March 15, 2021

At its March 2021 meeting, the Library Board decided to maintain the "limited re-opening" status of the Marathon County Public Library (MCPL), based on recommendations from the Marathon County Health Department.

"We’re still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19. After you’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you should keep taking precautions in public places like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces until we know more."— Marathon County Health Department (3/9/21)

"While the number of new cases dropped last week to 341, the number of cases is still very high. Our health care systems continue to operate under surge plans and the health department under crisis standards. [...] Everyone plays a role in controlling the spread of COVID; having everyone benefit by social distancing, wearing a mask, washing your hands, staying home if sick, and getting tested when one has been in close contact with someone with COVID." — Marathon County Health Officer, Joan Theurer (1/19/21)

MCPL’s limited re-opening plan is intended to protect the health of patrons and staff during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, and includes the following services:

• All MCPL locations are open by appointment only:
  • MCPL Wausau accepts appointments for computer lab use only.
  • MCPL branches accept appointments for computer lab use and limited browsing of the collection.

• All MCPL locations offer curbside pickup:
  • Library items may be requested using the online catalog, or contact us for direct assistance.
  • Reference materials (including tax forms, copies of articles, etc.) may be requested by contacting your local MCPL.

• All MCPL events are offered online or in the form of "grab & go" activities available for curbside pickup.

• MCPL's online resources, including Wisconsin's Digital Library, remain available from home.

• Research assistance  and technology assistance are available by email, phone or live chat.

• Library card applications are accepted online.

Changes to the library's opening status will be considered at future meetings of the Library Board.

We miss our patrons, and we look forward to serving the public in an increased capacity as soon as safety allows!

article by Ben Krombholz / IT Technician

COVID-19 Library Board Library Branches

image credit: Image by Marathon County Public Library staff.