Small but very nice! Very clean and organized, and certainly well-loved by the community. There were a lot of people there when I went in on a Saturday afternoon, and not just homeless. They even have a fireplace in the back corner that's a nice touch, perfect for cozy winter reading. read more

I live in Madison but am here for a few days to work on some writing. This was worth the 1 mile bus ride and walk from Juneau Town. Lots of places to spread out and get your reading or work done. A gem. read more

I had a few hours to get some work done between checking out of my hotel and my flight at the airport. I decided to find a library between the two places, and I landed at East Library. There is free parking behind the library and the library was bright inside and quiet. Just what I needed. I also needed WiFi to work on my laptop, and the staff was helpful and friendly. Free WiFi. Yay! Just find MPLWIRELESS and there is no password needed. This was the perfect place to get my work done! read more

I can't recall the last time I've used a library and yet there's this location just a few blocks from me. I've been to the central location on Wisconsin Avenue but didn't know what to expect with the East side. From the outside, the East branch looks so modern with big floor to ceiling windows. It even has a green space near the main entrance that looks inviting to sit and read in the summer and spring. First stop was to the front desk to get a library card - if it's your first card with the Milwaukee Public Library (MPL), you need two forms of ID (one of which has your current address and can be a digital bill). They'll take your picture and give you a card for your wallet and a smaller one for your keychain. The book selection was smaller than I expected, but makes sense as this is a branch on the East side. The library card gives you access to all MPL locations, which is pretty convenient. First 30 days, you can check out 5 items, after that probationary period, you can up to 100 items out at a time. The interior of the library was very modern, there were more places to sit and work/read a book than their were bookshelves. Plenty of computers throughout to access to the internet or even the MPL catalog. The East branch also has a large conference room right at the center of the library. Honestly, not what I expected - but I think it fits the need of the community nicely. Will be coming back often (at least that's the goal). Also, they do have a free parking lot behind the library. read more

I'm not sure why it took me so long to get a Milwaukee library card, but the newly built library lured me in. I can't compare it to the old one since this was my first/only visit. The employees seem friendly. The actual inside space was a bit smaller than I expected. They have a cute kid corner with toys and couches. It has a new and modern feel, a fireplace, and other visually appealing details. One thing I liked it that they have multiple areas where you can self check-out your items. This is both convenient and smart. Overall, the newly done library was nice and I plan to continue going there! read more

I love this library! It's clean, organized, lots of natural light and the staff is so friendly and helpful! I always request books via their web app and pick up books on my way home from work. Super easy and convenient. There's a small parking lot too- which is so helpful on the East Side. P.S. I've witnessed the staff help elderly individuals use the computer and find books and their kindness always warms my heart. :) read more

I attended the Grand Opening for this newly constructed library branch this past Saturday. It's a gorgeous space! It has really cool self-check out and self-return stations that make you feel all futuristic. The grand opening was bumpin' but I'd love to come back when it's quiet to read by the super cool fireplace. It has free wi-fi and a surface lot for cars and bicycle parking, too. read more

East Library - Front. Photo from UrbanMilwaukee.com - Libraries Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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I've been paying property taxes in the good ole Milltown for many years now, and while ppl (myself included) sometimes complain about the taxes here, the east library is a good reminder that you get what you pay for. This library is brand new. I had a library card for the old east library that occupied this spot (many thanks to the little dude employee who did not respond "cool, that was the year I was born!" when upon being asked if I had a library card before, I answered "yes, in 1998") so I was intrigued to visit this new one. The old little east library (complete with its little parking lot that to us and many others, mainly served as an adjunct lot for the dance club across the street) was a satisfactory little facility but you always felt more could be done with the location. Voila...create a beautiful new library, and have it be mixed use, with apartments on top of it so the space is efficiently used. It's a beautiful place inside and out..with a huge fire place, murals, and reclaimed urban wood sculptures inside, and (lots of) unique bike parking and interesting landscaping "sculptures" outside. About the actual collection....they have a lot of DVDs ..new, whole tv series available here as well as books (I know most people have kindles but sometimes it's nice to read without worrying about draining a battery.) The online computer system is pretty easy to use--although for some reason everything I wanted to check out was either already checked out (they did just recently have a grand opening) or only at the central library or Bayview. They can have things sent over for you from other branches but meh, that seems like a hassle for all parties involved. Either way with a new card (you need two forms of id and one with your current address to get one) you can get five items to start for your first month. Me and libraries have a long history together. In 21 and under days I worked at no fewer than five, including the Kenosha public libraries, being a librarian's aide in the elementary school libraries, and Golda Meir library on the UWM campus. I absorbed a lot of information in my time in them. Knowledge is truly power, and while not everyone can afford to go to college (or sadly even pay for internet access) libraries make knowledge and information available to anyone with the desire and curiosity to come looking. This is a beautiful one and a great addition to the North Avenue area and the east side. read more

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librarians are friendly and knowledgeable. lots of community activities. nice lighting and convenient parking.

Stopped in last week for WWBIC (WI Women's Business Initiative Corp) class. Although my class was mainly in a room near the door I got a opportunity to meander around and was pleasantly surprised at how many times I have parked and walked right by. I truly have missed out on the knowledgable staff, access to so much needed info/data and technology rich gold mine of a library here!! Tons of classes, community parties, and best of ALL books, books, and more books! I love it!! read more

My favorite library in all of Milwaukee County!! Love the location and the environment! It's so clean, organized, and modern!

I've recently gone back to school, and getting back in the rhythm has been tough. But luckily this library just opened down the street. There aren't a lot of books, but there is plenty of space to study, although I'm writing this review when I should be studying. Oh well. The staff is very friendly and there are a couple of meeting rooms that are really nice too. read more

East Library - Tons of tables and plenty of space! - Libraries Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I really enjoy this place for the public space it offers. I recently started freelancing and it has become a regular spot for me to get some work done. There are large tables if you are meeting up with a group and a room you can reserve. My favorite is the awesome tables with outlets built in on the western side of the building. The huge glass windows let in so much light no matter where you are sitting. The new self check out stations are a breeze and a welcome technology update. Now all you have to do is set the books on the platform and the system recognizes what they are. No need for scanning bar codes! Oh and the staff is great too! read more

I like this library a lot, including the fact that it is in a mixed use building and has a lot of work space. I do not however, like their hours. Not open Sundays? Or past 6 on Thursdays? They don't make any sense! I hope they consider expanding the hours in the future. read more

East Library - Libraries Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Maybe it's my fault for assuming, but since I moved to the east side, and the new East Library has been under construction, I've made my way downtown on more than a handful of occasions to pick up books on hold, and do anythign else that I needed to do at the library. Much to my surprise, I found out that there is a temporary location on the east side, a mere 3 blocks from the new building! My experience today was seamless. I had put a hold on a book online, gotten a phone call saying it was ready to be picked up, walked in, found the holds shelf right in front, scanned my card, scanned my book and was out in less than 3 minutes.....can't beat that with a wooden stick! read more

Beautiful and cozy library, but I REALLY hope they extend their hours! I work a 9-5 job and also take classes, and since they're closed at 6p on Thurs and Fri, their hours don't always work for me when I want to study there. And I'm not sure why they're closed on Sundays! That's when most people actually have time to go to the library to browse, sit, and read. They're also not opened very early either (12p on Tuesdays and Wednesdays), so you can't even start out early. Otherwise, it's great that it has lots of natural light, tables and couches, and the kind of atmosphere where you can get into your book really quickly. Crossing fingers they increase the hours! read more

The new East Library couldn't be more fantastic. It's absolutely gorgeous, particularly on a sunny day. It has everything I need, and is extremely well-organized, and the kids' area is fantastic. I don't live near this branch anymore, but I am willing to travel to enjoy it. read more

The Milwaukee east branch library is a beautiful place, with a fireplace and everything. All the media here is very modern and you can tell a lot of it is aimed towards college student age people. Many of the books and movies are right on schedule with current pop culture and trends. read more

Such a beautiful addition to our public library system! I'm here all the time. The staff is wonderful and helpful. The space is relaxing, well designed and full of life. Grab a coffee at Colectivo and come here to flip through a magazine or two and find something great to read. read more

Gosh gee golly wiz what a modern, gorgeous library. I want to go back to school so I can sit here and study, read, and write for hours. If reading is your thang, you should check this new library out. If reading and learnin' ain't your thing, you should probably still come check it out because it might be a library you actually like. Yay, libraries! read more

Great Wi-Fi. Bad toilet paper.

This place is overrated! I guess, though, I'll take it for what it is. The employees are nice. the inside is clean and well organized, but the book selection is relatively small and odd, plus the magazine and newspaper selection is limited. I've been here only once and nothing so great that I would ever come back. I think even West Allis library is even better. read more