Event Details

“Friends, Sponsors, Volunteers, and Library Lovers enjoyed a wonderful afternoon with Author David Maraniss at the Friends of MPL’s Spring Literary Luncheon on May 29th at the Wisconsin Club.”

Membership Levels and Benefits

The Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library recognize the value of our great library and celebrate all it has to offer. Friends membership dollars provide financial support to keep the library’s outstanding collections, resources and programs free and accessible for all. 

Join the Friends

You are invited to join the Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library. Among the benefits of joining are: The Reader newsletter by mail, special invitations, and member discounts to events throughout the year.

The Book Store & Cafe

Friends invite you to the Bookseller — Ask about the New Premium Books Section

If you’re a book lover and you haven’t shopped in the Bookseller, please stop in for a coffee and enjoy browsing a huge selection of books! New premium books await you. Find recent bestsellers, newly published and unique nonfiction and fiction alike for a fraction of the price of any other book store in town.

The Bookseller Used Book Store and Café is conveniently located in Milwaukee’s Downtown Central Library. Operated by the Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library and staffed almost entirely by volunteers, it generates revenue to support the library. Shop and support literacy in Milwaukee!

Sale Information

2019 Friends Book Sales

Summer Used Book Sale
Saturday, June 15, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Community Room 1

The Friends of Milwaukee Public Library present their annual Summer Sale, Everything Half Off!. All proceeds from this sale benefit the Milwaukee Public Library.

Current Friends members get VIP entry 30-minutes before the general public with current membership card. Please use the Eighth Street entrance and present your card. Anodyne Coffee and other refreshments are available for purchase in the R Café located in the Bookseller Used Bookstore. There will also be a half-price special in the Bookseller during the sale.

All sales will be held at Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Avenue.
Sept 21st – 25-cent Sale
Nov 16th – Holiday & Children’s

Tour MPL

Tour the past and present of the Central Library with the Friends of Milwaukee Public Library.

Free tours begin at 11 a.m. each Saturday morning in the rotunda. Tours are also available by appointment.
Call (414) 286-TOUR (8687).

The Milwaukee Public Library was founded in 1878. After several moves, the Central Library was built in response to the need for more spacious quarters. It opened its doors to the public on October 3, 1898. The original structure is a combination of French and Italian Renaissance styles built of Bedford limestone. Several additions help make up the block-long building that stands today. Central Library has been designated a landmark by the Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Become a Docent

If you are a library enthusiast, consider becoming a docent at Milwaukee's historic Central Library - please email friends@mpl.org or call (414) 286-8720 for more information.

Become A Volunteer

Volunteer with the Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library

Are you a self-proclaimed bibliophile? Do you have customer service skills? The Bookseller Used Bookstore in downtown Central Library is seeking volunteers to join their team! The Bookseller is operated almost entirely by volunteers, and all proceeds support Milwaukee Public Library through grants for books and materials for children and adults. A variety of hours and shifts are available - please email Bookseller@mpl.org or call (414) 286-2142 for more info.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

-Cashier
-Sorting Room
-Special Sales (inquire for available dates)