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 at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Monday, July 22, 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: NASA’s Next Steps. What has NASA been up to these past 50 years? Where is NASA heading next? Join us for a walk through some of NASA’s greatest recent achievements and most promising future aspirations!
PROGRAMS
Introduction to Knife Skills, Food Carving, and Garnishing
Want to make your food beautiful? Learn the basics of fruit and vegetable carving techniques to enhance food plating and create decorative centerpieces at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Monday, July 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m. At the event, Madison College Culinary staff member and award winning vegetable carving specialist Nishitha Ilanderage will demonstrate how to carve elegant fruit and vegetable pieces. After the demonstration, attendees will have the opportunity to try out their newfound skills on produce and, ultimately, taste their funky creations. Registration is required; please call 414.286.3011 or register online at www.mpl.org.
Milwaukee Shines Solar Power Hour
Thinking about going solar? Interested Milwaukee area homeowners or commercial property owners can start by attending this free solar information session at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Monday, July 22, 6-7 p.m. in Community Room 1. Learn the basics of how solar works, its financial costs and benefits for home and business owners, and how the solar group buy program works. Find out how to sign up for a free site assessment as part of the solar group buy program.
Bad Art Night
No art skills? No problem! Bring your friends and make the most atrocious art you can out of random, goofy stuff at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Monday, July 22, 6-7:30 p.m. Take part in a Bad Art Exhibit, vote on your least favorites and compete for the coveted title of the worst artist at the library. Winners will be crowned with terrible tiaras and will receive other fun prizes!
Researching Your Family Tree
Start investigating your family history at the M.L. King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Monday, July 22, 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.
Chess Club
Bring your chess set and love of strategy to the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Wednesday, July 24, 5:307:30 p.m. for a drop-in chess club. 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 at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Wednesday, July 24. 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 31.
All Ages Coloring
De-stress by coloring at the Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Thursday, July 22, 2-3 p.m. Everyone from ages 0-99 and beyond is welcome to have a snack and color a picture.
Gentle Chair Yoga
This introduction to yoga will focus on low-impact sanding and chair-assisted poses at the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Friday, July 26, 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.
Spanish Knitters
A knitting circle dedicated to expanding skills through the participation of knitters of all experience levels. Bring any knitting project for conversation and camaraderie among knitters to the Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Friday, July 26, 4:30-6 p.m. Tap into knitting resources the library has to offer.
BOOK DISCUSSION
Book to Art Club
Engage with popular literature in a hands-on, imaginative way at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Tuesday, July 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: Stardust by Neil Gaiman.
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.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Monday, July 22, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Tuesday, July 23, 12-7 p.m.
Making Digital Sounds
Learn how to make chiptunes, songs that sound like they are from vintage computers and retro arcade machines at the Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Tuesday, July 23, 5-6 p.m.
Teen Wellness
Be committed to wellness this summer! Try out fun wellness activities and cook tasty, healthy recipes with friends at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Tuesday, July 23, 5-7:30 p.m.
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., Wednesday, July 24, 2-3 p.m.
Teen Reading Party
Join us for a comfy reading party, complete with snacks! Lounge on one of our plush chairs and enjoy a good book – food and books provided; just bring yourself (and a friend) to the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Friday, July 26, 1-3 p.m.
FOR FAMILIES
Family Drive-in Movie
Children and families will create their own “car” out of a box, enjoy popcorn, and a “drive-in” children’s movie at the Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Monday, July 22, 4-5:30 p.m.
Urban Wildlife: Poetry in Your Backyard
Hands-on fun, discovery and exploration about wildlife you might find in your own backyard at MPL Express @ Silver Spring, 5550 N. 64th St., Wednesday, July 24, 5-7 p.m. Get inspired to create poetry about the natural world. Part of Field Work: Poetry and Science partnership with the Milwaukee Public Museum.
Play and Learn
Imaginative play for families with young children at the M.L. King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Thursday, July 25, 10-11 a.m. Construction Site. Pack up the tools and get ready to plan and build with blocks at the construction site.
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 22, 6:15-7 p.m. Bring your enthusiasm and dance moves. Instruments provided. Also July 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 22, 6:30-7 p.m. Also July 29.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, July 23, 6:30-7 p.m. Also July 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 23, 9:30-10 a.m. For children ages 0-12 months, with a caregiver. Also July 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 26, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 0-5 with a caregiver.
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 25, 10:30-11 a.m. For children ages 2 and under with a parent or guardian.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wednesday, July 24, 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 31.
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Thursday, July 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, July 25, 10:30-11:15 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Thursday, July 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Thursday, July 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children ages 1-4 and a parent or guardian. (Continued)
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 25, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Thursday, July 25, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Thursday, July 25, 10-10:30 a.m.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Monday, July 22, 4-4:30 p.m. Also July 29.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesday, July 23, 10:30-11 a.m. Also July 30. M.L. King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Thursday, July 25, 10-10:30 a.m.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Thursday, July 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Thursday, July 25, 10:30-11 a.m.
FOR CHILDREN
Summer Reading Programs
Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Monday, July 22, 2 p.m.: Miss Kim’s Amazing Animals.
Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Monday, July 22, 2 p.m.: Illusionist Ardan James.
Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Monday, July 22, 12:30 p.m.; repeated at 1:45 p.m.: Fire and Ice with Mad Science.
Center Street Branch, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Wednesday, July 24, 2 p.m.: Magician Rick Allen.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Thursday, July 25, 2 p.m.: Book Jacket Bingo.
East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Tuesday, July 23, 2 p.m.: Miss Kim’s Amazing Animals. M.L. King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Tuesday, July 23, 2 p.m.: Beaks & Talons.
Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Wednesday, July 24, 2 p.m.: Reptile Education Through Contact.
Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., Wednesday, July 24, 2 p.m.: Miss Kim’s Amazing Animals.
Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Thursday, July 25, 2 p.m.: Sky Stories with Wehr Nature Center.
Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Wednesday, July 24, 2 p.m.: Amani’s World.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Monday, July 22, 2 p.m.: Owls: Designed for Darkness.
STEAM Challenge
Put your engineering skills to the test by using household items to build a bridge, boat, and tower at the M.L. King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., Monday, July 22, 2-3 p.m.
Make Your Own Moon Sand
Make your own moon sand by combining simple household ingredients with regular sand at the Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St., Tuesday, July 23, 2-3 p.m. Learn about some of the science behind how moon sand works and take some home for more sculpting fun!
Silly Science
Measure, Mix and experiment! Bring out your inner mad scientist for fun hands-on science experiments using common household items at the Capitol Branch, 3969 N. 74th St., Tuesday, July 23, 4-5 p.m. Concoct your very own slime.
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.
Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Tuesday, July 23, 4:15-5:15 p.m. Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Wednesday, July 24, 2-3 p.m.
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 24, 1-3 p.m. JULY: Creative LEGO Builds. Also July 31.
Snack Hack!
Enjoy a free healthy snack in the Cargill Community Kitchen at the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Thursday, July 25, 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.
Wingardium Craft-viosa!
All good witches and wizards need a wand to cast spells. Use STEAM skills to build your own Harry Potter inspired illuminating wand and put your casting abilities to the test at the East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St., Saturday, July 27, 2-3 p.m.
Saturdays at Central
Book Bop Dance Party at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, July 27, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Bust a move at the library! Join us for silly songs, shake your wiggles out, and listen to stories with a beat.
Summer Saturday Afternoons at Central
All Things Space at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturday, July 27, 2-3:30 p.m. Join the Milwaukee Public Museum as we investigate our corner of space and beyond! Learn how our understanding of the universe has changed over the years.
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.