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.

EVENTS

Plan Your NaNoWriMo Novel!

Every November thousands take the National Novel Writing Month challenge and sign up to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days! In this kick off workshop led by the author of the NaNoWriMo Guide, Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (and Live to Tell About It), you’ll plan your novel, work on exercises to help you choose your genre, create characters, and imagine what might happen! The workshop will be held at Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Monday, October 31, 6-7 p.m. in Community Room 1.

Research Skills 101

Hone your research skills and learn how the library can help you with that paper you’re writing! In this workshop, learn how to search for information, evaluate the information you’ve found, and use that information in your research. Presented by a librarian from the Milwaukee Public Library at Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, November 1, 6-7 p.m.

Lunch and Learn

Enjoy lunch on us and discover something new over your lunch hour that will assist in making you a great parent. We’ll provide Cousins Subs, chips and water. Doors open at noon. Lunch will be available starting at noon. Registration is required; call 414.286.3011. Seating is limited. Best Books for Gift-Giving. Get a jump on holiday shopping for your children and teens as book selectors present the best books from 2016 for gift-giving at Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, November 2, 12:15-1 p.m.

Coffee & Coloring

Shake off the mid-week blues with a creative outlet to color and enjoy a cup of coffee at the Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35^th St., Wednesday, November 2, 12-1:30 p.m. Coloring sheets and supplies provided as well as free coffee while supplies last. Drop in and take a break! Also Nov. 9, 16, 23, 30.

Reference USA for Business Success

Database expert T.J. Pridle explains how to use Reference USA to find customers, study competition and design a business plan for financial backing at Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, November 2, 4-5 p.m. Topics include Start, Manage, and Grow Your Business and Creating a Business Plan to Obtain Funds for a New Business. Part of Milwaukee Startup Week – an entrepreneur-led event that brings entrepreneurs, investors, local leaders and startup enthusiasts together to build momentum and celebrate Southeast Wisconsin’s unique entrepreneurial identity. Also Thursday, Nov. 3, 4-5 pm.

Color Your Way to Calm

Sit back and relax by enjoying adult coloring after a long day of being a grown-up. Coloring sheets and art supplies will be provided.

Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Thursday, November 3, 4-5 p.m. Also Nov. 10, 17.

Zablocki Library, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Thursday, November 3, 3-5:30 p.m.

ACE: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences

Childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, and abandonment can have a significant impact on immediate mental and physical health, as well as increase the risk for long-term consequences. Learn about these Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their relation to brain development at Mill Road Library, 6431 N. 76^th St., Saturday, November 5, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Presented by  ACE interface trainer, Michael Joranger, LCSW. Mr. Joranger has more than 30 years of child welfare experience in a variety of settings.

BYOD – Bring Your Own Device

Learn how to set up your iPad, Kindle, Nook or tablet to download free eBooks, audiobooks and magazines available to you as a Milwaukee Public Library card holder. Please bring your Milwaukee Public Library card and all passwords.

Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Tuesday, November 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Also Nov. 8, 15, 22, 29.

East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Wednesday, November 2, 6-7:30 p.m. Also Nov. 9, 16, 23, 30.

BOOK DISCUSSION

Zablocki Book Club for Adults

Join the discussion of The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig at Zablocki Library, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Wednesday, November 2, 1-2 p.m.

FOR TEENS

Get Your FAFSA Done!

In collaboration with the College Access Center and College Goal Wisconsin, MPL is proud to offer FREE & professional on-site assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at Mill Road Library, 6431 N. 76^th St., Wednesday, November 2, 6-7:45 p.m. The FAFSA is the form students need to complete each year to be considered for grants and loans to help pay for college. Attend and you will not only have the opportunity to complete your FAFSA, you will also be entered for a chance to win a scholarship! Students should attend with a parent or guardian if possible. For teens ages 13-18.

FOR FAMILIES

Halloween Happenings @ Your Neighborhood Library

Ms. Kim’s Amazing Animal Fright Night

Settle in as Ms. Kim presents live animals, from small mammals to reptiles, that might be creepy to some people at Bay View Library, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Monday, October 31, 6:30-7:15 p.m. Take a turn petting these animals – if you dare!

Halloween Happenings @ Your Neighborhood Library  (Continued)

Trick or Treat @ The Library

Celebrate Halloween at the library with a spooky story, craft, games and snacks at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912

1. Howell Ave., Monday, October 31, 6-7 p.m. Costumes are encouraged.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Follow the clues on a scavenger hunt inside the spoooooky Zablocki Library, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave.,

Monday, October 31, 6:15-7:15 p.m. What clue lies in the pumpkin patch? What hint will the scarecrow hold?

Come in costume!

Goosebumps Campfire Stories

Love to read and tell scary stories? Share your favorite story or take turns reading from a selection of library books at Center Street Library, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Tuesday, November 1, 4-5 p.m. We’ll also have creepy crafts to keep you busy…come if you dare!

Beatrix Potter’s Furry Friends

Celebrate Beatrix Potter’s 150^th birthday at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Saturday, November 5, 2-3:30 p.m. GEE Funny Farm will bring Beatrix Potter’s characters to life as we share stories, author facts, and learn more about animals like the ones she illustrated. Meet a variety of live animals up close.

Play & Learn

Imaginative play for families with young children at Washington Park Library, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Saturday, November 5, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Marvelous Me. At this amazing developmental moment, children are basking in the comfort and security of caregivers, but also testing the boundaries of independence. Let’s explore!

Pajama Story Time

Families with young children are invited to have fun sharing 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, October 31, 6:30-7 p.m. Come dressed in your coziest PJs and bring a stuffed animal friend.

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 Library, 3969 N. 74^th St., Thursday, November 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also Nov. 10, 17.

Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, November 2, 9:30-11 a.m. For children ages 2 and  under with a parent or guardian. Also Nov. 9, 16, 23, 30.

East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, November 3, 10-11:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also Nov. 10, 17.

Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Friday, November 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 with a parent or guardian. Also Nov. 11, 18.

Zablocki Library, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Thursday, November 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 with a parent or guardian. Also Nov. 10, 17.

FOR CHILDREN

Dream Keepers Writing Circle

Calling all young writers ages 9-13. Work on your writing project and share it with other young writers at Capitol Library, 3969 N., 74^th St., Tuesday, November 1, 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. Also Nov. 15.

Pick a President!

Feeling left out because you’re too young to vote? Always dreamed your favorite fictional character could be president? Kids can get in on the action and cast their vote in a mock election.

Capitol Library, 3969 N. 74^th St., Wednesday, November 2, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Mill Road Library, 6431 N. 76^th St., Tuesday, November 1, 4-5 p.m.

Washington Park Library, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd. Tuesday, November 1, 5-6 p.m.

Celebrate Day of the Dead

Decorate a picture frame to honor your loved ones at Forest Home Library, 1432 W. Forest Home Ave., Wednesday, November 2, 6-7 p.m.

Exploratorium

Explore STEM concepts with this fun and educational series of afterschool programs emphasizing creativity and hands-on learning at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, November 3, 3:30-4:30 p.m. For ages 8-12. Also Nov. 10.

Storytelling 101 with Milwaukee Public Television

Discover your inner author and illustrator with Milwaukee Public Television at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Thursday, November 3, 4-4:45 p.m. Learn the basics of storytelling with hands-on activities, and continue the fun with a craft to take home. Learn the details for entering your original book in this year’s MPTV KIDS Writers’ Contest.

Truck Studio Art Workshop

A drop-in program designed for children in Grades K5-5. Participants will work on imaginative art activities relevant to a book or artistic theme for the day.  Presented by Artists Working in Education, Inc. (A.W.E.).

Center Street Library, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Monday, October 31, 4-5:30 p.m.

Forest Home Library, 1432 W. Forest Home Ave., Wednesday, November 2, 4-5:30 p.m. Also Nov. 9, 16, 23.

Mill Road Library, 6431 N. 76^th St., Thursday, November 3, 4-5:30 p.m. Also Nov. 10, 17.

Zablocki Library, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Saturday, November 5, 5:30-7 p.m. Also Nov. 12, 19, 26.

Saturdays at Central

Sunset Playhouse presents The Big Blue Ball! at Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, November 5, 10:30-11:30 a.m. We all live on this wonderful planet called Earth. Stories from all over the world tell tales of its beauty. This original musical makes you a part of a folktale focusing on the environment and embracing diversity.

Saturday Afternoon at Central for ‘Tweens

Chess Seminar at Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, November 5, 12:30-3:30 p.m. An intensive class for beginners who want to get serious about chess. Lessons include playing, strategy, patterns and tactics. The seminar includes time for kids to play with our chess expert on hand to assist. Space is limited. Call 286-3011 or register online at www.mpl.org.

Preschool Story Time

Preschoolers are invited for fun stories, songs, and finger plays designed to help them develop important

literacy skills needed prior to learning how to read. Child care centers are welcome.

Atkinson Library, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Thursday, November 3, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Nov. 10, 17.

Bay View Library, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Thursday, November 3, 10:30-11 a.m. Nov. 10, 17.

Capitol Library, 3969 N. 74^th St., Thursday, November 3, 10:30-11 a.m. Also Nov. 10, 17.

Center Street Library, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Thursday, November 3, 10:30-11 a.m. Nov. 10, 17.

Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, November 1, 10:30-11 a.m. Also Nov. 8, 15, 22, 29.

Forest Home Library, 1432 W. Forest Home Ave., Thursday, November 3, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Nov. 10, 17.

M.L. King Library, 310 W. Locust St., Friday, November 4, 10-10:30 a.m. Also Nov. 11, 18.

Mill Road Library, 6431 N. 76^th St., Thursday, November 3, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Nov. 10, 17.

Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35^th St., Friday, November 4, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Nov. 11, 18.

Washington Park Library, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Thursday, November 3, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Nov. 10, 17.

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.