Leave inside voices at the front door. Milwaukee Public Library is dispelling the notion that libraries are silent establishments that collect books with the launch of Library Loud Days, an event series offering Milwaukee residents free, fun and unquiet events. To kick things off, Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Avenue, will host a free concert on July 28 with New Age Narcissism, a musical collective from Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood. Prior to the concert, Wisconsin Avenue will be blocked off between 8^th and 9^th streets for a street party with food trucks and music beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Following the concert, Central Library will bring its resources and experiences to the public through interactive workshops that revolve around the world of music. Attendees can participate alongside Milwaukee Public Library staff, members of New Age Narcissism and hip hop and R&B disc jockey Reggie Brown. Whether interested in the business of the music industry or joining a jam session, attendees of all ages can engage in collaborative activities and learn more about what Milwaukee Public Library locations offer their families. Community members are also invited to listen to and browse the Library’s vinyl collection of over 12,000 albums, make their own sound at an experimental music station and discuss the Milwaukee music scene.

“Being loud in the library is a new way of thinking,” said Library Director Paula Kiely. “We may have more than 2 million books on the shelves, but the library is much more than that. It’s a destination for our neighbors to make meaningful connections, learn new technologies, use their creativity and more. We want to bring the library to life and attract people that do not regularly visit the library.”

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 in the community and showcase all of the resources the libraries have to offer and help 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.

Further details about Library Loud Days and other Milwaukee Public Library initiatives and events can be found on Milwaukee Public Library’s Facebook page and website at www.mpl.org. For specific event and ticket information, visit a local Milwaukee Public Library branch or www.mpl.org/librarylouddays.