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
Gathering Art, Stories and Place Artist Bookshelf Unveiling and Celebration
Celebrate the unveiling of a new addition to the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Tuesday, May 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Since January 2019, Artist-in-Residence Celeste Contreras has been hosting bookmaking workshops in the Northwestern Mutual Foundation Studio M Makerspace as a part of the Gathering Art, Stories and Place project. To showcase the amazing books that have been created, Celeste designed an artist bookshelf that will be added to the makerspace. Join us for the unveiling of artist bookshelf, free food, art projects with Artists Working in Education Inc. Truck Studio, Ex Fabula UltraShorts Storytelling Booth. For more information on Gathering Art, Stories and Place visit: mpl.org/gasp
2019 Youth Poetry Contest Awards and Poetry Reading
The Poetry Contest concludes with a celebration of poetry, science, and the natural world. Hear the winning poems from children ages 7-12 at Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, May 11, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Children’s Room. Beverages and snacks will be provided. Winners will be contacted ahead of time, but officially announced at the event. All participants who attend the Poetry Contest Awards will receive a day pass to the Milwaukee Public Museum.
Kathak: An Indian Classical Dance Performance
Join in the celebration of Asian Pacific Heritage Month at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, May 11, 3-4 p.m. Kathak is a storytelling art form that originated in Northern India and is one of India’s eight classical dances. Kathak is characterized by swift twirls, rhythmic foot movements, expressive motions and elegant stances. Dancer and choreographer Cyenthia Vijayakumar will talk about Kathak’s origin, history and evolution. Cyenthia will perform Kathak pieces and give attendees a chance to learn their own dance.
PROGRAMS
WISE 101: End Stigma Together
Research has found that the most effective way to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness is for people to meet people living in recovery with mental illness and learn their story. In this introduction to stigma reduction, explore how stigma leads to oppression, and how to increase inclusion, support, and solidarity for those facing mental health and substance use challenges at the Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Monday, May 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m. In Collaboration with the organization RISE.
Fiber Arts with Friends
Bring your yarn and needles or crochet hook to the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Monday, May 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Share your latest project or start something new. Tea and coffee will be provided while supplies last.
From Tap to Table
Maple syrup and pancakes? What more can you ask for?! Russ Drewry of Drewry Family Farms Inc. will provide an in-depth presentation on the history and process of maple syrup tapping and production in Northern Wisconsin at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Monday, May 6, 6-7:30 p.m. Following the presentation, guests will be able to try Drewry Farm’s Award-winning maple syrup on a stack of delicious homemade pancakes. Located in the Cargill Community Kitchen, Makerspace. Registration required; please call 414.286.3011 or register online at mpl.org
The Mystery of Credit (Reports)
Credit, credit scores, and the rights and responsibilities that accompany them are a concern to many consumers. This seminar provides an overview of credit bureaus, credit scoring as well as specific guidance on disputing inaccuracies, improving the credit score, and dealing with identity theft and fraud at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Monday, May 6, 6-7 p.m.
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, May 7, 12:30-1:30 p.m. A light lunch is provided. Introduction to Essential Oils. Not sure what essential oils are or how to use them? Lynn Herro will show you how to incorporate them into your personal wellness routine.
Overcoming the Destructive Effects of Stress and Anxiety
Stress is the #1 health hazard in the United States. Learn how stress affects you physiologically, physically, emotionally, and behaviorally, and receive simple yet powerful techniques to quickly ease your mental and emotional distress. Dr. Tony Piparo, an internationally bestselling author, speaker, coach, and award-winning researcher, will discuss the topic at the Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Tuesday, May 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Researching Your Family Tree
Start investigating your family history at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, May 7, 6-7 p.m. A Humanities librarian will offer a brief introduction to library resources available for beginning genealogists. This free presentation is open to the public. Reservations are not required.
Citizen Jane: Battle for the City Film Screening
This free screening of Citizen Jane: Battle for the City is sponsored by Jane’s Walk MKE. Jane Jacobs (19162006) 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 for the sake of a better world.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Tuesday, May 7, 6-7:30 p.m.
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Saturday, May 11, 3-4:30 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, May 8, 12-2 p.m. Free coffee and tea available while supplies last.
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 8. Sign up by 2 p.m. on Wednesday in person or over the phone. Also May 14, 22, 29.
Author Event: Wicked Milwaukee with Yance Marti
From the history of the red light district to the downfall of the whiskey distilleries, Wicked Milwaukee chronicles the wicked people in Milwaukee’s past. These are the stories of people that weren’t necessarily evil, but were put in the category of bad people your mother warned you against. Ten chapters deal with different topics of wickedness that had an impact on the city. Join local author Yance Marti for this author event at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Wednesday, May 8, 6-7:30 p.m.
100 Things to do in Milwaukee Before You Die
Brew City native author Jenna Kashou will discuss her indispensable guidebook for navigating Milwaukee’s nooks and crannies, new hot spots and iconic sites at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, May 11, 10-11 a.m. A book signing follows the event.
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, May 11, 2-4 p.m. Each time there will be a different craft to make and take home. Supplies and instructions will be provided. Featuring: Create Pom-Pom Creatures.
Bring Your Own Device
Get help downloading free e-books, magazines, music and more at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, May 11, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Bring your library card and device and a librarian will get you started.
BOOK DISCUSSIONS
ESL Book Club
Practice your English reading comprehension and conversational skills by discussing short stories from All the Names They Used for God: Stories by Anjali Sachdeva at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Monday, May 6, 6-7 p.m. Pick up a copy of the book at the library prior to discussion. May: “Logging Lake” and “Killer of Kings.”
Bibliophile Book Club
Join the discussion of Insane City by Dave Barry at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Thursday, May 9, 5-6 p.m.
FOR TEENS
Teen/Tween Pop Up Sound Studio
Create and record beats and lyrics for your own original song at the Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Tuesday, May 7, 4-5:30 p.m.
FOR FAMILIES
Music & Movement Story Time
Let’s move and groove together during this musically motivated story time at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Monday, May 6, 6:15-7 p.m. Bring your enthusiasm and dance moves. Instruments provided. Also May 13, 20. No story time May 27.
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, May 7, 9:30-10 a.m. For children ages 0-12 months, with a caregiver. Also May 14, 21, 28.
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.
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Monday, May 6, 6:30-7 p.m. Also May 13, 20. No story time May 27. Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, May 7, 6:30-7 p.m. Also May 14, 21, 28.
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 9, 10:30-11 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also May 16, 23, 30.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, May 8, 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 15, 22, 29.
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, May 9, 10-11:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also May 16, 23, 30.
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, May 9, 10:30-11:15 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also May 16, 23, 30.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Thursday, May 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also May 16, 23, 30.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Thursday, May 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also May 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 9, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also May 16, 23, 30.
Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Thursday, May 9, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also May 16, 23, 30.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Thursday, May 9, 10-10:30 a.m. Also May 16, 23, 30.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Monday, May 6, 4-4:30 p.m. Also May 13, 20. No story time May 27.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, May 7, 10:30-11 a.m. Also May 13, 20. No story time May 27.
Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Thursday, May 9, 10-10:30 a.m. Also May 16, 23, 30.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Thursday, May 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Also May 16, 23, 30.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Thursday, May 9, 10:30-11 a.m. Also May 16, 23, 30.
FOR CHILDREN
Kids Can Cook
Interested in cooking? Find out first-hand what cooking is all about at the Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Tuesday, May 7, 4-5 p.m. Discover kid-friendly recipes, learn about nutrition, and try out a bunch of new foods.
Design Sprites
Design your own video game character, emoji, or logo and then learn how to animate them in a flash at the Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Tuesday, May 7, 5-6 p.m.
Sow and Grow
Learn about plants that you can grow in the city like flowers and food. Decorate a recycled container and plant something of your own. Take it home to watch it grow!
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Tuesday, May 7, 6-7 p.m.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Wednesday, May 8, 4-5 p.m.
Book Jacket Bingo
Play bingo based on contemporary children’s literature at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, May 8, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Also May 22.
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, May 6, 4-5:30 p.m. Also May 13, 20.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Tuesday, May 7, 4-5:30 p.m. Also May 14.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, May 11, 2-3:30 p.m. Also May 18.
Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Wednesday, May 8, 4:30-6 p.m. Also May 15, 22, 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 9, 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 16, 30.
Saturdays at Central
Hats Off to You at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, May 11, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Bring your favorite hat and big imagination as we read stories, sing songs, play games, and create our very own hats to take home!
Saturday Afternoons at Central for ‘Tweens
Art Workshops with Artists Working in Education at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, May 11, 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. Also May 18.
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.