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.
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Bucket Drumming with the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
Make music with a 5-gallon bucket and a pair of drumsticks. Participants will learn basic rhythm patterns and create an original piece of music to accompany a traditional story.
Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Monday, February 4, 4-5 p.m. Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, February 9, 2-3 p.m.
Harlem Renaissance Coffee Club
Sip a cup of coffee and enjoy great music from the Harlem Renaissance at the Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Monday, February 4, 5-7 p.m.
African American Book Jacket Bingo
Test your knowledge of African American children’s literature and win prizes with this fun game of Bingo at the Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Tuesday, February 5, 4-5 p.m.
Milwaukee African American History Museum Opening
View exhibits created by neighborhood children as well as students from area schools at the Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St. at the museum opening on Tuesday, February 5, 5:30-7 p.m. Exhibits will remain on display from February 5 through March 2.
Jali Kunda
Learn about traditional West African drumming and storytelling with Keba Diabate and the artists of Jali Kunda at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Tuesday, February 5, 6-7 p.m.
Celebrating the Achievements of Black Inventors
Celebrate the achievements of African and African-American inventors at the Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Thursday, February 7, 4-5:30 p.m. Includes a hands-on activity and discussion about your favorite Black inventors!
Black Art, History, and Culture: Harlem Renaissance Workshop
Learn about African American Artists during the Harlem Renaissance and create African mask greeting cards using fabrics and beads at the Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Saturday, February 9, 1-2:30 p.m.
PROGRAMS
Hearts, Scissors, Glue: A DIY Valentine Card Making Event for Adults
Why should kids have all the fun? Get in touch with your inner artist and create a special valentine for yourself or someone special at the Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Monday, February 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Bring your imagination, we’ll supply the rest.
Crosswords, Coloring & Contemplation
Perk up your afternoon by working on a crossword puzzle, a coloring sheet, or your own creative, contemplative project at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Wednesday, February 6, 12-1:30 p.m. Hot beverages, crosswords, and coloring supplies provided by the library, while supplies last.
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 at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Wednesday, February 6, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Together we will explore codexes, zines, artist journals, artist books, traditional books and non-traditional books. 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 Feb. 13, 20, 27.
Recycled Romance
Make a booklover’s Valentine to keep or gift – a recycled bookmark made from the pages of your favorite romance novel at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Friday, February 8, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Materials will be provided.
Last Piece Puzzle Club
Enjoy quality puzzle time with other puzzle enthusiasts at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Saturday, February 9, 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. 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 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Please arrive early; class space is limited. Also Feb. 16, 23.
Book Sculpture
Learn how to repurpose old books into fun and fascinating book sculptures at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Saturday, February 9, 2-3:30 p.m. Make a figure rising out of an open book – a ship, a tree, a character – anything you like! Materials will be provided.
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 Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, February 9, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
BOOK DISCUSSION
Vegetarian Cookbook Club
Plant-based diets are good for you and your planet! Try recipes at home, then discuss each cookbook with fellow food enthusiasts at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Wednesday, February 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cookbooks are available to check out one month prior to discussions. No food will be prepared at meetings. Please choose one of the following two books to discuss: The Heart of the Plate: Vegetarian Recipes for a New Generation by Mollie Katzen or The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook: Over 125 Delicious, Life-Changing, Plant-Based Recipes by Ann Crile Esselstyn.
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, February 4, 11, 25, 3:30-7:30 p.m.; Studio M closed Monday, Feb. 18.
Tuesday, February 5, 12, 19, 26, 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 6, 13, 27, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Studio M Cooking Event Wednesday, Feb. 20. Thursday, February 7, 14, 21, 28, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Friday, February 8, 15, 22, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 9, 16, 23, 1-4:30 p.m.
ArtxTech
Join Artists Working in Education (A.W.E.) for a program that combines art with technology! Create an art project while learning basic coding fundamentals through littleBits™, a new electronic building set meant for young people. These magnetic “bits” snap together and turn ideas into inventions.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, February 5, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Saturday, February 9, 2-4 p.m.
Digital Photography Series
Interested in digital photography? Check out all the equipment and software available in Studio M, and develop your skills with help from a professional photographer at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Tuesday, February 5, 6-7:30 p.m. Whether you’re a total beginner or you already know your way around a DSLR camera, you’ll have a chance to practice and learn something new. Also Feb. 12, 19.
Pal-entine’s Day Celebration
Celebrate your friends, your pals, and your buddies at the Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Wednesday, February 6, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Make friendship bracelets and Books of Awesome for your friends to show them how much you care. Teens and Tweens are welcome.
Teen Wellness Cooking
Be committed to wellness this spring! Gather in Studio M to try out fun wellness activities and cook tasty, healthy recipes with friends at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Wednesday, February 6, 5-7:30 p.m.
Poetry, Spoken Word, and Digital Art Inspired by Theater: Create Art on the Topic of Hope.
Do you have a unique perspective on the world? Have you ever tried to use Poetry, Spoken Word, or Visual Arts to share your ideas with others? Whether you’re already an experienced artist or you’re just interested in giving it a try, stop by Studio M for an opportunity to express yourself through creation at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Saturday, February 9, 1-4 p.m. We’ll have artists on hand to help, and all the Studio M equipment available for you to use. Make a piece of digital art or record your spoken word, then post it or send it to friends! Refreshments will be served and each participant will receive two complimentary tickets to a First Stage production. Inspired by First Stage’s production of LOCOMOTION and the book Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson. In this story, Lonnie Collins Motion has had some tough breaks in his young life. When he discovers a passion for writing poetry, he finds a way to express his feelings and share his unique perspective on the world. Each participant will receive two complimentary tickets to LOCOMOTION, running January 25 to February 24 at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.
FOR FAMILIES
Candy Heart Bingo
Try your hand at Candy Heart Bingo at the Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Tuesday, February 5, 4-5 p.m. Grab a few bingo cards and use candy hearts as your bingo markers.
Pal-entine’s Day Celebration
Celebrate your friends, your pals and your buddies at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Wednesday, February 6, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Make Valentine’s Day cards for your friends to show them how much you care.
Classic Family Movie Night
Enjoy a free family movie at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Wednesday, February 6, 5-6:45 p.m. Featuring: Labyrinth (PG)(1986).
Play Time!
Drop in for unstructured play time with a parachute, tunnel, puzzles and toys at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Friday, February 8, 10-11:30 a.m. Bring your play date to the library, or make new friends while exploring different themes each month.
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, February 4, 6:30-7 p.m. Also Feb. 11, 18, 25.
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, February 5, 9:30-10 a.m. For children birth to 12 months, with a caregiver. Also Feb. 12, 19, 26.
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.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, February 6, 9:30-10:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Repeated at 10:45 a.m. Also Feb. 13, 20, 27.
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.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Monday, February 4, 4-4:30 p.m. Also Feb. 11, 18, 25. Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, February 5, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Feb. 12, 19, 26.
FOR CHILDREN
French Club with Madame Diane
Join us for a fun hour of French vocabulary, lapbooks and a snack at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Monday, February 4, 4-5 p.m. For children ages 6-12. Parents welcome! Also Feb. 11, 18, 25.
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 Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Monday, February 4, 4:30-6 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.
Kids Can Cook
Interested in cooking? Find out first-hand what cooking is all about at the Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Tuesday, February 5, 4-5 p.m.. Discover kid-friendly recipes, learn about nutrition and try out a bunch of new foods.
Build with LEGO Bricks
Get the creativity flowing using LEGO bricks. Join others and see what you can create together at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Wednesday, February 6, 3:30-5 p.m. This activity helps to develop 21st century skills such as problem-solving and collaboration.
Wii U Gaming
Relax after school with the Wii U and board games at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Wednesday, February 6, 3:30-5 p.m.
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.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Wednesday, February 6, 5-6:30 p.m. Also Feb. 13, 20, 27.
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, February 7, 4:30-6 p.m. Also Feb. 14, 21, 28.
Snack Hack!
Enjoy a free healthy snack Mitchell Street’s Cargill Community Kitchen at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, February 7, 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. Also Feb. 14, 21, 28.
Urban Wildlife: Poetry in Your Backyard
Hands-on fun, discovery, and exploration about wildlife you might find in your own backyard! Get inspired to create poetry about the natural world at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Saturday, February 9, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Part of Field Work: Poetry and Science in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Museum.
Saturdays at Central
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music Appreciation at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, February 9, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Sing, listen and play rhythm instruments while moving to music.
Saturday Afternoons at Central for ‘Tweens
Wisconsin Conservatory of Bucket Drumming at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, February 9, 2-3 p.m. Make music with a 5-gallon bucket and a pair of drumsticks. Learn basic rhythm patterns and create an original piece of music to accompany a story.
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.