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Playful Poetry
2026-04-27 16:00:00 2026-04-27 16:45:00 America/Chicago Playful Poetry April is National Poetry Month, and the library offers a world of poems to explore! Let's start by reading, writing, and reciting silly poetry in playful ways. Central Library - Children's Herzfeld Activity Center

Monday, April 27
4:00pm - 4:45pm

Add to Calendar 2026-04-27 16:00:00 2026-04-27 16:45:00 America/Chicago Playful Poetry April is National Poetry Month, and the library offers a world of poems to explore! Let's start by reading, writing, and reciting silly poetry in playful ways. Central Library - Children's Herzfeld Activity Center

Central Library

Children's Herzfeld Activity Center

April is National Poetry Month, and the library offers a world of poems to explore! Let's start by reading, writing, and reciting silly poetry in playful ways.

AGE GROUP: | Elementary (6-12) |

EVENT TYPE: | Crafts, Games, & Play | Arts, Music, & Culture |

TAGS: | |

Central Library
Branch manager
Timothy Fluhr
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Fri, Mar 27 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Mar 28 9:00AM to 5:00PM
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Upcoming Events

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We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Sat, Mar 28, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
ABC Academy
Sat, Mar 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room - Back Area
Stories and a fun letter craft help build pre-reading and fine motor skills to support early literacy. This interactive program focuses on letter recognition. Each week, learn all about a new letter!
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, Mar 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Central Library has many significant architectural features. Join a Docent Tour Guide as they share the splendor of Central Library's past!
Feminism and the Art of Zine Making - A Hands-On Workshop with Lion's Tooth Bookstore
Sat, Mar 28, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join Lion's Tooth Bookstore and Milwaukee Public Library for a zine-tastic workshop in celebration of Women's History Month!
Hot Button Issue: Votes for Women! - Button Making Activity
Sat, Mar 28, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Rotunda
Drop in and create a button using historic images from the Women's Suffrage Movement, and other slogans celebrating Women's History month.
Special Collections Open House - Women's History Month Edition
Sat, Mar 28, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Art, Music & Recreation Room
Learn all about Milwaukee Public Library's early pioneering director, Theresa West, and more icons of Women's History in Milwaukee. Librarians will be present to share and answer questions.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Sun, Mar 29, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Mon, Mar 30, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
Getting Started with Computers - Cybersecurity Basics
Mon, Mar 30, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
This series of absolute basics is intended for newcomers to technology. No prior experience is needed, just an eagerness to learn.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Tue, Mar 31, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
Help with FoodShare - with Milwaukee Enrollment Services
Tue, Mar 31, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Other - See description for location
Check in on your FoodShare benefits in-person with a staff member from Milwaukee Enrollment Services (MiLES). 
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Mar 31, 10:30am - 11:15am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
A 20-minute story time for young children is followed by open play time. For children ages 3 and under, with a caregiver.
Tech-splanation @ MPL
Tue, Mar 31, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Business Commons, Gift of Schoenleber Foundation and Elaine C. Lange - Collaboration Table #2
Do you have a question about your smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device? Need help accessing library resources? We can help! 
Revolutionary Dreams: Poetry Workshop
Tue, Mar 31, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Celebrate the upcoming National Poetry Month by creating your own poetry inspired by Nikki Giovanni's work from the Black Arts Movement era.
Central Library Walking Club
Wed, Apr 01, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Join us at Central library for a weekly walk. We will meet under the dome of the Central Library and take a two-mile loop through this historic neighborhood. The club meets rain or shine.
Housing Help - Homeless Outreach with Milwaukee County Street Outreach Team
Wed, Apr 01, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Chinese Room,Other - See description for location
Meet with a member of Milwaukee County's Street Outreach team and get connected to street, shelter and/or housing resources.
Builders' Club
Wed, Apr 01, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Room - Back Area
Come build with us! We'll supply a variety of building materials and you'll bring the creativity. Meet friends and see what you can create together.
Adaptive Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join us at the beautiful Central Library for yoga and fellowship. Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Getting Started with Computers - Cybersecurity Basics
Thu, Apr 02, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
This series of absolute basics is intended for newcomers to technology. No prior experience is needed, just an eagerness to learn.
Story Time
Thu, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Story Steps
Young children and their caregivers are invited to story time filled with fun stories, songs, and finger plays designed to help little ones develop important early literacy skills.
Baby Story Time
Thu, Apr 02, 11:00am - 11:20am
Children's Room - Back Area
Share simple stories, playful songs and gentle movement in this lapsit story time for babies aged 0-18 months, with a caregiver.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, Apr 02, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Street - Second Floor
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Employ Milwaukee Resource Table
Thu, Apr 02, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Mozart's Grove
Employ Milwaukee will be at the library to share information about employment opportunities, paid training programs, and much more!
ABC Academy
Sat, Apr 04, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room - Back Area
Stories and a fun letter craft help build pre-reading and fine motor skills to support early literacy. This interactive program focuses on letter recognition. Each week, learn all about a new letter!
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, Apr 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Central Library has many significant architectural features. Join a Docent Tour Guide as they share the splendor of Central Library's past!
Gravity! Art and Activities
Mon, Apr 06, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Let's talk about gravity! Join us for a read aloud about why gravity is so important and then explore the theory with activities and an art project.
Getting Started with Computers - Email Basics
Mon, Apr 06, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
This series of absolute basics is intended for newcomers to technology. No prior experience is needed, just an eagerness to learn.
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Apr 07, 10:30am - 11:15am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
A 20-minute story time for young children is followed by open play time. For children ages 3 and under, with a caregiver.
Monthly Makers
Tue, Apr 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Calling all makers and artists! Do you love creating? Want to try and learn a new skill but don't know where to start? Join us for a monthly maker session to try a new creative outlet each month!
Central Library Walking Club
Wed, Apr 08, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Join us at Central library for a weekly walk. We will meet under the dome of the Central Library and take a two-mile loop through this historic neighborhood. The club meets rain or shine.
Housing Help - Homeless Outreach with Milwaukee County Street Outreach Team
Wed, Apr 08, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Chinese Room,Other - See description for location
Meet with a member of Milwaukee County's Street Outreach team and get connected to street, shelter and/or housing resources.
Builders' Club
Wed, Apr 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Room - Back Area
Come build with us! We'll supply a variety of building materials and you'll bring the creativity. Meet friends and see what you can create together.
Getting Started with Computers - Email Basics
Thu, Apr 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
This series of absolute basics is intended for newcomers to technology. No prior experience is needed, just an eagerness to learn.
Story Time
Thu, Apr 09, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Story Steps
Young children and their caregivers are invited to story time filled with fun stories, songs, and finger plays designed to help little ones develop important early literacy skills.
Baby Story Time
Thu, Apr 09, 11:00am - 11:20am
Children's Room - Back Area
Share simple stories, playful songs and gentle movement in this lapsit story time for babies aged 0-18 months, with a caregiver.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, Apr 09, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Street - Second Floor
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Family Play and Learn - Camping
Sat, Apr 11, 10:45am - 11:45am
Children's Room
Join us for imaginative play for families with young children. Let's set up tents and share camp stories. Go on a pretend nature hike, sing camp songs, and roast marshmallows over a campfire.
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, Apr 11, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Central Library has many significant architectural features. Join a Docent Tour Guide as they share the splendor of Central Library's past!
Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services
Mon, Apr 13, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Mozart's Grove
Community Access to Recovery Services (CARS) specializes in helping Milwaukee County residents get connected with resources to support those living with a mental health and substance use disorder.
Sew Cool!
Mon, Apr 13, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Let's learn how to sew! In this program, we'll celebrate Earth Month by learning how to mend and create things with the materials we already have-- as well as sewing our very own pencil pouches!
Cozy Crafting
Mon, Apr 13, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Frank P. Zeidler Humanities Room
Get cozy, craft, and meet up with friends and neighbors @Central Library!
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Apr 14, 10:30am - 11:15am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
A 20-minute story time for young children is followed by open play time. For children ages 3 and under, with a caregiver.
Safe Online Shopping
Tue, Apr 14, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Learn how to avoid scams and keep your personal information safe when buying online.
Cancelled
Tech-splanation @ MPL
Tue, Apr 14, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Do you have a question about your smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device? Need help accessing library resources? We can help! 
Beyond Books: Exploring Archives - 414 Day - Milwaukee History
Tue, Apr 14, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Art, Music & Recreation Room
Celebrate Milwaukee Day by exploring the unique materials from Milwaukee Public Library's Special Collections & Archives department.
Central Library Walking Club
Wed, Apr 15, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Join us at Central library for a weekly walk. We will meet under the dome of the Central Library and take a two-mile loop through this historic neighborhood. The club meets rain or shine.
Housing Help - Homeless Outreach with Milwaukee County Street Outreach Team
Wed, Apr 15, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Chinese Room,Other - See description for location
Meet with a member of Milwaukee County's Street Outreach team and get connected to street, shelter and/or housing resources.
Whodunit Wednesdays: Agatha Christie Reading Series - with Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Wed, Apr 15, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Art, Music & Recreation Room
Join members of the community for a series of readings from selected Agatha Christie novels, followed by a lively discussion.
Builders' Club
Wed, Apr 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Room - Back Area
Come build with us! We'll supply a variety of building materials and you'll bring the creativity. Meet friends and see what you can create together.
Story Time
Thu, Apr 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Story Steps
Young children and their caregivers are invited to story time filled with fun stories, songs, and finger plays designed to help little ones develop important early literacy skills.
Baby Story Time
Thu, Apr 16, 11:00am - 11:20am
Children's Room - Back Area
Share simple stories, playful songs and gentle movement in this lapsit story time for babies aged 0-18 months, with a caregiver.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, Apr 16, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Street - Second Floor
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Milwaukee Zine Fest
Sat, Apr 18, 10:30am - 4:30pm
Art, Music & Recreation Room,Business Commons, Gift of Schoenleber Foundation and Elaine C. Lange,Central Library Tours,East View Conference Room,Frank P. Zeidler Humanities Room,Grand Staircase Area,Main Street - First Floor,Main Street - Second Floor,Mozart's Grove,Old Board Room,Paul Gottfried Krikelas Technology Conference Room,Richard E. and Lucile Krug Rare Books Room,Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room,Rotunda,Schoenleber Reading Room
Founded in 2008, MZF is an annual explosion of zine-focused wonder in the form of a boisterous festival featuring over 100 vendors from across the country.
ABC Academy
Sat, Apr 18, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room - Back Area
Stories and a fun letter craft help build pre-reading and fine motor skills to support early literacy. This interactive program focuses on letter recognition. Each week, learn all about a new letter!
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Sun, Apr 19, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 84th annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Sunday, April 19 and runs through Saturday, May 16.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Mon, Apr 20, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 84th annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Sunday, April 19 and runs through Saturday, May 16.
Treasures of the Great Lakes - April on the Great Lakes, A mix of launches and losses
Mon, Apr 20, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
The shipping season launches new and better vessels each year. April can cause disasters with vicious squalls and thick ice that create interesting stories.
Nautical Names
Mon, Apr 20, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Let's practice our A, B, Seas! Learn the signal flag alphabet with the book "Alpha, Bravo, Charlie: The Complete Book of Nautical Codes" by Sara Gillingham and make a nautical name banner!
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Tue, Apr 21, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 84th annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Sunday, April 19 and runs through Saturday, May 16.
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Apr 21, 10:30am - 11:15am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
A 20-minute story time for young children is followed by open play time. For children ages 3 and under, with a caregiver.
Back to Business: Microsoft Word and Excel - Word Level 1
Tue, Apr 21, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
This series of classes will give an overview of the two most popular office suite programs.
Hidden Chapter Book Club
Tue, Apr 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Old Board Room,Richard E. and Lucile Krug Rare Books Room
The Hidden Chapter Book Club gathers monthly to read, sip, and discover. April meeting will discuss Better Living Through Birding by Christian Cooper and discover ornithology treasures from Rare Books
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Wed, Apr 22, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 84th annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Sunday, April 19 and runs through Saturday, May 16.
Central Library Walking Club
Wed, Apr 22, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Join us at Central library for a weekly walk. We will meet under the dome of the Central Library and take a two-mile loop through this historic neighborhood. The club meets rain or shine.
Green Roof Tour
Wed, Apr 22, 12:30pm - 1:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Housing Help - Homeless Outreach with Milwaukee County Street Outreach Team
Wed, Apr 22, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Chinese Room,Other - See description for location
Meet with a member of Milwaukee County's Street Outreach team and get connected to street, shelter and/or housing resources.
Builders' Club
Wed, Apr 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Room - Back Area
Come build with us! We'll supply a variety of building materials and you'll bring the creativity. Meet friends and see what you can create together.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Thu, Apr 23, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 84th annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Sunday, April 19 and runs through Saturday, May 16.
Story Time
Thu, Apr 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Story Steps
Young children and their caregivers are invited to story time filled with fun stories, songs, and finger plays designed to help little ones develop important early literacy skills.
Baby Story Time
Thu, Apr 23, 11:00am - 11:20am
Children's Room - Back Area
Share simple stories, playful songs and gentle movement in this lapsit story time for babies aged 0-18 months, with a caregiver.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, Apr 23, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Street - Second Floor
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Geek Out!
Thu, Apr 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Have a passion for geek media and culture? Come to Geek Out! a monthly program for teens who are enthusiastic for learning, creating and enjoying all things in geek, nerd or pop culture!
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Fri, Apr 24, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 84th annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Sunday, April 19 and runs through Saturday, May 16.
Showers of Hope - with Street Angels' Mobile Shower Trailer
Fri, Apr 24, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Other - See description for location
Street Angels' Showers of Hope is onsite @your Milwaukee Public Library, on select Fridays this Spring and Summer! Guests will be provided with a private shower, see full description for details.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Sat, Apr 25, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 84th annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Sunday, April 19 and runs through Saturday, May 16.
ABC Academy
Sat, Apr 25, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room - Back Area
Stories and a fun letter craft help build pre-reading and fine motor skills to support early literacy. This interactive program focuses on letter recognition. Each week, learn all about a new letter!
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, Apr 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Central Library has many significant architectural features. Join a Docent Tour Guide as they share the splendor of Central Library's past!
Green Roof Tour
Sat, Apr 25, 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Sun, Apr 26, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 84th annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Sunday, April 19 and runs through Saturday, May 16.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Mon, Apr 27, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 84th annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Sunday, April 19 and runs through Saturday, May 16.
Playful Poetry
Mon, Apr 27, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
April is National Poetry Month, and the library offers a world of poems to explore! Let's start by reading, writing, and reciting silly poetry in playful ways.
See all events