About Milwaukee County Federated Library System

The Milwaukee County Federated Library System (MCFLS) was established on January 1, 1973, as one of the first county library systems created under Wisconsin state law providing dedicated funding for cooperative library services. MCFLS coordinates activities among 13 independent public libraries plus the Milwaukee Public Library's central branch and 12 additional branches, collectively serving the entire Milwaukee metropolitan area. Offices are housed in the historic Milwaukee Central Library at 814 W Wisconsin Avenue, one of the city's most iconic Beaux-Arts buildings.

Through MCFLS, residents of Milwaukee County enjoy reciprocal borrowing privileges at all member libraries, a shared online catalog, and coordinated digital resources including Libby/OverDrive, Hoopla, and Kanopy. The system also provides administrative support for member libraries, including technology upgrades, professional development, and database subscriptions. With more than 25 member locations, MCFLS is one of the most comprehensive county library cooperatives in the upper Midwest.