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.
EXHIBITS
ZIP MKE runs Apr. 26-May 31 at the Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave.
27 Zip Codes, 1 City. ZIP MKE is a unique photographic exhibit, originally an online gallery, celebrating the beauty and diversity, not the divisions, of Milwaukee. Photographs come from residents in every zip code displaying Milwaukee’s strong community spirit. Online gallery can be viewed: www.zipmke.com
SPECIAL EVENTS: MKE Big Read
A Visit From Author Julia Alvarez
Acclaimed author and poet Julia Alvarez joins Milwaukee in a discussion of her MKE Big Read title In the Time of the Butterflies. Broadcast via Skype in Centennial Hall, 733 N. Eighth St., Wednesday, May 3, 6-7 p.m.
MKE Big Read Bilingual Story Slam with Ex Fabula
Ex Fabula StorySlams strengthen community bonds by creating spaces where people can connect over true, personal stories. This StorySlam will feature stories related to the theme of “Courage” in Centennial Hall, 733 N. Eighth St., Thursday, May 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., stories start at 7:30 p.m. Come just to listen – or, if you have a story related to the night’s theme and can share it in 5 minutes or less, throw your name in the hat for a chance to take the stage. Another way to share stories is via UltraShorts, which are brief, true personal stories written on slips of paper and then read onstage by the emcee.
Film Screening Documentary “Code Name: Butterflies”
Code Name: Butterflies is the first documentary to tell the powerful story of the Mirabal sisters of the Dominican Republic. Watch the film at the Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Monday, May 1, 6-7 p.m.
The Thing About Flowers
Flowers in Julia Alvarez’s In the Time of the Butterflies are sustaining, symbolic and ritualistic. Touch on the significance of flowers in the book and join Michael Alt, local florist and Alt’s antique shop owner, as he shares his love of sustainable flowers and expertise in flower arranging at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Tuesday, May 2, 6-7:30 p.m. Make your own floral arrangement in a small vessel to take home. Registration required; please call 414.286.3011 or register online at mpl.org/mkebigread.
MKE Big Read Book Discussion
In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez explores themes of courage, freedom, rebellion against tyranny, family and women’s rights. Discuss the book, its themes, and its relevance to our community with fellow Milwaukeeans at Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Tuesday, May 2, 6 p.m.
Discovery Lunch
Discovery Lunches are one-hour programs that invite you to explore and connect with fellow learners. Please call 414-286-3011 or stop by any Milwaukee Public Library to register. A light lunch is provided. Researching Your Family Tree will be presented at the Mill Road Branch, 6431 N. 76th St., Tuesday, May 2, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Start investigating your family history with the resources available at the Milwaukee Public Library. Part of the MKE Big Read.
EVENTS
Bay View Kinnickinnic Knitters
A knitting circle dedicated to expanding skills through the participation of knitters of all experience levels. Bring any knitting project to the Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Wednesday, May 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for conversation and camaraderie among knitters. Tap into knitting resources the library has to offer.
Story, Story Night: Storytelling for Adults
Why should kids get all the fun? Enjoy an evening of themed storytelling geared towards adults at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Wednesday, May 3, 6-7 p.m. A craft and light nosh complementing each month’s theme will be provided. A mixture of short stories, picture books, and poetry will be read aloud by the librarian. Featuring: Global Voices.
The Creative Writing Collective
Meet with other budding writers for peer support and input and take part in this new community of creative people at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Wednesday, May 3, 6-7:30 p.m.
Color Your Way to Calm
Color your way to calm at a drop-in coloring club for adults. Coloring sheets, art supplies and hot tea will be provided at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Thursday, May 4, 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Let’s Learn! Let’s Ride! Bublr Bikes
Learn how to use Bublr Bikes, how to sign up for a Bublr pass online, and get bicycle safety tips to help you enjoy your ride at the M.L. King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Saturday, May 6, 2-3 p.m. Also May 13, 20.
Grow Your Own Groceries
This basic gardening course will teach you how to design, plant and care for a productive vegetable garden, community plot, raised bed or any other space at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Saturday, May 6, 2-4 p.m. Save money and eat healthier by growing food at home or in a community garden. Presented by Milwaukee Urban Gardens, a program of Groundwork Milwaukee. Please register online at mpl.org or call 414.286.3011.
U.S. Citizenship Classes
PRESENTED IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH. Free citizenship classes presented by Voces de la Frontera at the Forest Home Branch, 1432 W. Forest Home Ave., Saturday, May 6, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Register in person at the Forest Home Branch or by calling Voces de la Frontera: 414-643-1620. Also May 13.
BYOD: Bring Your Own Device
Bring your tablet, Kindle, Nook, etc. and your library card to the library and we’ll help you set up a library account on your device to download free books, music and magazines at:
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Friday, May 5, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Also May 12, 19, 26.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Tuesday, May 2, 6-7 p.m.
BOOK DISCUSSION
Zablocki Book Club for Adults
Join the discussion of Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Wednesday, May 3, 1-2 p.m.
FOR FAMILIES
May the Fourth Be With You Star Wars Trivia
Will you be the next great Jedi or will you fall by the powers of the Dark Side? Find out! Celebrate May the Fourth Be with You Day by testing your knowledge of all things Star Wars during this family trivia program at:
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, May 4, 4:30-6 p.m.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Thursday, May 4, 4-5:30 p.m.
May the Fourth Origami Yoda Party
Celebrate Star Wars Day at the library by folding characters from the Origami Yoda books at the Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Thursday, May 4, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Paws and Read
Read out loud to a cuddly canine! The Alliance of Therapy Dogs will provide furry friends the first Saturday of each month. Come in to say hello, give a pet, or read a selection of good books at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Saturday, May 6, 1-2 p.m. Great for reluctant readers and Super Readers!
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, May 1, 6:30-7 p.m. Come dressed in your coziest PJs and bring a stuffed animal friend. Also May 8, 14, 22, 29.
Play & Learn
Pet Parade at the Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Saturday, May 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Use your body and imagination to gallop like a horse, scamper like a mouse, swim your hands and fly scarves like birds.
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, May 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also May 11, 18, 25.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, May 3, 9:30-11 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also May 10, 17, 24, 31.
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, May 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also May 11, 18, 25.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Friday, May 5, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1 to 4 with a parent or guardian. Also May 12, 19, 26.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Thursday, May 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1 to 4 with a parent or guardian. Also May 11, 18, 25.
FOR CHILDREN
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.) at:
Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Monday, May 1, 4:30-6 p.m. Also May 8, 15, 22.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Tuesday, May 2, 5-6:30 p.m. Also May 9, 16, 23.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, May 6, 2-3:30 p.m. Also May 13, 20.
Saturdays at Central
Full Steam Ahead – Simple Machines at Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, May 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Explore simple machines during this science story time.
Saturday Afternoons at Central for ‘Tweens
Truck Studio Art Workshop at Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, May 6, 2-3:30 p.m. 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.). Also May 13, 20.
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 Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Thursday, May 4, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also May 11, 18, 25.
Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Thursday, May 4, 10:30-11 a.m. Also May 11, 18, 25.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Thursday, May 4, 10-10:30 a.m. Also May 11, 18, 25.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Thursday, May 4, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also May 11, 18, 25.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, May 2, 10:30-11 a.m. Also May 9, 16, 23, 30.
Forest Home Branch, 1432 W. Forest Home Ave., Thursday, May 4, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also May 11, 18, 25.
Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Thursday, May 4, 10-10:30 a.m. Also May 11, 18, 25.
Mill Road Branch, 6431 N. 76th St., Thursday, May 4, 10:30-11 a.m. Also May 11, 18, 25.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Monday, May 1, 5:30-6:15 p.m. Also May 8, 15, 22, 29.
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.