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National Library Week

National Library Week

Celebrate National Library Week April 23-29, 2023

Good Hope Branch | Mitchell Street Branch |
Milwaukee Central Library | MPL Online Merch Store

Milwaukee Public Library encourages all community members to visit the library during National Library Week, April 23-29, to explore all they offer.

Most people know about the wealth of stories available at the library, from picture books and large print to audiobooks and ebooks. But there's so much more to the story of libraries. 

You're missing the full story if you haven't checked out your Milwaukee Public Library lately. Stop by for a visit to celebrate with them during National Library Week, April 23-29. Follow your Milwaukee Public Library on social media and use the hashtag #National Library Week to join the online celebration. 

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April.


Free Family Photos at MPL

Your Milwaukee Public Library invites you and your families to have a FREE family photo taken in celebration of National Library Week! Families and individuals can capture this moment in time with their loved ones. Photos will be taken at the Good Hope Branch (Monday, April 24th from 4:30-7 p.m.), Mitchell Street Branch (Tuesday, April 25th from 4:30-7 p.m.), and the Milwaukee Central Library (Saturday, April 29th from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.). Reservations are required. Please note the following for photos:

Each family will receive:

  • A 7-8-minute photo session with a professional photographer.
  • A digital copy of their family portrait.

Please Keep in Mind:

  • Space is limited and will go fast - reserve your session ASAP!
  • Limited to one registration per group.
  • There is a minimum of two and a max of six people (immediate family) for your photo session.
  • Please arrive 5-7 minutes early for your appointment.
  • No library card is required.
  • Photos are for personal use only. Please refrain from bringing props, logos, or other items for promotional purposes.
  • Each photo session is 7-8 minutes long. The registrant will be emailed 2-3 photos the following week.
  • If you're unable to attend, please cancel your appointment to allow another family to have your time slot.

 

Good Hope Branch

Monday, April 24 from 4:30-7 p.m. - Schedule your photo appointment HERE.

Enjoy the following programs at the Good Hope Branch while visiting:

  • Spin our National Library Week Prize Wheel for a chance to win MPL Merch while supplies last.
  • Adventure awaits at the Good Hope Branch! Find a selection of stories at each turn as you hop like a frog, waddle like a duck, and slither like a snake through our obstacle course. 

  • Open Maker Time from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

    • Drop in the MPL's Makerspaces to hang out, mess around, and geek out with others in an art and technology-rich environment.  

  • Knot Just Knitting from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

    • Fiber Artist Ruth Shank will be on hand every second Monday to help with getting you started on something new, provide technical advice on a project-in-progress, or simply visit. Some supplies are on hand for new knitters (basic knowledge is assumed), but feel free to bring your own if you have them.


Mitchell Street Branch

Tuesday, April 25 from 4:30-7 p.m. - Schedule your photo appointment HERE.

Enjoy the following programs at the Mitchell Street Branch while visiting:

  • Spin our National Library Week Prize Wheel for a chance to win MPL Merch while supplies last.
  • Coloring sheets and writing prompts for the family to celebrate National Library Week.
  • Career Navigator Job Help from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

    • Career Navigators in the Worker Connection Program will host a table to promote their services and resources. Career Navigators will also assist patrons with creating their resumes and job searches. They will provide hands-on services by guiding patrons through the navigation system of employment.

  • Open Maker Time from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

    • Drop in the MPL's Makerspaces to hang out, mess around, and geek out with others in an art and technology-rich environment.  

  • Snack Hack: You Are What You Eat! from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    • Let's eat! Snack Hack explores the world of food through cooking demonstrations that focus on nutritional elements, food groups, cooking principles, and the history of food. Learn how food is grown, the cultural connections to what we eat, how food works in our bodies, and how to prepare meals at home, as well as the differences between vitamins and minerals, braising and sautéing, and fiber and protein. Snack Hack also reveals the culinary world through library resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy eating snacks created each week. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required; walk-ins are welcome if space permits.


Milwaukee Central Library

Saturday, April 29 from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.* -

Schedule your photo appointment HERE:

*Please note there will be a break between 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Appointments at the Central Library are scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Enjoy the following programs at the Central Library while visiting:

  • Spin our National Library Week Prize Wheel for a chance to win MPL Merch while supplies last.
  • Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art (All Day)

    • Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art (MATA) 81st annual membership exhibition. This is a juried art show of 2-D and 3-D art in a variety of media. This is a return of the same event that was successfully mounted at Central Library in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022.

  • National Poetry Month: Haiku Story Time from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

    • April is Poetry Month! Join us to learn about haikus and make your own syllable-counting drum!

  • Series, Sets, and Collections: Japanese Books and Prints in the MPL Rare Books Room from Noon to 1:30 p.m. 
    • Join us for the long-awaited next installment in the Krug Lecture series! Dr. Hilary Snow, UWM Teaching Faculty in Art History and Asian Studies, will present on the topic of sets and collections, as exemplified in Japanese art, books, and prints from the library collection.
  • Community Conversations with City Librarian Joan Johnson from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

    • What brings you to your neighborhood library? Books? Programs? Technology? Join this informal conversation with City Librarian Joan Johnson and library staff to let us know why your library is important to you and what role it plays in your neighborhood. We want to hear from you! 

  • Green Roof Tours

    • Take a short tour of the library's Green Roof! Please meet in the Central Library's Rotunda to start the tour. Tours will be from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and an additional tour from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. following the Community Conversation.


MPL Online Merch Store

Visit our Online Merch Store!

A portion of your purchase will support the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation and their funding of the Hotspot Lending Program as a digital equity initiative offered through the library.