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
Discovery Lunch
Inspiration starts here with a one-hour program that lets you explore and connect with fellow learners at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Tuesday, April 23, 12:30-1:30 p.m. A light lunch is provided. Eating Better on a Budget. Ready, Set Shop for Food! Plan for nutritious and cost-saving meals with help from UW-Extension FoodWIse.
Medicare 101
Learn the basics of Medicare, including coverage options, age requirements, enrollment periods, and more at the Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Tuesday, April 23, 6-7 p.m.
Coffee & Coloring
Shake off the mid-week blues with coloring sheets and puzzles provided at the Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Wednesday, April 24, 12-2 p.m. Free coffee and tea available while supplies last. Drop in and take a break!
Book to Art Club
Engage with popular literature in a hands-on, imaginative way at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Tuesday, April 23, 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 Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro.
Chess Club
Bring your chess set and love of strategy to the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St. for a drop-in chess club on Wednesday, April 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Meet other chess enthusiasts while improving your own strategy. Participants ages 12 and up welcome!
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. at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Wednesday, April 24. Sign up by 2 p.m. on Wednesday in person or over the phone.
Spanish Knitters
A knitting circle dedicated to expanding skills through the participation of knitters of all experience levels at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Friday, April 26, 4:30-6 p.m. Bring any knitting project for conversation and camaraderie among knitters. Tap into knitting resources the library has to offer.
Celebrate World Tai Chi and Qigong Day
A celebration of World Tai Chi and Qigong Day will include practice of the arts at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. All ages and skill levels welcome.
Last Piece Puzzle Club
Enjoy quality puzzle time with other puzzle enthusiasts at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Saturday, April 27, 10-11 a.m. Work on a puzzle weekly until it’s done and get the satisfaction of putting in the last piece!
Get Crafty at King
Hang out with other crafty people and join in a craft project for adults, families, and teens at the Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Saturday, April 27, 2-4 p.m. Each time there will be a different craft to make and take home. Supplies and instructions will be provided. Featuring: Make Spring Flowers.
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, Apr. 22, 29, 3:30-7:30 pm
Tuesday, Apr. 23, 3:30-7:30 pm; Studio M Cooking Event Tuesday, Apr. 30.
Wednesday, Apr. 24, 3:30-7:30 pm
Thursday, Apr. 25, 3:30-5:30 pm
Friday, Apr. 26, 3:30-5:30 pm
Saturday, Apr. 27, 1-4:30 pm
Spring Break for Teens
Snacks and fun daily from April 15-27 in Studio M at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St. Monday, Apr. 22, 1-7:30 pm
Tuesday, Apr. 23, 1-7:30 pm
Wednesday, Apr. 24, 1-7:30 pm
Thursday, Apr. 25, 1-5:30 pm
Friday, Apr. 26, 1-5:30 pm
Saturday, Apr. 27, 1-4:30 pm
Screen Printing and Paper Making Party
On weekdays during Spring Break, come to the Mitchell Street Branch Studio M, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., to screen print with friends! Create your own designs and then use our screen printing equipment to make a copy to take home. Bring a T-shirt or any other cloth you’d like to print on, or make your own cool recycled paper to print on. Tuesday, April 23, Wednesday, Apr. 24, Thursday, Apr. 25, and Friday Apr. 26, 1-3 p.m.
AWE Spring Break Animation Camp
Love animated movies and characters? Hang out with other teens who love animation, and try your hand at creating your own animated video at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St. You’ll have access to all the computers and equipment available in Studio M, plus an expert animation artist to help you along the way. Tuesday, April 23, 4-7 p.m.; Wednesday, April 24, 4-7 p.m.; Thursday, April 25, 3:30-5:30 p.m.; Friday, April 26, 3:30-5:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 27, 2:30-4 p.m.
Teen Job Fair
Don’t miss your chance to meet hiring managers and apply for a job! Both summer and year-round employers will be ready to meet you and get you set on applying for many positions. This free event is just for TEENS ages 16-19 at the Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Wednesday, April 24, 4-6 p.m. Come prepared with your resume and business-appropriate dress attire. Resume help will be available during the job fair. Visit mpl.org/TeenJobFair to learn more.
Glitter Jars
Create a glitter jar to decorate your room at the Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Wednesday, April 24, 4:30-5:30 p.m. These jars are fun to design and require your creativity to make them galactic or fairy like. You can even try making a cool glitter globe!
Rock Art!
Decorate a rock in celebration of Earth Day! Paint it, add wings, and create words of inspiration and more at the Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Wednesday, April 24, 5-6 p.m.
Bibliomania: MPL’s Teen Book Club
Attend this orientation and initial meeting to decide on your preferred dates to meet and books you want to read. We will see examples of new titles and vote on two books to read during our summer calendar at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Wednesday, April 24, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
De-Stress Yourself
It’s almost that time of year again! Before you jump right into finals and end-of-the-year activities, join the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) for an afternoon of de-stressing at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Saturday, April 27, 2-4 p.m. Learn how to make ASMR videos, create calming slime, pet a certified therapy dog and much more!
FOR FAMILIES
Play and Learn.
PRESENTED IN SPANISH. Ice Cream Parlor. Take turns working the cash register, taking orders and cleaning up the shop as we explore one of summer’s favorite spots at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Wednesday, April 24, 6-7 p.m.
Children’s Day/Book Day – El Día de los niños/El Día de los libros
Enjoy a story time in Spanish and English. Read, sing and have fun together at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, April 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Fun with Bubbles
Listen to fun bubble stories and make your own bubbles at the Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
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, April 22, 6:30-7 p.m. Also Apr. 29.
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, April 23, 9:30-10 a.m. For children birth to 12 months, with a caregiver. Also Apr. 30.
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, April 25, 10:30-11 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, April 24, 9:30-10:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Repeated at 10:45 a.m.
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, April 25, 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, April 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Thursday, April 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Thursday, April 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and 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, April 25, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Thursday, April 25, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Thursday, April 25, 10-10:30 a.m.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Monday, April 22, 4-4:30 p.m. Also Apr. 29.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, April 23, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also Apr. 30.
Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Thursday, April 25, 10-10:30 a.m.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Thursday, April 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Thursday, Apr. 25, 10:30-11 a.m.
FOR CHILDREN
Earth Day Bingo
Learn the history of Earth Day and how we can help the Earth by playing Earth Day Bingo at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Monday, April 22, 2-3 p.m.
Rock Art!
Paint a rock, add wings, create words of inspiration and more to celebrate Earth Day.
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Monday, April 22, 3-5 p.m. Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Tuesday, April 23, 4-5 p.m.
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, April 22, 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.
Earth Day Science: Turtle Talk
Meet Jonathan the turtle and learn all about the ornate box turtle, a Wisconsin endangered species at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Monday, April 22, 6-7 p.m.
Blackout Poetry
Celebrate National Poetry Month and create an original poem using old books and magazines as word Inspiration at the Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Tuesday, April 23, 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 at the
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Tuesday, April 23, 4-5:30 p.m. 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. Also Apr. 30.
Build with LEGO Bricks
Get the creativity flowing using LEGO bricks. Join others and see what you can create together at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Tuesday, April 23, 4:15-5:15 p.m. This activity helps to develop 21st century skills such as problem-solving and collaboration.
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 at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, April 25, 4:30-5:15 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 Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Saturday, April 27, 2-3 p.m. Part of Field Work: Poetry and Science in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Museum.
Saturdays at Central
Stretching with Story Books at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, April 27, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Stretch, breathe and relax with basic yoga poses and simple movements, combined with stories, rhymes and songs. Bring a yoga mat or towel if desired.
Saturday Afternoons at Central for ‘Tweens
Art Workshops with Artists Working in Education at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, April 27, 2-3 p.m. 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.
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.