New Milwaukee Public Library opens near 76th and Good Hope Road

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The newest Milwaukee Public Library opened Wednesday morning, July 29, on the city's northwest side.

It's located near 76th and Good Hope Road, and is the third largest branch in the system, following Mitchell Street Branch and Washington Park.

The branch is a more than $6 million investment in the neighborhood and replaces the former Mill Road Branch Library.

According to a press release, the new library includes an 80-seat community room, a fireplace, and a "makerspace," where patrons can work on projects while sharing ideas and equipment. 

The makerspace was designed "to build skills critical to in-demand industries such as advanced manufacturing by providing access to specialized equipment including a 3D printer, laser cutter, and CAD software, as well as photography, video and recording equipment and related industry standard software."

“This is not your grandma’s library, this is a place where we can put our democracy into action, put racial justice into action,” said Mayor Barrett. “This is a place where we can create opportunities for all people – of all races, of all incomes, of all genders. This is our moral obligation as a city. I’m proud of all the team members who worked together to have this vision and make this a reality. The Good Hope branch library has been a long time coming, but it will be an enduring amenity for this neighborhood and our city.”

The library opened at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Some restrictions are currently imposed due to COVID-19, and visitors must wear a mask and practice social distancing.