The updated Martin Luther King Branch of the Milwaukee Public Library had its grand opening on Sept. 6.
Now the third largest branch of the MPL system, the newly designed library is at the corner of Locust Street and North Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in the Harambee neighborhood (2901 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.).
Construction to redesign the 54-year old library began in the spring of 2023 as part of a series of projects to replace and update outdated library branches, including Forest Home, Mill Road and Capitol. Part of the unfinished MLK building was severely damaged by a car crash in January, postponing its completion date until this month.
The nearly 18,000 square foot space is meant to an epicenter for learning and discovery, inspiring innovation in future generations while also fostering an inclusive community.
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The grand opening event included live performances, food, a ribbon-cutting and a visit from Browser the Library Lion mascot. Hundreds of community members were in attendance.
“It felt like a giant neighborhood party,” said Melissa Howard, the communications and community engagement director of Milwaukee Public Library. “Joyful, welcoming and filled with pride that this long-awaited library now belongs to the community.”
Some of the library’s new features include the largest community meeting space in the Milwaukee Public Library system, reservable study rooms, a new entry plaza, and an updated collection of books and media. One of the most notable features is the makerspace, a collaborative and interactive environment for teens. It includes 3D printers, a pop-up recording space, a green screen and other technologies to support learning. The makerspace is available for use on Tuesdays from 4-7:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 4-5:30 p.m.
As part of Milwaukee Public Library’s ongoing eco initiatives, the new branch is the greenest library in Southeast Wisconsin, according to MPL. The library uses geothermal heating and cooling, rooftop solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations.
The branch first opened in 1971 under the name Locust Library before being renamed two years later after Martin Luther King.
Tiffany Thornton, the branch manager of the redesigned MLK Jr. library, is confident that the library’s legacy will be generational.
“My hope is that it will serve as a hub, an anchor for our community,” she says. “Being able to support all of our community members through giving access to resources and literacy skills has been one of the most rewarding experiences.”
To learn more about the branch’s hours and special events, visit the Milwaukee Public Library’s website.
Correction: An earlier version of this story listed incorrect times for the makerspace.
