The Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) invited visitors to shriek freely, pardon the screams, and leave their inside voices at the front door once again. In a continuing effort to dispel the notion that libraries are silent establishments that collect books, the latest Library Loud Days event took place over the October 22 weekend.
Haunted Central was hosted at MPL’s Central Library location at 814 W. Wisconsin Avenue. It became one giant haunted house for all ages. There was haunted-themed activities throughout the building and the main attraction, the truly haunted part, was an actual part of the library no one ever sets foot in. And, it’s for good reason; it’s the Forbidden Fourth Floor.
“We are thrilled to build on the excitement from our Library Loud Days launch this summer with the first ever Haunted Central,” said Library Director Paula Kiely. “Being loud in the library is a new way of thinking, but it’s resonating. Changing the way people think about their libraries has brought new patrons to the many offerings of MPL, which have been enhanced by expanded access through forgiving fines and increasing service hours.”
Library Loud Days is part of an ongoing campaign to engage the Milwaukee community and make Milwaukee Public Library locations modern and culturally relevant destinations full of energy and excitement. The goal is to make noise, even by shrieking and screaming, in the community and showcase all of the resources the libraries have to offer while helping local families learn, grow and succeed.
In addition to launching Library Loud Days, Milwaukee Public Library has also extended hours at several branches to provide greater access to residents and extended a fine forgiveness program to reconnect patrons and their families to all the great opportunities at MPL.
