How do I renew my library account, and why did it expire?

Library accounts expire every two years so we can update your contact info. Renew in person at your local MCPL with a photo ID and proof of address. Renewals are not possible by phone or email.

How many items can I check out, and for how long? What are the late fines?

Discover the checkout limits and loan periods for various items at MCPL—books, movies, music, e-books and more! Also find information on late fines for theses items.

How can I renew my items?

Renew library items easily online, in person, or via chat, text or phone! Use your 14-digit card number and PIN. Renewals extend due dates by 7–21 days unless the item has been requested by others.

What is my PIN or password?

Need help with your library PIN? It’s usually the last four digits of your phone number. Trouble logging in? Reset it online, or contact us to update your account.

National History Day: Research Resources

The 2024–2025 theme for National History Day is "Rights & Responsibilities in History."  Every year, students in surrounding school districts visit MCPL locations for help researching their chosen topics. Library staff are always ready to help you with your...

New online resources!

The following resources—including auto repair manuals, free online classes, and historical Wisconsin newspapers—are available for free to patrons at any MCPL location or from home using the links provided at www.mcpl.us/research!

116 Years of History

Did you know that Marathon County Public Library in Wausau had its own koi pond? Or that Wausau had a School of Nursing? These are just two interesting historical facts that have been uncovered during our digitization project. Through the support of WiLS Ideas to...

Event Series Mini Makers

Spencer: Mini Makers

Marathon County Public Library—Spencer Branch 105 South Park Street, Spencer, WI, United States

Kids are invited to explore process art with a variety of projects! Process art is child-led; instead of a specific outcome, process art is focused on creation and allows many possibilities while children develop their artistic abilities, critical thinking, fine motor skills, and confidence!

Event Series Genealogy Meetup

Canceled Wausau: Genealogy Meetup

Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, United States

Genealogy enthusiasts are invited to join us each month for an informal gathering to chat and learn more about genealogical resources!

Event Series Cribbage

Wausau: Cribbage

Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, United States

Stop at the library to play cribbage! Bring your friends and play together, or come by yourself to meet and play against others.

Event Series Play & Learn

Wausau: Play & Learn

Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, United States

Join us for a story, music, crafts and much more led by Children's Wisconsin.

Event Series Pokémon Club

Rothschild: Pokémon Club

Marathon County Public Library—Rothschild Branch 211 Grand Avenue, Rothschild, United States

Calling all Pokémon trainers! Join fellow Pokémon fans each month in order to trade cards and discuss all things Pokémon!

Apply for a Library Card

Apply for a library account using the online form below! A library card from MCPL grants you access to the physical collections of all MCPL locations and other public libraries in the Wisconsin...

Electronic Devices

A variety of devices are available for checkout at MCPL locations, including e-readers, laptops, tablets and more. For information about our computer lab, visit our Computers webpage; for other...

History Reference Source

The world's most comprehensive full text history reference database suitable for high school and college-level research. Features over 1,990 reference books, encyclopedias and non-fiction books from...

Staff Reviews

Check out these book reviews written by the staff of the Marathon County Public Library! These reviews are presented for your consideration; endorsement of these materials’ contents or their creators is not implied.

Marathon County Public Library's books

The Idea of You
it was amazing
Solene and Hayes’ romance was like a drug that I simply couldn’t get enough of. Whenever I was not listening to the audiobook, which is brilliantly narrated by Robinne Lee herself, I found myself itching to be alone so that I could liste...
tagged: adult and mcpl-review
Rough Sleepers
it was amazing
Rough Sleepers has all the traits I love in nonfiction: it teaches, questions, and inspires. This book would be a worthwhile read for anyone interested in homelessness, the American medical system, or social justice, but also for those w...
tagged: mcpl-review and adult
We Deserve Monuments
it was amazing
An exploration of intergenerational trauma and healing, this novel packs a punch. High school senior Avery’s meticulously thought out future is upended when word comes that her grandmother, Mama Letty, is dying from cancer, and her mothe...
tagged: mcpl-review and teen

goodreads.com