Marathon County Public Library

July 11, 2019

If you see some orange barrels and big machinery blocking traffic in front of our Wausau Headquarters over the next week, don’t fret! Beginning July 11, a small road construction project will begin on First Street between Washington Street and Scott Street in downtown Wausau (directly in front of our Wausau Headquarters). First Street will remain open throughout the project, though traffic will be slowed and some lanes may be temporarily closed. The project is expected to last approximately one week. MCPL Wausau will remain open and fully-functional throughout this project, and patrons will still be able to access our parking lot along First Street. For those who want to access the library and avoid...

June 25, 2019

This summer, MCPL is celebrating “A Universe of Stories” with its summer library program! Adults can write short reviews of books that they read and earn rewards along the way.  Every adult will receive a reward for the first book review that they submit. Prizes they can choose from include books, water bottles, bumper stickers, USB drives, ear buds or tote bags. After their initial review, adults can claim a reward for every fifth book review they turn in. Reviews will be accepted and rewards will be given out through August 30, and rewards vary by location. For more information, contact your local MCPL, or visit www.mcpl.us/slp!   

April 29, 2019

If your school, organization or daycare wants to bring students or members to see what the library is all about, you can plan a group visit! Groups of 10 or more can schedule a guided tour of any MCPL location and learn about the various materials and services we have to offer. Groups can also get an aquarium lesson, learn how to use the library catalog or attend a special story time just for them! Group visit applications can be found and filled out at www.mcpl.us/group-visits. For more information, call 715-261-7200.  

April 27, 2019

Summer in Wisconsin is also known as “road construction season,” but this year, it also brings the return of Marathon County’s Uniform Addressing project! The Uniform Addressing project began its implementation phase in 2018 and will resume in May 2019. From spring through fall, the municipalities of Berlin, Bern, Brighton, Halsey, Hamburg, Holton, Hull, Johnson, Rib Falls, Rietbrock, the Town of Spencer and Stettin will receive new Uniform Addresses, and MCPL is here to help! If you or someone you know lives in one of these municipalities and has questions, visit any MCPL location to pick up a free Quick Reference Guide, call the Reference Desk at 715-261-7230 or visit www.MyMarathonCountyAddress.org...

April 26, 2019

This year, MCPL will transport kids into the cosmos with its Summer Library Program! This year’s theme is “A Universe of Stories,” and we’ve planned three months of fun, entertaining and educational events for kids, tweens and teens!  May 28 through August 30, kids, tweens and teens can read books and submit reviews containing their thoughts about what they read. (Adults can do this, too!) Participants will receive a reward for each review they turn in. Younger children (pre-K) can instead complete a reading and activity sheet with their parent/caregiver and receive a prize once their sheet is complete! We also have a ton of great events scheduled at all nine MCPL locations, including visits...

April 24, 2019

Patrons are the lifeblood of the Marathon County Public Library, and we want to know how you use the library and how we may better serve you! MCPL is reevaluating the hours at its nine library locations and we need input from you, our wonderful patrons! Over the next several weeks and months, we will be soliciting input from the public in the form of a survey to help gauge what would serve you best while also taking the service and safety of our staff into consideration. Any changes that may result from this survey will be used to maximize our operational hours to make them as consistent as possible among locations.  The survey can be taken online here, and paper copies are...

April 15, 2019

The sight of melting snow, budding trees and blooming flowers are all signs that spring is here, and the Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) has one more hallmark to add to the mix! For the second year in a row, MCPL will offer Trail Tales, an interactive outdoor reading experience that families can enjoy together as the temperatures get warmer and folks head outdoors. From April 22 through May 20, kids and families will have the opportunity to walk along the scenic River Edge Trail in downtown Wausau and read the pages of two children’s books that will be posted along the way. The trail will run north-to-south from Kickbusch Plaza (which begins behind MCPL’s Wausau Headquarters) to the River Life...

April 11, 2019

Due to the weather, the Marathon County Public Library's Hatley Branch will close today, April 11, at 5 p.m. Weather permitting, the branch will resume its normal hours and reopen tomorrow, April 12.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at our Wausau headquarters. Thank you! 

March 21, 2019

Marathon County's Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department is responsible for maintaining over 60 parks, trails, forest units and recreational facilities across Marathon County. These properties include Marathon Park, Wausau's outdoor pools, the Dells of the Eau Claire Park, Sylvan Hill, The 400 Block, Mountain-Bay Trail and other scenic gems around the area.  Through April 14, the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department is conducting a public survey of park and recreational facilities as part of an update to the County’s Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. As a valued member of the community, you're invited to take an online survey that will let the County know what you think...

February 12, 2019

Due to the winter storm hitting central Wisconsin today, February 12, the Marathon County Public Library will close its Wausau Headquarters and all of its branch libraries at 5 p.m. As previously announced, the Stratford Branch will be closed the entire day today. This means that today's Facebook Fundamentals - Part 2 class and the meeting of the Hatley Book Club will also be canceled. Weather permitting, MCPL will resume its normal hours and reopen tomorrow, February 13.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at our Wausau headquarters. Thank you!

February 7, 2019

Due to the winter storm hitting central Wisconsin today, February 7, the Marathon County Public Library will close its Wausau Headquarters and all seven of its branch libraries at 5 p.m. The Hatley Branch will close one hour earlier, at 4 p.m. The Friends of the Marathon County Public Library Book Sale, originally scheduled for tonight from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., has also been canceled. The sale will continue as planned on February 8, 9 and 10. In addition to the book sale, tonight's monthly meeting of Pokémon Club at MCPL Wausau, the Needle Arts event at MCPL Wausau, and the DIY Decoupage Jar event scheduled at our Hatley Branch have also been canceled.   Weather permitting, MCPL will resume...

February 6, 2019

Are you a local high school graduate who wouldn't mind parting with your high school yearbook? Or are you helping a family member de-clutter and have some yearbooks to get rid of? The Marathon County Public Library might want them! MCPL’s Wausau Headquarters houses a large collection of local high school yearbooks, including the Wausau East (formerly Wausau High School) Wahiscan, Wausau West Aurora, Newman High School Cardinal (formerly The Red Hat), the D.C. Everest Everette, and Faith Christian Academy annual. In addition, our Marathon City Branch has a limited collection of the Marathon High School Fleetfoot, and our Mosinee Branch also recently acquired a small collection of the Mosinee High School...

January 25, 2019

Have you used the Overdrive or Libby apps in the last year? If you have, then you were one of the millions of people who checked out items in 2018, when these two apps had a record year for checkouts and downloads! Overdrive has reported that, nationwide, about 274 million e-books and audiobooks were checked out via Overdrive and Libby last year. 185 million of those checkouts were for e-books, while 88 million were audiobooks. 43,000 libraries across the U.S. are part of the Overdrive and Libby systems, thus proving their is a strong demand for digital content. Wisconsin's Digital Library (the system that the Marathon County Public Library and its patrons have access to) did spectacularly well,...

January 5, 2019

Earlier this week, the world celebrated the end of 2018 and the start of a new year, and we’re already nearly a full week into January! While everyone here at the Marathon County Public Library is excited to see what 2019 will bring, we can’t help but reflect back on the past year and all of the events, milestones and innovations that we experienced over the past 12 months. While the following isn’t a complete list of all of our accomplishments from 2018, we’ve compiled some of the highlights. Now, we can’t wait to see all that 2019 brings! First LENA Start sessions in Wisconsin held Beginning in February, MCPL Wausau hosted the first two LENA Start sessions in the state of Wisconsin. The program...

January 2, 2019

After the success of last year's first-ever Martin Luther King Jr. "Day On," all Marathon County Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, January 21, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In addition, most other county agencies and offices will also be closed. Like last year, this MLK Day won’t be a day off for library staff and other county employees. Instead, the county has put together a  “day on” inservice so that county employees can attend various different educational programs based around the ideals promoted by Dr. King. These many seminars, workshops and talks revolve around Dr. King’s teachings of diversity, non-violence and poverty. Highlights of this...

December 28, 2018

As you can imagine, most Marathon County Public Library staff members love to read. A lot. And when you’re surrounded by books day after day, your “to read” list only seems to grow. At this time of the year, we like to reflect back on the past 12 months and think about all of the titles that we read. Though it can be difficult for folks to pick just one favorite out of numerous others, our staff members got together and each selected their favorite read of 2018. This year’s selections include thrilling mysteries, an autobiography of one of today’s most popular comedians, best-selling historical dramas and more. After taking a look at what we’ve been reading, tell us - what was YOUR favorite book that you...

December 21, 2018

Starting last October, the Marathon County Public Library began offering access to Newspapers.com to its patrons. Owned by Ancestry.com, Newspapers.com bills itself as the largest newspaper archive site on the Internet, providing its users with access to over 11,000 newspapers ranging from the 1700s through the 2000s, with new issues being added on a monthly basis. The decision to offer Newspapers.com to library patrons was made earlier this year by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The site will be used as a replacement for Access NewspaperARCHIVE, a similar resources that the DPI discontinued using earlier this year. Newspapers.com is an online resource that many patrons have requested...

December 19, 2018

Are you looking to become more savvy with your personal computer, iPhone or iPad? Is there something you want to sell on Craigslist, but you don’t know where to start? Beginning in January, MCPL Wausau will begin hosting a series of technology-related classes on an almost-weekly basis. Included in the lineup of classes are returning favorites, including Intro to Microsoft Excel, Intro to Libby & E-books, and Facebook Fundamentals. But new classes with a different focus will also be offered, including Intro to Microsoft Word and Resume Building, Basics of the iPhone and iPad, The Wide World of Google Resources and the Basics of Craigslist. Whether you want to get more comfortable with Google, buy and...

December 6, 2018

It’s the holidays once again, and that means an annual visit from the Spencer High School Handbell Choir! This talented group of teens visited our Spencer Branch on the morning of December 4 to spread holiday cheer to a large group of community members who attended. The choir performed for nearly an hour, and performed a wide variety of holiday music, free of charge. A visit from the handbell choir has become an annual tradition, with the group visiting the Spencer Branch every December for the last few years. If you missed the concert, you can get a feel for what it was like by watching the video below, in which the group performs “We Three Kings,” for a delighted audience!

November 7, 2018

In late September, the Marathon County Public Library - along with several community partners, including UW-Stevens Point at Wausau's Lecture & Fine Arts Series, Janke Book Store, Barnes & Noble , and more - offered the second annual Central Wisconsin Book Festival. The festival consisted of nearly 20 events held at several locations in and around Wausau, including the Center for the Visual Arts, Janke Book Store, Barnes & Noble in Rib Mountain and MCPL's Wausau Headquarters, featuring a variety of topics including publishing your own books and starting a blog to a comics workshop and an art and poetry exhibition. One of the larger events held at the UWSP at Wausau campus was "...

October 27, 2018

The finale of PBS's Great American Read aired earlier this week, where the vote of the public was tallied and the most beloved book of America was revealed.  What topped the list, you ask? It may come as no surprise that Harper Lee's beloved novel To Kill a Mockingbird was crowned the most loved book. Read by young adults and adults for decades, Harper Lee's novel is cherished by many. To Kill a Mockingbird was followed up by two series in the second and third spots, Outlander and Harry Potter.  In what order did Americans rank the rest of the books on the list? See for yourself below! Plus, you can check out any of these books through MCPL's catalog, our interlibrary loan system, or...

September 26, 2018

From September 24 through September 28, the Marathon County Public Library is honoring Wisconsin veterans with a temporary exhibit at its Spencer Branch. The exhibit, called Wisconsin Remembers: A Face for Every Name is a traveling exhibit that features the name and photo of over 1,600 Wisconsin veterans who served in the Vietnam War.  The photos featured on the traveling memorial wall also appear on the official Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. “Sometimes, it is more than just doing a program. This one hits home to many,” said Audrey Kohlbeck, Spencer Branch Coordinator, who arranged for the traveling wall to come to Spencer. To commemorate this weeklong tribute, the...

August 22, 2018

This summer, the Marathon County Public Library once again encouraged kids and families to donate money to help animals in need with its Pennies for Animals program, which ran June 11-August 11. Throughout the summer, kids donated their spare change and other monetary donations, raising a total of $100! Along with donating money, kids could also vote for which animal-focused organization they wanted to receive the funds, and the winner of the vote was the Humane Society of Marathon County! MCPL wants to thank everyone who donated money -- and the animals want to thank you, too!

July 21, 2018

We are pleased to announce that the children’s area at the Marathon County Public Library’s Wausau Headquarters has reopened! The children’s area was closed for four days due to flooding caused by a pipe at the library. The children’s area is back to being fully-operational, meaning folks can browse for books, play, consult the children’s desk, use the self check-out, participate in our Summer Library Program and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, and attend kid-centric library events. We appreciate your patience over the last few days and hope to see you soon!

July 17, 2018

The children’s area at the Marathon County Public Library’s Wausau Headquarters is temporarily closed this week. It will reopen again soon, though an exact date has yet to be determined. Though the physical space itself will be closed to the public during the closure, patrons are still allowed to request and check out materials located in the children’s area by asking one of our helpful staff members to retrieve the item(s) for you. All of the upcoming events we have planned for kids and tweens – including this week’s Summer Craft Day, Teen Craft Day and our weekly story times – will be held as scheduled. We will update the public on social media when the children’s area reopens.

July 7, 2018

Next weekend finds us smack dab in the middle of summer and time for Wausau’s annual “Big Weekend,” consisting of Wausau Events’ Balloon & Rib Fest and Chalkfest. This event has been held every year for the past 15 years and has become a staple of summertime in Wausau. Hundreds of artists will work tirelessly in the heat (and sometimes in some rain showers) to work on their creations, adorning downtown Wausau’s 400 Block with cartoon characters, celebrity portraits, inspiring messages and more. Registration for this year’s Chalkfest has already sold out, as it often does. But if you want to work on your skills for next year’s event (or just see what you can do on your own driveway or sidewalk), check...

July 5, 2018

The Friends of the Marathon County Public Library are getting ready for their next book sale (August 2-5), but they need your help! The Friends are asking members of the public to donate paper grocery store bags to be used at future book sales. The bags are needed for the $6 bag sale usually held on the final day of each book sale, where folks can purchase as many books as they can fit in one bag for just $6.  The paper grocery story bags can be dropped off at MCPL’s Wausau Headquarters any time the library is open. For more information, call 715-261-7240.

May 7, 2018

The Marathon County Public Library's Mosinee Branch will be closed starting today due to a roofing construction project. The branch will remain closed throughout the coming days until the project is complete.We will follow-up with updates as we receive them and notify the public when the branch is set to reopen. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to have the branch open again as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding!

May 2, 2018

Most of the story times at the Marathon County Public Library's Wausau Headquarters will go on a brief hiatus later this month as the library gears up for its annual Summer Library Program. From May 14 through June 10, Book Babies, Tales for Tots, Preschool Story Time, Family Story Time and Sensory Story Time will not be offered. The weekly Play and Learn story times on Friday mornings will continue to be held each week. The weekly Family Story Times at our Edgar, Mosinee and Spencer branches will also go on hold from June through August to make way for all of the fun, interactive events those locations have planned. Those story times will resume in September. For more information on MCPL's story...

April 25, 2018

Beginning May 26, the front entrance of our Mosinee Branch (along Main St.) will be temporarily closed while the City of Mosinee completes work on the sidewalk in front of the library building. For the time being, patrons are asked to use the side entrance of the library (along 2nd St.), which is located next to the branch's overnight book drop. This entrance is also wheelchair accessible. The sidewalk project is expected to last approximately one week and theMosinee Branch will continue to fully operate during this project, with no library hours or events affected. For more information, contact the Marathon County Public Library's Mosinee Branch at 715-693-2144.

April 14, 2018

Due to the weather, the Marathon County Public Library's Hatley Branch will be closed today, April 14. The branch will reopen on Monday, April 16, with its normal hours. We apologize for any inconvenience and wish everyone a safe and happy weekend!

April 10, 2018

It's National Library Week (April 8-14), and the American Library Association (ALA) just released the 10 most challenged books of 2017. These are titles are ones that folks have most frequently attempted to remove from different schools and libraries across the United States for various reasons. Since the ALA (and most libraries) strive to provide a wide range of materials that appeal to all different kinds of people, removing materials from a library collection and other forms of censorship are not ideal. Below is the ALA's most challenged books of last year. Take a gander at the list below and tell us what you think. Are there any titles on the list that you've read? Any titles that you're surprised to...

March 28, 2018

Last month, the American Library Association announced its 2018 Youth Media Award Winners! These titles are considered to be the best current books for children, tweens and teens in literature. Take a look at this year's winners (and some of the runners-up) and see which ones appeal to you most. The John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature was awarded to Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly. Three Newbery Honor Books also were named: Crown, and Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes, Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds and Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson. The Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most...

March 21, 2018

In a few short weeks, Marathon County's Conservation, Planning and Zoning Department will begin the installation phase of its new Uniform Addressing System, which will change more than 20,000 address county-wide. In anticipation of the project's tentative April 9 start date, the county will begin sending out a staggered mailing of Official Notices to property owners whose addresses will be changing as a result of the project. Official Notices will be mailed in a series of batches between late March and November, beginning on the east side of the county and moving west. Property owners will receive the notice a few weeks before sign installation is set to begin in their...

March 14, 2018

Famed scientist, theoretical physicist, cosmologist, astronomer, mathematician and author Stephen Hawking passed away yesterday, leaving behind a legendary body of work challenging our knowledge of the cosmos and what it holds for humankind. Hawking was 76. Some of the British-born scientist's most famous works include A Brief History of Time, The Theory of Everything and The Grand Design, which explore the ideas of time, how the universe was created, parallel dimensions, what will happen when the universe ceases to exist and other quantum physics theories. Despite being diagnosed with a rare early-onset form of ALS at the age of 21, Hawking continued teaching, researching and sharing his findings and...

February 28, 2018

Every year, a decent selection of films based on books get nominated for various Academy Awards. These films are generally a mix of more obscure titles while others are based on best-selling and widely-known books. This year is no different, with a total of 16 films nominated for everything from Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Animated Feature to Best Sound Mixing and Best Visual Effects. These films are made up of everything from gripping novels and biographies to beloved children's books and comic books.  Before the Oscars telecast this Sunday, take a look at the list below and see which books you've already read (or try to read a few before Sunday's ceremony!)   

February 14, 2018

Today is Valentine's Day, and love is in the air!  Over the past few weeks, we've been asking adults at our nine library locations and online to tell us what love means to them in six words or less. Folks were limited to a total of three entries per person and could write about any kind of love - love for a friend or family member, significant other, pet, hobby, song, food, inanimate object, etc. We received 16 entries in total, and originally planned on picking our favorites but...we couldn't! We liked all of your entries so much that you're all winners in our book. Read the submitted entries below and put a little love in your heart!   Attentive devoted loving care given faithfully! –...

January 26, 2018

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our Edgar Branch will be closed until further notice. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and hope to have the branch open again as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding!

January 26, 2018

It's officially tax season, and countless patrons have been calling, chatting and visiting the Marathon County Public Library to inquire about the availability of state and federal tax forms. While we have received most forms, we are still waiting for a few final ones to arrive. As of February 19, 2018, we have received all of the state forms that we requested from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. These forms include the Form 1, Form 1A, Form WI-Z, Schedule H/HEZ (includes rent certificate) and the Form WD, as well as the instruction booklets for each of these. Additional forms can be found on the state's Department of Revenue website and can be printed off at any MCPL location at a cost of .10 cents...

January 23, 2018

If you happen to receive a postcard in the mail like the one pictured here, you're one of the more than 20,000 Marathon County residents who will receive a new address as part of Marathon County's new Uniform Addressing System. This means that later this year (between April and November 2018), residents, business owners and landowners in 41 different Marathon County municipalities will receive a new six-digit uniform address, with a goal of helping emergency services provide the right service to the right place at the right time.  Some residents may feel overwhelmed by the fact they will be receiving a new address, but Marathon County is committed to helping people through this change....

January 9, 2018

Each winter and spring, the Marathon County Public Library offers a selection of the basic state and federal tax forms for the public to take, free of charge. MCPL Wausau and its branch libraries generally receive these forms shortly before or after the first of the year, but this year, they have still not arrived. Over the past few weeks, we've had many patrons stop in to ask one popular question: "Where are your tax forms?" While we do not know when they will arrive, we can tell you that the forms have been requested. In the meantime, this year's state tax forms can be downloaded and printed from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website. You can do that at home or we can print them off for you at...

January 4, 2018

Did you recently purchase an Instant Pot or receive one has a gift? Then your next step is to visit the Marathon County Public Library to learn about everything you can do with it! Instant Pots were a popular gift idea this past holiday season. This electric, programmable kitchen appliance supposedly helps folks save time when cooking, making it easier for people to make vegetables and other healthier foods. According to the manufacturer, these kitchen gadgets can act as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, sauté/browning pan, steamer and warming pot, meaning you can do the bulk of your cooking all in one place! Now that it's open and out of the package, what can you...

January 2, 2018

All Marathon County Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, January 15, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. But this MLK Day won’t be a day off for library staff and other county employees. Instead, the county has organized a “day on” where county offices and agencies will be closed so that its employees can attend a number of educational programs based around the ideals promoted by Dr. King. The programs will revolve around Dr. King’s teachings of diversity, non-violence and poverty. Planned speakers for the day include Stan Davis, owner of the Davis Group of Wisconsin and former Chief of Staff to former Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle; as well as county employees with specialized...

January 1, 2018

A common problem among MCPL employees is that the list of books we want to read continues to grow week after week but we just don't have the time to read everything. If you can sympathize, you probably love to sit down with a good book just as much as we do! 2017 was a great year for literature. Among the 50+ members of our staff, we read everything from comical children's books about a mouse and a chipmunk who covet the same nut to a graphic novel about a post-apocalyptic teen who ventures into the hellish Spill Zone to photograph grotesque sites for a rich benefactor. Take a look at some of our staff members' favorite books of 2017 and let us know what you think. Then, tell us...

December 31, 2017

Did you know the Marathon County Public Library is a great resource for music? Many people don't, but it's true! Each year, MCPL purchases a variety of CDs, from the latest album's featuring today's biggest hits to classic artists and albums from yesteryear.  This year's list of the top 10 most checked-out music CDs features current popular performers (Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift), as well as some compilations of today's biggest hits. Are there any artists you're surprised aren't on the list? Take a look at the list below and let us know!

December 30, 2017

Sometimes, you just want to curl up and watch a good movie. And what better place to find a selection of films (for free!) than the Marathon County Public Library? This year, patrons checked out a variety of DVDs, with the top titles being a great mix of blockbuster franchises (i.e. Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe), comedies (Ghostbusters, Bad Moms) and dramas (The Accountant, Manchester by the Sea). The most checked-out movie even had more than 250 views! Which flick do you think nabbed the top spot? Are there films you're surprised didn't make the top 10? Sound off in the comments and let us know. Then take a look at the list below and consider checking out and watching the titles...

December 29, 2017

Children's literature can be a difficult category to describe, since it consists of everything from board books for infants and picture books for beginning readers to graphic novels and series like Dork Diaries for middle schoolers and tweens.Many book series remain popular year after year, including the Harry Potter, Big Nate and Captain Underpants series, with many of these books being checked out again and again and again. There are also plenty of incredible reads that are popular but not part of a book series, such as Peter Brown's The Wild Robot, R.J. Palacio's Wonder, Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon and Sara Pennypacker's Pax, to name a few. Those books might be popular with...

December 28, 2017

With 2018 just days away, the Marathon County Public Library is reflecting upon the last year. Included in that reflection is looking at the top items checked out in several different categories, including nonfiction books.  This year's top 10 took readers to various places in time and covered a variety of topics. Readers were sent back to World War I and the sinking of the Lusitania; they visited a couple who hid people from the Nazis at their zoo during World War II; they learned techniques for tidying up their lives and becoming better people; and they learned about poverty-stricken families trying to keep a roof over their heads in Milwaukee. Take a look at MCPL's top 10 list of the most...

December 27, 2017

The end of the year is fast approaching and with only a few days left of of 2017, the Marathon County Public Library is taking a look back at the past year to see what its most check-out items of the year were.  Almost everyone has a favorite fiction author. Nicholas Sparks, John Grisham, James Patterson and Sandra Brown are just a few popular names that people often look for at MCPL, and all of those names appear on this year's list of the most checked-out fiction books of 2017. There's even one author who has TWO titles in this year's top 10. Can you guess who? Take a gander at the list below and find out!

December 20, 2017

2018 is less than two weeks away and with it will come a slew of new movies and TV series based on several popular books and book series. Oftentimes when film and television adaptations premiere, the holds list for the books they are based on can grow rather long. But you can get ahead of the curve by reading some of these titles now before they hit the big screen or are broadcast into your living room!

December 6, 2017

It's December, the rain has turned to snow and the holiday season is in full-swing! Our Spencer Branch got residents of all ages into the holiday spirit yesterday with a visit from the popular Spencer High School Handbell Ensemble. This group (who last year helped set the Guinness World Record for the largest handbell ensemble), performed a variety of holiday music for a packed audience of attendees. In case you weren't able to attend this event, we've included a sample of two of their performances below - "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Welcome Christmas" from Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. And be warned - these tunes will put you in a holly, jolly mood!   Spencer High School...

November 29, 2017

The latest film adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express hit theaters earlier this month and has since resonated with audiences, raking in nearly $200 million in the last few weeks. The film, starring Kenneth Branagh, Johnny Depp, Judy Dench and more, is based on the 1934 novel of the same name by famed mystery writer Agatha Christie. If you’ve seen the film and loved it, you’re in luck – there are over 40 novels featuring her famous detective Hercule Poirot that you can dive into (as well as 12 novels featuring another one of her beloved fictional detectives, Miss Marple). But if you’ve already read through Christie’s work, never fear! Below is a list of 10 mystery novels that you may enjoy just...

November 25, 2017

Each fall, eighth grade students from the D.C. Everest School District take part in National History Day. Held annually, students around the country will conduct their own research into topics related to an overarching National History Day theme. After months of research, the students write a paper and present their final projects to school staff and the public. Winning projects are then recognized at the school's History Day Award Ceremony.  This year's National History Day theme is "Taking a Stand in History." Inevitably, many students participating in National History Day visit their location Marathon County Public Library location to conduct their research and to acquire various published written...

November 21, 2017

Thanksgiving is just two days away, with many people gathering their ingredients, digging out their family recipes and planning their trips home.  But some community members aren't fortunate enough to have the financial resources for a Thanksgiving meal, or to have a place to spend the holiday. Luckily, there are handful of generous organizations and establishments that will offer free Thanksgiving meals during certain hours on November 22 and 23. The organizations and businesses offering these meals are spread across Wausau and its surrounding communities, making them easy to access no matter which part of the city you reside in.   Blue Willow Cafe  Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.,...

November 20, 2017

The 68th annual National Book Awards were held on November 15 in New York City. The National Book Foundation awarded the prestigious honor of a National Book Award to authors and poets in four different literary categories - Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry and Young People's Literature.  The winner of the NBA for Fiction was Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward. In the book, siblings Jojo and Kayla are being raised by their grandparents, Mam and Pop, while their drug-addicted mother Leonie is in and out of their lives. When their father is released from prison, Leonie takes her kids and sets out on a journey to the Mississippi State Penitentiary. The Future is History: How Totalitarianism...

November 2, 2017

Beginning November 1, open enrollment began for those wanting to purchase insurance coverage for 2018 via the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) health insurance marketplace. This open enrollment period runs through December 15, with insurance coverage beginning January 1. The ACA health insurance exchanges are intended for citizens who aren't eligible for health insurance benefits from their employer and who aren't enrolled in another kind of insurance program, such as Medicare or Medicaid. Despite the ongoing debate around repealing and/or revamping the ACA, it currently is still the law. While health insurance companies offering plans via the marketplace are no longer getting reimbursed for their...

September 27, 2017

We are smack-dab in the middle of Banned Books Week, which is an annual initiative organized by the American Library Association (ALA) celebrating the freedom to read.  Banned Books Weeks is all about celebrating every person's right to read whatever it is they want, Library staff, book sellers, publishers, journalists and readers across the country often tend to celebrate this week, as they continue to advocate for the expression of diverse ideas and stories, despite the attempt to censor or challenge certain titles by some folks who disagree with their content or viewpoint. Below is a list compiled by the ALA of the most-frequently challenged books of 2016, based on more than 300...

August 25, 2017

We’ve recently completed our months-long Pennies for a Cause campaign at the library’s Wausau Headquarters! The campaign, which ran 6/12-8/12 in the children’s area, gave kids and parents the chance to donate coins to be given to a local charitable organization. With each donation, folks also voted for which organization they wanted to receive the money. And now, the votes are in! Nearly $100 was raised throughout the summer and will be donated to the Humane Society of Marathon County, which garnered the most votes, with a total of 54! Runners up include New Life Pet Adoption Center, which received 43 votes, and Stable Hands Equine Therapy Center, with 29 votes. MCPL sincerely thanks all of the generous...

August 7, 2017

If you’re like us, you’ve been eagerly anticipating the total solar eclipse that will happen on August 21, 2017. This out-of-this-world event is something that’s a long time coming, with the last total eclipse to be visible across the entire contiguous United States having happened in 1918 (and not since 1979 has a total eclipse been visible from the mainland United States). The next one will not occur until 2024, and who wants to wait that long to see one again? We here at MCPL have been talking about and planning our own Solar Eclipse Viewing Party for over a year and have tons of fun activities planned for patrons of all ages! Beginning at 11 a.m. on August 21 at our Wausau Headquarters, we’ll show...

July 12, 2017

This summer, children can brush up on their reading skills by attending our weekly Paws to Read events, happening at our Wausau Headquarters, Mosinee Branch and Rothschild Branch. During these sessions, kids have the opportunity to read to very relaxed and well-behaved therapy dogs, courtesy Therapy Dogs of Central Wisconsin. They can sit with their parent, guardian or caretaker as well as the dog’s handler and read from a book of their choosing. Reading to a therapy dog can be a great benefit for a child because it gets them to read out loud without fear of being ridiculed. Some children don’t have a sibling, parent or friend willing to listen to them, or may have been teased in the past for mispronouncing...

June 24, 2017

If your family enjoys nature and reading, you’re in luck! MCPL and Monk Botanical Gardens are teaming up again to present the second annual StoryWalk® Weekend July 15 and 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Monk Gardens, located at 1800 N. First Ave., Wausau. The pages of eight children’s storybooks will be mounted page-by-page along scenic walking trails, and children and their families can read these pages while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. This year’s featured books include “The Pout-Pout Fish” by Deborah Diesen, “Creepy Carrots” by Aaron Reynolds and “Katie and the Sunflowers” by James Mayhew, among others. Attendees can also participate in a variety of activities at the end of each trail,...

June 23, 2017

What better way to beat the heat than to escape to your local (air-conditioned) library for a few hours of crafting? Throughout June and July, multiple MCPL locations will host crafting events for children of all ages. Crafts will include making sparkling dragonflies, dazzling suns, salt paintings and more! Examples of some of these crafts are shown in this article. Visit www.mcpl.us/crafts for the complete schedule of forthcoming craft events!

June 16, 2017

The kids are out of school, the temperatures are rising and summer is finally upon us! June, July and August are always busy months here at the Marathon County Public Library (and just about everywhere else), with a full calendar of events and activities to attend throughout the summer. We have plenty on our plate with our annual Summer Library Program offerings, with many of our events corresponding with other events and holidays happening across Marathon County. While it’s far from a complete guide, take a look at some of the crossover events we have planned for the coming months in relation to other popular events happening this summer in your community! Celebrate the USA Story Time Tue., 6/27/17...

June 12, 2017

Today marks the beginning of OverDrive's next Big Library Read, where patrons can get immediate access to Marie Benedict's debut novel The Other Einstein without having to wait! Now through June 26, MCPL patrons can log into their account on OverDrive (also known as Wisconsin's Digital Library) and borrow The Other Einstein on their smartphone, computer or tablet using the OverDrive app. The Big Library Read, held a handful of times each year, is a huge global e-book club where patrons can all read and discuss the same title together. The Other Einstein is the story of Albert Einstein's wife Mitza Maric, a brilliant physicist in her own right. Mitza has always been a...

May 18, 2017

Netflix's new hit series 13 Reasons Why has been in the news a lot recently due to its popularity with viewers and a bit of controversy. The show, based on the 2007 young adult novel by Jay Asher, follows a a teenager named Clay who receives a box of cassette tapes from his classmate, Hannah, detailing what led up to her suicide. The show has been criticized by some who claim the show (and book) glorify suicide, though it has garnered great reviews and has been popular with both teen and adult viewers alike. The series was recently renewed for a second season, which will air on Netflix in 2018. If you're a fan of the book or the series, here is a list of 13 other YA novels that will also...

May 8, 2017

With summer just around the corner, the Marathon County Public Library is putting some of their children's story times on hold in order to gear up for their upcoming Summer Library Program! Beginning today, May 8, all story times at MCPL Wausau will go on hiatus, including their Family Story Time, Preschool Story Time, Tales for Tots and Book Babies. All of these story times will resume on June 6.  Story time changes will also be coming to the MCPL branches this summer. Weekly Family Story Times at the Edgar, Mosinee, Spencer and Stratford Branches will take a break for the entire summer, returning in early September. The Marathon City Branch's Family Story Time will meet as planned throughout the...

May 3, 2017

There’s no shortage of new releases at MCPL, with new items arriving on a weekly basis. While the waiting list for some highly-anticipated books, DVDs and CDs can be quite long, there is often another way you can check out these items without having to wait several weeks: the Lucky Day shelf!  Each MCPL location has a Lucky Day shelf near the circulation desk that is stocked with high-demand items, like James Patterson’s new novel “Black Box” or the DVD release of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” Patrons cannot place a hold on these items, but rather must be lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to see them on the shelf and check them out! Checkout periods for these items...

April 26, 2017

Earlier this year, we acquired a new Wii U gaming console for in-house use by children and tweens at MCPL Wausau! The Wii U was purchased using funds generously provided by the Friends of the Marathon County Public Library. Not only is this system more up-to-date than the standard Wii console that came before it, but it also allows youngsters to play a wider array of games, including titles for the standard console and ones made specifically for Wii U. Additionally, MCPL offers a wide array of video games for systems like the Wii, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Playstation 4, and more for checkout! These games can be requested from any of the nine MCPL locations and can be borrowed for 14 days at a time. For more...

April 19, 2017

Staff of the Marathon County Public Library celebrated the opening of their newly-completed Wausau Community Room on April 5. Located on the second floor of the library's Wausau Headquarters, the community room was built to allow for easier patron access and to replace the library's third floor meeting room. Library Director Ralph Illick cut the ceremonius ribbon at the unveiling, which was organized by the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce and was attended by library staff, Marathon County Administrator Brad Karger, employees of the Wisconsin Valley Library Service, members of the Marathon County Board and library board, members of the MCPL Foundation, volunteers from the Friends of Marathon...

April 1, 2017

With spring nearly here, the Marathon County Public Library is getting ready to celebrate National Library Week (NLW)! This year’s NLW will be held April 9-15 and all nine MCPL locations (as well as thousands of libraries across the country) will be participating with a variety of events for all ages! To go along with this year’s theme of “Libraries Transform,” kids can create traditional bookmarks all week long at our Wausau Headquarters and Rothschild, Spencer, and Stratford Branches. Our Mosinee Branch will also “Drop Everything and Read” on April 12 with a special event focused crafts related to characters created by children’s author Beverly Cleary, like Ramona Quimby! Adults can look forward to...

March 24, 2017

The Marathon County Public Library is happy to announce that the drive thru at its Wausau Headquarters will reopen for public use at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 27! Located on the west side of the building, MCPL Wausau's drive thru has been closed since last October due to a construction project occuring in the library's basement area. That lower level is being renovated in order to move the Friends of the Marathon County Public Library down from their current home on the library's third floor. Though this project is still ongoing, it is far enough along for the drive thru to reopen to the public. Aside from picking up requested items, patrons may also pay their fines at the...

March 4, 2017

Is one of the technological devices in your life causing you grief? Or did you recently get a new device and aren’t sure how to use it? Join us for the new Tech Time service at our Wausau Headquarters! Library staff will be available by appointment every week to help folks set up email accounts, save files digitally, learn Internet basics, get acquainted with their new tablet or laptop, learn how to set up and use certain social media accounts and more! (Staff cannot, however, install software unrelated to library services, run diagnostics, remove viruses or perform other technical support services.) Interested patrons can book Tech Time appointments every Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. Walk-ins are also...

February 28, 2017

Kids visited our Wausau Headquarters recently to celebrate a day off of school with some pet-themed activities and crafts. One of the crafts involved making “pipe cleaner pets” using just a few simple items. Folks who missed that event can still make a pet of their own by following the directions below! Supplies: Scissors, pipe cleaners, pencil, tape. Instructions: Wrap a pipe cleaner around the pen or pencil to form a spiral. Leave a straight, unwrapped section at each end of the pipe cleaner to act as the neck and the tail. Slide the pencil out and set it aside. Using a scissors, cut out one of the pet faces seen here. Tape it on the “neck” end of the pipe cleaner. Using another pipe...

January 9, 2017

New environments can be intimidating for any child, but for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder, that fear can be amplified. New places – especially those in public – come with all sorts of unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, all of which can be overwhelming for kids on the spectrum. With our new monthly Sensory Story Time starting up in just a few days, we’ve put together a short photo slideshow to help better acquaint kids and parents with the library’s entrance and children’s area, which we hope will help them prepare for what to expect when visiting our Wausau Headquarters.  

January 4, 2017

Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the United States, affecting 1 in every 68 children, according to Autism Speaks, a nationwide nonprofit autism advocacy organization. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be a broad diagnosis, encompassing folks with various levels of functioning. Common characteristics of ASD include difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors, with the most obvious signs becoming apparent around ages 2-3. MCPL will begin offering a brand-new 30-minute story time designed with children with ASD and Sensory Processing Disorder in mind, as well as typically-developing children and kids who may have difficulty...

December 29, 2016

With the new year just a few days away, we at the Marathon County Public Library are taking the time to see which materials have been the most popular with our patrons here in northcental Wisconsin. We took a look at the number of check-outs each item had and have put together lists of the most popular items in each category. Some folks don't like the idea if listening to audiobooks while others can't get enough them. After all, who doesn't love hearing a good story, right? MCPL's patrons love a good audiobook by some of the most popular authors in literature, including J.K. Rowling, James Patterson, Danielle Steele and Janet Evanovich. Take a look for yourself at the 10 most-checked out audiobooks...

December 28, 2016

With just a few days left to 2016, we at the Marathon County Public Library are reflecting on the past 12 months and analyzing which materials have been the most popular with our patrons here in northcentral Wisconsin. When it comes to the top 10 most-checked out nonfiction books, it looks like many folks wanted to improve their lives in one way or another, whether it was through organizing and tidying up their personal spaces (see the top spot and #8) or through eating and living healther (#2, 5, 6, and 10).  Take a look for yourself at the 10 most-checked out adult nonfiction books of 2016 at all nine MCPL branches. Consider seeing why they're so popular by checking them out...

December 27, 2016

With 2016 coming to a close, we at the Marathon County Public Library are taking a look back at the past year to see what items have been most popular with our patrons here in northcentral Wisconsin. When it comes to adult fiction, it seems that patrons can’t get enough mysteries, thrillers, and other action-packed books by popular authors like John Grisham, Janet Evanovich and James Patterson. Like the rest of the country, they have also been swept away by World War II epics like All the Light We Cannot See and The Nightingale, both of which spent much of the year on the New York Times Best Sellers list. Take a look for yourself at the 10 most-checked out adult fiction books of 2016 at all nine MCPL...

December 13, 2016

The 67th annual National Book Awards were held on November 16 in New York City. Authors and poets were awarded the coveted National Book Award in four different literary categories - Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry and Young People's Literature.  The winners of the 2016 National Book Awards are listed below. If you're inclined to check any (or all) the winners out, you're in luck; MCPL owns copies of each!   

December 7, 2016

On December 6, the award-winning Spencer High School Handbell Choir performed an hour-long concert of holiday music for folks at our Spencer Branch Library. The concert was attended by more than 30 individuals from the Spencer area and included a mixture of traditional holiday songs! The handbell choir also recently competed in a record-breaking performance at the Mall of America on November 19, which broke the Guinness World Record for the largest handbell choir performance with over 650 people participating. Take a look below as the Spencer High School Handbell Choir performs the traditional French Christmas carol “Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant” at our Spencer Branch!    

November 9, 2016

When using the Library Catalog (V-Cat) or requesting a book in person, you may have noticed the term “WVLS.” But what exactly does that mean?  WVLS stands for Wisconsin Valley Library Service, a library system that counts the Marathon County Public Library and 25 other public libraries across Clark, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida and Taylor Counties as members. WVLS operates from offices in the basement of MCPL’s Wausau Headquarters and oversees the V-Cat online catalog, offers training and support to member libraries, facilitates resource sharing, courier services and more. Because of this, patrons can check out materials from any public library in WVLS and return it to any other public library in...

October 14, 2016

Due to construction projects to improve facilities at the Wausau Headquarters, the library's drive thru will be closed starting Monday, October 17, until further notice. During this time, a portion of the library's basement will be renovated in order to move the Friends of the Marathon County Public Library down from their current home on the library's third floor. Future book sales held by the group will also be located in this revamped space. This project is expected to be completed by December 31. Patrons will still be able to pick up, return and request items inside the Wausau Headquarters and can return materials 24/7 via book return slots located around the outside of the building. Stay...

October 6, 2016

The finalists for this year's National Book Award have been announced, comprised of the best literature from the last year. Five finalists remain in the running in each of the four categories - Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry and Young People's Literature - and a winner from each will be selected and announced on November 16. Each winner will be awarded with a medal, statue and $10,000.  Take a gander at the finalists in each category below, then visit our catalog to check out and read some of them for yourself! Fiction The Throwback Special by Chris Bachelder News of the World by Paulette Jiles The Association of Small Bombs by Karan Mahajan The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead...

August 31, 2016

School is back in session, and with this comes all kinds of tests, projects and reports. What better place to gather research and study materials than your local library? In addition to books on everything from anthropology to Zentangle, MCPL has study guides for tests like the GED, ACT and LSAT that can be checked out. MCPL also has online resources for study purposes, including access to Explora, Britannica, LearningExpress and multiple databases via EBSCOhost. Need someone to administer proctored exams? MCPL has got you covered there, too, with trained staff members on-hand to set up and oversee your testing. Study rooms accommodating one to 10 people can also be reserved for private and group study...

August 15, 2016

Summer is quickly winding down, which means the time to accomplish your summer reading goals is also running out. Just like us everyday Americans, President Obama has also been working through a summer reading list of his own, comprised of titles that are new to the market as well as blockbusters that have already captivated readers around the world. If you're looking for a few more titles to add to your bookshelf before summer officially transitions into fall (or if you just want to read like the leader of the free world), check out the books President Obama has been paging through over the past few months and give them a try!

July 24, 2016

Last month, MCPL partnered with the Monk Botanical Gardens in Wausau to offer a two-part class focused on growing and cooking with your own herbs. During part one of the class, a local Master Gardener volunteer helped folks at our Wausau Headquarters plant their own herb container gardens. A week later, during part two, participants descended upon the Gardens' newly-completed outdoor kitchen garden to learn how to cook with the herbs they planted. Local chef Brian Freund led part two of the class and taught attendees how to make three different recipes using the herbs that will eventually grow in their container gardens. The first is for chimichurri, a sauce or marinade made from fresh herbs and typically...

May 18, 2016

Since its debut on April 23, critics and music fans everywhere have been buzzing about "Lemonade," the new visual album by recording artist Beyoncé. Already a music icon and a role model for many women, Beyoncé's "Lemonade" is rumored to be inspired by the singer's own marital troubles with husband Jay-Z and contains themes of female empowerment, marital conflict, betrayal, revenge and independence, all of which have seemed to hit a chord with listeners of the album. If you're enjoying Beyoncé's serving of "Lemonade," check out the following list of book read-alikes, courtesy Novelist's Book Squad. Each of these titles contains themes similar to those found in "Lemonade," written from the perspective of...

May 3, 2016

The great thing about libraries is that they offer countless materials for a wide variety of people to experience, regardless of age, race, size, background, sexual orientation, religion or economic status. Since each person has their own opinions and expectations of what constitutes a "good book," patrons across the world sometimes challenge books in an effort to have them removed from the library's collection. Each year, the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom compiles reports from libraries, schools and the media on attempts to ban books in communities across the country. Below is the ALA's list of the top 10 most-challenged books of 2015. If you're interested in seeing what...

May 2, 2016

The great thing about libraries is that they offer countless materials for a wide variety of people to experience, regardless of age, race, size, background, sexual orientation, religion or economic status. Since each person has their own opinions and expectations of what constitutes a "good book," patrons across the world sometimes challenge books in an effort to have them removed from the library's collection. Each year, the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom compiles reports from libraries, schools and the media on attempts to ban books in communities across the country. Below is the ALA's list of the top 10 most-challenged books of 2015. If you're interested in seeing what...

April 29, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Kitty R. Job title: Circulation Team Lead/Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 24 years What are some of your main job responsibilities? I work the main circulation desk, sort mail, receive daily newspapers and magazines and put them out for public use, lead the circulation team and help with customer problems...

April 29, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Sarah M. Job title: Library Coordinator MCPL Location: Mosinee Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 3 years What are some of your main job responsibilities? I just became the library coordinator at the Mosinee Branch. Previously, I worked the circulation desk at both the Rothschild and Marathon City Branches and I also lead the Rothschild book club....

April 28, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Dan R. Job title: Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 6 months   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Writing and sending press releases, updating social media, organizing promotional campaigns, working the second-floor reference desk.   Describe yourself in three words. Fun-loving,...

April 28, 2016

Here's a little video we here at MCPL put together to share a closer look at some of the things we do, both behind the scenes and in our public areas as well as clips and photos of programming that we provide in all our communities. We hope you enjoy it and we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section!  

April 28, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Audrey K. Job title: Branch Coordinator MCPL Location: Spencer Branch Time Worked at MCPL: Nearly 22 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I perform normal day-to-day library business, staff scheduling and event planning.   Describe yourself in three words.  Organized, friendly, easily-distracted.   What’...

April 28, 2016

Here's a short video with historical and current pictures and video, showing the different MCPL locations over the years and clips from some of the diverse programming we provide in our communities. This video was created in the spring of 2016 and edited with iMovie. Enjoy!

April 28, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Dan R. Job title: Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 6 months   What are some of your main job responsibilities?  Writing and sending press releases, updating social media, organizing promotional campaigns, working the second-floor reference desk.   Describe yourself in three...

April 27, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Heather B. Job title: Branch Assistant MCPL Location: Rothschild Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 2 ½ years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Leading story time, planning programs and putting together displays.   What book(s) are you currently reading? I’m currently listening to the audiobook of A Dance with Dragons by...

April 27, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Taylor W. Job title: Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 3 ½ years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I work at the desk in the children’s area, lead story times, and create programs for school-aged kids.   What nicknames, if any, do you go by? My family and friends call me Tay...

April 27, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Taylor W. Job title: Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 3 ½ years   What are some of your main job responsibilities?  I work at the desk in the children’s area, lead story times, and create programs for school-aged kids.   What nicknames, if any, do you go by? My family and...

April 27, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Heather B. Job title: Branch Assistant MCPL Location: Rothschild Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 2 ½ years   What are some of your main job responsibilities?  Leading story time, planning programs and putting together displays.   What book(s) are you currently reading? I’m currently listening to the audiobook of A...

April 26, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Ashley D. Job title: Branch Coordinator MCPL Location: Athens Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 4 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Some of my responsibilities include planning programs, hosting the monthly book club and scheduling staff at the Athens Branch.     What book(s) are you currently reading? The Wild...

April 26, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Rachel H. Job title: Adult Services Librarian MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 1 ½ years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I work at the reference desk, serve as the coordinator for print and digital subscriptions, teach computer classes, plan programs (on occasion) and proctor exams.   What book(...

April 25, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Jeff P. Job title: Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 9 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I work mainly as a passport agent and doing main circulation desk support.   Describe yourself in three words. Charismatic, resilient, insouciant.   What is your ideal vacation...

April 25, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Deb G. Job title: Branch Coordinator MCPL Location: Edgar Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 30 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Planning programs, leading the Edgar Book Club, doing story time and other daily tasks. Describe yourself in three words. Friendly, informative, helpful.   What book(s) are you...

April 22, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Johanna N. Job title: Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 2 ½ years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Working in the children’s department, which entails keeping displays current, answering questions posed by parents and kiddos, weeding, helping out with special projects/events, and...

April 22, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Wendy D. Job title: Branch Assistant MCPL Location: Spencer Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 1 year What are some of your main job responsibilities? Performing regular day-to-day library duties, shelving books and leading story time   Describe yourself in three words.             ...

April 21, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: David G. Job title: Branch Assistant MCPL Location: Rothschild and Mosinee Branches Time Worked at MCPL: Almost 3 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Providing customer service to patrons, doing story time at the Mosinee Branch, checking books in and out, shelving, preparing and receiving books in transit and anything else...

April 21, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Michelle K. Job title: Library Assistant MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: Over 20 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I pack and unpack materials to and from other locations, work the desk at the drive-thru and pull materials for requests from other libraries   What book transformed you, your...

April 20, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Karen S. Job title: Page Team Leader MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 6 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Checking-in books from branch libraries, V-Cat libraries and here at Wausau Headquarters, as well as scheduling assignments for the page team, who pull and re-shelve books. I also pull books...

April 20, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Marsha Y. Job title: Branch Coordinator MCPL Location: Hatley Time Worked at MCPL: 3 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I am responsible for the overall administration of the Hatley Branch Library in accordance with MCPL policies, procedures and mission. I and the staff assistants perform any and all tasks that may be...

April 19, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Deb F. Job title: Library Assistant MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 31 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Working the main circulation desk, putting together displays and doing reports.   What book(s) are you currently reading?          ...

April 19, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Carol M. Job title: Branch Assistant MCPL Location: Hatley Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 1 ½ years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I do story time at Hatley Branch, put together displays and other miscellaneous branch tasks.   What nicknames, if any, do you go by? Mom!   What book(s) are you currently reading...

April 18, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Laura W. Job title: Branch Services Librarian MCPL Location: Rothschild Time Worked at MCPL: 4 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Working at a branch, I get to do a little bit of everything, which I love! I help people find and check out their materials, check-in and shelve books, answer questions and assist patrons with...

April 18, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Kate S. Job title: Adult Collection Development Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 3 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Ordering adult materials for all MCPL locations, weeding and working the reference desk.   What book(s) are you currently reading?  The Once and Future King...

April 16, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Matthew D. Job title: Library Support Services Manager MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 2 months   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Is completely overhauling all the computers and printers enough?   Describe yourself in three words. Driven, tenacious, new (at MCPL, anyway).   What book(s)...

April 16, 2016

To go along with the 2016 NLW theme of "Libraries Transform," MCPL has put together a historical slideshow featuring images and information highlighting the many ways MCPL transformed, from starting as a small men's literary club in the mid-to-late 1800s to becoming a modern-day entity that serves the largest county in Wisconsin (by area) with nine locations. Watch MCPL's evolution and catch a glimpse of what the future may have in store!

April 15, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Janice P. Job title: Branch Coordinator MCPL Location: Stratford Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 30 years What are some of your main job responsibilities? As the Stratford Branch Coordinator, I plan events for the library and run our monthly book club. Describe yourself in three words. Friendly, Kind, Outgoing. What book(s) are you currently...

April 14, 2016

The Marathon County Public Library is celebrating National Library Week in a multitude of ways, including reflecting on the past, present and future! To go along with this year's NLW theme of "Libraries Transform," MCPL has put together a historical slideshow featuring images and information highlighting the many ways MCPL transformed, from starting as a small men's literary club in the mid-to-late 1800s to becoming a modern-day entity that serves the largest county in Wisconsin (by area) with nine locations. Watch MCPL's evolution below, and catch a glimpse of what the future may have in store!

April 14, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Julie K. Job title: Young Adult Librarian MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 3 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Teen programming, working the reference and children’s desks and helping with collection management and development.   What book(s) are you currently reading? I’m reading A Mad...

April 13, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Sandy U. Job title: Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: More than 30 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Working the main circulation desk, working as a passport agent, and working on snags (missing and damaged items). Main Desk, Passport Agent, Snags (Missing & Damaged Items)...

April 13, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Heather H. Job title: Branch Assistant MCPL Location: Athens and Marathon City Branches Time Worked at MCPL: 1 year   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Doing story times.   What’s your favorite part of your job? I like reading to the kids at story time.   What is your ideal vacation? Where would you go and what...

April 12, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending our observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting our employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Lisa H. Job title: Branch Coordinator MCPL Location: Marathon City Time Worked at MCPL: 3 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I do event planning, do story time and all of the daily administration of running the branch.   What book(s) are you currently reading?  I am currently reading the books Calling Me Home...

April 12, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending our observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting our employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Sharyn H. Job title: Children’s Librarian MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: More than 40 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I have the pleasure of working (and playing) with children, parents and caregivers. I do story times and plan other programs for children including the Summer Library Program. I...

April 11, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending our observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting our employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Ralph I. Job title: Library Director MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 5 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? My duties include the oversight of all operations and personnel, as well as policy development.   What book(s) are you currently reading? I’m currently reading Man, Economy, and State...

April 11, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending our observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting our employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Ashley C. Job title: Library Assistant MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 4 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I work at the circulation desk, performing customer service, helping patrons find materials they are looking for in the library, ordering books for the patrons and collecting fines. I also do...

April 10, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Audrey K. Job title: Branch Coordinator MCPL Location: Spencer Branch Time Worked at MCPL: Nearly 22 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities?  I perform normal day-to-day library business, staff scheduling and event planning.   Describe yourself in three words.  Organized, friendly, easily-...

April 10, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Kitty R. Job title: Circulation Team Lead/Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 24 years What are some of your main job responsibilities?  I work the main circulation desk, sort mail, receive daily newspapers and magazines and put them out for public use, lead the circulation team and help...

April 1, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Sarah M. Job title: Library Coordinator MCPL Location: Mosinee Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 3 years What are some of your main job responsibilities?  I just became the library coordinator at the Mosinee Branch. Previously, I worked the circulation desk at both the Rothschild and Marathon City Branches and I also lead the...

February 25, 2016

Meet Heather Bain, Branch Assistant at MCPL Rothschild! Q:    What is the best part of your job? A:    The interactions I have with patrons of all ages. I love kids, so being able to lead story time and do some of the program planning has been great! Q:    What is your favorite movie quote? A:    If I had to choose: “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it, or learn from it.” Rafiki from “The Lion King.” Q:    What has been your favorite project at MCPL? A:    The programming and decorations at the Rothschild Branch. I love seeing patrons’ reactions when they see a new passive program or see...

February 10, 2016

Come February 28, many of Hollywood’s finest will gather to hand out golden statuette after golden statuette at the 88th Academy Awards. It's not uncommon for Oscar-nominated films to be based on or inspired by books and this year’s nominees are no different. Eight films based on novels are nominated for this year's ceremony with a total of 43 nominations among them, including several Best Picture nods. If you haven’t seen all (or any) of these nominated films you can still get a taste of what they’re like by reading the books they’re based on (it’s always best to read the book BEFORE you see the movie, right?). The Marathon County Public Library and its branches have copies of each of the nominated titles...

January 12, 2016

If you follow current events, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Netflix’s “Making a Murderer” docu-series, or have seen the show yourself. Released in December, the series has since transcended beyond the attention of Netflix subscribers and into the national spotlight, finding its way into headlines and both primetime and cable news programs. For those unfamiliar with the subject matter, “Making a Murderer” looks into Wisconsin native Steven Avery, who was convicted of sexual assault and attempted murder in 1985, resulting in Avery serving 18 years in prison. After being exonerated of those crimes Avery, a Manitowoc County resident, was tried and convicted in 2007 for the murder of Teresa Halbach and...

November 28, 2015

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Marathon County Public Library, with 10 holiday-themed events scheduled between now and December 21 at the Wausau Headquarters and its eight branches. Running now through December 14, MCPL is kicking off the holiday season with “Letters to Santa,” during which time children of any age can visit the Wausau headquarters to drop off a letter in Santa’s gingerbread house mailbox, located in the Children’s Department. After the library staff sends the letters up to the North Pole, children will receive a reply in the mail from Santa Claus himself starting the week of December 14. The holiday fun in Wausau continues with two craft events held back-to-back. “...

November 11, 2015

With the 2016 presidential election less than a year away nearly 20 candidates are still left vying for the nation's top spot. In addition to interviews and televised debates, another great resource for learning about the presidential hopefuls and where they stand on certain issues can be through their own written words. A vast majority of candidates in both of the major political parties have published books throughout the years, including memoirs, autobiographies, and manifestos on a host of topics, from healthcare to the economy. Below is a non-comprehensive list, in alphabetical order, of some of the candidates' more recent books that can be checked out through the Marathon County Public Library, any...