Milwaukee's Bronzeville during the Harlem Renaissance
This Saturday, February 23 from 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., the author of Milwaukee's Bronzeville 1900-1950 will be giving a talk at the Villard Library. Paul H. Geenen will share a slide presentation that discusses the history and stories of Bronzeville, and explores the cultural achievements of African Americans of that time.
Bronzeville was an area that centered around Walnut Street, with the heart of the area between 3rd and 12th streets. In the time period between 1900 and 1950 the area was predominantly African-American. In the 1950s, the neighborhood disappeared after a majority of the buildings were razed to make way for the I-43 north-south freeway.
This program is part of the Milwaukee Public Library's Big Read celebration which features Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.
Artist and Villard Library patron Jeanette Wright-Claus was inspired by an episode of the "Oprah Winfrey Show" in 2000 during which Oprah encouraged viewers to follow spirit by pursuing their passion. Ms. Wright-Claus began to create portraits, floral and abstract drawings and paintings. Soon Jeanette was exhibiting her art in many Milwaukee galleries.
MPL will be hosting a public meeting discussing the new Villard Square Library development on May 3rd from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be at the current Villard Avenue Library. 
National Library Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries, librarians and library workers in schools, campuses and communities nationwide. This year's theme is "Create Your Own Story @ Your Library®". MPL continues to "create its own story" this year by encouraging library customers to use the self checkout kiosks at all 12 neighborhood libraries by holding a raffle at weeks end. Each time an MPL customer uses the self checkout during the week for their library materials, they may complete a raffle entry form. A gift bag will be awarded to a lucky winner at each neighborhood library branch at the end of the week. The re-useable eco-friendly gift bag includes a complimentary membership to the Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library, MPL postcards, a mug, flash drive, Bookworm print, and more. Following the first drawing, the 12 neighborhood winners will be eligible for an additional grand prize
Have you always been bored with chocolate and vanilla? Do you wish you could create your own custom flavor? Well, head to the library for one of the 
Beginning today, the library has open registration for our 
Improve your balance, center your mind, maybe even lower your blood pressure with T'ai Chi. Joni us for this positive, energy-filled start to each weekend. Tim Duehring studies and teaches Chen style T'ai Chi and welcomes anyone who wants to learn. Beginners are always welcome! This class is available most Saturdays in 2011. Please check our 
Join us for a four-week study of crafting a short story. We will focus on the basic elements of writing, including character, setting and plot, and explore creative ways to spark story-starting ideas. Our finished works will be shared at the 
A key to weight management is understanding what constitutes a healthy snack. Some snack food manufacturers may claim their products are healthy, but it takes some thought and training to see through any false claims. The next session of Villard Square Branch's Wellness Series is "Healthy Snacks: You be the Judge." There you'll learn how to choose healthy snacks, especially as you enter the holiday season. Knowing how to maintain a healthy weight through this season of decadence makes it easier in the new year. This program is presented in partnership between the Milwaukee Public Library and WiseWoman.
Make sure you come into your neighborhood library to grab any books you'll want to curl up with over the holiday weekend. All Milwaukee Public Library locations will be closed Friday, December 23rd through Monday, December 26th, of 2011. We hope that you enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday weekend. 
Are your kids looking for something fun to do after the holidays? Are they in K5 through fifth grade? Then sign them up for the 
Take the Bucks Reading Challenge! This statewide reading program starts Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012. Students in grades 3-10 can sign up at any Milwaukee Public Library. When you read 500 or more pages by Feb. 28th, you earn a voucher to mail in for a free ticket to a Milwaukee Bucks game! (Parent or guardian must purchase a discounted ticket at the same time). When you read 750 pages or more by Feb. 28, you get the ticket and a chance to win an autographed Bucks basketball or be recognized on the court at halftime!
Is your child a picky eater? Nutrition Educators from Milwaukee County UW-Extension will perform cooking demonstrations, share samples and provide recipes. While parents discuss eating strategies, children will enjoy listening to the book "I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato" by Lauren Child, taste raw veggies with seasoned yogurt dip and be inducted into the Two Bite Club! Seating is limited. Registration is required; both adults and children must register. Please call ready reference at 414.286.3011 to register. Parents may attend with or without children. This program is supported by a grant from the Milwaukee Public Market. 
Needed: Aspiring poets and performers! Give an original or not-so-original poem a dramatic flair! Join the MPL Teen Performance Poetry and Spoken Word Showcase and show off your talent for bringing words, stories and poems to life during this open-mic showcase. Help us celebrate the end of poetry month and "rap" up our Poetry Contest as we announce the winners and share their poems at this event!
Registration begins today for Milwaukee Public Library's July-August 2012 Free Computer Classes! With knowledgeable instructors and hands-on experience MPL's computer classes are perfect for those with little to no computer experience as well as those looking to learn more about Microsoft Word and Excel by taking our Intermediate classes. 
Are you curious about digital photography? Join us for Say Cheese! to take photographs of the library and learn how to capture terrific images, edit and enhance photos and manage your collection of digital photos. Registration is required; call 414.286.3011 or register online. Click 
Facebook has become a multi-generational phenomenon which has affected the social life and activity of people in exciting ways. Facebook allows users to continuously stay in touch with friends, relatives and other acquaintances wherever they are in the world. Learn how to update and edit an account, connect with other Facebook users and much more! Registration is required; call 414.286.3011 or 
Bring your family and friends to read aloud and share your favorite poems, biographies, and stories by African-American authors. We will have a wide selection of books from which to choose, in case you don't already have a favorite set aside to read from. This program will be available at various times and locations, starting with this Saturday's Read-In at Central Library, in Mozart's Grove across from the Media Room.