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
Browser Book Bash at Neighborhood Libraries
Enjoy book-based fun during this reading celebration with Browser and Curious George.
Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Monday, March 4, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Wednesday, March 6, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Enjoy book-based fun during this reading celebration with Browser and Cat in the Hat. Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Saturday, March 9, 2-3 p.m.
From the Emerald isle to the Cream City
A history of the Irish in Milwaukee with author Carl Baehr at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, March 5, 6-7 p.m. Carl Baehr, a native Milwaukeean, is the author of Milwaukee Streets: The Stories Behind Their Names. Join him for a look at how the Irish influenced the political, educational, religious and sports landscape of Milwaukee. Second floor, Richard E. and Lucile Krug Rare Books Room.
LEGOFest
Celebrate LEGO love at the library! Enjoy face painting, building and playing with lots of LEGO bricks at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Special guests from the Kenosha LEGO Users Group (KLUG) will be there to share their enthusiasm with LEGO lovers of all ages.
PROGRAMS
Discovery Lunch
Inspiration starts here with a one-hour program that lets you explore and connect with fellow learners at the Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Tuesday, March 5, 12:30-1:30 p.m. A light lunch is provided. Brain Training: The Best Brain Booster Apps. Playing games is a great way to keep your mind sharp. Learn about the best apps that will challenge your thinking and improve your brain’s cognitive ability.
Fiber Arts with Friends
Bring your yarn and needles or crochet hook to Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Monday, March 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Share your latest project or start something new. Tea and coffee will be provided while supplies last.
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, March 6, 12-1:30 p.m. Hot beverages, crosswords, and coloring supplies provided by the library, while supplies last.
Last Piece Puzzle Club
Enjoy quality puzzle time with other puzzle enthusiasts at the library. 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, March 6, 2-3 p.m. Also Mar. 13, 20, 27.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Saturday, March 9, 10-11 a.m. Also Mar. 16, 23, 30.
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, March 6, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Together we will explore codexes, zines, artist journals, artist books, traditional books and nontraditional 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 Mar. 13, 20, 27.
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., Wednesday, March 6, 4:30-6:30 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.
Movies at Mitchell Street
Join us at Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St. for free a move on Wednesday, March 6, 5-7 p.m. Featuring: Bohemian Rhapsody (PG-13)(2018).
BYOD: Bring Your Own Device
Learn how to download eBooks, magazines, and music to your device by making an appointment with a librarian. The appointment can over Overdrive, RBDigital, Hoopla, or Freegal Music. Appointments are available between 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Sign up by 2 p.m. on Wednesday in person or over the phone at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Wednesday, March 6. Also Mar. 13, 20, 27.
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, March 9, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Essential Oils for Managing Stress
Lynne Herro will provide information on natural ways to reduce stress in your life and which essential oils are the most beneficial in helping you to relax at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, March 9, 1-3 p.m. Learn about the various safe methods for using essential oils, including diffusion through a lava bead bracelet. Each attendee will have the opportunity to make a lava bead bracelet to take home. One bracelet per person. Registration is required; please call 414.286.3011 or register online at www.mpl.org
Container Gardening
Join local gardener and plant ecologist Trudy Holyst and learn to tuck a little garden into any space you have Available at the Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Saturday, March 9, 2-4 p.m. Grow flowers, vegetables, or even native grasses.
Zine Workshop with Celeste Contreras and Milwaukee Zine Fest
In preparation for Milwaukee Zine Fest on April 6 at Milwaukee Public Library’s Central Library, we are hosting a zine-making session led by Gathering Art, Stories and Place artist-in-residence, Celeste Contreras, plus Zine Fest’s Diversity Fellow, Randy Russell Brown at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Saturday, March 9, 3-5 p.m. Discuss ideas and format, test out some binding techniques and maybe even make a zine together!
BOOK DISCUSSIONS
Women’s History Month Book Club Discussion
Women’s History Month recognizes and celebrates the achievements and contributions of women.
Join a book club discussion of Becoming by Michelle Obama at:
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Monday, March 4, 6-7 p.m.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Tuesday, March 5, 4-6 p.m.
Join a book club discussion of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot at: East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Tuesday, March 5, 6-7 p.m.
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, March 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. Come ready to share your favorite places to grocery shop and favorite items to buy around town. Get ideas from other members of the group to freshen up your meal planning.
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, March 4, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Also Mar. 11, 25. Studio M Cooking Event Monday, Mar. 18.
Tuesday, March 5, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Also Mar. 12, 19, 26.
Wednesday, March 6, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Also Mar. 13, 20. Studio M Cooking Event Wednesday, Mar. 27.
Thursday, March 7, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Also Mar. 14, 21, 28.
Friday, March 8, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Also Mar. 15, 22, 29. Saturday, March 9, 1-4:30 p.m. Also Mar. 16, 23, 30.
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, March 5, 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. Also Mar. 12, 19, 26.
Virtual Reality Fun
Bring your phones and download some Virtual Reality apps and play cool games that can be viewed with a Cardboard Virtual Reality Viewer at the Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Wednesday, March 6, 4:30 5:30 p.m.
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, March 6, 5-7:30 p.m.
FOR FAMILIES
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music Presents Meet the Instrument
The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music will provide a special, musical story time at the Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Thursday, March 7, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Take a closer look at one instrument and learn how to appreciate the music it makes.
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, March 4, 6:30-7 p.m. Also Mar. 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, March 5, 9:30-10 a.m. For children birth to 12 months, with a caregiver. Also Mar. 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.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Thursday, March 7, 10:30-11 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also Mar. 14, 21, 28.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, March 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 March 13, 20, 27.
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, March 7, 10-11:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also Mar. 14, 21, 28.
Playgroup With Stories (CONTINUED)
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, March 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also Mar. 14, 21, 28.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Thursday, March 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also Mar. 14, 21, 28.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Thursday, March 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also Mar. 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, March 7, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Mar. 14, 21, 28.
Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Thursday, March 7, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Mar. 14, 21, 28.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Thursday, March 7, 10-10:30 a.m. Also Mar. 14, 21, 28.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Monday, March 4, 4-4:30 p.m. Also Mar. 11, 18, 25.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, March 5, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Mar. 12, 19, 26.
Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Thursday, March 7, 10-10:30 a.m. Also Mar. 14, 21, 28.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Thursday, March 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Also Mar. 14, 21, 28.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Thursday, March 7, 10:30-11 a.m. Also Mar. 14, 21, 28.
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, March 4, 4-5 p.m. For children ages 6-12. Parents welcome! Also Mar. 11.
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, March 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, March 5, 4-5 p.m. Discover kid-friendly recipes, learn about nutrition and try out new foods.
First Stage Workshop Featuring Matilda the Musical
Join First Stage’s Education Department as we dive into Roald Dahl’s world of MATILDA! We’ll put ourselves in the shoes of various characters as we play theater-based games and activities that bring Matilda’s story to life at the Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Tuesday, March 5, 6-6:45 p.m. Through this interactive story-telling, we’ll go on adventures that help us to be more confident in ourselves.
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. East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Wednesday, March 6, 3:30-5 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, March 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 Mar. 14, 21, 28.
After School Tech Time
Creative projects for after school fun! Explore STEAM concepts and skills with hands-on activities at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, March 7, 4-5 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.
Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Thursday, March 7, 4-5:30 p.m. Also March 14, 21, 28.
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Friday, March 8, 4-5:30 p.m. Also Mar. 15, 22.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Tuesday, March 5, 4-5:30 p.m. Also Mar. 12, 19, 26.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Monday, March 4, 4-5:30 p.m.
Saturdays at Central
Wisconsin Conservatory Music Appreciation at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, March 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 Music Bucket Drumming at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, March 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.