Shriek freely and pardon the screams.  Milwaukee Public Library is inviting visitors to leave their inside voices at the front door once again and continuing to dispel the notion that libraries are silent establishments that collect books with the next Library Loud Days event: Haunted Central.

For two days, starting October 22 at sundown (5:57 p.m.) Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Avenue, will be one giant haunted house for all ages.    There will be haunted-themed activities throughout the building and the main attraction, the truly haunted part, is an actual part of the library no one ever sets foot in.  And, it’s for good reason; it’s the Forbidden Fourth Floor.  Enter if you dare.

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. 

“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.”

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 information, visit any Milwaukee Public Library branch or www.mpl.org/librarylouddays.