The Municipal Reference Library was established in 1908 with Thomas J. Willis
becoming the first Librarian. Originally a branch of the Milwaukee Public Library,
the Municipal Reference Library was created to maintain and collect reports,
ordinances, opinions, correspondence, and decisions for future use. Heads of City
Departments were instructed to give these materials to the Librarian to provide
access. It was located at City Hall as a convenience to members of the Common
Council.
As the Library grew, more than just the Common Council was using it. Because of its
collection of administrative, government, and technical literature, soon city
departments, the Mayor, and even citizen inquiries were answered by the Municipal
Reference Library. It also provided research services and later compiled the annual
report for the Common Council to present to the City. In 1971, the Municipal
Reference Library became the Legislative Reference Bureau as part of the City Clerk,
and it is now known as the Municipal Research Library.
