The Central Library is appreciated for its beauty and the services provided within. Milwaukee Public Library was the first building enrolled in the now annual Doors Open Milwaukee event, developed by an MPL retiree and sponsored by Historic Milwaukee Inc. MPL supports this effort as part of a broad economic strategy to reintroduce Milwaukee to metropolitan residents and visitors, providing the opportunity to see and appreciate the architecture, workmanship and history of downtown buildings. We feel strongly that MPL is a resource for all of the State of Wisconsin. Besides showcasing the building, there are opportunities to highlight our collections and services. The Central Milwaukee Public Library opened in 1898 as a shared space with the Milwaukee Public Museum. It is a neo-classical design featuring granite, marble, mahogany, intricate plaster work, scagliola and incredible mosaics. Through both guided tours and set displays, MPL staff and volunteers are able to share the workmanship and beauty of the building and place the spaces in historical context. Some people remember the space before the museum moved out in 1956 and want to know where the elephant is kept. For many, the idea of the museum being in the building is fascinating and new. Although the building has been remodeled, it was done with great sensitivity to the historic nature and features of the original structure and its additions.

The Central Library is large and has many points of interest. Staff selected parts of the building based on the historic interest, architectural features, and public curiosity. While there are regular architectural tours of the public parts of the building, on the DOM days the public has access to some of the really interesting unseen sections. Staff developed a plan to provide brief 10 minute tours, offered every quarter hour between 10 AM and 4:15 PM. Scripts were written to make sure that salient points were covered and good anecdotes included. Guided tours are provided of the dome over the main entrance. Access is gained via and beautiful, twisty wrought iron staircase. This is the only tour not handicapped accessible. Another is the old board room, with the original furnishings and ornate wall and ceiling decorations provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight the variety of skilled work that went into the construction. People are always curious about the four sub-basements, so another tour takes them down to the tiers. To highlight technology, a follow that book tour tracks a book from being returned through our RFID check in, travelling along ramp of the 17 bin sorter and the steps in getting it back on the shelf. The fourth floor tour includes stories about when the museum was in the building and Simba the lion lived on the 4th floor. The Green Roof tour includes technical information on the value of a green roof and also a wonderful rooftop view of Milwaukee. Passive displays with signage are used in the Chinese Room, the Richard and Lucile Krug Rare Books Room and the Betty Brinn Children’s Room.

Doors Open Milwaukee at Milwaukee Public Library has been an unqualified success. Besides Milwaukeeans taking advantage of the opportunity, people from around the state and beyond travelled to Milwaukee for the weekend to take advantage of the opportunity to learn about and see fabulous buildings. Milwaukee Public Library’s model for having brief tours at regular intervals has become a model recommended by HMI to all other locations. Visitors plot maps and make plans to see a lot in a day and they appreciate quick and informed tours of special places. Active staff and retirees have been able to provide expert tours to hidden areas of the library. Recruiting for the volunteers has been done primarily through the Staff News, which is sent electronically to active and retired employees. In most cases, a brief run through has been all of the training that was necessary. Marketing for the event is done primarily through Historic Milwaukee Inc., with supplemental postings on MPL’s webpage and through social media. Guests are provided with a map and list of events. While people are in touring the building and while waiting for tours to start, there are many opportunities to say that we are proud of the elegance of the building, but also very proud of the work of the staff in providing great services and programs. Pamphlets on upcoming events are displayed. In 2013, the count for the tours was 1531people, who know now and appreciate the library even better.