Free Wisconsin State Parks access, a rentable laser cutter and other Milwaukee Public Library perks

Drew Dawson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·5 min read
Mitchell Street Library, 906 W Historic Mitchell St., in Milwaukee.
Mitchell Street Library, 906 W Historic Mitchell St., in Milwaukee.

People often associate the library with only books, but the Milwaukee Public Library system goes away beyond that.

Offering classes on cooking and health, providing equipment like recording studio to a laser cutter, and even allowing laptop and internet hotspot check outs, the library is a vastly underutilized resource in the community.

We caught up with Library Director Joan Johnson to learn more about these programs and services. Here is what we learned.

Here's how you can access ever state park in Wisconsin for free

Want to get outside this summer? Then head to the library and check out a Wisconsin State Parks pass. The pass gives you access to every state park in Wisconsin for free.

You can find more information here.

Immigrant and refugee services

There are many services tailored toward people calling Milwaukee and the United States home for the first time. These services and programs include:

You can find more information and services here.

Cargill Community Kitchen

Directed by Sharrie Agee, the Cargill Community Kitchen, located at the Mitchell Street location (906 W Historic Mitchell St.), offers in-person classes and lessons like Fitness & Fuel and Snack Hack each week, and also virtual cooking classes which are recorded like this one from Zakiya Courtney of Vegan Soul. Johnson said classes are geared toward youth and adults.

You can find more information here.

Summer reading program

Over 15,000 kids participated in the summer reading program in 2022. The program runs from June 1 through Aug. 31 with options for kids, teens and adults. Each book earns you points toward a reading goal for the summer with changes to win prizes at the end of the summer. Plus, each participant can stop by the library for a free book from the library or Friends of Milwaukee Public Library while supplies last.

Johnson said that anyone can join the program during the summer, even after the program has started.

You can find more information here.

Circle keeping

As part of a restorative justice program the library offers, these youth circle programs offer communication, sensory processing and active listening opportunities for teens and tweens. "It gives everyone a chance to voice what they're thinking and feeling and then opportunity to be validated and build confidence," Johnson said.

These programs are currently offered at four locations:

  • The Atkinson branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave.

  • Center Street branch, 2727 W. Fond Du Lac Ave.

  • Mitchell Street branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St.

  • Washington Park branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd.

You can find more information on circle keeping here.

Electronic downloadables

The library offers more than just physical items to check out. This includes a database of over 20,000 songs from the Sony music library, movies, TV shows, e-books, audio books and other content. All of these can be checked out and will be available on your phone or tablet for seven days. The programs the library has that offers these downloadable files are Hoopla, OverDrive and Freegal.

Maker's spaces

Ever wanted to use a laser cutter? A virtual reality headset? A sound board and recording studio? Check out one of the library's three maker's space around the city. Each has its own set of tools and equipment for trying out and making your own creations. Whether looking to game on the Nintendo Switch and PS4, or want to practice photo and video skills with a green screen and editing software, there's a smorgasbord of opportunities at the maker's spaces.

Maker's spaces are available at the Good Hope, Mitchell Street and Washington Park branches. All are open from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, and from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Different programs and lessons are offered at each location. Appointments can be made to reserve specific equipment for up to five people.

If you're unable to attend a specific program, the library often offers take-and-make kits with equipment, instructions and supplies for making, building or assembling a certain project made during one of the programs.

You can find more information and a up-to-date schedule or programs for library maker's spaces here.

Computer and internet hot spot rentals

That's right, you can rent laptops and internet hot spots from the library for free. There are computers you can still use at the library locations. However, there are Google Chromebooks that are available to check out as well as internet hotspots.

You can find more information here.

Sheet music

The library has a collection of historic sheet music with over 10,000 pieces from the mid-1800’s through the 1950’s. All of it is available to check out.

You can find more information here.

Free online courses

The library has a Gale Courses account, which gives you access to courses on anything from American Sign Language to grant writing.

You can find more information here.

Online collection of Wisconsin concert posters

Want to find some concert poster gems? Be sure to check out the libraries online database here.

How to find out more about what Milwaukee County libraries offer

The library offers so much more than even the above and its vast book collection. Those interested in learning more about other library collections or services, see here.

Drew Dawson can be reached at ddawson@jrn.com or 262-289-1324.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Public Library offers free state park pass, virtual classes