From Library Director, Tristan Boswell

I recently read an article that looked at how there is research emerging that learning a second language could help with the ability to remember, multitask, plan, and focus. This is epescially true for the brain as it ages.

I have to approach language learning with a sense of humor, because it isn't a strength of mine. I have been trying to work on practicing Spanish and I utilize the database that is free from the library called Transparent Languages. It is especially nice because it allows you to create your own personal login, it tracks your progress, and there 120+ langauges to learn from. I hope someday to be able to communicate effectively enough to help people if they come into the library with a question.

You can sign up using your library card from our website under Digital Services.

¡Gracias por leer!

Tristan Boswell
Library Director
South Milwaukee Public Library

The library will be closed Friday, April 7th. The outdoor book drop will still be available for returns. We will reopen on Saturday, April 8th.

Twenty-three percent of U.S. students struggle to afford menstrual hygiene products – we know these products can be costly to families and students.

You can help today by participating in our drive.

Drop off new in original packaging pads, tampons, and panty liners at the South Milwaukee Public Library from April 10 - May 18.

Take & Make Magnetic Poetry 
Kits Available Wednesday, April 5th

Pick up a kit to make your own magnetic poetry to celebrate National Poetry Month. Kits are available first-come, first-served, while supplies last. For adults 18+. Must be present to pick up.

Poetry Open Mic Night 
Thursday, April 13th at 6pm

Share a personal poem, a poem that has impacted your life, or even just a poem that you like! Join us for our second annual Open Mic Night to celebrate National Poetry Month. Enjoy exclusive access to the basement book sale after the event! In partnership with the Friends of the South Milwaukee Library.

Basic Backyard Composting
Monday, April 24th at 5:30pm

Learn how to start backyard composting and why it's so important for our environment with the Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful Organization. Celebrate Earth Day and invest in our planet!

Annual Plant Swap
Saturday, May 20th from 10am-12pm

Bring a plant, take a plant! Share your plants, bulbs, seedlings, starts, or cuttings with other gardeners and houseplant aficionados. All types of plants are welcome. Please label your plants with all known info when bringing them to the swap. Please bring a bag or box to bring home your new plants.

All Knotted Up: Fiber Arts with Friends
First and Third Monday of the Month from 5pm-6:45pm

Join us at the library for our Fiber Arts Club! All experience levels encouraged – we will have instructors for both crocheting & knitting. For anyone 10+.

Mondays: Take-Home Craft Kits

Tuesdays: Storytime & Crafts 10am (Age 2-5)

Wednesdays: Music & Movement 10am (Age 0-3)

First Wednesday of the Month: Take-Home Steam Kits (Age 5-12)

Third Thursday of the Month: LEGO Club 4pm (Age 5-12)

Donation Night @ Cousins Subs
Monday, April 24th from 4-7pm at Cousins Subs in South Milwaukee
2965 S. Chicago Ave.

Grab dinner at Cousins Subs in South Milwaukee (2965 S. Chicago Ave.) and 20% of sales will be donated to the Friends of the South Milwaukee Library!

Book & Bake Sale
Saturday, May 6th from 10am-2pm

Stop in for the Friends' semi-annual Basement Book & Bake Sale! Great prices and tons to choose from!

South Milwaukee Newspaper Digitization Project On Schedule

The South Milwaukee Public Library and the South Milwaukee Historical Society are nearing the completion of their years-long project to digitally preserve issues of the South Milwaukee Journal, Voice, Pictorial, News-Graphic, and Voice-Graphic and to make these issues available for free use online. Our online collection presently covers 1893 and 1899 through 1921 (issues from 1894 to 1898 were not transferred to microfilm and are presumed lost), with papers from 1922 through 1943 coming soon. The remainder of the collection, covering 1944 through 2004, will be added throughout 2023 with a target of late summer for completion of the project. The newspaper collection, along with the rest of the South Milwaukee Library's digital archive, can be found here.