Marathon County Public Library

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My Library Story

Last Updated: 6/23/11

Has the Marathon County Public Library been an important part of your life? Do you value library-provided materials, information, services, and the staff that makes it all possible? Have you discovered something fantastic at the Library, or do you have a great Library story to share? Tell us all about it using the form below!

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Valuable Resource -- "I often come to the library to be inspired. I end up with several more books than I ever intended, and I feel uplifted, happy that our community supports such a valuable resource and thankful that I have access to a wealth of knowledge.Thank you for the work you do. I am looking forward to the day when I can bring my son in he's now just 8 months old to share with him the joy that you have brought me and others who share in your work." (Laura S.)

Public libraries -- "Reading was my first love. As a middle child, I spent lots of time with an imaginary friend and books. Reading some of my first words at age 4 thanks, Sesame Street! prompted my mother to haul out the Radio Flyer and walk us to the public library. We could pick out two books each, and we went back frequently. This encouraged my interest in books and instilled a respect for public libraries. We didn't have a lifestyle that allowed us to buy things on a whim, but having access to a library meant we didn't have to go without. A lot of people today aren't aware of or aren't comfortable in a library, and that's a shame. The library, especially in the winter, is our goto place for children. They enjoy story time, familyfriendly events, free showings of movies, and many other perks. For teens and adults you can check out your favorite band's new CD before buying or downloading from iTunes. Going on a long trip by yourself? Check out an audio book to listen to in your car. If you don't mind waiting a bit, you can even check out new DVDs for free, to boot! Entire seasons of TV shows are available for borrowing. Think of the money you could save by patronizing your public library. Libraries are a resource. Libraries are a haven. Libraries are for everyone, and my children will grow up thriving as much as I did in this setting." (Katie S.)

Amazing System! -- "When I first moved to Mosinee, I saw the small library and thought, 'great, now I will never get to read books unless I own them. That library couldn't possibly have anything I want in it.' I now regret thinking that way. The Mosinee branch has several books I still want to read, but more than that I love having the ability to request books from any of the branches. Just about any book is available for me to choose from, and I have a hard time comitting to any set limit of how many books I check out! I will usually be seen taking about 10 books at a time. The Wausau library system has helped me remain an avid reader throughout the years. Thank you for everything!" (Angela C.)

Very Important -- "The library has provided countless hours of culture, education and just plain fun for my 2 grandchildren age 5 and 3 as well as myself. The kids prefer going to the library more than going anywhere else in Wausau. The staff is phenomenal in their helpfulness, courtesy and general friendliness. The resources for adults is great as well.....i just can't say enough as to how our library is so significant in our lives." (Fred T.)

A Fantastic Place -- "The Wausau library has been an integral part of my life since moving to the area more than 16 years ago. I am impressed with the variety of items available for checkout. As a regular library patron since a child, I have frequented many different libraries over the years and can say that MCPL is at the forefront of technology. The current catelog is excellent although I would still like to be able to see what is 'On order'. The staff is always friendly and willing to assist with any issue. I am constantly making people aware of what MCPL has to offer. Thanks for a job well done!" (Barbara D.)

Love the library!!!! -- "To me the Marathon Public Library system is more than just a bunch of buildings!!! It has a several times in my time here in Central Wisconsin been a god send. I have used many of it's resources and am a Friends member the same. My primary location is the Rothchild branch, because it is close to my house. The people there are amazing, in fact I have made great friendships with all of the people that work at this branch. I'm a face they see a great deal. When I first moved to Wausau I did not have the internet and was in school so I would bring my laptop to the Rothchild branch and sit in the back corner and work on my school work that needed to be done on the internet such as research on the databases. In fact I had to break down and get the internet at home because I was taking online classes and needed more hours of access in the middle of the night when I do a lot of my work. I will go to the Wausau branch if I want to just wander around and look at the random magazines or to just randomly look for books of interest. I also will go down there if I'm at class on the Marthon County Campus to study, because you library is open later than the one there. I also like to study at the high top tables in the Teen Zone, I love that part of the library there is such a nice view from there and most of the time it's quiet enough to study. I think the Teen Zone was a great idea for the library to set up with the comfortable and stylish chairs as well as the gaming system that kids can use. I have never seen such a thing in a library but it creates a safe and fun place for kids to come and hopefully make friends and learn a little something. All the children's programs that I have attended during the summers have been very interesting and a lot of fun. I do not have children but I'm sometimes there when the programs are going on and get captivated by them, enough to watch them. I think the textbook bank that you guys have acquired is great. I think this is something that every library should have. It's such a great resource for anyone who wants to use it for whatever reason. The library has been a great resource that has helped me in my research endeavors, I have used the interlibrary loan system several times to get information from other libraries around the state both public and college. This is a great resource and when help was needed with the databases the librarians were a great assistance. Another thing the library has helped a great deal with is the magazine resources that you have, it has helped me be able to find a wide variety of things to bring to my grandmother to read. As well as the book collection, both in large print and regular, I bring these to her also to read. Otherwise she ends up reading all the old romance novels in her basement, cheezy ones at that. I love the book sales that go on at Wausau too. I have been able to replenish and grow my home library. As well as find some great Christmas gifts for people in my family at a great price. I love the fill a bag for $5 Sundays. Some people say that I should catalog my home library. I just love books and all they have to offer. Both physical and electronic. I just cannot say enough good things about the Marathon County Public Library system. You guys have a been and continue to be an amazing resource for me. I cannot imagine what I would do without the library system as a whole. " (Emily F.)

Home away from home -- "Since I've been a little girl, even before I could read, the library has been one of my favorite places. In every place that I've lived, I've made the library my 'home away from home'. The librarians at my library homes have always been like family to me. I didn't always appreciate that when Ramona in Horicon wouldn't let me check out Dr. Zhivago in grade school without my mother's permission. I no longer need my mother's permission to check out books but the staff at the Wausau Headquarters Library has been like family and friends to me. I appreciate all their hard work, especially in light of frequent staff reductions. No computer or other machine can replace the human touch of my libary family members.Thank you!" (Barbara S.)

'New' to the area -- "When I first moved to Athens, it was years before I was treated like I was a resident except for the librarians in the Athens library. Debbie and Doris were so kind, even when, as homeschoolers, we'd check out heaps of books and cd's from libraries all over, and often returned many other books we check out from other libraries while traveling. Never a complaint from them. They will always set aside whatever they are doing and ALL librarians are ALWAYS busy! to help us and others with anything we need, help find information, or share tidbits on our lives. I've lived in Athens for 6 years now, and am still considered something of a newcomer, but my librarians treat us like we've lived here forever. " (Shahara L.)

Like Discovering A Gold Mine! -- "I've never really been much of a reader, nor have I really cared about any library in the past. I graduated from college just a couple years ago and got a job here in Wausau. I was killing time one day when I stopped at the MCPL. During that first visit my eyes were opened, and it was like I was discovering a whole new world for the first time. I've now been living here about a year, and I've checked out countless books on filmmaking, architecture, Christianity, cooking, etc. and I also enjoy the magazine selection. My biggest find was the CDs and DVDs on hand. I never realized that libraries carried those kinds of materials! I've been checking out a couple movies a week, in hopes of seeing all of the American Film Institute's 100 Greatest Films of AllTime of which the library has nearly all! It was really a great discovery for me, and now it is honestly one of my favorite, most relaxing things to do. I never would've believed that I could spend so much time inside a library. Thank you MCPL and your staff for everything you provide to this community!" (Andy W.)

Love the library -- "When I was introduced to the Marathon County Public Library system many years ago when I was young, it started a great love affair. Where else can you have so many adventures, learn new things and experience different cultures all for free. If I am in the mood for suspense, mystery, scifi or romance, I can find it at the library. If I need to learn how to do some household maintenance or research a career in aviation, I can find it at the library. If I need to check my email or pick up tax forms, I can find it at the library. And if I can't find it, there are always friendly staff members willing to help me. I have visited many of the Marathon County Public Library locations and found them all to be vital to the communities they serve. I for one could not live without them. So as you can see, I love the library! Thank you for being a part of my life." (Susan K.)

What a gem we have! -- "I believe our library system is one of the true gems of our community. I have been an avid reader my whole life and have used our library regularly since moving here 23 years ago. Over that time I have personally seen an explosion in usage of the library. I usually go to the Mosinee branch but stop in at the other sites whenever I get a chance. I'm amazed at all the items available at each site. I used to be one of the few who would be in the library and now there's a crowd. People depend on the computer and internet access and ability to check out books and other resources the library has available. The staff is always friendly and helpful to patrons. It would be a sad day if these services were lessened. The quality of life for many residents of our area would not be as good." (Karen Z.)

Daily Drive goes quickly! -- "I have been enjoying Books on Tape or CD since we came to this area 8 years ago. I am a reader but can never read all the books I want because of time constraints. The books my wife requests for me on CD to listen to and from work in Wausau makes the drive go so quickly AND I keep up with my favorite authors! Thanks for a great Library!" (Daniel S.)

love the library -- "the library has been a very important part of my childrens life for the last 6 yrs. as a stay at home mom money is always tight so i relay on teh programs that MCPL offers. we have used all the story times from baby to preschool over the years and love the story teller ladies. they make my kids day getting to know them and remember them. now with the new movies showing at the library it is just another great feature we get to enjoy. we love all the children dvd that are offered for renting." (Michelle G.)

When I moved here... -- "When I moved here from a large Wisconsin city two years ago to a rural area outside Wausau I was relieved to see Wausau had this beautiful 3story library where I could find tons of info pertaining to my new way of life here. The staff has been friendly and helpful and the books sales helped me stock my own library at home for a minimum cost. It's one of the more friendly, comfortable and userfriendly libraries I've been in I've been in many, from city to municipal to different college ones..... MCPL has more computers for public use than I've seen at a library and I see they are often used. And having recently been to a few of your computer classes to get up to speed with the Windows 7 on my laptop I can only praise them as being informative and useful. Keep up the good work!" (Peggy E.)

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