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Beyond Books: Exploring Archives

414 Day - Milwaukee History
2026-04-14 16:30:00 2026-04-14 18:30:00 America/Chicago Beyond Books: Exploring Archives Celebrate Milwaukee Day by exploring the unique materials from Milwaukee Public Library's Special Collections & Archives department. Central Library - Art, Music & Recreation Room

Tuesday, April 14
4:30pm - 6:30pm

Add to Calendar 2026-04-14 16:30:00 2026-04-14 18:30:00 America/Chicago Beyond Books: Exploring Archives Celebrate Milwaukee Day by exploring the unique materials from Milwaukee Public Library's Special Collections & Archives department. Central Library - Art, Music & Recreation Room

Central Library

Art, Music & Recreation Room

Celebrate Milwaukee Day by exploring the unique materials from Milwaukee Public Library's Special Collections & Archives department.

April 14 is known as “Milwaukee Day” because 4/14 is the same as Milwaukee’s area code (414). Celebrate the city’s history by exploring the unique materials from Milwaukee Public Library’s Special Collections & Archives department.

Drop in any time during this open house event and browse at your own pace. The materials on display will include photographs, documents, drawings, plans, and ephemera. No registration necessary.

               

AGE GROUP: | Teens (13-18) | Older Adults | Elementary (6-12) | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Special Collections & Rare Books | History & Genealogy | Arts, Music, & Culture |

TAGS: | |

Central Library
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Timothy Fluhr
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Sat, Mar 14 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
Sun, Mar 15, 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 16, 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.
Treasures of the Great Lakes - Whalebacks "You call that a boat? Why, it looks like a pig!"
Mon, Mar 16, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Between 1888 and 1898, 43 unusual pig boats were built. The last retired from service in 1969.
Make Your Mark!
Mon, Mar 16, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Let's learn about the pioneering work of Black female tattoo artist Jacci Gresham. We'll read about her life and then practice making our own tattoo art.
Getting Started with Computers - Computer Basics
Mon, Mar 16, 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.
This event is full
Cozy Crafting
Mon, Mar 16, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Frank P. Zeidler Humanities Room
Get cozy, craft, and meet up with friends and neighbors @Central Library!
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Tue, Mar 17, 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.
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Mar 17, 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 17, 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! 
Hidden Chapter Book Club
Tue, Mar 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Old Board Room
The Hidden Chapter Book Club gathers monthly to read, sip, and discover. March meeting will discuss The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin and discover notable Milwaukee women.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Wed, Mar 18, 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 for Homeless Veterans - with the VA HCHV Outreach Program
Wed, Mar 18, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Other - See description for location
A coordinator from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program will provide Veterans with information on resources and programs.
Street Angels Mobile Outreach
Wed, Mar 18, 10:45am - 12:00pm
Other - See description for location
Get connected to social services and the supplies you need! Street Angels Mobile Outreach bus is onsite with hot meals,clothing, blankets, and other supplies for anyone experiencing homelessness.
Aurora Mobile Health Clinic
Wed, Mar 18, 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Mozart's Grove
Your health matters. Come talk to us! Aurora Mobile Health is providing free health services at Milwaukee Public Library Central Library for community members.
Housing Help - Homeless Outreach with Milwaukee County Street Outreach Team
Wed, Mar 18, 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.
Teen Hangout Hour
Wed, Mar 18, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Young Adult Area
Need help with research, book recommendations, or want a space to decompress? Stop by the teen zone for Teen Hangout Hour! A librarian will be at the desk to help you Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:40pm!
Builders' Club
Wed, Mar 18, 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.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Thu, Mar 19, 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.
Story Time
Thu, Mar 19, 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.
Getting Started with Computers - Computer Basics
Thu, Mar 19, 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.
This event is full
Adaptive Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, Mar 19, 10:30am - 11:45am
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join us at the beautiful Central Library for yoga and fellowship. Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Baby Story Time
Thu, Mar 19, 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, Mar 19, 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.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Fri, Mar 20, 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
Sat, Mar 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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!
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Sun, Mar 22, 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 23, 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.
Magnificent, Magical Magicians
Mon, Mar 23, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Celebrate Women's History Month by uncovering the mysterious & magical world of history's greatest female magicians with the book "Vanished: Seven Woman Magicians Who Simply Disappeared" by Anna Hays.
Getting Started with Computers - Internet Basics
Mon, Mar 23, 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 24, 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.
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Mar 24, 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.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Wed, Mar 25, 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.
Street Angels Mobile Outreach
Wed, Mar 25, 10:45am - 12:00pm
Other - See description for location
Get connected to social services and the supplies you need! Street Angels Mobile Outreach bus is onsite with hot meals,clothing, blankets, and other supplies for anyone experiencing homelessness.
Housing Help - Homeless Outreach with Milwaukee County Street Outreach Team
Wed, Mar 25, 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.
Intellectual Property Brief Advice Clinic
Wed, Mar 25, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
East View Conference Room
Attend a free, brief consultation with an IP attorney to ask questions about getting started on protecting your patent or trademark.
Teen Hangout Hour
Wed, Mar 25, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Young Adult Area
Need help with research, book recommendations, or want a space to decompress? Stop by the teen zone for Teen Hangout Hour! A librarian will be at the desk to help you Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:40pm!
Builders' Club
Wed, Mar 25, 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.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Thu, Mar 26, 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.
Adaptive Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, Mar 26, 10:30am - 11:45am
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 - Internet Basics
Thu, Mar 26, 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, Mar 26, 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, Mar 26, 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, Mar 26, 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, Mar 26, 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!
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Fri, Mar 27, 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Tech-splanation @ MPL
Tue, Apr 14, 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! 
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.
See all events