As a parent, you know the value of taking your kids to the library.
Not only does it encourage a love of reading, but it’s also a fun and educational outing for the whole family.
But let’s be honest, sometimes it can feel like you’re stuck in a library rut. You and your kids go to the same library every week, read every book, played with every toy, and attended every story time.
It’s time for a change.
Don’t worry, though – we’ve got you covered.
In this post, we’re going to introduce you to some of the best libraries in Milwaukee that you may not have visited yet. From secret gardens to climbable lighthouses, these libraries are sure to spark your child’s imagination and reignite your passion for reading.
So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to discover some hidden gems in your city’s library system.
Let’s dive in!
Thank you to our partners at CTSI of Southeast Wisconsin for sponsoring this article, and for providing brain-building tips powered by Vroom!
Best Libraries in Milwaukee
1. Central Library
814 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 286-3000
Website
Central Library is the crown jewel of Milwaukee’s public library system. Built in the 1890’s, it’s a stunning example of neo-renaissance architecture.
The Rotunda at the entrance is one of the most striking features of the building. The cavernous space is filled with natural light and is connected to a grand staircase that leads to the upper levels of the library. Don’t miss the impressive mosaic floor underfoot.
Another unique feature is the green roof, covered in vegetation, which helps to regulate the building’s temperature and reduce stormwater runoff.
The Betty Brinn Children’s Room at Central Library gives kids their very own separate area to explore. There’s a lighthouse to climb, plenty of cozy reading alcoves, dozen of computers, and special children’s book collections grouped together.
There’s affordable parking on both sides of the building and across the street.
Fun Fact: The stained glass window in the Central Library Children’s Room is called the “Hans Christian Andersen Window.” It was designed by Marie Herndl in 1896, one of the only women in her field at the time. It was restored for the grand opening of the children’s room in 1998.
2. East Library
2320 N. Cramer St., Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 286-3000
Website
East Branch Library is one of more modern libraries in the system, with decorative glass panels, milled wood ceiling boards in a custom steels frame, and soothing lighting.
Outside, artist Ray Chi designed a leaping, circular sculpture that is at once art and a functional bike rack.
He also built a living, growing sculpture of a serpent that winds along the ground and grows into a planted wall.
Even the entrance of the library is unique, with outdoor seating that is inspired by the pebbles found on Lake Michigan.
The East Library offers family-friendly programming all year round, such as pajama story time and family yoga.
3. Martin Luther King Jr. Library
310 W. Locust St., Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 286-3000
Website
Each year, the Martin Luther King Jr. Library hosts a celebration on Martin Luther King Day that includes hands-on activities for kids, visits from dignitaries, and live entertainment throughout the day.
The library also houses a collection of permanent art, some of it having to do with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Look for Amos Paul Kennedy Jr.’s accordion book, which showcases Dr. King’s most famous quotations.
4. Mitchell Street Library
906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Milwaukee, WI 53204
(414) 286-3000
Website
The Mitchell Street Branch is the largest of the Milwaukee Public Libraries, and it’s definitely worth a visit.
Built in 1919 and renovated in 2017, the Mitchell Street Branch used to be home to Hills Department Store. It’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This architectural gem boasts massive decorative columns, ornate railings, and impressive terrazzo floors.
You’ll find a bright and expansive space with a high-tech maker space, 3D printer, mixing booth, recording studio, a kitchen, an outdoor program space with raised gardens, laptops for checkout, a children’s collection, puppets, bilingual (English/Spanish) programming for all ages.
Our favorite part?
The cozy reading area with a fireplace.
5. Tippecanoe Library
3912 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 286-3000
Website
Renovated in 2015, the Tippecanoe branch is home to a “secret garden” inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 book of the same name.
It’s a lovely outdoor space for children accessed from the children’s area.
It is currently only open during special events, which you can find on their calendar. Kids can read, play, and think in this special space designed just for them.
6. Bay View Library
2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 286-3019
Website
The next time you find yourself in Bay View library, don’t miss the three mosaic maps in the entrance.
Artist Peter Flanary created three mosaic maps that depict Bay View throughout history. You’ll find them on the linoleum floor of the lobby.
One mosaic represents Bay View at the time of settlement in 1832. Another depicts the area around 1900, when a steel mill on the lakefront contributed to rapid growth in the community. The third mural represents life in Bay View today.
There’s also a children’s area in the library with toys, stuffed animals, computers, books, and more.
Best Suburban Libraries
Our Instagram community reached out with some of their favorite libraries outside of Milwaukee, and here’s what they had to say:
Brown Deer Library
“Brown Deer is gorgeous – gets so much light! They have a lot of video games you can borrow.”
Cedarburg Library
“The BEST play areas!”
Cudahy Library
“Cudahy is spacious, extremely well organized, and the librarians clearly put effort in the displays and activities. There’s a huge graphic novel section.”
Franklin Library
“My kids love the huge tree!”
Germantown Library
Greendale Library
“Greendale Library is so cute and quaint. The National Bakery is right next door. Super yummy!”
Greenfield Library
“They have it all! Kiddos love it there.”
“Greenfield is a new build, very spacious, and the kids section is totally separate. They have a nicely organized section right when you walk in with newly published books.”
Menomonee Falls Library
“Huge, beautiful, kids artwork displays, tech game area, big puzzle exchange section, and big private rooms to sit in.”
New Berlin Library
“There’s way more than books to check out. They have ice skates in winter, puzzles, zoo and museum passes and more!”
Oak Creek Library
“Giant light bright!”
Shorewood Public Library
“The play area is a life saver!”
St. Francis Library
“St. Francis has a cool fish tank and they usually have cute little packages of books that go with a theme.”
Wauwatosa Public Library
“Adorable kids’ reading room where the walls are all giant book covers.”
“Play area with train table, block, and puzzles. Great story time / rhyme time.”
“The librarians are so friendly!”
West Allis Library
“West Allis has a cool mural that’s along the stairwell to the kids section.”
Whitefish Bay Library
“Whitefish Bay has this cool little booth you can step into if you need to make a phone call.”
Other Milwaukee Public Library Branches:
Atkinson
1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53209
(414) 286-3000
Capitol
3969 N. 74th St., Milwaukee, WI 53216
(414) 286-3000
Center Street
2727 W. Fond Du Lac Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53210
(414) 286-3000
Good Hope
7715 W. Good Hope Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53223
(414) 286-3000
Villard Square
5190 N. 35th St., Milwaukee, WI 53209
(414) 286-3000
Washington Park
2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53208
(414) 286-3000
Zablocki
3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53215
(414) 286-3000
Which library is your kids’ favorite? Email us and tell us why!
