The architecture of the headquarters for the Milwaukee Public Library system – known as Central Library, is impressive – no matter how many times you visit.
The library opened in 1898 and it’s design plans were for a building that stretched the length of a city block. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, “everybody’s library” is being recognized for it’s beauty – not just its materials.
Reader’s Digest named Milwaukee Public Library to its list of The Most Impressive Libraries in Every State, writing, “In 1878, a national competition was held to pick a design for the building of the Milwaukee Public Library. Seventy-four entries were received, including an entry from Frank Lloyd Wright, who sadly was not selected.”
The Milwaukee Public Library currently operates 12 libraries (branches) throughout the system and is the largest public library system in the state.