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About MPL

About

On Saturday, September 6 we celebrated the Grand Opening of the new
Martin Luther King Jr Branch Library. 

Since 1971, this location has served the neighborhood as a place to learn, connect, and grow. Renamed in 1973 to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the branch has been a cornerstone of the community for more than fifty years. Now, a bold new chapter begins.

The new 17,400-square-foot Martin Luther King Branch is an $11 million investment supported by $6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the city’s ARPA-backed Housing Trust Fund, Tax Incremental Funding (TIF) support, private grants, and other grants and loans. Fifth in a series of catalytic public/private projects to replace outdated branch libraries with new, 21st-century facilities, this branch is part of a mixed-use development that includes a 42-unit apartment complex—strengthening the King Drive corridor and anchoring neighborhood revitalization.

The project development team is a partnership between General Capital Development, LLC and Emem Group LLC. The library was designed by Moody Nolan Architects, the largest African American owned and operated architecture firm in the United States and built by Scherrer Construction, a leading construction management firm in Wisconsin.

Inside, visitors will find a large community meeting space, flexible study rooms, a well-equipped makerspace, mobile food cart, and an updated collection of books and media. Green energy features include geothermal heating and cooling, rooftop solar panels, green roof, and infrastructure for EV charging stations, making this the greenest library in Southeast Wisconsin.

With ample space to serve the community, the new branch continues Milwaukee Public Library’s mission to build strong families, vibrant neighborhoods, and an engaged community, while honoring the enduring legacy of Dr. King.

If you were unable to join us on Saturday, please plan now to visit our newest branch!

MPL is an anchor institution that helps build healthy families and vibrant neighborhoods – the foundation of a strong Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Public Library Board of Trustees and library staff chose this mission statement to reflect the library's devotion to its neighborhoods and the people of Milwaukee. Library staff serve their patrons where they live - in the heart of their neighborhood. Staff learn their reading habits and preferences, they are aware of assignments and curricula in neighborhood schools, they become familiar with databases and online resources that are needed most by patrons for job searches, college applications, lifelong learning, and adult caregiving. From story times to retirement planning, the library is committed to its neighborhood patrons in every aspect of life.

Milwaukee Public Libraries are in the neighborhood. We look forward to seeing you!

Joan Johnson
Library Director

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Our Mission Statement promises that we will help people read, learn, and connect. Even in the midst of this uncertainty, that is a promise we intend to keep.

Vision

MPL is an anchor institution that helps build healthy families and vibrant neighborhoods – the foundation of a strong Milwaukee.

Mission

Inspiration starts here – we help people read, learn, and connect.