MILWAUKEE —A brand-new library opened its doors to Milwaukee on Sept. 6.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Branch held a grand opening on Saturday, which included music, food, and family-friendly entertainment outside of the building.
It is at the corner of North Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Locust Street in the Harambee neighborhood.
The Milwaukee Public Library said it’s the third-largest branch in the system at 18,000 square feet.
The new design emphasizes community engagement, creativity and environmental sustainability.
Inside, there’s a fully equipped makerspace, including 3D printing, podcasting equipment, and up-to-date technology to support digital literacy.
There’s also a large community room designed to host neighborhood meetings, programs, and cultural events.
Green building features, like solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling and infrastructure for future electrical vehicle charging stations are also included.
“This new space reflects our deep belief that libraries are more than buildings, they are commitments to the people they serve,” said Joan Johnson, city librarian. “Any city that has a healthy library system is a city of hope. Knowledge is power and this new branch has everything needed to empower its users. I encourage and welcome all to make good use of their newest library and let the MPL team help you and your realize your full potential.”
The Martin Luther King Jr. Branch was built on the site of its predecessor, which closed in May 2023 to prepare for construction.
The new building was made possible through a combination of funding from the City of Milwaukee’s Tax Incremental District program, the American Rescue Plan Act, and support from the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation.
“For more than half a century, the Martin Luther King Branch has been an anchor in the Harambee neighborhood, a place for learning, growth and entertainment,” Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “The library’s new home continues that great tradition with even more. It is a wonderful addition that will be loved by library customers and staff.”