March 4, 2021

Our MCPL staff is back with another fun mix of stories, play and crafts! For this occasional series, staff from nearly all of our nine locations contributed a mix of fun videos that we've pieced together for you to enjoy! We have stories, a couple of interactive segments to get you up and moving around a bit, and you can follow along as we make a fun polar bear craft! You'll also find on this page a link to directions to make an equally fun penguin craft using egg cartons! We hope you enjoy it, and feel free to watch as many times as you'd like!​  

Books Children Early Literacy Learning Library Branches Story Times

February 27, 2021

Like it or not, it's that time of year again - tax season! If you still have to prepare and file your taxes, the Marathon County Public Library is the place to go for tax forms. Each year, we offer a variety of free state and federal tax forms and publications, and this year is no exception. The federal documents that we have available this year include: 1040/1040-SR booklet 1040/1040-SR instructions The Wisconsin state documents we have available are: Form 1 Form 1 instruction booklet Schedule H booklet (which includes a copy of the Rent Certificate) These forms can be picked up at the MCPL Wausau drive thru any time it's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or at any of the eight branch...

Adults Taxes

February 25, 2021

The pandemic, coupled with winter temps, has made for a lot of inside time at my house, which generally translates into a lot of TV time. If you’ve been experiencing the same thing and are looking for something a bit different to watch, might I suggest watching a classic movie? In 1998, the American Film Institute (AFI) unveiled their 100 Years…100 Movies list as a national celebration of the cinema centennial, calling it “a definitive selection of the greatest 100 films of all time.” Updated in 2007, this list includes genres ranging from comedy to horror, animated to westerns. What I love about classic movies is that they are so much more than a good story, but encompass all the many elements that...

Adults COVID-19 Movies

February 15, 2021

Have you ever passed up a book because the cover or synopsis seemed superficial or unrelatable? Or have you decided against reading a book because the genre isn’t your favorite? Sometimes bits and pieces of the story can compel you to read the entire book, which is great, because you can find bits of wisdom inside stories you wouldn’t expect. Below are some of my favorite compelling quotes that I've gleaned from books over the years that have left a lasting impression. Do you have any that you write down and keep in a journal? If so, tell us some of your favorites. 

“Each person seems to have separate memories that make them think they have continuous separate selves. But what if you lost your...

Adults Authors Books

February 10, 2021

Magazines are now available for free online access in Wisconsin's Digital Library (WDL)! In addition to e-books, digital audiobooks and videos, WDL now includes more than 3,000 magazines.  These magazines are available for simultaneous use statewide (no waiting lists) and may be accessed using the Libby app, the OverDrive app or the WDL website. You just need your library card to log in. Each magazine can be borrowed for a maximum of 21 days, and you can even check out and read back issues! To view this collection: visit https://wplc.overdrive.com/collections/featured/4;  OR in the WDL main menu, select "Collections" and use the "Magazines" list;  OR in...

Magazines and Newspapers Technology Wisconsin's Digital Library

February 2, 2021

Recently, I wrote an article on my favorite cozy mysteries to coincide with winter in Wisconsin. Although I’m a fan of cozy mysteries, my all-time favorite type of novel to read is an intriguing psychological thriller. I find them really engaging, atmospheric, and I love when I can never guess the twists and turns that pop up. I love to go back and forth between cozy mysteries and psychological thrillers (with a plethora of cookbooks sprinkled in), and below are a list of my all-time favorite novels and authors: Author: Clare Mackintosh Recommended Reads: I Let You Go, I See You, Let Me Lie  Clare Mackintosh is the author who really made me realize I love a good thriller and...

Adults Books Reading Recommendations

January 27, 2021

On January 25, the Marathon County Public Library Board of Trustees voted to approve a motion for the Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) to join the South Central Library System (SCLS). The 4-3 vote was preceded by a year-long analysis by the Library System Task Force, which was formed in January 2020 to thoroughly examine the cost and benefits of joining SCLS. In December 2020, the Task Force’s final recommendation was that MCPL join SCLS. “I appreciate all of the hard work completed by our Task Force during the past year,” said Marathon County Public Library Director Ralph Illick. “I am excited about the possibility of joining the South Central Library System and collaborating with our friends at the...

Community Libraries Library Board Library Branches

January 27, 2021

This is the time of year that every librarian, book seller and youth educator waits for. Will their favorite book be picked for an award by the American Library Association? What winning books flew under their radar this year? For teens, this year brings a new crop of awesome young adult literature, showing the continued growth of teen books.  Starting with the Michael L. Printz Award for literary excellence in young adult literature, the winner this year is Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayen. Daniel’s story reaches across decades and miles to help his classmates understand who he is and where he came from. This book would definitely entertain younger teens as well as older teens struggling to...

Authors Awards Books Reading Recommendations Teens Youth Media Awards

January 26, 2021

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

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

COVID-19 Library Board Library Branches

January 19, 2021

There’s no shortage of great books about time travel. Consider The Time Machine, A Christmas Carol or the more contemporary Outlander. Maybe you haven’t read a book that includes actual time travel, but one that takes place in another era. For example, many westerns, science fiction, fantasy, and romance books are set in the past or future, and can also do the trick. We asked our patrons in Mosinee if they could be time travelers, to when would they travel? Many found it a difficult question.  A number of patrons were concerned that any action in the past would cause a change in the present, much like in the movie Back to the Future. For that reason, one young patron decided he...

Adults Books Community