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Big Family Playdate

A really big day for little kids!
2026-09-19 10:00:00 2026-09-19 12:00:00 America/Chicago Big Family Playdate Play, read, build, move, imagine and explore together at the library. Central Library - Children's Room

Saturday, September 19
10:00am - 12:00pm

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Central Library

Children's Room

Play, read, build, move, imagine and explore together at the library.

Play, read, build, move, imagine and explore together. Try fun activities at the library and take home simple ideas for more ways to play and learn together every day. Activities are designed for children ages 5 and younger and their families. Older siblings welcome.

AGE GROUP: | Young Children (0-5) |

EVENT TYPE: | Story Time | Special Events | Crafts, Games, & Play |

TAGS: | |

Central Library
Phone: 414-286-3235
Branch manager
Timothy Fluhr
Hours
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Today's hours

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

Mon, Aug 17 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Aug 18 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Aug 19 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Thu, Aug 20 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Fri, Aug 21 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Aug 22 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Aug 23 10:00AM to 5:00PM
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Upcoming Events

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Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Thu, Aug 20, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
Medicare 101 - Overview of Medicare
Thu, Aug 20, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Join us to learn the basics of Medicare and how it will work for you.
District 1 Crime and Safety Meeting - Milwaukee Police Department
Thu, Aug 20, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Public crime and safety meeting with the Milwaukee Police Department, District 1.
Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Fri, Aug 21, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
Showers of Hope - with Street Angels' Mobile Shower Trailer
Fri, Aug 21, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Other - See description for location
Street Angels' Showers of Hope is onsite @your Milwaukee Public Library, on select Fridays this Summer! Guests will be provided with a private shower, see full description for details.
Milwaukee County DHHS Aging and Disabilities Services - Milwaukee County DHHS Aging and Disabilities Services
Fri, Aug 21, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Mozart's Grove
Connect with the Milwaukee County team to learn about available programs.
Taking Care: The legacies we'll accept, and those we won't - Documentary Screening
Fri, Aug 21, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Taking Care is a 38-minute documentary following the journey of Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen as they navigate the complexities and heartbreak of Lauren's mother's advancing Alzheimer's disease.
Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Sat, Aug 22, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
Family Play and Learn - Bakery
Sat, Aug 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Join us at the bakery! Put on your apron, roll up your sleeves, and preheat the oven. Take turns playing cook, waiter, and customer at the bakery.
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, Aug 22, 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, Aug 22, 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Sun, Aug 23, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Mon, Aug 24, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Mon, Aug 24, 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.
Scrapbook Your Summer!
Mon, Aug 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Ready to look back on all the fun you had this summer? Come in to create a scrapbook of your summer memories! Supplies will be provided and bringing pictures from home is encouraged, but not required.
Flavor Alchemy: Mastering Herbs, Spices & Marinades - Food for Thought Series
Mon, Aug 24, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Looking to feel more confident making meals at home? This easygoing, hands-on series will share helpful tips, techniques, and ideas to make preparing food at home easier.
This event is full
Cancelled
Volunteer Orientation
Mon, Aug 24, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Orientation for approved volunteers only. Apply to be a volunteer on our website today!
Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Tue, Aug 25, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
Tech-splanation @ MPL
Tue, Aug 25, 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! 
Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Wed, Aug 26, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
Central Library Walking Club
Wed, Aug 26, 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, Aug 26, 12:30pm - 1:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Intellectual Property Brief Advice Clinic
Wed, Aug 26, 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, Aug 26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Young Adult Area
Need help with book recommendations or want a space to decompress? Stop by the teen zone for Teen Hangout Hour!
Builder's Club
Wed, Aug 26, 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.
Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Thu, Aug 27, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
Cozy Craft - Candle Making - Make Your Own Beeswax Candle!
Thu, Aug 27, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Prepare for fall and make your own beeswax candle!
Geek Out!
Thu, Aug 27, 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!
Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Fri, Aug 28, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Sat, Aug 29, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
ABC Academy
Sat, Aug 29, 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, Aug 29, 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, Aug 29, 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Sun, Aug 30, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Mon, Aug 31, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Mon, Aug 31, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Owl Pellet Dissection
Mon, Aug 31, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Whooose bones are those? Learn about owl digestive systems, the animals they eat, and build your own animal skeleton. It'll be a hoot! Supplies are limited. Participation is first come, first serve.
Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Tue, Sep 01, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Wed, Sep 02, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
Central Library Walking Club
Wed, Sep 02, 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, Sep 02, 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, Sep 02, 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, Sep 02, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Young Adult Area
Need help with book recommendations or want a space to decompress? Stop by the teen zone for Teen Hangout Hour!
Builder's Club
Wed, Sep 02, 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.
Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Thu, Sep 03, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
Chair Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, Sep 03, 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.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, Sep 03, 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.
Downtown Bike Ride - with Wisconsin Bike Fed and Bublr Bikes
Thu, Sep 03, 5:45pm - 7:00pm
Other - See description for location
Unwind after work with a relaxing social bike ride. We'll explore downtown on purpose-built cycling infrastructure in a safe group setting.
The Library Show - Presented by MPL, Run Along, and On What
Thu, Sep 03, 6:30pm - 10:30pm
Other - See description for location
Join DJs Sunny Lou, DJay Mando and r3algrl for a special after hours library show in the Grand Rotunda at Central Library. Special guests include 414BigFrank, Sabbath, Lightris & Sero, and AyooLii.
Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Fri, Sep 04, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Sep 08, 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, Sep 08, 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! 
Monthly Makers
Tue, Sep 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Calling all makers and artists! Do you love creating? Want to try to 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, Sep 09, 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, Sep 09, 12:30pm - 1:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Teen Hangout Hour!
Wed, Sep 09, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Young Adult Area
Need help with book recommendations or want a space to decompress? Stop by the teen zone for Teen Hangout Hour!
Builder's Club
Wed, Sep 09, 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, Sep 10, 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.
Story Time
Thu, Sep 10, 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, Sep 10, 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, Sep 10, 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.
Fall 2026 Friends of MPL Used Book Sale
Fri, Sep 11, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Other - See description for location
Sponsored and staffed by The Friends of the MPL volunteers, the very popular quarterly Book Sales feature thousands of books marked down to bargain prices.
Fall 2026 Friends of MPL Used Book Sale
Sat, Sep 12, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Other - See description for location
Sponsored and staffed by The Friends of the MPL volunteers, the very popular quarterly Book Sales feature thousands of books marked down to bargain prices.
Family Play and Learn - Veterinarian
Sat, Sep 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Pretend to be a vet by taking temperatures, giving medicine, and caring for our animal friends. Bring your own stuffie if you would like.
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, Sep 12, 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, Sep 12, 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Mon, Sep 14, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Afternoon Adventures
Mon, Sep 14, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room - Back Area
Adventure Awaits! Join us every Monday as we explore fun books, perform cool experiments, create together, and more!
Cozy Crafting
Mon, Sep 14, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Frank P. Zeidler Humanities Room
Get comfy, craft, and meet up with friends and neighbors at Central Library!
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Sep 15, 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.
National Voter Registration Day - With The League of Women Voters
Tue, Sep 15, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Other - See description for location
Celebrate National Voter Registration Day at Milwaukee Public Library by registering to vote with the League of Women Voters!
Advance Legal and Medical Directives - part of the Planning Ahead Series
Tue, Sep 15, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Learn about advance legal and medical directives.
Hidden Chapter Book Club - Nobody wants your Sh*t by Messie Condo
Tue, Sep 15, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Old Board Room,Other - See description for location
The Hidden Chapter Book Club gathers monthly to read, sip, and discover. We'll discuss Nobody Wants Your Sh*t by Messie Condo and explore the Library's dome.
Help for Homeless Veterans - with the VA HCHV Outreach Program
Wed, Sep 16, 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, Sep 16, 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, Sep 16, 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, Sep 16, 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, Sep 16, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Young Adult Area
Need help with book recommendations or want a space to decompress? Stop by the teen zone for Teen Hangout Hour!
Builder's Club
Wed, Sep 16, 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, Sep 17, 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, Sep 17, 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, Sep 17, 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, Sep 17, 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.
Medicare Preventive Services
Thu, Sep 17, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Join us to find out more about the free services available through Medicare.
Big Family Playdate - A really big day for little kids!
Sat, Sep 19, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Children's Room
Play, read, build, move, imagine and explore together at the library.
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, Sep 19, 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, Sep 19, 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
See all events