Marathon County Public Library

March 20, 2019

When the snow starts to fall, I grab an adventure book. I’m not sure why wintry weather makes me think adventure. Maybe it has to do with dreaming of being in a warm place, like in “The Lost City of Z,” or the opportunity to have an adventure that I will never be able to experience like in “The Martian.” Oddly enough, most of my adventure reading tends to be about surviving in the wilderness, like the escaped prisoners do in “The Long Walk” or Douglas Mawson’s amazing fight to survive in the Antarctic in “Alone on the Ice.” Sometimes learning about another person’s life as they tackle their dreams, as in “Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube,” where the author describes what it’s like to be a woman learning to run...

February 27, 2019

Curious about what your friends and neighbors might be reading? Or which books are trending nationally? Check out the following books from the New York Times Best Sellers list! Please note: These are popular items that may not be immediately available. It is likely you will need to use the "Request" option in the Library Catalog (V-Cat) to add yourself to the waiting list. Do not be discouraged by long waiting lists for books; MCPL usually has enough copies in circulation to keep wait times reasonable. Also: All of the following books are owned by MCPL in at least one version; however, the Library Catalog (V-Cat) may show versions not owned by MCPL and therefore unavailable for request by MCPL...

January 31, 2019

The American Library Association has announced its 2019 youth media award winners earlier this week! These awards celebrate the most outstanding and high quality materials for children and teens. They are selected by committees of librarians and other literature or media experts and are meant to guide parents, librarians and educators towards quality works for children. Check out the latest winners from MCPL. For a full list of all award winners, visit the ALA website. The John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature was awarded to Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina. Two Newbery Honor Books also were named: The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani and The...

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...

November 21, 2018

This time of the year is the perfect time to start a series—it’s cold outside, there are upcoming holidays and books make great presents! And I’ve got some great recommendations for you! A lot of my recent (and not so recent) favorite books are part of a fantasy series. And while I could fill up a whole book case with what I think is awesome when it comes to fantasy, I also realized that there were probably fantasy series that I haven’t heard of, let alone read, yet.  I reached out to my co-workers, and here is a small sampling of fantasy series that we think are fantastic.  (No pun intended. Ok, maybe pun intended.) Our list covers everything from urban fantasy/horror with Lili St. Crow’s “...

November 6, 2018

So many readers love a good mystery.  It can be really hard to say good-bye when that last volume of series comes out, but that just leaves more room in your reading life for another great mystery series.  I like a mystery with just a touch of the supernatural.  If you are like me, you will love “Midnight Riot,” a novel set in contemporary London, complete with ghosts and magic.  If you prefer something a little more historical, “Beautiful Place to Die,” set in 1950’s South Africa is the book for you.  Interested in exploring a new location or looking for something more exotic?  Try “Bangkok 8” set in Thailand or “The Coroner’s Lunch,” set in Laos in the early 70’s. No...

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...

October 16, 2018

I love horror. I really do. I like a book that’s going to scare me, unsettle me or just make me think differently about the world. October is the perfect time for dipping your toe into the horrors that lie between the covers of books. To that end, I offer you a list of both contemporary and classic horror tales.  From the short stories of Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft to the true story of murder in “In Cold Blood,” horror comes in a surprising number of flavors, both cosmic (Cthulhu, anyone?) and every day. Horror also has elements of its cousins, fantasy and science fiction, like the horror of discovering that the person you thought was your friend is actually that same person, but from...

July 7, 2018

With plenty of holiday weekends and long, lazy days, summer is the perfect time to lose yourself in a good book. But what should you pick up first? We’ve got a few suggestions that will keep you engrossed and entertained all the way through August, including a true crime thriller that’s made the news, a coming-of-age story about a girl dealing with the after effects of Vietnam, and a contemporary tale of marriage and incarceration. 

June 21, 2018

If you traveled back in time to June of 1938 you could buy yourself a copy of Action Comics #1 (the first comic book to feature Superman) for 10 cents. Today, the same copy would cost you a few million dollars! Superman was created by Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel in the late 1930s and has since become the most recognized superhero. The character is often credited with giving rise to the entire superhero/comic book genre. In the decades since, Superman has grown into a multi-media enterprise. His heroic tales have been portrayed through radio, TV, film, and more, not to mention the countless collectables items and merchandise he’s inspired. Marathon County Public Library is celebrating this milestone...

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 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!)   

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!

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...

August 15, 2017

With this year’s smash cinematic hit, Wonder Woman, the comic world’s best-known female superhero is back in the limelight. While her superhuman strength, intelligence and determination for justice are inspiring, there are some real life superheroes out there that are just as noteworthy.   Wonder Woman’s creator, William Moulton Marston, came of age at a time when suffragettes where marching for the right to vote. The two most influential women in his life, Elizabeth Holloway Marston, an attorney and psychologist; and Olive Byrne, the niece of birth control pioneer and activist Margaret Sanger, had a great impact on his work. It was these women and movement taking place around him that inspired Marston...

July 26, 2017

Now that Wausau's city council has voted to allow chickens within the city limits, local residents may be wondering just exactly how to make their dreams of backyard poultry a reality. Well, first things first, we recommend you read the actual ordinance (8.08.012, page 10) and make sure what you're planning aligns with what is permitted in your area. And for those of you in other Marathon County municipalities who are curious about owning chickens, we can point you to the ordinances that may affect you; just contact us at the Reference Desk. Then, when you're ready, check out some of the books offered by your local Marathon County Public Library on the topic of raising chickens, some of which...

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 23, 2017

Whether you’re reading on the lake, at the beach, on a hammock or on the couch, summer is prime time for reading. With family road trips, long holiday weekends and plenty of leisure time, it’s best to never be without a book once the days get longer and hotter. Below is a list of six highly anticipated new and soon-to-be released books that will keep you turning the page all the way to Labor Day weekend.

May 25, 2017

The Handmaid’s Tale, written by Canadian author Margaret Atwood in 1985, has been a popular dystopian novel that’s never gone out of print. Set in a near future East coast city, the U.S government has been overthrown by a religious totalitarian regime, and due to environmental and medical catastrophes much of the population is infertile. Besides the elite, women have lost all autonomy, and the fertile few are cast as Handmaids, their only purpose to reproduce for those in charge. Atwood’s writing comments on the social, political, and religious trends of America, speculating what reality would become if those trends were taken to the limit. The Handmaid’s Tale has been a feminist favorite that seems to...

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 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...

March 30, 2017

Reading is a developmental process that every child reaches at their own pace. Not every six year-old is ready to learn to read, while some four year-olds are. Early reading instruction is something that most parents do naturally by reading to their children on a regular basis and inviting them to handle books.  By doing this, young children learn that there is a right way to read a book (i.e. reading left to right, top to bottom), as well as how a story is structured (i.e. beginning, middle and end).  They begin to match pictures with the words that Mom or Dad say. Some children even memorize a favorite book and are delighted to “read” it to their parents.  But what happens if you grow up in...

February 4, 2017

The American Library Association has announced its 2017 youth media award winners! The Marathon County Public Library owns copies of ALL of the major winners and runners-up, so feel free to click the links for each title below and place a hold on these titles today! For a full list of all award winners, visit the ALA website. The John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature was awarded to The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill. Three Newbery Honor Books also were named: Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan, The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, and Wolf...

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!   

October 20, 2016

It’s mid-October and the school year is well underway, with teachers handing out homework to reinforce the skills they teach their students in the classroom. Reading homework is just as important as homework in any other class and is a skill used time and time again throughout a person’s life. Most adults have likely been reading so long that it’s hard to remember what it was like to struggle through a sentence. Carolyn Wilhelm at the website Cult of Pedagogy has some great tips for parents when it comes to reading homework. Reading homework often requires a parent to listen to a child as he or she reads aloud. For older children, reading homework may consist of reading for a number of set minutes each day...

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...

September 15, 2016

In the supernatural/horror/mystery television drama "Stranger Things," a young boy goes missing in small town Indiana in the 1980s. His mother, the police chief, and his friends must face a superatural monster and a top-secret government facility to get him back.    This series, which premiered on Netflix back in July, has captivated viewers young and old with its suspense, gripping storylines and wildly original characters. If you've already binged watched season one and can't get enough, below is a list of books similar in story and tone, which will (hopefully) tide you over until season two premieres in 2017!     "The Boy Who Drew Monsters" by Keith Donohue...

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!

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 26, 2016

The popular HBO television series "Game of Thrones" is back for its sixth season! Based on the popular fantasy book series by author George R.R. Martin, "Game of Thrones" seems to appeal to both adult and teen readers alike. If you can’t get enough of the dragons, schemes and drama that fill Westeros in the HBO hit, check out these young adult read-a-likes recommended by the Young Adult Library Services Association!   "An Ember in the Ashes series " by Sabaa Tahir – Laia is a Scholar, the lowest of the low, and her brother has been taken by The Masks. He is her only living family member and she will risk her life to find him. Elias is a Mask but he doesn’t want to be. Laia and...

March 21, 2016

As you might guess, many of the library's staff are avid readers! If you'd like to read our opinions of a variety of books – from children's picture books to adult nonfiction – check out our regularly-updated Staff Reviews webpage, follow us at Goodreads.com or subscribe to our Staff Reviews e-newsletter. Read Staff Reviews: www.mcpl.us/catalogs/books/reviews. (from the MCPL E-Newsletter)

January 15, 2016

It’s that time of year: the American Library Association has announced its 2016 youth media award winners! Over 20 awards were given out, including the Caldecott, Newbery, Coretta Scott King and Printz winners, with nearly all of the winning titles available for check-out through the Marathon County Public Library. Take a look at a few of the major winning titles below!   "Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Peña – The John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature was awarded to Last Stop on Market Street, written by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson. This is the first time in ALA history that a picture has won this...

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 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...

August 17, 2015

Our staff at the Marathon County Public Library has launched a new service aimed at helping our patrons find their next favorite books. The library recently set up a new page within our website called Personalized Reading Suggestions, through which we’ll rack our brains and a vast pool of online reading resources, to recommend three books based on just a few clues provided by you, the patron. Our staff is surrounded by books all day and each of us has our own favorite genres that run the gamut, so chances are someone here shares your reading tastes. Plus, we love these kinds of challenges that usually starts a little something like this… “I just finished The Hunger Games and Matched trilogies. Do have...

March 13, 2015

Check out OverDrive’s Big Library Read, which offers community-wide access to a title during March 17-31, 2015. During this special event, all card holders can simply download “Shakespeare Saved My Life" by Laura Bates from OverDrive. Since OverDrive is offering simultaneous use for this title, the title is available right away, with no waiting on hold for the next copy. The title expires at the end of the lending period for each user, not the end of the program. Synopsis: “Shakespeare professor and prison volunteer Laura Bates thought she had seen it all. That is, until she decided to teach Shakespeare in a place the bard had never been before — supermax solitary confinement. In this unwelcoming place,...

January 4, 2015

Season 5 of Downton Abbey is here, and so is our 2015 Downton Abbey reading list! All of these titles are available in the V-cat catalog.  Contact us with any questions, or for help locating these titles. “I want to read more about Highclere castle, the real castle where they film Downton Abbey.” Try: Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle  by Fiona Carnarvon “Anna and Bates are my two favorite characters! I want to read about life downstairs!” Try: Upstairs & Downstairs: An Illustrated Guide to the Real World of Downton Abbey by Sarah Warwick   “Below Stairs: The Classic Kitchen Maid’s Memoir That Inspired “Upstairs, Downstairs” and...

September 8, 2014

This September, libraries all across the country are reminding parents and children that a library card is the most important school supply, whether you are a child or an adult returning to school after a long absence. Legendary comic book creator Stan Lee is the face of the 2014-2015 national campaign, which includes a social media giveaway of a comic book prize package. Share why you value your library card by using the hashtag #LibraryCardSignUp on Facebook or Twitter, or add a picture to the “My Library Card” Flickr group. The contest ends on September 23. Did you know that if you are over the age of 18, you can apply for a MCPL library card online? We also have paper applications available at all...

June 5, 2014

This year’s Summer Program has a science theme! We’ve planned a variety of fun and educational events for all ages — children, teens and adults — at MCPL locations throughout the county!  For complete details, visit www.mcpl.us/slp or pick up a Summer Program brochure at your local Marathon County Public Library. We look forward to seeing you at the library! (from the MCPL Newsletter, May-Jul., 2014)

May 5, 2014

How many times have you picked up your smart phone, tablet, laptop, or another electronic device today? Perhaps you feel like you are always online because of work or school, plus all of the time you spend online at home. Can you imagine spending a week without using your devices for entertainment? This May, consider participating in Screen-Free Week. Screen-Free Week is an annual event where participants pledge to spend seven days without using screens for entertainment. You do not need to stop using your computer or device for work or school, but the point of the pledge is to find other sources of entertainment for you and your family. Take the pledge, and see what activities you can discover, or perhaps...

February 17, 2014

Make an extra effort to show affection to your child, especially while reading. Kids need a nurturing, healthy relationship to prosper academically. When your child feels loved, he or she is more willing to learn, listen, and grow and will therefore do better in school! Visit http://www.raisegreatkids.org/physical-affection-tips-every-parent-and-caregiver-needs-know for more information. Reading is a great way to show your child affection. Have your child sit on your lap while you read, read and snuggle before bedtime together or, if your child is a baby or toddler, attend a lap-sit story time. All of these activities promote parent-child bonding and early literacy. Check out these picture books about...

January 20, 2014

Patrons of the Marathon County Public Library have a chance to get lucky and check out hotly anticipated new releases of books, music and movies with no waiting list! MCPL Wausau recently started a "Lucky Day" shelf on which we put one or more copies of popular new releases. These are items that can't be reserved; once they are on the shelf, they are up for grabs. Are you one of the hundreds who request James Patterson's or Janet Evanovich's newest novels? Keep an eye on the first-come, first-served Lucky Day shelf, and you may not have to wait. And, with some patrons finding that lucky copy, the wait for other patrons on a book or DVD request list should be reduced. Call 715-261-7200 for more...

December 9, 2013

Sometimes after you read a really good book, you want to share it with as many people as possible. On April 23, 2014, you might have a chance with the World Book Night giveaway. Each year, a WBN committee selects 30-35 titles (it's 35 in 2014) made up of adult and young adult fiction, non-fiction and poetry. The books' authors agree to waive royalties and publishers print special World Book Night editions free-of-charge – all with the goal of encouraging reading among non-readers. If your favorite book is on the list, you can apply to be a WBN volunteer for the chance to pass out 20 copies of the book at a location of your choice to people who seldom read books or never read books. All Marathon County...

September 24, 2013

Traveling Tales kits are new, improved and ready to use! Now stored in clear, easy to carry bags, our kits have endured a makeover and are available for checkout. Located in the children’s department in Wausau, Traveling Tales include themed books, CDs and in some, a puppet. These kits are a great tool for parents, homeschooling families, and daycares. Traveling Tales help promote early literacy and reading readiness for little ones in a fun and exciting way. Check out a kit or put one on hold today! Find "Traveling Tales" in the Library Catalog (V-Cat): www.mcpl.us?k=traveling+tales+kit.  

August 29, 2013

Mem Fox's book Reading Magic inspired the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program.  When reading aloud to your child, try Mem Fox’s Ten Read Aloud Commandments: 1. Spend at least ten wildly happy minutes every single day reading aloud. 2. Read at least three stories a day: it may be the same story three times. Children need to hear a thousand stories before they can begin to learn to read. 3. Read aloud with animation. Listen to your own voice and don’t be dull, or flat, or boring. Hang loose and be loud, have fun and laugh a lot. 4. Read with joy and enjoyment: real enjoyment for yourself and great joy for the listeners. 5. Read the stories that the kids love, over and over and over again,...

July 22, 2013

MCPL is starting a new feature comparing older books with recent releases. Look for these reviews in our newsletter and at mcpl.us/blog. For this installment, staffer Amy Ryan looks to the garden for recommendations. "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver For one year, Kingsolver and her family vowed to eat only the food they grew on their family farm in Virginia or could buy from local sources. This humorous and inspirational memoir tells the story of that year -- month by month, vegetable by vegetable, animal by animal. It’s a book I try to read every spring as I plan my own vegetable gardens. — Check it out: www.mcpl.us?t=animal vegetable miracle   "Growing a Farmer...

May 28, 2013

The Marathon County Public Library is starting the Steep Trails Book Club, a literary discussion group focused on fiction and non-fiction about nature, conservation, science and outdoor adventures; pioneers like Leopold and Rachel Carson, possibly alongside writers including Edward Abbey, Bill McKibben, Gary Snyder and Mary Roach. Anything is fair game, even children’s books. Steep Trails – the name comes from a John Muir book – will hold its first meeting at 7:00 p.m. June 20 at MCPL Wausau, and meet the second Tuesday of each month after that. After the first month's selection, “A Short History of Nearly Everything” by Bill Bryson, club members will decide which book, poems or stories...

April 22, 2013

The 2013 Pulitzer Prize winners, honoring journalism and the arts, were recently announced and include many authors whose work is available in MCPL's V-Cat system. This year's top prize in fiction was awarded to Adam Johnson for his novel "The Orchard Master's Son," an adventurous and moving tale of a journey into the depths of totalitarian North Korea. Finalists in the fiction category include Nathan Englander for his novel, "What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank" and Eowyn Ivey for her novel "The Snow Child." Fredrik Logevall's historical account of the Vietnam War, "Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America's Vietnam" took the top prize in history, while Bernard...

January 29, 2013

The American Library Association (ALA) announced the top books for children and young adults this week. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the awards encourage original and creative work. Please note this is a partial listing. Use the link at the bottom of this post for a complete list.   This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen -- Winner: Caldecott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children.       Creepy Carrots by Illustrated by Peter Brown, written by Aaron Reynolds -- Honor Book: Caldecott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children.        ...

August 24, 2012

What's all the Bzzzz about?  BeeHive Books in the Tween Scene!  Are you looking for a good book to read and don't know where to start?  We suggest trying a book with a beehive on the spine.  If you are a kid who typically doesn't like to read, there is a good chance you will like these books.  BeeHive books have an attractive appearance, clear vocabulary, a high interest hook within the first 10 pages, well-defined characters, humor and an interesting, action packed plot.  Ask at the Wausau Library Children's Desk for more information or start looking for a BeeHive book only found in the Tween Scene.

July 14, 2012

This list is modified from the New York Public Library's "100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know." 1. Hug – Jez Alborough 2. Old Black Fly – Jim Aylesworth 3. Ten, Nine, Eight – Molly Bang 4. Machines at Work – Byron Barton 5. Madeline – Ludwig Bemelmans 6. The Mitten: a Ukrainian Folktale – Jan Brett 7. Goodnight Moon – Margaret Wise Brown 8. Bad Kitty – Nick Bruel 9. Mr. Gumpy’s Outing – John Bunting 10. Little Cloud – Eric Carle 11. The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle 12. Maisy Goes to the Library – Lucy Cousins 13. Ten Black Dots – Donald Crews 14. Freight Train – Donald Crews 15. Click Clack, Moo: Cows That Type – Doreen Cronin 16. Good Dog, Carl – Alexandra Day 17. Jamberry –...

June 5, 2012

Finding books at the right level is key to reading enjoyment and enrichment. Here are a few tips:   Use the five-finger rule. Have your child open the book to any page and start reading. Hold up one finger for every word your child does not know or has trouble pronouncing.  When you have finished the page, look at the number of fingers you have up. Zero to one finger means that the book may be too easy for your child. Two to three fingers means that the book is at your child’s level. Four fingers means the book may be challenging for your child. Five fingers mean that the book may be too frustrating for your child at this time. If you would like a list of books at your child’s individual level...

May 22, 2012

As part of our efforts to keep our collections up-to-date and complete, we invite you to submit a Purchase Suggestion form whenever you discover we don’t own a specific item or items of a particular topic or genre. Purchase suggestions may be made in person or online at www.mcpl.us/account/suggest Your input is always appreciated, and if we buy the item you’ve suggested, we will set it aside and contact you when it’s ready to pick up at the MCPL location of your choice! (from the MCPL Newsletter, May-July 2012)

May 8, 2012

Sadly,  well-known children’s author and illustrator, Maurice Sendak, recently died at age 83.  Fortunately for all children, and everyone who loves children’s literature,  he left us so many wonderful, unforgettable  books to enjoy over and over again. Sendak’s more than 50 works have evoked praise and criticism, sometimes both for the same books.  His best-loved work, Where the Wild Things Are, was also criticized for being too scary for children, and his Caldecott Honor book, In the Night Kitchen, was frequently challenged or banned for the depiction of a nude child.  His recently published book Bumble Ardy is about an orphaned pig and his birthday party.  My Brother...

April 5, 2012

From picture books to easy readers to older children's fiction, the staff at MCPL-Wausau list their favorite children's books! Uno's Garden by Graeme Base The Witches by Roald Dahl Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo The Best Nest by P.D. Eastman Olivia by Ian Falconer Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

March 15, 2012

These books are on my e-reader and in my book bag. I heartily recommend all of them. If you can suspend reality for a while you will enjoy these fun, absorbing adventures. Happy reading!   Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey -- In 1192 A.D. on Wilde Island, Tess, the daughter of a cruel blacksmith, is accused of witchcraft and must flee, but when she meets a handsome and enigmatic warden of Dragonswood who offers her shelter, she does not realize that he too harbors a secret that may finally bring about peace among the races of dragon, human, and fairy. Janet Lee Carey definitely knows how to tell a story; you won’t be disappointed.         Dragon's Keep by Janet...

February 3, 2012

Castles, wizards, witches, dragons, ogres, knights, princesses, adventure, mystery--all of my favorite ingredients blended into wonderful stories that hook me every time. Here are a few flights into fantasy that have kept me up late at night turning pages.   The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens -- Kate, Michael, and Emma have passed from one orphanage to another in the ten years since their parents disappeared to protect them, but now they learn that they have special powers, a prophesied quest to find a magical book, and a fearsome enemy.           Ogre of Oglefort by Diane Stanley -- When the Hag of Dribble, an orphan boy, and a troll called Ulf are sent...

January 26, 2012

The American Library Association (ALA) announced the top books for children and young adults this week. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the awards encourage original and creative work. Please note this is a partial listing. Please use the link at the bottom of this post for a complete list.   Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos -- Winner: John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature. In the historic town of Norvelt, Pennsylvania, twelve-year-old Jack Gantos spends the summer of 1962 grounded for various offenses until he is assigned to help an elderly neighbor with a most unusual chore involving the newly dead, molten wax,...

January 24, 2012

The nominations are in for the 2012 Academy Awards, and it's worth noting that several of the nominated films were based on books! We've listed these books below for your consideration. While you wait for the Oscar winners to be chosen and announced on February 26, you may want to check out and read your favorite film's literary counterpart!   Moneyball by Michael Lewis -- Billy Beane, the Oakland A's general manager, is leading a revolution. Reinventing his team on a budget, he needs to outsmart the richer teams. He signs undervalued players whom the scouts consider flawed but who have a knack for getting on base, scoring runs, and winning games. Moneyball is a quest for the secret...

January 11, 2012

On Saturday, January 21 @MCPL Wausau we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the publication of the children’s picture book, The Snowy Day, authored and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats (1916-1983).  In 1963 Keats received the Caldecott award for his illustrations in The Snowy Day, published in 1962.  This award is given annually to an artist of the most distinguished American Picture Book for Children published in the previous year.  The Snowy Day was one of the first children’s picture books to feature an African American child as the main character.  It is the story of a boy named Peter experiencing the simple enjoyment of the first snowfall. The Snowy Day Anniversary Party...

January 10, 2012

In case you missed them, here are 20 of the most highly-reviewed and popular books of 2011! We’ve compiled the “Best Books” lists of the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, NPR, Barnes & Noble, Kirkus Reviews, and Amazon.com, and listed the top books here for your consideration. Use the links below or contact us to request any of these books today!   The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach -- A baseball star at a small college near Lake Michigan launches a routine throw that goes disastrously off course and inadvertently changes the lives of five people, including the college president, a gay teammate, and the president's daughter.            ...

June 28, 2011

The holiday weekend is coming, and I am packing my bag, my book bag that is. I have quite a few children's books in it for a first read, and some for re-reads. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and the The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo are in the read again category. I love her warm, interesting characters, beautiful prose, and tales where love conquers, maybe not all, but a lot. She clearly writes for all ages, or for at least for all who have their imaginations and belief in love and magic still intact. Okay, I'll admit it. I love dragons. So, Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton, where all the characters are dragons is also in my bag. What's a holiday read, without a villain, so...

June 16, 2011

The Marathon County Public Library will be offering improved access to six area newspapers starting June 17th. The Headquarters Library will provide same-day service to electronic editions of the Appleton Post Crescent, Green Bay Press Gazette, Marshfield News-Herald, Stevens Point Journal, Wausau Daily Herald and Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune. Library customers can access the current day and past issues of those newspapers through a kiosk located in the Magazine Reading Area on the Second Floor of the Headquarters. Customers can also make copies of newspaper articles for ten cents a page. The Library will maintain its paper copy subscriptions to those newspapers as well. Due to changes in postal...

May 2, 2011

Happy Children's Book Week! Children's Books Change Lives.  This initial idea began the countrywide celebration of Children's Book Week beginning in 1919.  Literacy and reading are essential for all children from birth onward, not only for their own pleasure and enrichment,  but for their future success.  The library has a wide, wonderful collection of quality children's books for you to share with your child,  or have your child check out and read to you.  As well as building literacy, reading together helps bring your family closer together. In honor of Children's Book Week all MCPL locations are giving out the bookmark by Jeff Kinney, author of Diary...

April 25, 2011

How did the Hmong become embroiled in a war not of their own making?  What role did they serve during the Vietnam War?  What forces propelled them from their homeland to the refugee camps of Thailand and ultimately here to the United States?  Dr. Paul Hillmer, author of A People’s History of the Hmong, will discuss these and other topics during a free presentation this Thursday, April 28, 6:30pm  @MCPL Wausau.   Hillmer is a professor of American History at Concordia University in St Paul, MN and Director of the Hmong Oral History Project.  He and his students interviewed and recorded stories from over 200 Hmong individuals.  These interviews form the foundation of...

March 7, 2011

If you were one of the many movie-goers enchanted by the Oscar-winning movie, THE KING'S SPEECH, but were wondering how accurate the movie was, here's your chance to find out "the rest of the story." Marathon County Public Library now has copies available of THE KING'S SPEECH written by Logue's grandson, Mark Logue, and Peter Conradi. Though ostensibly the biography of Lionel Logue, THE KING'S SPEECH devotes a great many pages to Logue's work with King George VI. The authors utilized the private diaries kept by Logue to present a detailed,  insider's view of the special relationship Logue enjoyed with the King. In some cases, those details conflict with what's depicted in the movie....

December 21, 2010

Digging Out, (Tomkins/Hartl) is for family members of those who hoard. Gloria and Kathy were desperate; their elderly mother lived surrounded by tons of paper, books and debris. She had scabies and respiratory problems from living in a trash-filled home and refused to let her daughters clear and clean. She stumbled over the clutter and broke her wrist .  If this describes a situation in your family, you'll benefit from the many approaches they offer, such as when to intervene or not;  whether or not dementia is an issue; how to manage when multiple hoarders live together and how to ensure the cleanliness and safety of your loved ones over their protestations.   Is your dining room table...

December 10, 2010

Wile away the winter weather with a cheery fire, hot mug of cider and a holiday book, music or movie  from your local library.  Still hot gluing and stitching  home made presents?  Tidings & Trimmings by Cathy Pendleton contains traceable patterns for adorable angels, bunnies and skaters. If it's a new decorating theme you're after, you're sure to find one in O Christmas Tree (A Leisure Arts Publication) using your old family photos (A Holiday Heritage), patriotic angels or a tree based on your childhood memories. Undecided about your holiday menus? Tired of the same old baked ham? Holiday Cooking with America's Top Chefs will inspire you with new ways to prepare...

November 17, 2010

Do you follow the New York Times best seller lists? So do we! What’s more, we’d like to make it easier for you to find and borrow these hot new books from the library! Visit www.mcpl.us/catalogs/books and click on the “NY Times” tab for direct links to our Library Catalog (V-Cat) for the top five best-selling books in multiple categories! (from the MCPL Newsletter, Autumn 2010)

July 29, 2010

The eagles have landed on your library's shelves.    Come and check out these wonderful new books on eagles.   An Eagle Named Freedom:  My True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Jeff Guidry.  Guidry shares his story of nursing a baby eagle (Freedom) back to health at the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center.  His bond with Freedom helped him during his own fight with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma . Eagle  Watchers: Observing and Conserving Raptors Around the World edited by Ruth E. Tingay and Todd E. Katzner—stories shared by 29 leading eagle researchers about their experiences studying 24 species of eagles on 6 continents Just Eagles by Alan Hutchinson...

July 22, 2010

There's more to our collections than what you'll find on the shelves! Popular books are often in demand (and therefore, unlikely to be found just sitting on the shelf), but you can preview and request most of our new books by using our "New & Forthcoming Books" webpage! www.mcpl.us/catalogs/books  (also accessible from our website's main menu under "Catalogs") These books represent our most recently-ordered Adult Fiction, Adult Nonfiction, Teen Books, Children's Books, and New York Times Best-Sellers. Many of them haven't even arrived at the Library yet, so it is an excellent opportunity for you to get on the request list ahead of time. Once you're on the request list, we will contact...

June 21, 2010

Carol Burnett was a welcome visitor to American households for decades. First appearing on The Garry Moore Show, she made us laugh with her limber body and rubbery face not to mention a fine singing voice. Yet what impressed most was her innate sweetness and naturalness. What you saw what was you got: a talented singer-comedienne who didn't take herself seriously, someone who was so glad we had those times together. That impression was only reinforced when she hosted her own variety show - The Carol Burnett Show - which many rate as the finest, funniest variety show ever. Burnett shares some of the most meaningful - and usually hilarious - moments in her long career in her  appealing and entertaining...

May 20, 2010

Please help MCPL welcome Wisconsin northwoods author Brett Champan back to Wausau this Saturday, May 22.   Brett will be at MCPL Wausau from 11:00-3:00.  Brett Champan is the author of the novel, Rearview Sunset.   He will be happy to converse with you in person during this time period.  He will not be doing a formal presentation. Brett grew up in Wausau.  While in grade school he decided that he was going to be a writer.  In addition to writing, Brett loves the outdoors, riding his horse,  and has a passion for teaching and helping people grow.    Come and spent some time chatting with Brett about writing, horses, teaching, Wausau memories...

May 10, 2010

Looking for a book that you can read in a weekend, or an evening, that will inspire your life forever, maybe even change it?  Then do what I did; read Mandela’s Way: Fifteen Lessons on Life, Love, and Courage by Richard Stengel.      Over a three year period author Richard Stengel spent many hours interviewing Nelson Mandela, eating with him, accompanying him on walks, watching him work, and campaign.  The result is a wonderful book that shows a rare glimpse into the world and wisdom of this extraordinary man. The African concept known as ubuntu—“the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world, it will...

April 30, 2010

For Tuesday, May 11th, the Teen Book Club at MCPL Wausau will be reading Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer! "When a meteor hits the Moon, Miranda must learn to survive the unimaginable. Told in journal entries, this heart-pounding story chronicles Miranda's struggle to hold on to the most important resource of all--hope--in an increasingly desperate and unfamiliar world." Click here to request Life as We Knew It. Click here to view other books by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Click here to read a more in-depth book review at BookPage.com --- For future Teen Book Clubs, plus other teen events, watch www.mcpl.us/teenzone For adult book clubs, visit www.mcpl.us/events/bookclubs

April 19, 2010

Blockade Billy is a baseball-themed novella by Stephen King, due to be released later this week! This book wasn't widely advertised until just a few weeks ago, so its release has taken a lot of reviewers (and libraries!) a little by surprise! Never fear, though; you can place a request for Blockade Billy here: http://mcpl.us?isbn=1587672286 Read more about Blockade Billy here: http://www.stephenking.com/promo/blockade_billy/

September 30, 2009

Read for the Record is a campaign sponsored by Jumpstart and the Pearson Foundation.  Last year, 688,000 people gathered at locations around the world to read and listen to the same book on the same day.  This year, they hope to break that record--and you can help them reach their goal of one million readers and listeners by participating in programs at four libraries in Marathon County. This year's featured book is Eric Carle's classic picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Read for the Record programs will be held Thursday, October 8 at these MCPL locations and times: Edgar Library: Preschool Storytime at 9:30 am and a special Family Storytime at 7:00 pm Spencer Library...

May 29, 2009

How your children spend their summer matters. Research shows that how students spend their summer has an impact on their academic achievement during the school year. Reading this summer will help your teen succeed next fall. So how do you get them to read? Our recommendation: help them find something they want to read. Our staff at every location are are always happy to help you or your teen find a great book or graphic novel - stop in, call, email, or meebo!  You can also visit our teen page to find new books for teens available at MCPL. This summer MCPL is offering an added incentive for teens who read: a chance to win awesome prizes! Here’s how it works: Read books and/or graphic novels....

May 17, 2009

Looking for a good book to read for yourself, your teen, or child? NoveList Plus is a great place to start.    This online resource is available to you for free with your library card. Check out what makes NoveList Plus such a great reader’s advisory resource for you:  159,000 fiction titles for Adults, Teens, and kids Authoritative Reviews and articles about books Author Read-alikes—find authors who write like the authors of books that you like Recommended “Reads”—suggested reading lists annotated and compiled by librarians, covering a wide variety of subjects Series information so that you can read your favorite books in order  Book Discussion Guides—...

April 16, 2009

Are you between the ages of 12 and 19 years old? Come and join the Wausau Library's Teen Book Club! We'll be meeting the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm in the Teenzone. Our first meeting is May 26th and we’ll be discussing Uglies by Scott Westerfeld.  Uglies tells the story of Tally Youngblood. When she turns 16 she is getting an extreme makeover. Eyes, Hair, Skin, Nose, the works- she’ll be drop-dead gorgeous. Everyone in Tally’s world gets the operation when they turn 16. They are given a full body work-over and have access to New Pretty Town, where everything is all parties and fun. Tally can’t wait to be pretty, and meet up with her friends.   But for now, Tally is...

March 17, 2009

The Top of the Day to you: Looking for some good stories and information on Ireland?   If you are planning a trip, are interested in Irish history, or just want to kick your heels up, here are some of my favorites. Princes of Ireland: Dublin Saga by Edward Rutherford The Rebels of Ireland: conclusion of Dublin Saga; sequel to Princes of Ireland Ireland: a Novel by Frank Delaney; Tipperary also by Frank Delaney is also excellent. His most recent book, Shannon, is my next read. An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor Edward Rutherford has been discribed as the history teacher that you wished you would have had in high school.  His books are wonderful epics that take...

February 19, 2009

Readers Are More Likely To... Do well in school Communicate effectively Have confidence Be productive Concentrate well  Solve problems Seek out and develop new ideas Be lifelong learners Utilize technology Get ahead in their careers Earn a higher salary Get a promotion or a raise Cope well  with life's challenges Know how to relax and unwind Be creative Be well-rounded Attend cultural events Volunteer and do charity work Be better conversationalists  Achieve rewarding relationships Find common humanity Be thoughtful, engaged citizens Vote Live longer, healthier lives Be happy From the book:  Raising Bookworms: Getting Kids Reading...

December 15, 2008

Dewey is the heartwarming story of an ordinary cat who finds himself freezing cold, starving, and homeless in an extraordinary place on a bitterly cold January day—in the book drop of the Spencer Public Library.  Fortunately for him, and for the town of Spencer Iowa, he is rescued by library director, Vicki Myron, who needs some rescuing herself.  Dewey in turn rescues the library staff, and all the patrons of the library. He seems to have an uncanny sense of who needs his rescuing the most, jumps on their lap and gains their attention.  Bequeathed Dewey Readmore Books, his home and playground are the public library.  He became famous world-wide; people from all over came to see ...

April 16, 2008

It's April and Spring is finally here and with it National Poetry Month sponsored by the Academy of American Poets.  Poems speak to us in different ways, affecting our heart and soul. I know that I easily become engulfed in a poem, lingering, enjoying the sound and play of the words, drinking in its meaning. Poems often find a way into our busy lives when mere words are not enough, when we find it difficult to express the depth of our feelings and need something to soothe us, inspire us, give us hope—weddings, funerals, when we fall in love.  Some of my favorite collections of poetry that you may also enjoy are: Good Poems—selected and introduced by Garrison Keillor—a nice...

August 24, 2007

Recent news reports suggest that the missing remains of Alexei, the last heir to the Russian throne, may have been found along with remains believed to be Maria, one of his sisters. Those interested in a fictional account of the final days of Russia's last czar and his family will be fascinated by The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander, or Rasputin's Daughter another novel by Alexander. Robert Massie's book Nicholas and Alexandra presents a true, yet sympathetic portrait of the life and times of the royal couple. 

July 16, 2007

If you're like me, and millions of other fans, you are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, due out June 21, this Saturday.  To help me get through this rough time period, I went to see the new movie, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"  that was released this past weekend. If you are looking for other fixes before, or after you get your hands on the new book, or get to the new movie, try these suggestions:  Waterboro Public Library in East Waterboro, Maine,  list of Harry Potter Readalikes. Madison Public Library in Madison, Wisconsin also has a nice list of "What to Read while Harry's at...

July 11, 2007

On Wednesdays during the summer I enjoy seeing the vendors at the farmer's market on River Drive.  I especially enjoy the signs for fresh peas.  They remind me of the peas I picked as a child from my father's garden and lead me to think of fresh summer foods grown locally and eaten at tables in our community. In 2006, NPR's the Talk of the Nation discussed the topic of eating local, thinking global.  Experts concluded that "eating locally might make us healthier and safer...and it would be better for the environment, too."  For those interesting in reading further on the topics of food and the ethics of food consumption, the following books may be...

June 18, 2007

Summer Library program events are happening all over Marathon County!  Tuesday, June 19 is kick off day for programs at the Wausau Headquarters.  Who better to help us kick off the "Get a Clue!" theme than one of those masters of mystery--a magician!  Bruce Hetzler comes from Appleton, WI--Houdini's hometown.  His perfomance ingeniously combines magic tricks with the library and the summer mystery theme to astound and entertain audience members of all ages. Bruce's perfomances will be held Tuesday, June 19 at 10:30, 2:00 and 6:30 at the Wausau Headquarters library.  Come and join the fun! Still thinking about a good mystery to read for the reading club?  How about...

May 28, 2007

Here are a few authors of adventure stories, historical fiction, fantasy, and thrillers that men I know love and discuss with gusto.  You may like them too.  Enjoy! Dan Brown--The DaVinci Code, others Tom Clancy—any Stephen Coonts--any Bernard Cornwell—any Harold Coyle—White Star, 10000 Spartans Vince Flynn--any C.S. Forrester—any Frederick Forsyth—any George McDonald Fraser—Flashman series Daniel V. Gallery-submarines, WWII WEB Griffin—Aviators Louis L’Amour-- any Patrick O’Brien--Master and Commander Edward Rutherfurd—Princes of Ireland, Rebels of Ireland, Russka (Russia) Sarum (England) J.K.Rowling—Harry Potter books, (eagerly awaiting the July...

May 9, 2007

The promise of a ghost draws me to read a story. Even the suggestion of ghosts, as in White Ghost Girls holds the promise of things unexplained, of mystery and intrigue. Alice Greenway’s book is a lyric telling of the coming of age of two girls named Frankie and Kate who live in Hong Kong during the Vietnamese Conflict. The ghosts in it are the whole spirit world within Chinese traditions. For ghosts of another kind, read The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. Amazon.com calls it “a rousing good ghost story” stating that “Setterfield has rejuvenated the genre with this closely plotted, clever foray into a world of secrets, confused identities, lies, and half-truths. She never cheats by pulling a rabbit out...

April 25, 2007

Journals are an excellent way to keep track of your reading, especially for those who read extensively. At a minimum, keep track of the author, title, and then record some impressions about your reading. Did you enjoy the book? Was it dreadful? Give the book a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down”, or use or a similar system that makes sense to you. Finally, when a book reminds you of another title, take note of that. For example, I enjoy Henning Mankell’s series about a Swedish detective named Kurt Wallander. Wallander is a morose, but intelligent detective, a character in the truest sense of the word. The stories are sometimes dark, but always involve the reader. Recently a review of Arnaldur Indridason’s...

April 18, 2007

Those who love book club discussions will be pleased to find these new books at our library. The Book Club Companion is a comprehensive guide to the reading group experience by Diana Loevy. Highlights of the book include: Reading lists from Classics to Literary Respites; Tips on creating your group—and keeping meetings lively; Can’t miss discussion starters; Recipes!; Theme parties, take-home mementos, club trips, and more Running Book Discussion Groups: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Libraries by Lauren Zina John is not only useful for librarians but also for community book club leaders. Learn how to launch and run a successful book discussion group. Or, select titles from a list of ten guaranteed...