The Friends of the Marathon County Public Library is a nonprofit volunteer organization with the goal of promoting and improving library services in Marathon County, Wisconsin. These goals are funded via donations, membership fees, book sales and special fundraising events.
The Friends carry out their mission through:
- Grants — Annually, the Friends solicit and award grants to fund projects for library branches and divisions.
- Material & equipment purchases — Friends purchase and donate equipment and materials needed throughout the library system.
- Art purchases — During the annual Festival of the Arts, Friends take advantage of Festival of the Arts matching grants to purchase artworks for patrons to check out.
- Sponsoring special programs, such as the Summer Library Program, Older Americans Day and family programs.
To join the Friends, complete a Friends Membership Application. Memberships last fall through spring.
Friends board meetings are on the fourth Monday of every month, 11:00am, at MCPL Wausau. Occasional deviations from this schedule are possible; contact us for the latest information.
Friends board members:
- Gail Cain, President
- Sharon Harder, Vice President
- Joanne Ash, Secretary
- John Ash, Treasurer
- LeeAnn Venne
- Michael Blick
- Dick Wachtl
- Joan Cohen
- Don Haney
To contact any Friends board member, use our contact us webpage; please include the name of the board member in your subject to ensure proper routing. You also may send mail to "Friends of MCPL, 300 N. First St., Wausau, WI 54403."
Events Sponsored by the Friends:
Craft Week: Torn Paper Planets
Children Drop-in Kids can create their own planets out of torn paper and other craft supplies!
Craft Week: Make Your Own Rocket Ship!
Children Drop-in Drop by the library to craft your own paper rocket ship!
Friends of MCPL Book Sale
All-Ages Drop-in Browse through thousands of items for sale at low prices during this quarterly book sale!
Craft Week: Create Your Own Alien!
Children Drop-in Kids can make their own aliens using cardboard tubes and other craft supplies!
Fruit & Vegetable Printing
Children Drop-in Encourage kids to eat their fruits and veggies with this fun and easy craft!
DIY Galaxy Jars & Slime
Kids & Teens Drop-in Make your own slime and mini galaxy in a jar during this tween/teen event!
Galaxy Bottle Charm Necklace
Children Capture a galaxy in a bottle during this unique craft program for kids!
Craft Week: Create a Flying Saucer!
Children Drop-in Kids can craft their own flying saucer using provided household and craft supplies!
Outer Space Craft Week
Children Drop-in Stop by the library any time during the week to make spaceships and paper plate aliens!
Galaxy in a Bottle
Kids & Teens Registration Kids, tweens and teens can combine art and science to make their own mini galaxy!
