Milwaukee Library Hours 2025 - Complete Branch Guide
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The Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) has served Brew City since 1878, making it one of the oldest and most respected library systems in the Midwest. Today, MPL operates 13 branch locations throughout the city, from the historic Central Library on Wisconsin Avenue to neighborhood branches serving communities from Bay View to Villard Avenue. Whether you're researching Wisconsin's brewing history, finding resources for your kids, or looking for a quiet study spot, this guide covers every branch's hours, locations, and special services.
Last Updated: December 2025 | Verified by: Library Hours 24 Editorial Team
Milwaukee Library System at a Glance
Milwaukee Central Library
The Central Library is Milwaukee's flagship location, housed in a stunning 1898 building that was designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style. This architectural gem was added to the National Register of Historic Places and underwent a major renovation to preserve its historic character while adding modern amenities.
Central Library - Main Location
Address: 814 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Phone: (414) 286-3000
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Notable Features: Historic Reading Room with 40-foot ceilings, Frank P. Zeidler Humanities Room, Milwaukee Collection for local history research, Ready Reference desk, 3D printing services, recording studio
Milwaukee Neighborhood Branches
MPL's neighborhood branches are the heart of Milwaukee's communities, each designed to serve the unique needs of their surrounding areas. From the modern Tippecanoe branch to the community-focused Martin Luther King branch, every location offers free WiFi, computer access, and programs for all ages.
Bay View Branch
Address: 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207
Phone: (414) 286-3060
Hours: Mon-Wed 10am-8pm, Thu-Sat 10am-5pm
Serves the historic Bay View neighborhood with strong community programming.
East Branch
Address: 2320 N. Cramer St., Milwaukee, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 286-3070
Hours: Mon-Wed 10am-8pm, Thu-Sat 10am-5pm
Located in the East Side neighborhood near UW-Milwaukee campus.
Martin Luther King Branch
Address: 310 W. Locust St., Milwaukee, WI 53212
Phone: (414) 286-3000
Hours: Mon-Thu 9am-8pm, Fri-Sat 9am-5pm
Full-service branch with extensive African American history collection.
Tippecanoe Branch
Address: 3912 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207
Phone: (414) 286-3095
Hours: Mon-Wed 10am-8pm, Thu-Sat 10am-5pm
Modern facility serving the south side with excellent children's area.
Villard Square Branch
Address: 5190 N. 35th St., Milwaukee, WI 53209
Phone: (414) 286-3090
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-5pm
LEED-certified building with green roof, part of mixed-use development.
Washington Park Branch
Address: 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53208
Phone: (414) 286-3075
Hours: Mon-Wed 10am-8pm, Thu-Sat 10am-5pm
Community hub adjacent to beautiful Washington Park.
Milwaukee University Libraries
Milwaukee is home to several major universities, each with impressive library facilities. UW-Milwaukee's Golda Meir Library is the largest academic library in southeastern Wisconsin, while Marquette's Raynor Memorial Library offers extensive research collections.
UW-Milwaukee - Golda Meir Library
Address: 2311 E. Hartford Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 229-4785
| Monday - Thursday | 7:30 AM - 11:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM |
Special Note: 24-hour access during finals week for UWM students with valid Panther Card. Named after Israel's first female Prime Minister who was raised in Milwaukee.
Marquette University - Raynor Memorial Libraries
Address: 1355 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53233
Phone: (414) 288-7556
| Monday - Thursday | 7:30 AM - 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
Special Collections: J.R.R. Tolkien Collection, Catholic social teaching archives, Milwaukee business history
🍺 Milwaukee Library Insider Tips
🅿️ 3 Hours FREE Parking Downtown
Central Library validates parking at the 800 Building garage for up to 3 HOURS FREE! Just ask at the circulation desk before you leave. Downtown Milwaukee parking costs $10-20 otherwise. Most neighborhood branches have free street parking.
🏛️ 1898 Architecture + 40-Foot Ceilings
Central Library is an Italian Renaissance Revival masterpiece on the National Register of Historic Places! The Reading Room has 40-foot ceilings - one of Milwaukee's most stunning interior spaces. Photography allowed - Instagram-worthy!
🍺 Brewing History Archives
Central Library's Milwaukee Collection houses comprehensive brewing industry records, Pabst, Schlitz, and Miller history, plus vintage photos of Brew City. Genealogy resources for tracing your German-American roots. Staff historians are incredibly helpful!
🔧 FREE 3D Printing & Recording Studios
MPL offers FREE 3D printing at Central Library (just pay for materials!), recording studios at select branches, and free digital skills classes throughout the system. Reserve online - popular times fill up fast.
🌙 UWM 24-Hour Finals Access
Golda Meir Library at UW-Milwaukee stays open until 11PM most nights, with 24-HOUR access during finals for students with valid Panther Card. Named after Israel's first female PM who was raised in Milwaukee!
📚 Wisconsin Reciprocal Borrowing
Through reciprocal borrowing agreements, any Wisconsin resident can get a Milwaukee library card! Just bring proof of WI residency. Suburban Milwaukee County residents also get full borrowing privileges. One card, multiple systems!
2025 Holiday Closures
Milwaukee Public Library branches are closed on: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve (close at 5pm), and Christmas Day. Hours may vary on other holidays - call ahead to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Milwaukee Central Library hours?
Milwaukee Central Library is open Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm. The building features historic architecture dating back to 1898 and comprehensive collections including the Milwaukee Collection for local history research.
How many Milwaukee Public Library branches are there?
Milwaukee Public Library operates 13 branch locations throughout the city, each serving different neighborhoods with tailored programs and services. All branches offer free WiFi, computer access, and programming for all ages.
Can non-residents use Milwaukee libraries?
Yes, through reciprocal borrowing agreements, Wisconsin residents can use Milwaukee libraries. You can get a library card with proof of Wisconsin residency. Suburban Milwaukee County residents can also get full borrowing privileges.
Does Milwaukee have 24-hour library access?
UW-Milwaukee's Golda Meir Library offers 24-hour access during finals week for students with valid Panther Cards. Regular public library branches do not have 24-hour access, but several stay open until 8pm on weekdays.
What makes Milwaukee Central Library special?
Built in 1898, the Central Library is an Italian Renaissance Revival masterpiece on the National Register of Historic Places. Beyond its stunning architecture, it houses special collections on brewing history, urban development, and comprehensive local genealogy resources.