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.
PROGRAMS
Cold War Wisconsin with Author Chris Sturdevant
As the Cold War gripped the world with fear of espionage and nuclear winter, everyday Wisconsinites found themselves embroiled in the struggle. Learn more about this fascinating era from Chris Sturdevant, author of Cold War Wisconsin, at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, January 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Celebrate National Puzzle Day
Enjoy quality puzzle time with other puzzle enthusiasts at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Tuesday, January 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. All ages welcome.
Milwaukee’s Harbor District: Restore, Revitalize, Redevelop
Join Lindsay Frost, Water Projects Manager from Harbor District, Inc., to learn more about efforts to restore habitat and connect the community to the water’s edge in Milwaukee’s Harbor District at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Wednesday, January 30, 6-7 p.m. From local high school students building urban fish habitats, to our annual Boat Parade and Harbor Fest, learn more about how you can get involved.
Small Business Resources 101
Learn how to find the right information to help you start your own business at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Thursday, January 31, 12-1 p.m. Central Library business staff offer a free bi-annual program on useful print and electronic resources for small business planning.
Last Piece Puzzle Club
Enjoy quality puzzle time with other puzzle enthusiasts at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Saturday, February 2, 10-11 a.m. Work on a puzzle weekly until it’s done and get the satisfaction of putting in the last piece! Also Feb. 9, 16, 23.
Active Adult: The Art of Poi Dancing
Poi is an art form that uses a set of two handheld tethered balls that you twirl around your body in beautiful patterns. Simple poi movements will improve your coordination, balance your bilateral motor skills, sharpen analytical skills, boost endurance, and enhance self-awareness. Learn Poi skills with Marilyn Besasie, Milwaukee’s most experienced instructor at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Saturday, February 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Please arrive early; class space is limited. Also Feb. 9, 16, 23.
BOOK DISCUSSION
History Buff Book Club
Join the discussion of The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels by Jon Meacham at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Monday, January 28, 6-7 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, Jan. 28, 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 29, 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 30, 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 31, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 1, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 2, 1-4:30 p.m.
Piece it Together, Puzzle Party
Celebrate National Puzzle Day by putting together puzzles or playing Sudoku® at the Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Tuesday, January 29, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Figure out a crossword puzzle and create a puzzle piece magnet.
Manga Club
Come to the Mitchell Street Branch’s own Manga Club at 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Wednesday, January 30, 5-6 p.m. We’ll write our names in hiragana and eat Japanese candy. Origami paper and instructions will be available. We will vote on the main activity for our March 13 meeting.
Teen Time
Chill out after school with friends at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Thursday, January 31, 4:15-5:15 p.m. Play the Wii™, try some board games or puzzles, or draw a picture. Snacks will be provided.
You Choose: Teen Movie
Join the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) for an afternoon teen movie that you get to choose at the Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Saturday, February 2, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Vote on our Teens of Milwaukee Public Library Facebook page now thru Wednesday, January 16 for the movie you want to watch. Watch the chosen movie, eat popcorn and create your own hot chocolate concoction with many different topping options.
Saturday Treats
Come to the Makerspace to relax and make a fun treat with friends at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Saturday, February 2, 2-3:30 p.m. We will try out new recipes and revisit old favorites like chocolate chip cookies.
FOR FAMILIES
Jali Kunda
Learn about traditional West African drumming and storytelling with Keba Diabate and the artists of Jali Kunda at the Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Tuesday, January 29, 3-4 p.m.
Urban Wildlife: Poetry in Your Backyard
Hands-on fun, discovery, and exploration about wildlife you might find in your own backyard at the Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Wednesday, January 30, 4-5 p.m. Get inspired to create poetry about the natural world. Part of Field Work: Poetry and Science in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Museum.
Play and Learn
Imaginative play for families with young children at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Wednesday, January 30, 5-6 p.m. Construction Site. Pack up the tools and get ready to plan and build with blocks at the construction site.
Play and Learn PRESENTED IN SPANISH
Imaginative play for families with young children at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Friday, February 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Flower Shop. Practice helping out at the florist’s shop. Help customers, arrange flowers, run the cash register, and write up orders.
Science Story Time: Meet Nurse Practitioner Elaine
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Elaine explains the duties of doctors and nurses and how our bodies work at the Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Saturday, February 2, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Create a fun art project to take home.
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, January 28, 6:30-7 p.m.
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, January 29, 9:30-10 a.m. For children birth to 12 months, with a caregiver.
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, January 31, 10:30-11 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, January 30, 9:30-10:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Repeated at 10:45 a.m.
Playgroup With Stories (CONTINUED)
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St. Thursday, January 31, 10-11:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian.
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, January 31, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 with a parent or guardian.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Thursday, January 31, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1 to 4 with a parent or guardian.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Thursday, January 31, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1 to 4 with a parent or guardian.
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, January 31, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Thursday, January 31, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Thursday, January 31, 10-10:30 a.m.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Monday, January 28, 4-4:30 p.m.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, January 29, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Thursday, January 31, 10-10:30 a.m.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Thursday, January 31, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Thursday, January 31, 10:30-11 a.m.
FOR CHILDREN
Build with LEGO Bricks
Get the creativity flowing using LEGO bricks at the Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Monday, January 28, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join others and see what you can create together. This activity helps to develop 21st century skills such as problem-solving and collaboration.
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. 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.
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Monday, January 28, 4:30-5 p.m. Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Tuesday, January 29, 4-5:30 p.m.
Snap Circuits
Explore the basic principles of electronics at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Tuesday, January 29, 4:15-5:15 p.m. Learn how to build a doorbell by snapping circuits together. For ages 7 and up. Parents are encouraged to attend.
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.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Tuesday, January 29, 4-5 p.m. Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Saturday, February 2, 1-2 p.m.
Matilda Book Club
Join us for a kid-friendly book club at the Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Tuesday, January 29, 6-7 p.m. Will Matilda rid the school of the evil headmistress Miss Trunchbull? Come to the library to read the first chapter together and decorate a colorful newt.
Snack Hack!
Enjoy a free healthy snack Mitchell Street’s Cargill Community Kitchen at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, January 31, 3:30-4 p.m. All school-aged children 18 and younger are invited to make and eat a simple snack and learn how about the importance of snacking healthy! The Snack Hack series is generously supported by Pete’s Fruit Market.
Snow Globes
Celebrate the snowy season by making your own DIY snow globes to take home at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, January 31, 4-5 p.m.
Saturdays at Central
Korean Drumming at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, February 2, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Students will use their hands and special sticks to learn about traditional Korean drumming.
Saturday Afternoons at Central for ‘Tweens
Simple Structures at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, February 2, 2-3 p.m. Create an epic structure out of straws and paper tubes.
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.