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
Shadowbox Workshop
Work with a professional artist from Blk-Art*History & Culture to create a shadow box collage that reflects African American history and culture at the Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Monday, February 11, 4-5:30 p.m. For teens ages 13-18.
Film Screening and Discussion: All the Difference
A free film screening of All the Difference will take place at the Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Monday, February 11, 5-7:30 p.m. The largely invisible and often crushing struggles of young AfricanAmerican men come to life in this movie that traces the paths of two teens from the South Side of Chicago who dream of graduating from college. All the Difference is part of American Graduate: Let’s Make It Happen, a national public media initiative made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to help local communities keep more students on the path to graduation.
A History of Jazz in America
Celebrate Black History Month with jazz enthusiast Carol. V. Johnson and the music of jazz greats like Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie and more at the Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Tuesday, February 12, 4:30-6 p.m. See classic vinyl jazz albums, listen to live music and enjoy light refreshments. All ages welcome!
What Does Black History Mean to Me
Learn about America’s prominent Black figures and share what Black History means for you at the Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Tuesday, February 12, 6-7 p.m. Light refreshments provided.
Black History Month Read-In
Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs invites families to listen to heartfelt stories at the Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Wednesday, February 13, 5:30-7 p.m. Craft and light refreshments included.
Black History Month Book Jacket Bingo
Celebrate the accomplishments of Black writers and discover some new favorite authors as you compete to win Bingo at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Saturday, February 16, 2-3 p.m.
Meet Renée Watson and Ellen Hagen
Meet Renée Watson and Ellen Hagen, co-authors of the soon-to-be released Watch Us Rise, a story about two brave and poetic young women and the power of speaking up at the Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Saturday, February 16, 3-4 p.m. Renée Watson is a New York Times bestselling author and received a Newberry Honor and Coretta Scott King Award for Piecing Me Together. Ellen Hagan writes, performs and educates, and her poetry has been featured in many publications. Sponsored by Boswell Book Company. For ages 13-18.
PROGRAMS
Have a Heart Blood Drive
The BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the sole provider of blood to over 50 local Wisconsin hospitals. Please help save lives and donate blood at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Monday, February 11, 2-6:30 p.m. One blood donor can save up to 3 lives. Join this blood drive by calling (877) 232-4376 to book your appointment.
Library Lover’s Book Buffet
Besides Valentine’s Day, February 14 is Library Lover’s Day! Celebrate your one true love, the library, with a fizzy sip and a waffle while sampling a delightful menu of new, must-read books presented by the librarian at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Tuesday, February 12, 6-7 p.m. A selection of advanced reading copies will be available as giveaways, while supplies last!
Coffee & Coloring
Shake off the mid-week blues with coloring sheets and puzzles provided at the Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Wednesday, February 13, 12-2 p.m. Free coffee and tea available while supplies last. Drop in and take a break!
Last Piece Puzzle Club
Enjoy quality puzzle time with other puzzle enthusiasts. Work on a puzzle weekly until it’s done and get the satisfaction of putting in the last piece!
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Wednesday, February 13, 2-3 p.m. Also Feb. 27.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Saturday, February 16, 10-11 a.m. Also Feb. 23
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 13, 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. 20, 27.
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 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Please arrive early; class space is limited. Also Feb. 23.
Learn to Fold Origami
Learn paper origami paper folding skills, then enter the Origami Diorama contest at the library from March 1-8. Open to all ages at the Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Saturday, February 16, 1-3 p.m.
BOOK DISCUSSION
Novel Ideas Book Club
Join the discussion of The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Monday, February 11, 6-7 p.m.
Bibliophile Book Club
Join the discussion of The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Thursday, February 14, 5-6 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, February 11, 25, 3:30-7:30 p.m.; Studio M closed Monday, Feb. 18.
Tuesday, February 12, 19, 26, 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 13, 27, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Studio M Cooking Event Wednesday, Feb. 20. Thursday, February 14, 21, 28, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Friday, February 15, 22, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 16, 23, 1-4:30 p.m.
Open Jam Sessions with Dria Rush aka DJ DRIP Sweat
Jam with fellow musicians at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Monday, February 11, 57:30 p.m. Check out the recording equipment available in Studio M. If you have an instrument, bring it along. If you don’t, come anyway and use one of the instruments available in Studio M. Or just come to listen to what other musicians create.
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 12, 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. 19. (Continued)
DIY Bath Essentials
Make your own spa at home by making bath bombs, shower steamers, and your own soap at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Wednesday, February 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m. These fun projects are perfect for you to treat yourself for Valentine’s Day. For ages 13-18.
FOR FAMILIES
Play and Learn
Imaginative play for families with young children at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Tuesday, February 12, 6-7 p.m. Down on the Farm. Pretend to plant, care for, and harvest produce, then sell your wares to customers.
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 11, 6:30-7 p.m. Also Feb. 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 12, 9:30-10 a.m. For children birth to 12 months, with a caregiver. Also Feb. 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.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Thursday, February 14, 10:30-11 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also Feb. 21, 28.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, February 13, 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. 20, 27.
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, February 14, 10-11:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also Feb. 21, 28.
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, February 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also Feb. 21, 28.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Thursday, February 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also Feb. 21, 28.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Thursday, February 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also Feb. 21, 28.
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, February 14, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Feb. 21, 28.
Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Thursday, February 14, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Feb. 21, 28.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Thursday, February 14, 10-10:30 a.m. Also Feb. 21, 28.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Monday, February 11, 4-4:30 p.m. Also Feb. 18, 25.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, February 12, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Feb. 19, 26.
Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Thursday, February 14, 10-10:30 a.m. Also Feb. 21, 28.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Thursday, February 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Also Feb. 21, 28.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Thursday, February 14, 10:30-11 a.m. Also Feb. 21, 28.
FOR CHILDREN
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, February 12, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Tuesday, February 12, 5-6 p.m.
Pal-entine’s Day Celebration
Celebrate your friends, your pals and your buddies. Make Valentine’s Day cards for your friends to show them how much you care.
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Monday, February 11, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Tuesday, February 12, 4-5 p.m.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Tuesday, February 12, 4-5 p.m.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Thursday, February 14, 3-4:30 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, February 11, 4-5 p.m.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Monday, February 11, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, February 13, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
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 11, 4-5 p.m. For children ages 6-12. Parents welcome! Also Feb. 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 Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Monday, February 11, 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. (Continued)
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.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Monday, February 11, 4-5:30 p.m. Also Feb. 18, 25.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Wednesday, February 13, 5-6:30 p.m. Also Feb. 20, 27.
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, February 14, 4:30-6 p.m. Also Feb. 21, 28.
Show & Tell Book Club
Have a great book to share or not sure what to read next? Join the Show & Tell Book Club to discover your next read at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Tuesday, February 12, 4-5 p.m. (ages 10-13)
Kindness Rocks
Decorate a rock with a design, quote, or simple message to make someone’s day during Random Acts of Kindness Week at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Tuesday, February 12, 4-5 p.m. Rocks, markers, and paints will be provided.
Candy Heart Bingo.
Try your hand at Candy Heart Bingo! Grab a few bingo cards and use candy hearts as your bingo markers at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, February 14, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
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 14, 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. 21, 28.
Homeschool Science: Solar System Trivia
Do you enjoy trivia? Are you curious about our solar system? Join Dr. Betsy Bannier, NASA Solar System Ambassador volunteer, for exciting Solar System Trivia at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Friday, February 15, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Come prepared to have fun and maybe even win a prize!
Saturdays at Central
Germs! Germs! Germs! at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, February 16, 10:30-11:15a.m. Learn how to stay healthy this cold season with some simple activities and a craft at this fun, interactive story time full of books, songs and facts about the germs around you.
Saturday Afternoons at Central for ‘Tweens
Nintendo Switch Gaming at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, February 16, 2-3 p.m. It’s time to ‘switch’ it up! Play a variety of games on the Nintendo Switch at the library. Snacks provided.
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.