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...
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.
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...
Online resources for kids!
The following resources are available for free to patrons at any MCPL location or from home using the links provided at www.mcpl.us/research! If you need assistance, please visit your local...
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!
New Lactation Pod!
Breastfeeding, pumping or nursing parents seeking comfort and privacy now have a convenient option at MCPL Wausau! In January, the library installed a Mamava lactation pod. A lactation pod is a...
Videos of Library Programs
Library events, story times and how-to videos are archived on our YouTube channel! Experience quality educational and informative video content for kids, teens and adults from the comfort of your...
Our most-borrowed fiction of 2024!
Explore these most-checked-out adult fiction books published in 2024, featuring a wide variety of bestselling novels and local favorites. Discover what everyone’s reading and find your next must-read novel today!
Early Literacy Center (ELC)
The Early Literacy Center (ELC) at MCPL Wausau is an enclosed area of the children’s department specially designed for young children and their caregivers!
Mango Languages
Mango’s software teaches real conversations in more than 70 languages with engaging grammar, culture, vocabulary and pronunciation lessons. You’ll learn to speak new languages and meet new cultures...
Tumblebooks
An online collection of animated, talking picture books that teach young children the joys of reading in a format they'll love. Includes a section with teacher resources. Please note: Use of this...
STEM Kits & Tonies
MCPL Wausau has two new kinds of interactive children’s materials available for checkout: STEM Kits and Tonies! STEM Kits are perfect for school-age children eager to explore the world of science,...
How many items can I check out, and for how long? What are the late fines?
Learn more about the checkout limits and loan periods for various items at MCPL, including books, movies, music, e-books and more! Also find information on late fines for these items.
Join our adult reading program!
January–March, 2025 @ MCPL Wausau: Adults are encouraged to read at least three books, and earn raffle entries for a chance to win some neat prizes! Sign up at the reference desk in Wausau.
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.
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.
Phyllis Donner Aquarium
The children’s department at MCPL Wausau features a 650-gallon saltwater aquarium with a living coral reef and more than 30 species of tropical fish and other marine life!
Staff Reviews: For Children
Check out these book reviews written by the staff of the Marathon County Public Library! These book reviews include works of fiction and nonfiction for children. Our book reviews also are published...
Marathon County Uniform Addressing
In February 2016, the Marathon County Board adopted a policy to implement a uniform addressing system. The project was completed in November 2019, and resulted in changes to many street numbers and...
TeachingBooks
Provides audio excerpts of book readings, movies of authors and illustrators, and guides to thousands of titles and multimedia resources on children's and young adult literature.Access to this...
Image / Document Scanners
Scanners are available at all MCPL locations for the purpose of creating digital files from photos, documents and other media. To ensure scanner availability, please contact us before you arrive at...
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
We’re challenging parents to read more books with their children! The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative introduces children to a wide range of literature, encourages families to spend quality time together and promotes pre-literacy and learning so children enter school ready to read, listen and learn.
Art Collection
A variety of artworks are on display — and available for checkout— at the library! Many artworks were purchased by the Friends of the Library at Wausau's annual Festival of the Arts. They include...
Proctoring
Take your proctored exams at the library! Proctoring services are available at all MCPL locations to persons engaged in distance learning and online courses, as well as professional development and...
Science Reference Source
Provides easy access to a multitude of full-text science-oriented content, including science encyclopedias, reference books, periodicals and other sources. Topics include biology, chemistry, earth...
Britannica School
Access point for Britannica's encyclopedia content for children in elementary, middle and high school. Details: Every article and image have a citation. Double-click on a word for definitions,...
100 Books Before Graduation
Teens are invited to participate in our "100 Books Before Graduation" challenge using the free Beanstack app! This challenge encourages high school students to read widely before college. Rewards...
Hobbies & Crafts Source
Magazines, recipes and videos with "how-to" instructions and creative do-it-yourself ideas. Arts and crafts, collecting, cooking & baking, holiday crafts, home & garden, indoor recreation,...
NoveList Plus
A reader's advisory service designed to help you find information about authors, specific books, series information, "read-a-likes" (books similar to ones you enjoy), book and author reviews, book...
Job-related Proofreading
Are you applying for a job and want someone to review your resume or cover letter? The library offers free proofreading of job-related documents such as resumes, cover letters and curricula vitae!...
Research Assistance
Reference Desk: The reference desk staff at the library's Wausau Headquarters are ready to answer your research questions during our regular hours of operation Phone / Email / Chat Assistance: If...
Small Business Resources
The Marathon County Public Library provides support and tools for growth to community businesses with industry information, educational opportunities and communication channels to local experts and business resources.
MAS Complete
Designed specifically for high school libraries, MAS Complete is a full-text database providing hundreds of popular high school magazines and reference books. Covering subjects such art, history,...
Core Collections Complete
Interface search for children's, middle & junior high, and senior high core collections that includes reliable guides for collection development and maintenance, curriculum support, readers'...
Advanced Placement Source
Full-text journals and magazines for high school students enrolled in various Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. Access to this resource is provided...
Popular Magazines in Badgerlink
A variety of current, popular magazines are available for free online viewing via EBSCOhost! Use the links below to access these resources. Please note the "availability" date rage; not all issues...
TeachingBooks for Libraries (formerly “Book Connections”)
Powered by TeachingBooks, this resource is focused on enriching everyone's connection to children's and young adult books and empowers all readers to: connect deeply with a book they are reading;...
Alt HealthWatch
Alternative and holistic approaches to health care and wellness. Full-text articles for more than 190 international, and often peer-reviewed journals. Subjects include acupuncture,...
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...
Newspapers.com: Library Edition
Historical newspapers archive from the 1700s onward, containing thousands of well-known regional, state and small local newspapers in the United States and other countries. Note: This resource...
MasterFILE Complete
Popular full-text magazines, reference books and other sources from world's leading publishers. Details: Covers topics including business, health, education, fitness, sports and leisure, personal...
Ancestry: Library Edition
Only accessible while at the library. With over 1.2 billion records in over 3,000 databases, Ancestry is a comprehensive online source of information available for conducting genealogical and local...
Academic Search Premier
Academic journals for scholarly research. For college-level and adult researchers, this comprehensive database includes articles from 4,700+ full-text publications in the fields of biology,...
Computers / Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi)
Public Computer Labs All MCPL locations offer public computer labs with internet access and common software. Library card-holders receive free computer access during library hours. Card-holders with...
AtoZdatabases
Discover businesses, people, jobs and more! AtoZdatabases includes whitepages and yellowpages phone and address listings, plus a wealth of additional information. It is ideal for finding friends...
Tumblebooks
An online collection of animated, talking picture books that teach young children the joys of reading in a format they'll love. Includes a section with teacher resources. Please note: Use of this...
New Books / Book Lists
Use these lists to browse some of the library’s latest acquisitions and current favorites for adults, teens and children!
Mango Languages
Mango’s software teaches real conversations in more than 70 languages with engaging grammar, culture, vocabulary and pronunciation lessons. You’ll learn to speak new languages and meet new cultures...
Library Catalog (V-Cat)
Explore the online Library Catalog (V-Cat)! Search for books, movies, music, and more from libraries across Wisconsin. Reserve, renew, and discover your next favorite today!
New York Times
Access all New York Times articles online for free! Find breaking news, multimedia, reviews and opinions on politics, business, sports, movies, travel, books, jobs, education, real estate, cars and...
Central Wisconsin Digitization Project
View historical photos and documents of central Wisconsin, including libraries and schools, railroads, high school yearbooks and more! Central Wisconsin Digitization Project (CWDP) is a consortium...
Booklist Reader
Booklist Reader is a digital magazine that features diverse reading recommendations for readers of all ages. Monthly issues are filled with high-interest, themed lists that showcase books patrons...
Open Dissertations
Open Dissertations is an open-access database built to assist researchers in locating both historic and contemporary dissertations and theses. Created with the generous support of the H.W. Wilson...
Videos of Library Programs
Library events, story times and how-to videos are archived on our YouTube channel! Experience quality educational and informative video content for kids, teens and adults from the comfort of your...
Home Improvement Source
Magazines & reference books on home improvement and repair project topics. Electrical; flooring, walls & ceilings; gardening; green design; interiors & design; maintenance; outdoor;...
Libraries and Schools in Marathon and Lincoln Counties
"Libraries and Schools in Marathon and Lincoln Counties" contains historic images representing central Wisconsin schools and libraries in Marathon and Lincoln Counties. In this collection, you will...
Fax Machines
Fax services are available at MCPL Wausau and MCPL Rothschild. Sending a fax is $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Receiving a fax is $1 per page. Payment must be made by cash or...
Teacher Reference Center
Research database for teachers providing indexing and abstracts for more than 220 peer-reviewed journals. Covers subjects such as assessment, best practices, continuing education, instructional...
NoveList K–8
A reader's advisory service for children, designed to help you find information about authors, specific books, series information, "read-a-likes" (books similar to ones you enjoy), book and author...
U.S. Newsstream
This online archive contains U.S. news from the 1980s to the present day, featuring key national and regional sources including New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Los Angeles...
Literary Reference Source Plus
Information on thousands of authors and their works, including summaries, literary criticism, biographies, reviews, interviews, classic and contemporary poems and short stories, full-text access to...
Wisconsin Collection
The Wisconsin Collection at MCPL Wausau includes nonfiction items related to Marathon County and Wisconsin. This includes nonfiction books, family genealogies, maps and more. Marathon County...
Book Discussion Kits
Host your own book club! Book discussion kits include multiple copies of popular books, discussion questions and author information, all in a handy tote bag. Most discussion kits are held at MCPL...
Video Games
The library's Wausau Headquarters has video games for checkout! View and request these games using the Library Catalog (V-Cat) as linked on this page. You may also browse currently available games...
Staff Reviews: Young Adults
Check out these book reviews written by the staff of the Marathon County Public Library! These book reviews include works of fiction and nonfiction for young adults. Our book reviews also are...
Youth Services
Visit your local MCPL for thousands of children’s books, movies, music, magazines and other materials, plus regularly scheduled story times, arts & crafts, family activities, movie nights and more!
Points of View Reference Source
Resources presenting multiple sides of an issue to help assess and develop persuasive arguments and essays, better understand controversial issues, and develop analytical thinking skills. Full-text...
Value Line
Provides regularly-updated investment research on stocks, mutual funds, options and convertibles. Rates most stocks and funds according to a proprietary formula and assigns a "Value Line" score....
Staff Reviews: Adults
Check out these book reviews written by the staff of the Marathon County Public Library! These book reviews include works of fiction and nonfiction for adults. Our book reviews also are published...
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...
Poetry & Short Story Reference Source
Full-text classic and contemporary poems, short stories, biographies, essays, lesson plans and learning guides. Access to this resource is provided by Badgerlink. BadgerLink is Wisconsin's Online...
Microfilm Archives / Scanner
MCPL Wausau has a microfilm archive of Marathon County newspapers from the late 1800s onward (primarily the Wausau Daily Herald), plus digital microform viewers with options to scan or print...
Wisconsin’s Digital Library (Libby / OverDrive)
Wisconsin’s Digital Library (WDL) is a state-wide catalog of free e-books, audiobooks, magazines and videos that you can borrow with your library card!
Marathon County Local History
This digital collection focuses on the rich local history of the towns, villages, and cities of Marathon County. It includes centennial histories written by local residents, with many illustrations...
Wisconsin Digital Archives
The Wisconsin Digital Archives is a permanent, online collection of full-text electronic state government publications that were previously only available on individual Wisconsin state agency...
University of Wisconsin Digitized Collections (UWDC)
Since its founding in early 2000, the University of Wisconsin Digital Collections Center has worked collaboratively with UW System faculty, staff, and librarians to create and provide access to...
HeritageQuest
Comprehensive treasury of American genealogical sources. Collection of genealogical and historical sources. U.S. Federal Censuses, books, bank records and more. Unique primary sources, local and...
Consumer Health Complete
Consumer-oriented health content, from mainstream to holistic medicine. Full text for more than 560 magazines and journals. 230 full-text health reference books and encyclopedias. Hundreds of...
LENA Start Marathon County
The first three years of a child's life are vital to brain development! Children from birth onward learn through talking, singing, reading and playing. During these interactions, children learn how...
U.S. Passports
U.S. passport applications are accepted at the library's Wausau Headquarters. Please call 715-261-7240 and ask to speak with a passport application acceptance agent before you apply. We also advise...
Magazines and Newspapers
The following magazines and newspapers are currently offered in printed form at the specified MCPL locations. These subscriptions are subject to change without notice; contact us for the latest...
Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary
The largest, most comprehensive American dictionary. Access to this resource is provided by Badgerlink. BadgerLink is Wisconsin's Online Library, providing Wisconsin residents with licensed content...
Computers & Applied Sciences Complete
Full-text database covering computing, technology and engineering disciplines. Covers the research and development spectrum of the computing and applied sciences disciplines. Access to this...
Marathon County Government
Whether you are passing through the area or looking to relocate here, we want you to enjoy Marathon County to the fullest. Browsing this website is a great start to discovering all the resources our...
Britannica Library
Comprehensive reference and learning resource for children and adults. Four distinct interfaces and reading levels in one site: Young Children; Children; Young Adults; Reference Center. This...
ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Wisconsin Collection
Search and view 100+ years of digitally archived Wisconsin newspapers in full detail—including Wausau Daily Herald (1907 onward), Stevens Point Journal (1895 onward), Marshfield News Herald (1921...
Marathon County Pulse
Marathon County Pulse exists as a result of community partners seeing the value of having easily accessible and accurate data that describes the health and community conditions of Marathon County....
ChiltonLibrary
Get the detailed information you need to tackle vehicle maintenance and repairs! This resource provides authoritative and up-to-date service and repair information for thousands of domestic and...
Career Connection
Library staff can help you find your next job! Services available to local job seekers: Collections of books on finding jobs and the application process, available via the library catalog. Databases...
Marathon County Land Records / Maps (GIS)
Access Marathon County's geographic information system (GIS) to view a wide array of information about county properties, including aerial photographs, topography, soil types, natural features and...
Meeting Rooms / Study Rooms
Meeting rooms: Meeting rooms may be used according to the library's meeting room policy. All rooms have wireless internet access, chairs and tables. Equipment requests must be made at the time of...
Virtual Reading Club (Beanstack)
Use Beanstack to track your reading and participate in a variety of reading challenges, such as 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, 100 Books Before Graduation and our Summer Reading Club! To get...
Gale Presents: Udemy
This online learning platform provides instruction for adults who want to upskill for a new job, advance in their current profession, or deepen a personal interest. This resource—curated from...
Wisconsin Talking Book & Braille Library
As part of a national network cooperating with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) provides audiobooks and...
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps of Wisconsin Communities
Meticulously detailed, color-keyed street maps created for all sizes of cities and villages, Sanborn Maps helped insurance agents in the late 19th and early 20th centuries determine the degree of...
Consumer Reports
Find reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services from "Consumer Reports" magazine, including articles from 1991 to the current issue. For best results, please refer to the...
Business Source Premier
Full-text journal and peer-reviewed articles covering all disciplines of business. Covers all business disciplines including marketing, management, accounting, finance and economics. More than...
Regional Business News
This database provides comprehensive full text coverage for regional business publications. Regional Business News incorporates coverage of more than 80 regional business publications covering all...
Staff Reviews
Check out these book reviews written by the staff of the Marathon County Public Library! These book reviews include works of fiction and nonfiction for all ages. Our book reviews also are published...
Small Engine Repair Reference Center
Detailed, user-friendly repair guides for all manner of small engines. This database contains maintenance and repair documentation for ATVs, commercial mowers, lawn tractors, generators,...
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...
Technology Assistance
Need help using your computer, tablet, smartphone or e-reader? Library staff can provide technology assistance with a variety of topics, including: basic computer/internet skills; finding and...
Recollection Wisconsin
Discover photos, maps, books, artifacts, oral histories and more from dozens of Wisconsin communities! Recollection Wisconsin brings together digital cultural heritage...
Notary Public
Get your documents notarized for free at the library! Notary services are offered at MCPL Wausau only. Appointments are not available; this service is first come, first served. Please contact us...
Britannica Fundamentals
Engaging and developmentally-appropriate activities for young learners, including an interactive atlas, learning games, audio and video, and vocabulary builders. Teaches geography, time, shapes,...
Early Literacy Center (ELC)
The Early Literacy Center (ELC) at MCPL Wausau is an enclosed area of the children’s department specially designed for young children and their caregivers!
Group Visits
We regularly welcome groups visits by grade school and college students, community organizations, and others. To help us plan for your visit, please complete a “Group Visit Form.”
Readers Advisory
Let us help you discover new books you’ll love! Library staff are eager to use their expertise and online resources to find great reading recommendations for you.
Photocopiers
Black and white copiers are available at all MCPL locations: One-sided letter or legal-sized copies are 10¢ each. Double-sided copies are 20¢ each. Oversized copies (11" x 17") are 20¢ for one-sided...
Young Adult Services
Visit your local MCPL for teen and young adult books, video games, graphic novels / manga, magazines and other materials, plus special events including arts & crafts, movie nights, writing activities and more!
EBSCO All Databases
Access point for all BadgerLink EBSCO databases. Includes databases of magazines, journals, newspapers, images and reference resources covering education, health, business and general areas of...
Marathon County Job Opportunities
We value each individual and the unique skills and background he or she brings to our community. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities and encourage you to explore your true potential in...
Interlibrary Loan (WISCAT)
Browse the WISCAT interlibrary loan catalog to find and request items that are not available in the Library Catalog (V-Cat). WISCAT searches participating libraries throughout the state of Wisconsin, including public libraries, school libraries and others.
Newspaper Source Plus
Newspaper Source Plus includes over 1,500 full-text newspapers and newswires, providing more than 27 million full-text articles. In addition, the database features more than 583,100 television and...
Archive of Wisconsin Newspapers
Archive of Wisconsin Newspapers covers full-text daily and weekly Wisconsin newspapers from 2005 to 90 days ago, as well as 13 historical Wisconsin newspapers from the 1800s and 1900s. Each...
Homebound Services
For Marathon County residents unable to visit the library due to age, illness, accident or disability, our Homebound program offers a way to receive library materials at home by mail or special...