Stories from the Stacks

An MPL series brought to you by Milwaukee Public Library Foundation

Libraries transform lives! Meet Milwaukee Public Library storytellers of diverse perspectives—learn how using the library has uniquely impacted their lives and many others in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Author

MPL is changing lives. See how Laura wrote a book at Central Library about being homeless in Milwaukee.

Ready to Read

See Early Literacy Outreach for kids at The Growing Tree Day Care Center with Director Theresa.

Rare Books Collection

Experience the wonder of MPL’s unique collection of Milwaukee and Wisconsin rarities with Sue.

Teen Advisory Board

Learn how MPL encourages Morgan and Teens to design and lead their own library programs, volunteer at events, build leadership skills.

Milwaukee Genealogy

Share in the discovery of our roots as Margaret teaches library classes and conducts Genealogy research in Humanities.

Stories from the Stacks
Sponsored by Milwaukee Public Library Foundation
Additional in-kind support from First Dibbs
Created by First Dibbs
Directed, Filmed and Edited by Jenny Plevin
Music and Graphics by Allison Westbrook IV

Help Your Library Provide Inspiration And Opportunity

Every donation helps families, job seekers, entrepreneurs, and book lovers of every age.

Why Your Support Matters

Milwaukee Public Library improves lives for an entire lifetime.

Early Childhood
Milwaukee Public Library provides early literacy education for daycare providers and parents, resulting in more than 1,000 young participants who form critical reading connections and brain development during the first 1,000 days of life in Ready to Read early literacy programs for ages 0–5.

School Age Children and Teens
More than 25,000 students get equipped with the tools to fight “brain drain,” or loss of reading skills, at the library during the summer months. Milwaukee Public Library provides collections and coaching to participants in branches and at 117 community sites. Teens also get career and college ready, enhance STEM skills and explore their own creativity at the library.

Families and Adults
Milwaukee Public Library bridges the digital divide in Milwaukee with job workshops, small business classes and computer training classes to help overcome the digital barrier for the 40% of the city’s residents without a home computer or internet access. Technology trainers assist patrons in applying for jobs, completing homework assignments, and looking for healthcare information.

Learn more