January 19, 2022

It’s interesting how regardless of how innocuous a person’s dying words may seem, the context of the situation adds weight and meaning to them. The circumstances have an effect on the words' meaning whether the death was unexpected, or if the words were said with the knowledge that they may be the person's last. Last words make us wonder - are we getting a glimpse into something more than life, who a person truly is? Or are the words random and meaningless, a direct result of illness or fear?Some find humor in their last moments, while others are reflective and heartfelt. Regardless, they are interesting to read and I’ve always been fascinated with the emotional impact of words.Here are some of the ones I have...

Adults Writing

January 10, 2022

It’s rare these days to receive a personal letter in the mail. Generally, most of us just receive junk mail and credit card offers. Receiving a personal letter or card in the mail can make someone's day or improve their mood, and taking the time to sit and handwrite a letter to someone you care about is beneficial for both the writer and the recipient. It makes us feel good to know that someone is thinking about us, and devoting time and attention to us. Taking a moment to slow down and really focus on writing to someone else is a good practice and good for mental health.Letter writing also helps you practice more formal language, spelling and grammar, and if you’re a creative writer, it can be turned into a...

Adults Writing

January 6, 2022

Teen library patrons now have the opportunity to participate in a new challenge called 100 Books Before Graduation! This challenge encourages high school students to read a wide selection of books before they graduate and head on to further education. Progress is logged using the Beanstack app, which is free on the Apple App Store or in the Google Play Store. Rewards are earned for every 20, 50, 70, and 100 books that are read, and rewards include book bags, books, and a gift card upon completion of the program!Any book can count toward the total goal of 100 books! They can be fiction or non-fiction, poetry or prose, published this year or 200 years ago. They can be books that are read for fun and personal...

Books Education Libraries Reading Recommendations Teens

December 29, 2021

As another year draws to a close, the staff at the Marathon County Public Libary is reflecting back on the last 12 months and all of the many books we have collectively read over that time. Working in a place where we are literally surrounded by books, most of us have very long reading lists, which can make it difficult to choose a favorite. However, we've done just that! Below, some of our staff members reveal what their favorite read of 2021 is. The books chosen didn’t have to be published in 2020, but rather read at some point in the last 12 months.What’s your favorite book that you read (or listened to) this year? Have you read any of our staff picks? Let us know in the comments. And if you like...

Adults Authors Books Library Staff Reading Recommendations

December 2, 2021

I recently rewatched many animated films and shows that I had seen as a kid. Seeing them as an adult gives me a new perspective and reinforces my belief that animated shows and movies contain lessons and themes that a person of any age can learn from. Some examples of my favorites are listed below. 

Adults Movies

December 2, 2021

Recently, my family has started to transition from reading solely picture books to a mix of picture books and chapter books, and my preschooler is loving it! If you have young children at home, here are some great early chapter book series to read either aloud as a family or for early readers to try on their own.All of these series include some illustrations and lots of humor, so they are great for keeping kids engaged and excited for just one more chapter!         

Authors Books Children Early Literacy Reading Recommendations

November 26, 2021

Beginning Monday, November 29, changes to Marathon County Public Library's (MCPL) checkout policy will officially go into effect. These changes include altered lending periods, checkout limits and the fine limit for a card to be considered in good standing.These changes are the result of a system-wide vote by libraries within the Wisconsin Valley Library Service (WVLS) system, with the goal of making MCPL's checkout policies more consistent with that of other libraries in the system. The changes are as follows: Items with a 28-day checkout period have now been changed to a 21-day checkout period (i.e. non-new books, audiobooks and Playaways.)The magazine checkout period has been changed from...

Adults Libraries

November 24, 2021

Moral Ambiguity: a lack of certainty about whether something is right or wrongImmoral: not conforming to accepted standards of morality. Knowing the difference between right and wrong, and doing ‘wrong’ anyway.                       In general, I find a morally ambiguous villain compelling, and far more interesting than an immoral one.            In recent years, there has been an increase in morally ambiguous characters in literature and film. Some believe this will cause a blurring of morals in younger generations while others believe it provides a more realistic view of real life, villainy and immorality. There’s the idea that a sympathetic villain will encourage immoral behavior. However...

Adults Books

November 24, 2021

It may seem obvious that libraries—public and academic alike—support literacy. They have books, magazines and other materials people can read, and provide programming like family story times, so that’s all there is to it, right?Yes and no: Yes, the simple act of reading helps keep the brain sharp and literate; and no, there’s more to it than that, at least as far as the Marathon County Public Library is concerned.November marks National Family Literacy Month, which began in 1994 through the efforts of the non-profit National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) and “offers an opportunity for practitioners to emphasize the important role that families play in the education of...

Children Early Literacy LENA On-Site Services Online Resources Reading Recommendations Story Times

November 17, 2021

After a months-long nationwide search, the Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) has found new leadership.MCPL’s Board of Trustees has selected Leah Giordano as the library’s new director. Giordano accepted the position and officially started in the role on November 15, 2021, following an announcement at the most recent meeting of the Board. Giordano had served as the library’s interim director since May 20, 2021.“Leah brings with her a sincere passion for our library, a commitment to serve the patrons and the community, and has many new ideas on how to move the library forward,” said Sharon Hunter, MCPL Board of Trustees President. “We are very excited that she has accepted the position and is willing to...

Libraries Library Board Library Staff