Milwaukee Public Library to Close Public Locations March 16-29

MILWAUKEE, WI — After a thorough review of the current public health landscape in our community due to COVID-19, City Librarian Paula Kiely, in consultation with the Library Board of Trustees, the Mayor, and the Milwaukee Commissioner of Health, has made the decision to close Central Library and all branch locations effective Monday, March 16 through March 29. The Central Library Drive-up service is also being temporarily suspended while we assess contamination risk from the virus.

“This was an extremely difficult decision, as we know how many people rely on the library,” said Kiely. “The safety and well-being of patrons is of the utmost importance and as we learn more during this quickly changing situation, we will reestablish the services and programs the community has come to expect and value.”

Programs, events and meeting room reservations have been cancelled through May 1. Any materials already checked out will automatically be updated with due dates of May 1, and all fines incurred during this period will be waived.

Telephone and email service will continue, and early voting at the Milwaukee Public Library Zablocki branch will go on as planned in partnership with the Milwaukee Election Commission.

MPL cardholders, including all Milwaukee Public School Students, will be able to continue accessing online library resources and information, including eBooks, audiobooks, music, video and online resources, 24/7 on our website.  Homework help is available to students through LibraryNOW on their smartphones, tablets and personal computers.

MPL will continue to get daily guidance from Milwaukee Health Department officials, who continue to work closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and other federal, state and local partners to monitor and respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

For updates about our hours and services, please refer to our website at mpl.org

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.