The following programs and activities are being offered at Milwaukee public libraries. Programs are free unless otherwise noted.

Business, job help...
• Patents 101-How to do a Patent Search: Central Library Business Librarians will explain the seven-step strategy for doing a patent search in a free program offered Monday, May 24, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee Public Library is a United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Depository Library. While librarians cannot do a patent search for attendees, these monthly programs will show people how to get started by following USPTO guidelines. Located in the Computer Lab, 2nd floor.
• Drop-In Job Help: A job trainer specialist will be available to help attendees learn how to complete online job applications, write a resume online, search online job listings and obtain a free e-mail account at:
* Atkinson Library, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Tuesdays, May 18 and 25, 1-4  p.m.
* Bay View Library, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Thursdays, May 20 and 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
* Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesdays, May 18 and 25, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
* Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Friday, May 21, 9 a.m.-noon.
* Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Saturdays, May 22 and 29, 1-5 p.m.
* Forest Home Library, 1432 W. Forest Home Ave., Mondays, May 17 and 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
* Martin Luther King Library, 310 W. Locust St., Monday, May 24, 1-4 p.m.

 Teen events...
• Dream Keepers’ Tween & Teen Writing Group: Attendees will write haiku poems, life lists, and short stories at this workshop at Atkinson Library, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Tuesday, May 25. For more information, contact Dream Keeper Founder Rochelle Melander at (414) 460-0007 or rochelle@writenowcoach.com.
• Wii Gaming for Teens: Teens can show off their gaming skills and enjoy snacks at Zablocki Library, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Monday, May 10, 6-7 p.m.

For families...
• Family Play Date-Grocery Store Theme (presented in Spanish): Families with children ages 5 and younger are invited to a fun-filled, hands-on interactive hour of stories and play activities at Forest Home Library, 1432 W. Forest Home Ave., Wednesday, May 19, 6-7 p.m.
• J.A.M. (Japan/Anime/Manga): Meet with other fans, make new friends and win prizes during this celebration of Japanese animation, comics and culture at Center Street Library, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Wednesday, May 26, 5:30-7 p.m.
• Teen Movie Night: Teens are invited to watch a recent DVD and enjoy snacks at Zablocki Library, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Tuesday, May 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Teens are required to bring ID proving they are 13-18 years of age. Permission slips will be on hand–a parent or guardian must sign in the presence of a librarian the day of the event.

For children...
• Preschool Story Time: Preschoolers can enjoy listening to stories and learn songs and finger plays all designed to help them learn the Six Skills of early literacy.  Child care centers are welcome. Offered at:
* Bay View Library, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Thursdays, May 20 and 27, 10-10:45 a.m.
* Capitol Library, 3969 N. 74th St., Friday, May 21, 10-10:30 a.m.
* Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tuesdays, May 18 and 25, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
* East Library, 1910 E. North Ave., Thursdays, May 20 and 27, 10-10:30 a.m.
* M.L. King Library, 310 W. Locust St., Friday, May 21, 10-10:30 a.m.
* Villard Avenue Library, 3310 W. Villard Ave., Friday, May 21, 10-10:45 a.m.

Regular features...
• Tour Historic Central Library: Attendees can tour the past and present glory of Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Avenue, with the Friends. Free tours begin at 1:30 p.m. each Saturday afternoon in the rotunda. Tours are also available by appointment; call (414) 286-TOUR.
• Bookseller: The Bookseller, the library’s used book store, and Central Library’s in-house coffee shop, have both been remodeled and are once again open for business. Call (414) 286-2142 for hours of service.
• Special needs requests: Upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities. Requests can be made at the City Librarian’s Office at (414) 286-3021, (414) 286-2794 (FAX), (414) 286-3062 (TDD), ADA@mpl.org or Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Avenue., Milwaukee, WI 53233 Attn: Accommodation Request.