Islamic Resource Center/Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition

The Islamic Resource Center (IRC) opened in 2011 as a physical headquarters for the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition (MMWC).

The IRC has the only Islamic lending library in the state of Wisconsin. It also holds a large event space for children’s summer programs, educational workshops, international speaker presentations, book clubs, community networking brunches and art exhibitions.

Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition (MMWC) began in 1994 as a local resource organization dedicated to promoting an accurate understanding of Islam and Muslim women. The mission is to lead positive community change through advocacy, dialogue, education, using faith-based values to ensure dignity and equity for all.

Other main projects of MMWC include the Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival, publication of the Wisconsin Muslim Journal, a variety of youth programming and Our Peaceful Home, a domestic abuse and family strengthening program.

Doors Open weekend experience features a guided tour, henna tattooing, taking a selfie wearing hijab (head scarf), viewing cultural artifacts, writing your name in Arabic, exploring the bookstore while enjoying ethnic refreshments and educational exhibits.

This year will feature a fully immersive family-friendly experience. The youth art coordinator will guide children as they create Islamic-inspired stained glass windows using geometric patterns. They will learn about Ramadan and create their own lanterns, design prayer beads and help build a jumbo-sized Mosque. During story time, the staff librarian will read beloved cultural stories from their collection.