10 Best Libraries For Kids in Greater Milwaukee (2025)

Kids and families browse the books and checkout at the Mitchell Street Library. Tall white columns and large round chandeliers tower over the expansive space. A text overlay reads "Best Libraries for kids and families around Milwaukee".

As a parent, you know the value of taking your kids to the library. Not only does it encourage a love of reading, but it’s also a free, fun, and educational outing for the whole family.

In this post, we’ll introduce you to some of the best libraries in Milwaukee that you may not have visited yet. From secret gardens to climbable lighthouses, these libraries are designed to spark your child’s imagination and reignite your passion for reading.

While you’re planning your next library visit, don’t forget to check out our list of classic children’s books—perfect for finding timeless stories to borrow and enjoy with your kids.


1. Central Library

814 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53233

A colorful play lighthouse stands in among full bookshelves in the Betty Brinn Children's Room at Central Library in Milwaukee, WI.

Central Library is the crown jewel of Milwaukee’s public library system. Built in the 1890’s, it’s a stunning example of neo-renaissance architecture. The Rotunda at the entrance is one of the most striking features of the building. The cavernous space is filled with natural light and is connected to a grand staircase that leads to the upper levels of the library. Don’t miss the impressive mosaic floor underfoot.

The Betty Brinn Children’s Room at Central Library gives kids their very own separate area to explore. There’s a lighthouse to climb, plenty of cozy reading alcoves, dozen of computers, and special children’s book collections grouped together.

Our readers also love the used book store that is open on weekends!


4. Mitchell Street Library

906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Milwaukee, WI 53204

Kids and families browse the books and checkout at the Mitchell Street Library. Tall white columns and large round chandeliers tower over the expansive space.

The Mitchell Street Branch is the largest of the Milwaukee Public Libraries, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Built in 1919 and renovated in 2017, the Mitchell Street Branch used to be home to Hills Department Store. It’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This architectural gem boasts massive decorative columns, ornate railings, and impressive terrazzo floors. You’ll find a bright and expansive space with a high-tech maker space, 3D printer, mixing booth, recording studio, a kitchen, an outdoor program space with raised gardens, laptops for checkout, a children’s collection, puppets, bilingual (English/Spanish) programming for all ages.

Our favorite part? The cozy reading area with a fireplace.


3. East Library

2320 N. Cramer St., Milwaukee, WI 53211

Two people check out books and one patron sits on a bench in the modern East Library in Milwaukee.

East Branch Library is one of more modern libraries in the system, with decorative glass panels, milled wood ceiling boards in a custom steels frame, and soothing lighting.

Outside, artist Ray Chi designed a leaping, circular sculpture that is at once art and a functional bike rack. He also built a living, growing sculpture of a serpent that winds along the ground and grows into a planted wall. Even the entrance of the library is unique, with outdoor seating that is inspired by the pebbles found on Lake Michigan.

The East Library offers family-friendly programming all year round, such as pajama story time and family yoga.


4. Martin Luther King Jr. Library (Currently Under Construction)

Martin Luther King Jr Day Celebration Milwaukee Public Library branch. Three kids play chess with giant chess pieces on a giant life size chess board.

*Currently under construction*

Each year, the Martin Luther King Jr. Library hosts a celebration on Martin Luther King Day that includes hands-on activities for kids, visits from dignitaries, and live entertainment throughout the day.

The library also houses a collection of permanent art, some of it having to do with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Look for Amos Paul Kennedy Jr.’s accordion book, which showcases Dr. King’s most famous quotations.


5. Tippecanoe Library

3912 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207

Three kids play in the Secret Garden at Tippecanoe Milwaukee Public Library branch. The ground is wet from spring rain.

Renovated in 2015, the Tippecanoe branch is home to a “secret garden” inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 book of the same name. It’s a lovely outdoor space for children accessed from the children’s area. It is currently only open during special events, which you can find on their calendar. Kids can read, play, and think in this special space designed just for them.


6. Bay View Library

2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207
Website

The next time you find yourself in Bay View library, don’t miss the three mosaic maps in the entrance. Artist Peter Flanary created three mosaic maps that depict Bay View throughout history. You’ll find them on the linoleum floor of the lobby.

There’s also a children’s area in the library with toys, stuffed animals, computers, books, and more.


Best Suburban Libraries

Our Instagram community reached out with some of their favorite libraries outside of Milwaukee, and here’s what they had to say:

Brown Deer Library

“Brown Deer is gorgeous – gets so much light! They have a lot of video games you can borrow.”


Cedarburg Library

Exterior image of the Cedarburg library with a car parked outside.


“The BEST play areas!”


Cudahy Library

Exterior shot of the Cudahy Library with three flags raised outside.

“Cudahy is spacious, extremely well organized, and the librarians clearly put effort in the displays and activities. There’s a huge graphic novel section.”


Franklin Library

Two children play and color in the children's area of the Franklin library. There is a large tree with roots in the play space.

“My kids love the huge tree!”


Germantown Library

Colorful walls inside of the Germantown Library.


Greendale Library

“Greendale Library is so cute and quaint. The National Bakery is right next door. Super yummy!”


Greenfield Library

Kids and families check out books at the sunny Greenfield Library.

Reader Reviews:

  • “They have it all! Kiddos love it there.”
  • “Greenfield is a new build, very spacious, and the kids section is totally separate. They have a nicely organized section right when you walk in with newly published books.”

Menomonee Falls Library

Four white chairs at a counter in the coffee shop inside of the Menomonee Falls library.

Reader Reviews:

  • “Huge, beautiful, kids artwork displays, tech game area, big puzzle exchange section, and big private rooms to sit in.”
  • “Clean, cozy, so many options, friendly librarians, and a coffee shop!”

New Berlin Library

Interior photo of the New Berlin Library checkout counter, bookshelves, and reading table.

Reader Reviews:

  • “There’s way more than books to check out. They have ice skates in winter, puzzles, zoo and museum passes and more!”
  • “The Maker Room upstairs is always fun!”

Oak Creek Library

The colorful children's area inside of the Oak Creek Library. The sign above the entrance reads "Story Time".

Reader Reviews:

  • “Giant light bright!”
  • “Children’s section is adorable, adults section is quiet and relaxing, staff are great!”

Shorewood Public Library

“The play area is a life saver!”


St. Francis Library

“St. Francis has a cool fish tank and they usually have cute little packages of books that go with a theme.”


Wauwatosa Public Library

Kids and families sit on the floor cross legged during a family program at the Wauwatosa Library. There are giant books and decorative walls inspired by children's literature.

Reader Reviews:

  • “Adorable kids’ reading room where the walls are all giant book covers.”
  • “Play area with train table, block, and puzzles. Great story time / rhyme time.”
  • “The librarians are so friendly!”

West Allis Library

“West Allis has a cool mural that’s along the stairwell to the kids section.”


Whitefish Bay Library

“Whitefish Bay has this cool little booth you can step into if you need to make a phone call.”


Other Milwaukee Public Library Branches:

Atkinson
1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53209
(414) 286-3000

Capitol
3969 N. 74th St., Milwaukee, WI 53216
(414) 286-3000

Center Street
2727 W. Fond Du Lac Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53210
(414) 286-3000

Good Hope
7715 W. Good Hope Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53223
(414) 286-3000

Villard Square
5190 N. 35th St., Milwaukee, WI 53209
(414) 286-3000

Washington Park
2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53208
(414) 286-3000

Zablocki
3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53215
(414) 286-3000


Which library is your kids’ favorite? Email us and tell us why!

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