Now @ MPL...

Deputy Library Director Sandra Melcher was interviewed for Wisconsin Public Radio on how the economic downturn has affected MPL usage – both circulation and patron counts are up. The interview aired Friday, Nov. 28 on WHAD FM 90.7. Audio and description below.

Troubled Economy Spurs Library Use
11/28/08 Reported by Kristen Durst
In tough economic times, library use goes up as people look for cheap entertainment and access to more resources. And that's changing the role of your local librarian.....

Click here to listen to audio clip!! (RealPlayer needed)
Run Time: 1:24

In keeping with Black History Month the Milwaukee Public Library has put together a chronology of important people, events and resources of African-American history. The chronology starts on January 15th, with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, and will extend through the month of February.

So far the chronology includes such events as the birth of African-American actor James Earl Jones, the swearing in of Barack Obama as the first African-American president of the United States, and the death of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.

Each entry contains factual information on the events and people featured, and many entries include links to further information or books on the topic.

Be sure to check the chronology out on a daily basis!

After 25 years of distinguished service with the Milwaukee Public Library, Deputy Library Director Sandra Melcher will retire at the end of February. Sandra has been a champion of library service, stressing quality customer care, setting high standards, embracing service to young adults, and promoting the library as a catalyst for economic development. While her work with neighborhood libraries and extension services has been the hallmark of her career with MPL, the many partnerships she developed helped to expand our capacity to serve and extended our reach to new audiences.

The staff and the community will greatly miss everything she has whole heartily done for the Milwaukee Public Library and Milwaukee. If you wish to thank Sandra for her outstanding service, or want to share a pleasant moment you have had during her service, please add your comments to this entry. She will truly appreciate any kind words for her next great adventure of retirement! Thank you so much Sandra, you will be missed!!

Playaway is an easy-to-use player all in one small unit. When you check out a Playaway, all you have to do is press play to start listening immediately – there is no need for a separate player. You provide your own AAA batteries and earbuds/headphones.

Each Playaway contains an entire book regardless of length (up to 80 hours!) and weighs only 2 ounces. They also come with an automatic bookmark function that remembers where you left off.

Originally introduced in 2008 (thanks to the Friends of Milwaukee Public Library), they were available for a one week loan period. All Playaways may now be checked out for three weeks. (Patrons with a “New Borrower” status will have a 3-week waiting period before they are able to check out these items.)

You can find them in the library catalog here.

Don't have a Milwaukee Public Library card? Now you can get the process started online!

Start by filling out the online form found on CountyCat, the catalog of the Milwaukee County Federated Library System. Once you have done this successfully, you will be able to place up to 5 requests for materials online. When you are ready to check out the materials, you will need to go to your local library to finish the registration process. Please bring two forms of identification with you.

Here are a few things to remember about this new process:

---Online registration is for new library cardholders only; If you all ready have a library card, you do not need to use this form.

---Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to complete the registration process.

---You will need to complete your registration within 30 days of filling out your online form.

To contribute, visit the customer service desk and ask for Milwaukee Public Library, code #512225 as your charity of choice. Then use your Pick 'n Save Advantage Card at check out each time you shop. You'll be supporting MPL's vital programs and services for our community----- and for that we thank you.

Milwaukee Public Library hours will be changing for 2010. Be sure to check out the MPL Web site to see the new hours for your favorite branch! You will also find information on library holiday closings and furlough days. Remember that the new hours take effect on December 27, 2009!

You're Invited To
GRAND OPENING EVENT
Milwaukee Public Library
March 10th, 2010
Come Celebrate With US!

Mocais M Cafe at Cathedral Square has expanded! Plan to stop by our newest location for great coffee and all your favorite bites at the Milwaukee Public Library at 814 W. Wisconsin Avenue. We are located off the main entrance rotunda in the Bookseller.

We invite you to join us, our customers and the Friends of the Milwaukee Public library at the "Grand Opening" kick-off on March 10th, 2010.

The day will feature a ribbon cutting, free tastings, chair massages and door prizes throughout. Cafe hours 10am-4pm.

Mocais Cafe' is a minority women owned business that has " Catered to the business professional" in the downtown and Milwaukee area for over 8 years. We have a reputation for "fresh & fabulous food" and friendly and attentive service. In these difficult times we are proud to have been invited to the library, expanding our customer base and creating additional jobs.

We hope you can be a part of this special day for MOCAIS M Cafe & The Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library.

In 2009, the Milwaukee Public Library applied for and received an LSTA Grant to aid in the digitization of 2,900 photos of business and industry in the City of Milwaukee.

The project is taking place this year, and to date, 606 photos have been added to the Milwaukee Historic Photos digital collection, to bring the total number of photos available in that collection up to 1,785 (as of today).

The areas that are complete include:
Airports
Beer Gardens
Breweries

Areas that are currently being worked on are:
Banks
Conventions
General Business & Industry photos in the letters A and M.
Occupations
The project is moving along well, so make sure to keep checking back as more images are being added weekly and sometimes daily.

The Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library will hold this year's Spring Literary Luncheon Wednesday, April 28 at the Wisconsin Club, 900 W. Wisconsin Ave. Sue Miller, best-selling author of The Lake Shore Limited, will be featured at the luncheon. Book Sales, a book signing and a raffle will be held at 11:00a.m. Lunch will be held from 12:00p.m., followed by the program and the Friends of the Library meeting. All of the proceeds from the luncheon benefit the Milwaukee Public Library. For ticket information, you can either call 414-286-8720 or email friends@mpl.org.

Reservations must be made by April 19. Seating is limited, so sign up soon!

Want to stay informed about all the latest programs and events at the library? It's easy!
Sign up to receive emails about upcoming library events, author visits, and other exciting MPL happenings. With this free and convenient service, you will receive an email about once a week highlighting all the library has to offer. Sign up today!

Remember, you can also keep up with MPL through Facebook and Twitter!

Library hours for most branches will change on July 1st. Be sure to check your library's hours before you visit! Here are the MPL hours for July and August:

Central Library
Mon.-Tues., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Wed.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Drive-Through (Closing for renovation in early July - watch for more details)

Frank P. Zeidler Humanities Room & Art, Music & Recreation Room
Mon.-Tues., 12-8 p.m.
Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Neighborhood Libraries

Center Street
Mon.-Tues., 1-8:30 p.m.
Wed.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Atkinson | Bay View | East | Mill Road | Zablocki
Monday, 1-8 p.m.
Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday, CLOSED
Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Capitol | Forest Home | M.L. King | Tippecanoe | Villard Avenue | Washington Park
Monday, 1-8 p.m.
Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, CLOSED

The Milwaukee Public Library's Annual Report for 2009 has been released.

Check out the report to see the Library's mission and vision, statistics on the library, the direction that the library is headed, and other information on MPL. Also see the contributions and support that have been offered to the library by the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation, the Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library, and other donors.

On Tuesday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. in Centennial Hall, William Powell Jones will be the featured speaker for the fourth Frank P. Zeidler Memorial Lecture. Jones is the author of the award winning book The tribe of Black Ulysses : African American lumber workers in the Jim Crow south, and professor at UW-Madison in the history department. He will discuss the building of the labor movement among workers in the public and private sectors, the current struggle, and its role in defending the existence of a middle class in the United States. Professor Jones has participated in the movement to protect the labor rights of tens of thousands of public employees in Wisconsin. The doors will open at 6:30 for this event. For more information, call (414)286-3011.

If you haven't signed up for Milwaukee Public Library's Super Reader program, there is still plenty of time to join. Just come in to any Milwaukee Public Library and pick up a folder to track the number of minutes you read or someone reads to you. As soon as you sign up, you receive a coupon for a FREE 5" mini sub at Cousin's Subs. The more minutes you read, the more prizes you earn. In addition to the Super Reader program, all Milwaukee Public Libraries are hosting free, fun activities.

If you're a teen between the ages of 13-18, there's even a summer reading program for you! You could win a $25 gift card. Sign up today!

For more information, call (414)286-3011.

For a limited time, all Foreign Language books are 10¢ at the Bookseller Used Book Store at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Avenue. Beginning to advanced language lovers and learners can find bilingual dictionaries, reference works, language instruction books, dual-language story books, or full-length novels from a selection in many different foreign languages.
The Bookseller sells used, new and collectible books and media, and is operated by the Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library. Come browse the best book bargains in Milwaukee! Children's books are 25¢, paperbacks are 50¢, hard cover books are $1, and other premium books are priced as marked. All proceeds benefit Milwaukee Public Library.

Due to the extreme heat forcasted in the Milwaukee area this week all Milwaukee Public Library locations are designated "Cool Spots," places where people trying to cope with the excessive heat can visit to cool off and relax. The only exception is Tippecanoe branch library, 3912 S. Howell Ave., which is closed until further notice due to an HVAC malfunction.

Extended hours for all 13 MPL locations are as follows:

Central Library downtown: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, July 19-22

All MPL neighborhood branches: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, July 19-22

Click here for a complete list of library locations in the city of Milwaukee.

Check out the CDC's Keep Your Cool in Hot Weather feature for tips on staying healthy during the heat wave!

The Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) will hold a public meeting tonight, Tuesday, December 11, on the new East Library design. This meeting will give the community an opportunity to provide input and ask questions about the design, programs and services, collections and artwork for the new East library branch. MPL is committed to providing the services patrons value most and invites residents to share their visions for the new East Library branch at the meeting or in writing. Ensuring the public is informed throughout the East Library development is a priority for Mayor Barrett and the MPL. Residents may also submit input in writing to the East Library staff until Friday, December 21.

Date: Tuesday, December 11th, 2012
Library: East Library
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM (Program begins at 6 PM)

Today marks the debut of a whole new way for you to access some of your favorite magazines through the Milwaukee Public Library. We are excited to announce the library's subscription to Zinio Digital Magazines where you'll be able to access full color digital copies of exciting new and popular magazine titles.

To access Zinio, click this link to go to the Milwaukee County Federated Library System info page for the service. There you'll find links to the various Zinio apps, a step-by-step guide to setting up your Zinio account, a helpful video guide to setting up your account, a full list of the hundred-plus magazine titles you'll be able access, and even a list of answers to some common questions about using the new service.

So why try Zinio? Well there are more than a few great features. For one, you'll be able to access dozens of magazine titles from the comfort of your home (assuming you have a library card in good standing). There's no waiting list for these titles, either. You'll get instant, permanent access to any magazine you check out. Some of these titles even have added levels of interactivity and content that you can't get from a normal print magazine (National Geographic is a great example of this). So what are you waiting for? Get your accounts all created and start reading some digital magazines from Milwaukee Public Library via Zinio Digital Magazines!