A new Children's Library in the Uptown Neighborhood and other news

Here's a timely article during our Citizen Science programming this month and next. Citizen Science is Booming During the Pandemic. Personally, I'm indulging in the bee sign for my perennial garden at home and I loved the Xerces Society presentation last night. Hope you're enjoying the programming, as well!

Hopefully you've read my email announcement this past Tuesday about the new Uptown Children's Library we're planning with the city and developers. There are many similar projects completed by public libraries nationwide. Locally,  Milwaukee Public Library's Villard Square Branch occupies the first floor of a multifamily housing project for grandparents who are primary caretakers of their grandchildren. The Mitchell Street Branch building includes 60 apartments. To quote a Chicago Crain's Business article  that describes the benefit to both business and government in these library/ housing projects, In these neighborhoods, the library is more than a book depot. As New York Times architecture critic Michael Kimmelman noted, “In cities across the country, branch libraries, which futurologists not long ago predicted would be made obsolete by technology, have instead morphed into indispensable and bustling neighborhood centers and cultural incubators.” 
It is indeed our dream that this new Uptown Children's Library will be just that- bustling early childhood center and cultural incubator. Just be aware that this hinges on a yet to be negotiated developer agreement with the city. This is NOT a done deal. It's going to come down to affordability.

The next city-sponsored shredding event for the public will be on May 22nd at SW and NS. Here is the full announcement. 

I'm taking off for a few days to hug my grandchildren. I'll be back on Tuesday. I'll bring back some warm weather.

Happy spring, everyone!

Barb