New library director Joan Johnson addresses a crowd during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Good Hope Library in July. Also pictured are former library director Paula Kiely and Mayor Tom Barrett. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.

Joan Johnson, director of the Milwaukee Public Library. She is the first Black woman to lead the system.

Formerly deputy director of public services.

Photos

Content referencing Joan Johnson

All | Articles | Press Releases
Finance & Personnel Committee Hears Public Input on 2026 City Budget Priorities
Milwaukee Public Library Extends Sunday Hours in July
Milwaukee Public Library Announces New Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Press Release

Milwaukee Public Library Announces New Entrepreneur-in-Residence

The Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program Will Support Aspiring Business Owners Through Workshops, Mentoring and Library Resources

Celebrate Black History Month at the Milwaukee Public Library with a Challenge and Renowned Author Events
Americans and the Holocaust traveling exhibition coming to the Milwaukee Public Library with programming co-sponsored by the Holocaust Education Resource Center
Milwaukee Public Library Connects Residents With Jobs
Brewers Support Library Summer Reading Program
Press Release

Brewers Support Library Summer Reading Program

The Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation, with support from Brewers’ shortstop Willy Adames, presented $40,000 to the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation to support the library’s Summer Reading Program. The funds were presented at a pre-game event held on American Family Field.

Milwaukee Public Library Launches Online Merchandise Store
Press Release

Milwaukee Public Library Launches Online Merchandise Store

Promoting Digital Inclusion During National Library Week

Milwaukee Public Library Moves Forward With New Martin Luther King Branch
MPL to Host Community Conversations Seeking Input on Library Usage
Milwaukee Public Library Receives Americorps Grant to Support Youth Literacy and Out-Of-School S.T.E.A.M. Learning
Milwaukee Public Library to Restore Full Service
Milwaukee Public Library Announces 2022-2023 Poet Laureate
Gov. Evers, First Lady Share Hope this Holiday Season
Press Release

Gov. Evers, First Lady Share Hope this Holiday Season

More than 5,000 ornaments created by Wisconsin kids sent to veterans’ homes, hospitals, long-term care facilities across the state

Gov. Evers and First Lady Evers Invite Wisconsinites to See Executive Residence Holiday Decorations Honoring Heroes and Celebrating Hope
Press Release

Gov. Evers and First Lady Evers Invite Wisconsinites to See Executive Residence Holiday Decorations Honoring Heroes and Celebrating Hope

Decorations this year moved outside for visitors to enjoy safely during ongoing pandemic

MPL receives $100K from Impact100 to expand Hotspot program
MPL to Suspend Branch Library Services on Election Day
Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes Available at 15 Locations across the City, Including 13 Milwaukee Public Library Branches
Ray Chi Selected to Commission Public Art at East Library
Press Release

Ray Chi Selected to Commission Public Art at East Library

Milwaukee Artist’s Concepts Will Activate Space on Cramer and North Avenue

Finalists Chosen for East Branch Public Art Project
Press Release

Finalists Chosen for East Branch Public Art Project

The Milwaukee Public Library Selects Four Local Artists To Present Plans for Third Public Art Installation

Artists Chosen for Milwaukee Public Library East Branch Public Art Project
Press Release

Artists Chosen for Milwaukee Public Library East Branch Public Art Project

Local Artists Awarded Two Commissions for Internal Public Art Works