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 EVENT
50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with a Solar System Ambassador lecture series at the Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Monday, July 15, 6-7 p.m. Sponsored by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a Solar System Ambassador scientist volunteer will be on hand to present and discuss:
Remembering NASA’s Apollo Program – Journey back to the 1960s and 1970s to learn about NASA’s Apollo Program, one of the greatest technological undertakings in human history. Uncover interesting facts about the 12 men who walked on the moon and some of the thousands of people who helped them get there!
PROGRAMS
House History Research @ MPL
Interested in discovering more about your Milwaukee home? Maps, city directories, newspaper articles, and more can help you piece together its history. We’ll tell you about the best places in the library, around the city, and online to get started at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Monday, July 15, 6-7 p.m.
Treasures of the Great Lakes Marine Collection
Learn about a different aspect of the Milwaukee Public Library’s Great Lakes Marine Collection at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, July 16, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Of special interest to divers and genealogists, the program is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about Great Lakes history.
Consumer Rights Clinic with Legal Action of Wisconsin
The Consumer Rights Clinic is a free community based legal clinic for people who have unresolved debt issues, have frequent contact with debt collectors, or are considering bankruptcy as a debt solution. Consumer rights attorney are on site to educate on consumer rights and answer debt-related questions at the Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Tuesday, July 16, 3-5 p.m. There are income restrictions to participate. Call (414) 278-7722 to learn more and schedule to attend a session.
Gathering Art, Stories and Place Artist Residency Workshops
Join our artist-in-residence, Celeste Contreras, for a creative art workshop at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Wednesday, July 17, 4-6 p.m. Celeste will be focusing on cyanotype, screen printing, drawing and cardboard books. The artist residency program is a part of the Gathering Art, Stories and Place project in collaboration with Artists Working in Education and supported in part by an award from the National Endowment of the Arts, with additional support from the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation. Artists-inresidence are chosen for one year to lead weekly community art programming resulting in permanent and temporary public art installations. For more information about Gathering Art, Stories and Place please visit mpl.org/gasp. Also August 7, 21. (Continued)
Green Home Series: Divide and Conquer – Dividing Perennials
Dividing established plants can rejuvenate the plant as well as provide years of beauty elsewhere by transplanting the divisions or sharing with friends. Join Master Gardener, Kathleen Walrath, in a presentation on the how’s and why’s of dividing your perennials and transplanting the divisions at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Wednesday, July 17, 6-7 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 at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Wednesday, July 17. The appointment can cover 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. Also July 24, 31.
Social Security 101
The Social Security Administration will present all the basics of understanding Social Security at the Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Thursday, July 18, 1-2 p.m. Learn when are you eligible to receive retirement benefits, whether you qualify for disability, survivors, and spouse benefits, when you should file for Medicare, and more.
Gentle Chair Yoga
This introduction to yoga will focus on low-impact standing and chair-assisted poses at the Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Friday, July 19, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Instructor DeWitt Clinton will guide a 60-minute gentle yoga session. Please wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. Chairs will be provided. This class is accessible for all ability levels; no props needed, including mats. Upon arrival, participants will be asked to sign a physical activity waiver. Registration is required; please call 414.286-3011 or register online at www.mpl.org.
Get Ready for Summer Using Essential Oils
Get ready for summer using essential oils at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, July 20, 1-3 p.m. Learn which essential oils are good for your metabolism and weight loss. Class will be presented by Lynne Herro in the first floor Chinese Room.
Get Crafty at King
Hang out with other crafty people and join in a craft project for adults, families, and teens at the M.L. King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Saturday, July 20, 2-4 p.m. Each time there will be a different craft to make and take home. Supplies and instructions will be provided. Featuring: Crafts That Rock (or are made with them).
BOOK DISCUSSIONS
East Branch Book Club
Join the discussion of The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Tuesday, July 16, 7-8 p.m.
Bay View Book Club for Adults
Join the discussion of Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham at the Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Wednesday, July 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
FOR TEENS
Open Maker Time
Hang out, mess around, and geek out at the library! Come with a specific project in mind, pick from our menu of project options, or collaborate with other teens hanging out in the space at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St.
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Thursdays and Fridays, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 1-4:30 p.m.
Game Jam Days
Professional game developers will be on hand to coach you through the process of making your own video game. We’ll have equipment and software on hand for you to use. Plus, we’ll have tons of food and there will be the chance to hang out with other video game enthusiasts. Whether or not you have any experience with coding or game design, you will find the tools and resources you need to get started on your game at a Game Jam Day. Hosted in partnership with Cream City Coders and i.c.stars.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Monday, July 15, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
M.L. King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Thursday, July 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Friday, July 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Open Jam Sessions with Dria Rush aka DJ DRIP Sweat
Jam with fellow musicians at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Monday, July 15, 6-7 p.m. Check out the recording equipment available in the Northwestern Mutual Foundation Studio M. If you have an instrument, bring it along. If you don’t, come anyway and use one of the instruments available in Studio M. Or just come to listen to what other musicians create. Either way, you’ll find fun and music during Monday night Jam Sessions in Studio M.
Easy Science: Ice Cream
Learn to make five-minute ice cream using a proven scientific method and simple ingredients at the Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Tuesday, July 16, 3-4 p.m. Add some toppings and enjoy a cool treat on a hot summer day!
Teen Snack Hack
Let’s skip the hot chips and soda for a day. Learn how to create some snacks that are nutritious and delicious at the M.L. King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Wednesday, July 17, 2-3 p.m.
Teen Tech Time
Play with Sphero, the Bluetooth-controlled robotic ball at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Wednesdsay, July 17, 3-4:30 p.m. Create a maze for Sphero to navigate or build an obstacle course. Then connect with littleBits, a system of electronic modules that snap together with magnets.
Summer Science Experiments
Beat the heat and come inside to make some scorching science experiments at the Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Wednesday, July 17, 4-5 p.m. Learn to make a liquid rainbow, moon sand and oobleck.
DIY Terrariums
Create a terrarium to take home with the provided supply of plants, figures and rocks at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, July 18, 4-5 p.m. Beautify your own space or use as a unique gift.
FOR FAMILIES
Play and Learn
Imaginative play for families with young children at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Wednesday, July 17, 5-6 p.m. Grocery Store. Welcome to our grocery store! Make a grocery list, help customers, run the cash register, and go shopping!
Play and Learn
PRESENTED IN SPANISH. Imaginative play for families with young children at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Wednesday, July 17, 6-7 p.m. Camping. Go on a pretend nature hike, sing camp songs, and roast marshmallows. Then we’ll pitch a tent and settle in for some camp stories.
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, July 15, 6:15-7 p.m. Bring your enthusiasm and dance moves. Instruments provided. Also July 22, 29.
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, July 15, 6:30-7 p.m. Also July 22, 29.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, July 16, 6:30-7 p.m. Also July 23, 30.
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, July 16, 9:30-10 a.m. For children ages 0-12 months, with a caregiver. Also July 23, 30.
Cool Down Play Time
Get out of the heat and spend quality family time while getting to know other parents and caregivers at our summer play time at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Friday, July 19, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 0-5 with a caregiver. Also July 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, July 18, 10:30-11 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also July 25.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, July 17, 9:30-10:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Repeated at 10:45 a.m. Also July 24, 31.
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, July 18, 10-11:30 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian. Also July 25.
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, July 18, 10:30-11:15 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also July 25.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Thursday, July 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also July 25.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Thursday, July 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. Also July 25.
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, July 18, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also July 25.
Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Thursday, July 18, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Also July 25.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Thursday, July 18, 10-10:30 a.m. Also July 25.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Monday, July 15, 4-4:30 p.m. Also July 22, 29.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, July 16, 10:30-11 a.m. Also July 23, 30. M.L. King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Thursday, July 18, 10-10:30 a.m. Also July 25.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Thursday, July 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Also July 25.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Thursday, July 18, 10:30-11 a.m. Also July 25.
FOR CHILDREN
Summer Reading Programs
Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Monday, July 15, 2 p.m.: Fire and Ice with Mad Science.
Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Monday, July 15, 2 p.m.: Jeremy Bryan of The Figureheads.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Monday, July 15, 12:30 p.m.; repeated at 1:45 p.m.: Illusionist Ardan James.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Wednesday, July 17, 2 p.m.: Fire and Ice with Mad Science.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Thursday, July 18, 2 p.m.: Illusionist Ardan James.
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Tuesday, July 16, 2 p.m.: Jeremy Bryan of The Figureheads. M.L. King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Tuesday, July 16, 2 p.m.: Illusionist Ardan James.
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Wednesday, July 17, 2 p.m.: Latin Drumming with Julio Pabon.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Wednesday, July 17, 2 p.m.: Jeremy Bryan of The Figureheads.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Thursday, July 18, 2 p.m.: Fire and Ice with Mad Science.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Wednesday, July 17, 2 p.m.: Reptiles & Amphibians.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Monday, July 15, 2 p.m.: Kidsplay Space Show.
Wii U Gaming
Relax with the Wii U and board games. Beat levels together, go head-to-head, or dance to the beat in a social setting at the M.L. King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Monday, July 15, 2-3 p.m.
Library Chill for ‘Tweens
Play a game on the Wii system, download free songs, create your own button to wear or…just chill at the Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Monday, July 15, 4-5:30 p.m.
Candy From Around the World
Taste candies from all over the world and vote on your favorite at the Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Tuesday, July 16, 2-3 p.m.
Build with LEGO Bricks
Get the creativity flowing using LEGO Bricks. Join others and see what you can create together at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Tuesday, July 16, 6-7 p.m. This activity helps to develop 21st century skills such as problem-solving and collaboration.
STEAM Wednesdays @ Atkinson
On Wednesdays the Children’s Area turns into a STEAM Lab. Experiment with a variety of materials at the Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Wednesday, July 17, 1-3 p.m. JULY: Creative LEGO Builds. Also July 24, 31.
Wacky Wheels Roller Skating Jam
Come to our roller skating party at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, July 18, 12-3 p.m. The MPS Wacky Wheels Skate Van will be in our parking lot providing the roller skates and the jams. Bring your own skates or use the skates provided. Participating children need to have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Waivers will be available in advance at the Mitchell Street Branch and on the day of the event.
Snack Hack!
Enjoy a free healthy snack in the Cargill Community Kitchen at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, July 18, 3:30-4 p.m. All school-aged children 18 and younger are invited to eat a simple snack and learn the importance of healthy eating. No registration required. Generously supported by Pete’s Fruit Market. Also July 25.
Saturdays at Central
A Whale of a Tale at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, July 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m. During this story time we’ll read, sing, and even pretend to be migrating baby humpback whales!
Summer Saturday Afternoons at Central
DIY Duct Tape at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, July 20, 2-3:30 p.m. This program will help you create your own change pouch, wristlet, or wallet. Use your ingenuity by creating usable accessories from household supplies.
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.