Services

Besides a large collection of books and media, your South Milwaukee Public Library offers a variety of other services.

Free Services

    • Computer and Internet Access: We have eight computer stations in the adult area and two in the children’s area. These computers are free to use; a valid Milwaukee County library card is required to log in. All computers have internet access and word processing capabilities and are printing-ready (15¢ per page for black and white prints, 50¢ per page for color prints).
    • WiFi: Free WiFi is available throughout the building & reaches to the end of the parking lot. There is no password needed.
    • Inter-Library Loan: Inter-library loan service is available to obtain some materials not available within the Milwaukee County Federated Library System. You must have a valid, fine-free Milwaukee County library card to use this service.
    • Catalog Computers: Three catalog computers are available for use to see if an item is available and to place holds on items.
    • Notary: We offer a free notary service for South Milwaukee residents (if a non-resident there is a $2 per page fee) whenever a notary is on a public service desk. There is limited availability for this service.
      • Please note: Notaries are allowed to deny a notarization request if the document is incomplete, the signer does not understand what is being notarized, they suspect the document will be used for illegal purposes, or if the notary is not familiar with or is uncomfortable with what is being notarized. Notaries will only notarize forms in English.
    • Exam Proctoring: Our librarians are happy to proctor an exam for you. Be sure to contact us seven days in advance for availability. Please note that we are unable to proctor exams that require monitoring throughout, as our librarians will also be assisting other patrons.
    • Study Rooms: We have three small study rooms available on a first come, first served basis. Study rooms fit 1-2 people.
    • Display Case: We have a display case available in the lobby. If you are interested in displaying your hobby or collection, please contact us at SMPL.Ref@mcfls.org
    • Programming: We offer a variety of children’s, teen, and adult programs throughout the year. Check our calendar for the latest offerings!
    • Newspapers: The library receives the following publications for in-house use: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Daily Reporter. Back issues are kept until the end of the current month.
    • Organization Cards: If you are a business, day care, or nursing home in South Milwaukee, you are eligible for a free organization library card to use the South Milwaukee Public Library. See the staff at the desk for more information.
    • Scan to Email or Flash Drive: You can scan a document or image to an email or flash drive.
    • Tax Forms: State and Federal tax forms can be printed for you at a cost of 15¢ per page.

Paid Services

  • Copies: The cost for copies is 15¢ per page for black and white, and 50¢ for color.
  • Faxes: We are able to send faxes for you at the desk for $1.00 per page.
  • Flash Drives: Flash drives are available for purchase at the reference desk for $5.00 each.
  • Printing: The cost for printed pages from our public computers or your mobile device is 15¢ per page for black and white, and 50¢ for color.
    • For mobile printing information, go to our Printing page.
  • Book Nook Book Sale: Children’s books available on our “Book Nook” shelves are 25¢. All other items are $1.00 or less each unless otherwise marked. This sale is available whenever the library is open.
  • Semi-Annual Basement Book Sale: We typically have two large book sales each year in the library basement. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the South Milwaukee Public Library. Most items are $1.00 or less.

 

Apps & Technological Services

See the reference desk if you need help accessing the following services.

  • CountyCat Website & App: Access your library account from home and on the go with the CountyCat website and mobile app! On CountyCat, you can view your checked out materials, place holds on items, pay fines, and renew materials.
  • Libby: Libby is an app that allows you to check out a variety of e-books and e-audiobooks from the library.
  • Hoopla: Hoopla allows you to check out up to four digital items per month on an easy-to-use digital platform. Download the Hoopla app to your device or use Hoopla on your computer. Hoopla offers e-books, e-audiobooks, graphic novels, music, movies, and television shows.
  • Gale Courses: Sign up for a variety of online courses in business, technology, and more with Gale Courses.
  • Database Access: With a Milwaukee County library card, you have access to a number of online databases.
  • Sign Up for Email or Text Notices: Get e-mail or text reminders when items are available to pick up or coming due. Ask for e-mail notifications the next time you’re in the library. Text the word SIGNUP to (833) 568-6639 and follow the instructions to sign up for text notices. Or, ask for text notifications the next time you’re in the library and add (833) 568-6639 to your contact list. PLEASE NOTE: There is no fee for the text service, but your mobile service provider’s regular text-messaging rates may apply.

Professional Services

  • Reference: Reference staff is available whenever the library is open to assist you with ordering items, finding materials, printing and copying, research, digital resources, and more. Please remember that while we may be able to assist with computer-related questions, basic computer knowledge is required to use our public computers.
  • Readers’ Advisory: Looking for something different to read? At a loss as to what title to pick up next? Ask a reference librarian for recommendations!
  • Children’s Reference: A staff member is typically present in the children’s room whenever the library is open. We are happy to help with book recommendations, finding materials, providing information on programs, and more.