Building Hope and Inspiring Change.

Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by fighting against injustice through learning, reading, and connecting. Your voice and actions matter.

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This program is presented in partnership with the Teen Advisory Board and funded by the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation

 

15,000 people in the biggest civil rights demonstration to that date fill Wisconsin Ave on April 8, 1968. The march was in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Journal

Programming

The Martin Luther King Branch is open 9 am to 5 pm on Monday, January 19, 2026 in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Join us for entertainment and activities that highlight how our deep roots in community continue to hold us together today.  

 

All Day: 

Makerspace Projects – Stop by the lab to work on a group weaving project and sticker wall. 

Button Making – Create your own statement pieces.  

Morning: 

9:30 am – 11:00 am  

Community Art Project with EGO the Artist – Discover your unique style while designing a canvas. 

Milwaukee Teen's Mural of Hope 

MPL Teen Advisory Board invites you to write your hopes and dreams for Milwaukee on paper that will be transformed into a mosaic banner. 

We Connect - Chat with neighbors using conversation prompts. 

10:30 am – 11:00 am

Story Time – Enjoy stories, songs, and play literacy for preschoolers. 

Afternoon Performances: 

12:00 pm -12:05 pm “Lift Every Voice and Sing” – Milwaukee Academy of Science Choir 

12:05 pm - 12:30 pm Greetings 

Joan Johnson, City Librarian, elected officials, and Dr. Joan Prince 

12:30 pm - 12:45 pm Milwaukee Academy of Science Choir and Drill Team 

Experience the harmonious performances of the Milwaukee Academy of Science Choir and the dance moves of their Drill Team. 

1:00 pm - 1:45 pm How Do You Build Hope? What Inspires Change in the Community?                                            
Panel Discussion with Dr. Robert Smith, Marquette University 

2:00 pm - 2:15 pm Signature Dance Company 

Young dancers demonstrate a new form of dance in which creative expression and spirituality explode in an exciting and uplifting style.  

2:15 pm - 2:30 pm Poet Laureate – Shelly Conley  

Be inspired by spoken word presented by Milwaukee’s Poet Laureate. 

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm Alpha Phi Alpha Trivia Contest 

Learn facts about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement while earning prizes. 

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm Birthday Party  

Enjoy music and treats in the Community Room while supplies last. 

A large group of people are kneeling in prayer on Wisconsin Ave on the anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Journal

Next: MLK Day Activities

MLK Day Activities

A group of people protest on the sidewalks in front of the Eagles Club. The members only club was a frequent target of protesters, due to its "whites only" policy. Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Journal

Next: MLK Day Resources

MLK Day Resources

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A group of people protest on the sidewalks in front of the Eagles Club. The members only club was a frequent target of protesters, due to its "whites only" policy. Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Journal