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Now@MPL

Celebrating Pioneer MPL Director Theresa West

By Jill F. and Tobias F. on Mar 1, 2023 12:00 AM

Women’s History Month is a great time to examine the influence of women in librarianship in general, and the role of one woman in particular. Read the fascinating history of Theresa West, MPL's first female library director.

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Celebrate MLK Day at MPL

By Chris Murphy on Jan 9, 2023 8:00 AM

In 2023 Milwaukee Public Library will again open its doors for a live celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day: United in Growth, Rooted in Community. Read more about the celebration and its history.

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A History of Jones Island

By Sarah Finn on Dec 9, 2022 12:00 AM

Milwaukee Historian John Gurda’s new film "People of the Port: A Jones Island Documentary" chronicles the history of the small area of Milwaukee known as Jones Island. Read more about it at the library!

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MPL Branch History: Tippecanoe

By Sarah Finn on Oct 17, 2022 12:00 AM

The history of the Tippecanoe Branch can be traced back to 1916 when it was located in the private home of Mary Moser in the Town of Lake. Renovated in 2015, the branch kept the mid-century stained glass and Manitou hanging sculpture by Guido Brink while adding a Secret Garden. Read more about it!

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The Sentinel Index

By Jill Fleck and Dan Kentowski on Sep 9, 2022 12:00 AM

The Business and Periodicals Department of the Milwaukee Public Library’s Central Library features a unique index of the Milwaukee Sentinel newspaper, covering its founding in 1837 through 1890. Learn more about this popular index, what it contains, and how to use it.

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Book by Book Summer Reading

By Beth Gabriel on Jul 15, 2022 12:00 AM

Hot books and cool library air conditioning create the perfect summer vibe (in our humble opinion). If you add in the Book by Book Adult Summer Reading challenge you’ll have a chance to win amazing prizes from our favorite Milwaukee places, setting you up for an amazing rest of your 2022.

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The History of Milwaukee's Brady Street

By Derek Reilly on Jul 8, 2022 12:00 AM

Brady Street is one of Milwaukee’s most widely known streets, located on the city's lower east side. While it was initially settled by German, Irish and Polish immigrants, Brady Street later became home to Milwaukee’s Italian community. Learn more about Brady Street and its annual festival.

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