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.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Spring Used Book Sale
The Friends of Milwaukee Public Library present their annual Spring Sale, featuring a large selection of children’s fiction and non-fiction books, at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, March 2, 9a.m.-4 p.m. There will be a half-price sale in the Bookseller during the event. All proceeds from this sale benefit Milwaukee Public Library. Friends members receive VIP entry 30-minutes before the general public with a current membership card. Please use the 8th Street entrance and present your card. Anodyne Coffee and other refreshments available for purchase in the R Café located in the Bookseller Used Bookstore.
Browser’s Book Bash
Celebrate your love of reading, books and the characters that make them special at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Milwaukee Public Library celebrates our city’s diverse community of readers and the books that Milwaukee loves! Join us on Dr. Seuss’ birthday for music, comedy, literacy activities, animals, art and cookie decorating! Look out, you might just see the Cat in the Hat or Curious George!
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Jali Kunda
Learn about traditional West African drumming and storytelling with Keba Diabate and the artists of Jali Kunda at the Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Tuesday, February 26, 6-7 p.m.
African History Jeopardy
Jeopardy for all ages at the Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Wednesday, February 27, 6-7:30 p.m. Hosted by Africans on the Move, a community organization based in Milwaukee.
PROGRAMS
Relaxation in a Jar
Using your imagination, capture relaxation in a jar at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Monday, February 25, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Create a sensory jar or bottle using a variety of colors, liquids, and small objects that swish and swirl to calming delight.
Resume 101: First Steps to Building Your Resume
A resume has become a necessary tool in the world of job search and employment applications. Make it work to your advantage by learning what employers look for in a resume and what style best markets your strengths at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Monday, February 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m. In this workshop you will create a “ready to be typed” personal resume outline.
Green Smoothies for Your Health
Learn the basics of making green smoothies including what foods to use and why they are healthy for you at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Monday, February 25, 6-7 p.m. Participants will be provided with handouts featuring recipes and tips, and books will be available for check out from the Milwaukee Public Library. Samples of the smoothies will be provided during the demonstration. Registration is required; please call 414-286-3011 or register online at www.mpl.org. Please be advised food prepared here may contain these ingredients: milk, eggs, wheat, soybean, peanuts, and tree nuts.
Suicide Prevention: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
Learn to recognize the risk factors and warning signs associated with suicidal thoughts and how to offer hope and help at the Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Monday, February 25, 6-7:30 p.m. QPR training is led by a certified QPR Gatekeeper Trainer. Not recommended for someone who has recently lost a loved one. Co-sponsored by Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee.
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 Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Tuesday, February 26, 4:30-5:30 p.m. All ages welcome.
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 27, 12-2 p.m. Free coffee and tea available 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 27, 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
Learn to Fold Origami
Learn paper origami paper folding skills at the Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Wednesday, February 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Then enter the Origami Diorama contest at the library from March 1-8. Open to all ages.
Movies at Mitchell Street
Join us at Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., for free movies twice monthly throughout the year. Featuring: The Hate U Give (PG-13)(2018) on Wednesday, February 27, 5-7 p.m.
Green Home: Gardening Pesticides – Make an Informed Decision
Do you have pesky weeds and bugs in your yard and are you not sure what to do? Come to this informational session presented by a UW Extension Master Gardener to learn all about pesticides and alternatives at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Wednesday, February 27, 6-7 p.m. Weigh the risks with the benefits and be able to make an informed decision.
Patent Searching 101
Protect Your Product! Central Library business librarians will explain the seven step strategy for conducting a patent search at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Thursday, February 28, 12-1:30 p.m. Save time and money by learning to navigate the patent databases yourself! The Milwaukee Public Library is a Patent and Trademark Resource Center of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Last Piece Puzzle Club
Enjoy quality puzzle time with other puzzle enthusiasts at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Saturday, March 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 Mar. 9, 16, 23, 30.
Build Your Origami Diorama
Show off your paper folding and scene creating skills by making origami dioramas at the Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Saturday, March 2, 1-3 p.m. Dioramas will be on display from March 12 to March 16. Vote for your favorite. Open to all ages. Submissions for display accepted March 1-8.
BOOK DISCUSSIONS
History Buff Book Club
Join the discussion of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Monday, February 25, 6-7 p.m.
Book to Art Club
Engage with popular literature in a hands-on, imaginative way at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Tuesday, February 26, 6-7 p.m. Each month the Book to Art Club will discuss a selected book while working on an art project inspired by the story. Copies of each month’s selected book will be available for check out at the East
Branch Welcome Desk, or patrons can place a copy of the book on hold through CountyCat or Ready Reference. Copies checked out at East will have an extended due date (through the meeting date). No registration required; while supplies last. Featuring: The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory.
FOR TEENS
Marvel Trivia
Celebrate the new Marvel® movie Captain Marvel in theaters March 8, 2019 by coming to the Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St. during the week of February 25 and trying your hand at Marvel Trivia. One lucky person will win a grand prize! Thru Mar. 2.
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 25, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Also Mar. 4, 11, 25. Studio M Cooking Event Monday, Mar. 18.
Tuesday, February 26, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Also Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26.
Wednesday, February 27, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Also Mar. 6, 13, 20. Studio M Cooking Event Wednesday, Mar. 27. Thursday, February 28, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Also Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28.
Friday, March 1, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Also Mar. 8, 15, 22, 29. Saturday, March 2, 1-4:30 p.m. Also Mar. 9, 16, 23, 30.
Buttons and Video Games @ the Library
Challenge yourself and your friends to Wii™ Games! We will provide games, so bring your competitive spirit to the Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Tuesday, February 26, 4-5 p.m. While you wait, use a button maker to create unique and fun buttons for your backpack, hat, or friends!
ArtxTech
Join Artists Working in Education (A.W.E.) for a program that combines art with technology at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Tuesday, February 26, 4-7 p.m. 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.
Candy From Around the World
Taste test candy from all over the world and vote on the one you think is the best at the Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Tuesday, February 26, 5-6 p.m.
Get Your Money Right With Secure Futures
Join us for a series of fun, hands-on workshops to learn more about the ins and outs of banking, credit scores, investing, savings options, and more at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Tuesday, February 26, 6-7:30 p.m. Find out how to avoid today’s worst money scams. Hear from professionals and other teens. Refreshments will be served. Program produced in partnership with Secure Futures.
Teen Time
Chill out after school with friends at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Thursday, February 28, 4:15-5:15 p.m. Play the Wii™, try some board games or puzzles, or draw a picture. Snacks will be provided. For ages 13-18.
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, March 2, 2-3:30 p.m. We will try out new recipes and revisit old favorites like chocolate chip cookies. For ages 13-18.
FOR FAMILIES
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 25, 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, February 26, 9:30-10 a.m. For children birth to 12 months, with a caregiver.
Play and Learn
PRESENTED IN SPANISH. Down on the Farm. Pretend to plant, care for, and harvest produce, then sell your wares to customers at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Wednesday, February 27, 6-7 p.m.
Stretching with Story Books
Stretch, breathe and relax with basic yoga poses and simple movements, combined with stories, rhymes and songs at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, February 28, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Build literacy skills along with flexibility and self-awareness. Bring a yoga mat or towel if desired.
Play Time!
Drop in for unstructured play time with a parachute, tunnel, puzzles and toys at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Friday, March 1, 10-11:30 a.m. Bring your play date to the library, or make new friends while exploring different themes each month.
Play and Learn
PRESENTED IN SPANISH. Doctor’s Office. Pretend you are the doctor and check your patients, make a diagnosis, give needed immunizations, and help them feel “all better” at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Friday, March 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Bring your own doll if you wish.
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 28, 10:30-11 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, February 27, 9:30-10:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Repeated at 10:45 a.m. Also March 6, 13, 20, 27.
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, February 28, 10-11:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28.
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, February 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Thursday, February 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Thursday, February 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also Mar. 7, 14, 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 28, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28. Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Thursday, February 28, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Thursday, February 28, 10-10:30 a.m. Also Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Monday, February 25, 4-4:30 p.m. Also Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, February 26, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26.
Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Thursday, February 28, 10-10:30 a.m. Also Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Thursday, February 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Also Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Thursday, February 28, 10:30-11 a.m. Also Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28.
FOR CHILDREN
Star Wars Crafts
Color a picture, decorate a cupcake, make a felt character puppet, and make Stars Wars buttons for you and your friends at the Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Monday, February 25, 4-5 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 25, 4-5 p.m. For children ages 6-12. Parents welcome!
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 25, 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.
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.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Tuesday, February 26, 3:30-5 p.m.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Tuesday, February 26, 4:15-5:15 p.m.
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 Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Wednesday, February 27, 4-5 p.m. Part of Field Work: Poetry and Science in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Museum.
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music Presents Meet the Instrument
The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music is visiting the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave. for a special, musical story time on Thursday, February 28, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Take a closer look at one instrument and learn how to appreciate the music it makes.
Paws and Read
Read out loud to a cuddly canine at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Saturday, March 2, 1-2 p.m. The Alliance of Therapy Dogs will bring furry friends to provide comfort, support and build confidence for beginning, struggling, or reluctant readers.
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 25, 4-5:30 p.m.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Wednesday, February 27, 5-6:30 p.m.
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, February 28, 4:30-6 p.m. East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Friday, March 1, 4-5:30 p.m. Also Mar. 8, 15, 22.
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 28, 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.
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.