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
The Basics of Personal Finance
Personal finance ranges from managing daily expenses to investing for retirement. Practicing the basics of smart money management is all it takes for most people to reach their goals. Attend this workshop at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Monday, April 29, 6-7:30 p.m., designed to help set those goals and reach them through building a solid financial foundation.
Citizen Jane: Battle for the City Film Screening
This free screening of Citizen Jane: Battle for the City at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., on Tuesday, April 30, 5:30-7 p.m. is sponsored by Jane’s Walk MKE. Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) was an urbanist and activist whose writings championed a community-based approach to city building. Citizen Jane is a timely tale of what can happen when engaged citizens fight the power for the sake of a better world. Arguably no one did more to shape our understanding of the modern American city than Jane Jacobs, the visionary activist and writer who fought to preserve urban communities in the face of destructive development projects.
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, May 1, 12-1:30 p.m. Hot beverages, crosswords, and coloring supplies provided by the library, while supplies last.
Holocaust Remembrance Day
Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Yom Hashoah, is an annual commemoration of the lives of the Jewish people who perished during World War II. A screening of the Oscar-nominated short film A Night at the Garden will be followed by a presentation by a Milwaukee resident and Holocaust survivor followed by a brief question and answer period at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Wednesday, May 1, 6-7:30 p.m.
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, May 2. Sign up by 2 p.m. on Wednesday in person or over the phone. Also May 8, 14, 22, 29.
Marquette Mobile Legal Clinic
In need of free legal advice? The Marquette University Mobile Legal Clinic will be at the Mill Road Branch, 6431 N. 76th St., Friday, May 3, 2-4 p.m. Meet with a volunteer attorney who can give legal advice on family law, landlord/tenant issues, small claims, general civil issues, expungement, or bankruptcy. Consultations are private and are for people who can’t make it to the courthouse or another brick and mortar clinic.
BYOD: 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 Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Film Screening: Uncommon Grace: The Life of Flannery O’Connor
Despite her premature death at age 39, Flannery O’Connor left behind one of the most haunting and strikingly original bodies of work in 20th Century literature. Uncommon Grace: The Life of Flannery O’Connor is a documentary film that traces the people and events that shaped her remarkable career, as well as the important role that Catholicism played in her writing. Featuring expert commentary and rare photographs, Uncommon Grace will give you a new appreciation for this highly celebrated, yet often misunderstood, storyteller. A Q&A with filmmaker Bridget Kurt will follow the screening at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, May 4, 2-3:30 p.m. in Community Room 1.
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. 29, 3:30-7:30 pm
Studio M Cooking Event Tuesday, Apr. 30.
No Open Maker Time Wednesday, May 1
Thursday, May 2, 3:30-5:30 pm
Friday, May 3, 3:30-5:30 pm Saturday, Mary 4, 1-4:30 pm
Blackout Poetry
Kick off National Poetry Month by writing a poem or telling a story in an unconventional way at the Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Monday, April 29, 4-5 p.m. Use old library books to create your own visual poem with meaning.
BOOK DISCUSSIONS
History Buff Book Club
Join the discussion of Fascism: A Warning by Madeleine Albright at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Monday, April 29, 6-7 p.m.
Vegetarian Cookbook Club
Join us for this special meeting at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Wednesday, May 1, 6-7:30 p.m. where group members and others will prepare and share plant-based dishes and explore the joys and advantages of vegetarian cooking. Please call 414.286-3011 or see a librarian to register.
FOR FAMILIES
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. Part of Field Work: Poetry and Science in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Museum at the Mill Road Branch, 6431 N. 76th St., Tuesday, April 30, 6-7 p.m.
Play and Learn
Imaginative play for families with young children at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Tuesday, April 30, 6-7 p.m. 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.
Play and Learn
PRESENTED IN SPANISH. Imaginative play for families with young children at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Friday, May 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Construction Site. Pack up the tools and get ready to plan and build with blocks at the construction site.
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 29, 6:30-7 p.m.
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, May 2, 10:30-11 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also May 9, 16, 23, 30.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, May 1, 9:30-10:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Repeated at 10:45 a.m. Also May 8, 15, 22, 29.
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, May 2, 10-11:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also May 9, 16, 23, 30.
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, May 2, 10:30-11:15 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also May 9, 16, 23, 30.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Thursday, May 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also May 9, 16, 23, 30.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Thursday, May 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also May 9, 16, 23, 30.
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, May 2, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also May 9, 16, 23, 30.
Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Thursday, May 2, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also May 9, 16, 23, 30.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Thursday, May 2, 10-10:30 a.m. Also May 9, 16, 23, 30.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Monday, April 29, 4-4:30 p.m. Also May 6, 13, 20.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, April 30, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Thursday, May 2, 10-10:30 a.m. Also May 9, 16, 23, 30.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Thursday, May 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Also May 9, 16, 23, 30.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Thursday, May 2, 10:30-11 a.m. Also May 9, 16, 23, 30.
FOR CHILDREN
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.
Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Monday, April 29, 4-5:30 p.m. Also May 6, 13, 20.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Tuesday, April 30, 4-5:30 p.m. Also May 7, 14.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, May 4, 2-3:30 p.m. Also May 11, 18.
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, April 29, 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 story elements and give feedback.
Poetry STEAM
Explore the wonder of nature with your senses, then turn science into art to create poetry inspired by the world at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Tuesday, April 30, 4-5 p.m.
Build with LEGO Bricks
Get the creativity flowing using LEGO Bricks. Join others and see what you can create together at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, May 1, 3:30-4:30 p.m. This activity helps to develop 21st century skills such as problem-solving and collaboration. Also May 15, 29.
Snack Hack!
Enjoy a free healthy snack Mitchell Street’s Cargill Community Kitchen at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, May 2, 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 May 9, 16, 30.
Paws and Read
Read out loud to a cuddly canine at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Saturday, May 4, 1-2 p.m. The Alliance of Therapy Dogs will bring furry friends to provide support and build confidence as beginning, struggling or reluctant readers become Super Readers!
Games with Community Leaders
Scrabble or Chutes and Ladders anyone? Would playing Chess be up your alley? Have a delightful time playing board and card games with local professionals at the Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Saturday, May 4, 1:30-3 p.m.
Saturdays at Central
Under the Sea Soiree at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, May 4, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Calling all merpeople! Make a splash at our fishy festival where we’ll read ocean stories, sing, dance, and create beautiful crafts together!
Saturday Afternoons at Central for ‘Tweens
Art Workshops with Artists Working in Education at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, May 4, 2-3:30 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.