or make your own cool recycled paper to print on. Also Wed. Apr. 17 and Thurs. Apr. 18.
Popcorn and Poetry
Enjoy popcorn while we share some of our favorite poems at the Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Thursday, April 18, 2-3 p.m.
FOR FAMILIES
Pajama Story Time
Families with young children are invited to come dressed in your coziest PJs and bring a stuffed animal friend for stories, songs, and rhymes designed to develop early literacy skills and encourage a love of reading at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Monday, April 15, 6:30-7 p.m. Also Apr. 22, 29.
Baby Story Time
Share simple stories, playful songs, and gentle movement in this lapsit story time for babies at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, April 16, 9:30-10 a.m. For children birth to 12 months, with a caregiver. Also Apr. 23, 30.
Children’s Day/Book Day – El Día de los niños/El Día de los libros
Enjoy a story time in Spanish and English at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Wednesday, April 17, 6-7 p.m. Read, sing and have fun together at the library.
Play and Learn
Imaginative play for families with young children at the Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Thursday, April 18, 10-11 a.m. Camping. Go on a pretend nature hike, sing camp songs, and roast marshmallows. Then pitch a tent and settle in for some camp stories.
Fun with Bubbles
Listen to fun bubble stories and make your own bubbles at the Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Thursday, April 18, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Playgroup With Stories
A 20-minute story time for children and their parents or guardian is followed by open play time with a variety of age-appropriate, educational toys.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Thursday, April 18, 10:30-11 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also Apr. 25.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, April 17, 9:30-10:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Repeated at 10:45 a.m. Also Apr. 24.
Playgroup With Stories (CONTINUED)
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, April 18, 10-11:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also Apr. 25.
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, April 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also Apr. 25.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Thursday, April 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also Apr. 25.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Thursday, April 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also Apr. 25.
Story Time
Young children and their caregivers are invited for fun stories, songs, and fingerplays all designed to help little ones develop important literacy skills needed prior to learning how to read. Child care centers are welcome.
Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Thursday, April 18, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Apr. 25.
Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Thursday, April 18, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Apr. 25.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Thursday, April 18, 10-10:30 a.m. Also Apr. 25.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Monday, April 15, 4-4:30 p.m. Also Apr. 22, 29.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, April 16, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Apr. 23, 30.
Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Thursday, April 18, 10-10:30 a.m. Also Apr. 25.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Thursday, April 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Also Apr. 25.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Thursday, Apr. 18, 10:30-11 a.m. Also Apr. 25.
FOR CHILDREN
Spring Scavenger Hunt
Stop in at the library during Spring Break April 15-20 during the library’s regular open hours and pick up a self guided scavenger hunt. Visit the librarian when you are finished for a surprise!
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave.
Slime Time
Try different slime recipes and see who can create the slimiest slime at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Monday, April 15, 2-3 p.m.
Dream Keepers Writing Circle
Calling all young writers ages 9-13! The Dream Keepers Writing Circle will give you the opportunity to work on your writing project and share it with other young writers at the Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Monday, April 15, 4-5:30 p.m. Students will spend the first part of the session writing, with writing prompts and encouragement from author and writing coach Rochelle Melander. During the second half of the session, students will share these stories with each other, learning how to listen for key story elements and give helpful feedback.
Art Workshops with Artists Working in Education
A drop-in program designed for children in grades K5-5th grade, although older siblings are welcome. Each visit begins with an A.W.E. artist reading aloud a story or two and then discussing the book or illustrator.
Participants will then work on imaginative art activities relevant to the book or artist theme for the day.
Everyone gets to take home their creations. Families are encouraged to attend and make art together.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Monday, April 15, 4-5:30 p.m.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Saturday, April 20, 2-3:30 p.m.
Build with LEGO Bricks
Get the creativity flowing using LEGO bricks. Join others and see what you can create together. This activity helps to develop 21st century skills such as problem-solving and collaboration.
Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Monday, April 15, 4-5 p.m.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, April 16, 2-3 p.m.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Wednesday, April 17, 2:30-4 p.m.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Wednesday, April 17, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Spring Break Dance-Off
Do you have the moves to be the Wii U Just Dance champ? Test your skills against your friends in an epic dance-off at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Tuesday, April 16, 2:30-4 p.m.
Paws and Read
Read out loud to a cuddly canine! The Alliance of Therapy Dogs will bring furry friends to provide comfort, support and build confidence for beginning, struggling, or reluctant readers.
Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Tuesday, April 16, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Tuesday, April 16, 5-6 p.m.
Florentine Opera Presents The Three Little Pigs
The opera The Three Little Pigs, arranged by John Davies, is set to the music of W.A. Mozart for a free performance at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, April 17, 10:30-11:15 a.m. It tells the classic tale while also teaching the audience the importance of libraries and studying hard.
I Survived Spring Break!
Explore hands-on STEAM activities inspired by the I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis, from natural disasters to shark attacks and sinking ships at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Thursday, April 18, 2-3 p.m.
Egg Drop!
Test your engineering skills and see if you can build the ultimate structure to keep your egg safe from its own Humpty Dumpty “great fall” at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, April 18, 4-5 p.m.
Saturdays at Central
Flower Story Time at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, April 20, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Celebrate spring at a flower-powered story time.
Saturday Afternoons at Central for ‘Tweens
Tessellations at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, April 20, 2-3 p.m. Try your hand at creating tessellations – repeating patterns that fit perfectly together.
Upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities. For additional information or to request services contact the Library Director’s Office at (414) 286-3021, 286-2794 (FAX), or mail to Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53233 Attn: Accommodation Request.
BOOKSELLER and COFFEE SHOP
Visit the Bookseller, the library’s used book store, located at Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., and R Café, the library’s coffee shop. Call 286.2142 for hours of service.