Things to Do at Whitefish Bay Public Library

The Whitefish Bay library is a beloved community hub

Address: 5420 N. Marlborough Drive, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217​.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 9:30 am–8:30 pm; Friday 9:30 am–5:30 pm; Saturday 9:30 am–4 pm; Sunday 12 pm–4 pm (closed Sundays during summer)​

The Whitefish Bay Public Library is a cornerstone of its community, known for its welcoming atmosphere and wide-ranging services. In addition to a robust collection of books and media, the library offers many digital resources for cardholders – you can borrow e-books and audiobooks, stream movies, take online classes, and use research databases from home with your library card.

Whitefish Bay patrons have access to services like Kanopy (for streaming films), Consumer Reports Online, Brainfuse online tutoring, and Gale Courses for self-paced learning​.

The library’s building provides ample study and reading areas, free Wi-Fi, and public PCs. Printing, copying, and scanning are available (including mobile printing options where you can send a print job from your device)​. Whitefish Bay also offers convenient self-service pickup – they have outdoor hold pickup lockers so you can retrieve your reserved books 24/7​.

Amenities at Whitefish Bay Library

Whitefish Bay Library has developed some unique collections and spaces. Their “Take and Tinker” Collection lets patrons check out non-traditional items, especially board games for family game nights​.

A popular attraction is the library’s Seed Library, which allows gardeners to take home packets of seeds (and optionally return harvested seeds) to encourage community gardening and seed saving​. This Seed Library is stocked with flowers, herbs, and vegetable seeds – a great way for patrons to try new plants.

The seed library includes seeds such as echinacea, Queen Anne’s lace, a wild flower mix, and milkweed

For families, the children’s department is a highlight: it features a colorful Children’s Room with a dedicated storytime area and play space. Adjacent to it are two study rooms and a larger program room that can be reserved for meetings or used during library events​.

The library’s program room also doubles as an art gallery space for rotating exhibits. Whitefish Bay’s commitment to outreach is evident through services like personalized book recommendation forms and home delivery for homebound patrons. Finally, the library benefits from a strong Friends group and Foundation, which help fund extras like new technology and furniture. There’s no café on-site, but the library’s central location means coffee and snacks are a short walk away on Silver Spring Drive.

Whitefish Bay Library Programs and Events

Whitefish Bay Public Library hosts a rich array of events throughout the year.

Children’s programs include several weekly storytimes (often overflowing with toddlers and caregivers) – during the summer, they even hold storytime outdoors on the library lawn​. Special kids’ activities are offered monthly, such as drop-in craft days (for example, making “Cards of Kindness” crafts on a Friday and Saturday in June​) and fun workshops for older kids/tweens (like a beaded friendship bracelet craft for 4th–6th graders​ or a “Candy Sushi” making event where kids create sushi-shaped treats from candy and cereal​). Families can look forward to entertaining performances – the library regularly brings in musicians, magicians, and educators. A recent example is a live show by a world yo-yo champion, Mark Hayward, who gave an all-ages comedy and juggling performance at the library​.

Teens have their own offerings as well: the library has hosted Dungeons & Dragons game sessions, volunteer opportunities, and a Teen Advisory Board to help plan activities.

Adults in Whitefish Bay enjoy a robust slate of programs. The library runs book clubs (including an informal monthly club for fiction readers) and a popular “History Hour” series in partnership with the local historical society. There are also hands-on activities and competitions – for instance, the library recently held a “Great Whitefish Bay Puzzle Race,” where teams competed to finish a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle in under 90 minutes​.

Educational and cultural programs are a mainstay: in spring 2025 the library hosted Jessica Michna, a historical impersonator, performing as Mary Todd Lincoln in a one-woman show about Lincoln’s life​. Another upcoming event is an Antique Appraisal program with expert Mark Moran, where patrons can bring in a family heirloom for evaluation (Moran is known for his appearances on Antiques Roadshow)​.

These kinds of events often require registration due to high demand. Additionally, the library offers recurring activities like a monthly Family Bingo Night (with prizes for all ages) and movie matinees featuring classic “throwback” films. For those looking to develop skills, the library arranges technology help sessions and occasional workshops (past examples include genealogy research classes and watercolor painting lessons).

Whitefish Bay’s librarians are continually collaborating with local organizations – an example of a community partnership is the Earth Day programming co-hosted with the village’s environmental group, which has included park clean-up events and sustainability lectures.

The library’s mission statement emphasizes inspiring a love of learning and connecting the community​, and its diverse programs truly reflect that goal. Whether you’re bringing a child to storytime, attending an evening author talk, or just picking up seeds for your garden, the Whitefish Bay Public Library offers a welcoming space with opportunities for everyone.