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MPL Summer Reading Kickoff
2026-05-30 10:00:00 2026-05-30 13:00:00 America/Chicago MPL Summer Reading Kickoff Gather the whole family to kick off a summer of learning with hands-on activities for kids & teens, special exhibits for all to enjoy, and early registration for the summer reading program. Central Library - Mozart's Grove, Children's Herzfeld Activity Center, Children's Room, Children's Room - Back Area, Children's Story Steps, Main Street - First Floor, Main Street - Second Floor, Grand Staircase Area, Paul Gottfried Krikelas Technology Conference Room, Rotunda

Saturday, May 30
10:00am - 1:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-05-30 10:00:00 2026-05-30 13:00:00 America/Chicago MPL Summer Reading Kickoff Gather the whole family to kick off a summer of learning with hands-on activities for kids & teens, special exhibits for all to enjoy, and early registration for the summer reading program. Central Library - Mozart's Grove, Children's Herzfeld Activity Center, Children's Room, Children's Room - Back Area, Children's Story Steps, Main Street - First Floor, Main Street - Second Floor, Grand Staircase Area, Paul Gottfried Krikelas Technology Conference Room, Rotunda

Central Library

Mozart's Grove, Children's Herzfeld Activity Center, Children's Room, Children's Room - Back Area, Children's Story Steps, Main Street - First Floor, Main Street - Second Floor, Grand Staircase Area, Paul Gottfried Krikelas Technology Conference Room, Rotunda

Gather the whole family to kick off a summer of learning with hands-on activities for kids & teens, special exhibits for all to enjoy, and early registration for the summer reading program.

Experience hands-on fun with our special guests and partners:

  • Betty Brinn Children's Museum
  • Discovery World
  • Milwaukee Art Museum
  • Milwaukee Public Museum
  • Urban Ecology Center

AGE GROUP: | All Ages |

EVENT TYPE: | Special Events |

TAGS: | |

Central Library
Branch manager
Timothy Fluhr
Hours
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Today's hours

We're open 10:00AM to 6:00PM

Mon, Apr 27 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Apr 28 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Apr 29 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Thu, Apr 30 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Fri, May 01 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, May 02 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, May 03 10:00AM to 5:00PM
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Upcoming Events

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Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Thu, Apr 30, 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 30, 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 30, 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 30, 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.
Brush Hour
Thu, Apr 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon sipping a refreshing drink and spending time with great company while creating your own artistic masterpiece.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Fri, May 01, 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
Sat, May 02, 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, May 02, 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, May 02, 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, May 02, 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, May 03, 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, May 04, 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.
Follow the Drum!
Mon, May 04, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Join us to celebrate International Drum Month with a reading of "Pokko and the Drum" by Matthew Forsythe and an opportunity to make your very own drum!
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Tue, May 05, 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, May 05, 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, May 05, 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!
Back to Business: Microsoft Word and Excel - Excel Level 1
Tue, May 05, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
This series of classes will give an overview of the two most popular office suite programs.
This event is full
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Wed, May 06, 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, May 06, 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, May 06, 12:30pm - 1:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Housing Help - Homeless Outreach with Milwaukee County Coordinated Entry
Wed, May 06, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Other - See description for location
Meet with a member of Milwaukee County Coordinated Entry team and get connected to street, shelter and/or housing resources.
Teen Hangout Hour!
Wed, May 06, 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, May 06, 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, May 07, 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.
Chair Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, May 07, 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.
Story Time
Thu, May 07, 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, May 07, 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, May 07, 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 Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Fri, May 08, 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
Sat, May 09, 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, May 09, 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, May 09, 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, May 09, 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, May 10, 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, May 11, 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 County Behavioral Health Services
Mon, May 11, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Schoenleber Reading Room
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.
Sounds Like Joy! An Under the Sea Soiree
Mon, May 11, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Calling all fans of music and mermaids! Join us for a mermaid read-aloud, then we'll make a surprise instrument and use our instruments to make amazing music.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Tue, May 12, 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, May 12, 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, May 12, 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! 
Back to Business: Microsoft Word and Excel - Excel Level 2
Tue, May 12, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
This series of classes will give an overview of the two most popular office suite programs.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Wed, May 13, 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, May 13, 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, May 13, 12:30pm - 1:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Teen Hangout Hour!
Wed, May 13, 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, May 13, 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.
Whodunit Wednesdays: Agatha Christie Reading Series - with Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Wed, May 13, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join members of the community for a series of readings from selected Agatha Christie novels, followed by a lively discussion.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Thu, May 14, 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, May 14, 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.
Chair Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, May 14, 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, May 14, 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, May 14, 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.
Weather Aware - Getting the most out of the National Weather Service Website
Thu, May 14, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Lean how to stay informed about the weather from Taylor Patterson from the National Weather Service!
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - 84th Annual Membership Exhibition
Fri, May 15, 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
Sat, May 16, 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, May 16, 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, May 16, 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!
Art Book Club: Flora & Fauna
Sat, May 16, 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Art, Music & Recreation Room
Program showcasing materials from the Art, Music & Recreation Room.
Green Roof Tour
Sat, May 16, 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Historic Markers, Living Legacy - Milwaukee's Chinese American Experience Reception
Sun, May 17, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join the Organization of Chinese Americans-Wisconsin Chapter for an afternoon celebrating Milwaukee's Chinese American history.
Treasures of the Great Lakes - What Rests on the Bottom Off Milwaukee, Speaker Jim Heinz
Mon, May 18, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Learn about a ghost ship, the TITANIC of the Great Lakes, a fireboat on fire and a plague ship on the bottom of Lake Michigan.
Bowerbird Scavenger Hunt
Mon, May 18, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
They say birds of a feather flock together, but can you build the most beautiful bower out of found baubles?
Cozy Crafting
Mon, May 18, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Art, Music & Recreation Room
Get comfy, craft, and meet up with friends and neighbors at Central Library!
Hidden Chapter Book Club
Tue, May 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Chinese Room,Old Board Room
The Hidden Chapter Book Club gathers monthly to read, sip, and discover. We'll discuss Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q Sutando and explore the Library's Chinese Room.
Help for Homeless Veterans - with the VA HCHV Outreach Program
Wed, May 20, 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.
Central Library Walking Club
Wed, May 20, 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, May 20, 12:30pm - 1:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Housing Help - Homeless Outreach with Milwaukee County Coordinated Entry
Wed, May 20, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Main Street - First Floor
Meet with a member of Milwaukee County Coordinated Entry team and get connected to street, shelter and/or housing resources.
Teen Hangout Hour!
Wed, May 20, 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, May 20, 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.
Chair Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, May 21, 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.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, May 21, 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.
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, May 23, 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!
Tech-splanation @ MPL
Tue, May 26, 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! 
MPL Board Meeting
Tue, May 26, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Central Library Walking Club
Wed, May 27, 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, May 27, 12:30pm - 1:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Intellectual Property Brief Advice Clinic
Wed, May 27, 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, May 27, 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, May 27, 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.
Chair Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, May 28, 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.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, May 28, 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, May 28, 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!
Showers of Hope - with Street Angels' Mobile Shower Trailer
Fri, May 29, 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.
MPL Summer Reading Kickoff
Sat, May 30, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room,Children's Room - Back Area,Children's Story Steps,Grand Staircase Area,Main Street - First Floor,Main Street - Second Floor,Mozart's Grove,Paul Gottfried Krikelas Technology Conference Room,Rotunda
Gather the whole family to kick off a summer of learning with hands-on activities for kids & teens, special exhibits for all to enjoy, and early registration for the summer reading program.
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, May 30, 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, May 30, 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
See all events