April 15, 2021

Recently, I came upon a word I’ve never seen before; I discovered it while doing a bit of research on a book I was about to read. The word seemed so odd, so I switched my attention to finding a definition for it. The word is Bildungsroman. It is a literary term for a genre describing a protagonist’s formative growth, both physical and psychological, often through painful or trying life experiences. The word itself originates from the German word “bildung” meaning “education” and “roman” meaning “novel.” So a “Bildungsroman” translates to “a novel of education” or “a novel of formation.” Though stories and details vary, the Bildungsroman often has a particular structure. According to masterclass.com...

Adults Books Learning Teens Tweens

April 2, 2021

Spring is officially here and I am ready to plant my garden!  However, we live in Wisconsin, where winter tends to stick around for a bit longer.  To cure my “Spring Fever” and prepare for the gardening season, I like to make seed tape. This is a very easy process.  Plus, seed tape will help you make nice, straight rows in your garden.  Supplies needed: -Seeds -Elmer's glue -Newspaper or toilet tissue -Scissors Steps: 1. If you are using toilet tissue, very gently separate your tissue into single layers (or use single ply tissue.) Then cut the tissue into 2 long strips.  If you are using newspaper, cut thin strips about 1 inch wide.   2. ...

Adults Nature

March 25, 2021

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led many of us to discover (or re-discover!) our love of the outdoors. According to the Wisconsin Policy Forum report Take It Outside: Pandemic Spurs Outdoor Pursuits, sales of state park vehicle stickers rose by more than 42% last year. The number of fishing licenses sold increased, and Wisconsin residents bought more sporting goods and outdoor gear. Personally, my family spent time visiting state parks that we hadn't been to before, hiking portions of the Ice Age Trail, and I even went backpacking for the first time!  I am eager to continue exploring as the weather gets nicer and I am always looking for new places in Wisconsin to visit.Here are some great...

Adults Books COVID-19 Nature

March 19, 2021

Get some things planted indoors by making this quick and easy decorative bottle planter! Please note that this craft is designed for adults, as plastic bottles can have very sharp edges after you cut them.  To get started, you'll first need to gather a few common supplies: Supplies needed: Plastic bottle (preferably 2-liter - the larger, the easier to work with) Marker Scissors Acrylic paint and brushes Sand paper Sealant Cotton string (optional) Decorative supplies (optional)   Steps: 1. Wash and dry your bottle, then lightly sand the surface to prep it for paint (paint will flake off if not prepped). 2. Using a marker, trace your desired bottle design...

Adults Learning

March 10, 2021

Spring is on the way, and you can add some brightness on a rainy day by making this simple (yet fun!) craft, no matter your age. To get started, you'll first need to gather a few common supplies: Umbrella Craft Supplies needed: Construction paper, in various colors (one must be blue) Scissors 1 pipe cleaner Glue Yarn or string   Steps: Cut out 10 circles in the colors of your choice. Fold each circle in half, then fold in half once more, so it’s folded into fourths. Once all of the circles have been folded, open each circle and glue the middle together, as shown in the example pictures. Do this with all of the folded circles. Now, connect...

Adults Children Tweens

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...

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...

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...

Adults Authors Books

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 mystery. The...

Adults Books Reading Recommendations

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 would...

Adults Books Community

January 13, 2021

Do you love cozy murder mysteries? Do you love books and libraries? I’ve compiled a list of my favorite cozy murder mysteries with a book or library theme, perfect for a relaxing reading session on a cold winter's night (or, really, any time of the year). If you’re like me and love a good psychological thriller too, these are great to read in between other genres, when your mind may need a bit of a break and craves a lighter read. Looking for other cozy mystery ideas? Click here to read another article I wrote about some of my other favorite cozy mystery series that don't have a specific library or book theme.

Adults Authors Books Reading Recommendations

January 11, 2021

Sometimes, it’s difficult to choose between relaxing with a good book or sitting back and watching a movie or binge watching a favorite TV show. So why not combine the two and watch a movie or TV series based on a great book? Numerous new TV series and movies (in theaters, and streaming on digital platforms) are set to be released throughout 2021, and we’ve taken the time to compile a list of some of the most anticipated adaptations! Take a gander at the list below and, if any of the synopses sound appealing, you can check out the book from any Marathon County Public Library location and read it before you watch the movie/TV version. Please note that some of these projects are tentatively planned to be...

Adults Authors Books Movies Reading Recommendations

January 6, 2021

As winter sets and days get shorter, I start focusing on making my surroundings at home more cozy (are there ever too many candles?). As it turns out, my reading choices tend to follow that pattern as well, and I turn to cozy mysteries. Cozy mysteries are also great to grab in between other genres you’re reading, such as psychological thrillers. They're my favorite type of novel, but I usually need a nice cozy mystery to sandwich in between them. Below are a list of some of my favorite cozy mystery series, all of which are available to request through MCPL's library catalog. Because there are so many great ones available, I’m writing a separate post on any that have a book or...

Adults Books Reading Recommendations

January 5, 2021

While books are (obviously) entertaining, there’s a lot we can learn from reading them. Witnessing a character’s journey, and seeing how they evolve, is called “character development.” Through the things they may face in the story, a character’s outlook, personality, priorities, or motivations may change by the end of the book (and they may learn a lesson or moral along the way, too). Through character development, the reader can also grow as a person. You may be inspired to turn over a new leaf yourself, or look at a situation in your own life from a different perspective. Below are three examples of books where I found clarity or inspiration through the character development within.  A Song...

Adults Books Reading Recommendations

December 29, 2020

2020 has been an odd and challenging year for everyone, and it’s likely that many folks needed an escape this year more than ever before. Luckily, books can take you anywhere, and can provide a welcome distraction from all that’s going on in the world. We here at the Marathon County Public Library read numerous books each year and have no shortage of recommendations to give. Looking back at the past year, our staff has managed to pare down all of the books we’ve read and have compiled a list of our favorites. The selected books 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 this year? Have you read any of our staff...

Adults Books Library Staff Reading Recommendations

December 15, 2020

When you think of a detective, what comes to mind? Do you Did you think of the detectives of old – a disheveled, forgetful Colombo-in-a-trench coat? Sherlock Holmes with a magnifying class and deerstalker cap? Or a gritty gumshoe, a la Phillip Marlowe? When we presented this question to our patrons at the Mosinee Branch, and their answers showed us that the detectives of today are as colorful and diverse as the crimes they investigate. Here are a few of the responses we received. Lincoln Rhyme was once a brilliant criminologist, a genius in the field of forensics — until an accident left him physically and emotionally shattered. Now a quadriplegic, Rhyme joins NYPD detective Amelia Sachs as his “hands...

Adults Authors Books

December 9, 2020

It’s probably not surprising that the staff at the Marathon County Public Library really enjoy putting together reading lists. We love getting reading suggestions from others, and we especially love making lists for our patrons! With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of books our staff enjoyed reading and discussing with their partners and, in some cases, with their kids. The list was inspired by a recent episode of the podcast Practical(ly) Zero Waste, when the host and her husband shared that one of their favorite creative lockdown activities has been reading the same book. We thought that was a sweet and fun thing to do, and asked our staff to send us their ideas of books they’ve read and discussed...

Adults Audiobooks Books COVID-19

December 2, 2020

If you’re a parent of a young child and have been missing the Marathon County Public Library's popular 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, we have great news: you and your child can now participate in the program virtually via the Beanstack app! Never heard of Beanstack? It’s a web-based reading club platform that allows families to track the books that they read virtually. You can make a profile for each reader in your household, scan the barcode on books to add them to your virtual bookshelf, track the number of minutes each reader has read, chart your reading progress, join reading challenges, and so much more! The app is free to download in both the Apple App Store and in Google Play, and usually...

Adults Children Early Literacy Online Resources

November 20, 2020

In my opinion, everyone should read The Lord of the Rings at least once in their life. Or, at the very least, watch the extended edition of the movies. Why, you ask? It’ll make you feel a lot of things (AKA, it’ll make you cry) Many of the parts not included in the movies are the funnest parts In the age of easily digestible books (and shorter attention spans), modern readers have a harder time putting in the time that a trilogy requires. The way Tolkien writes is rich and dense, and every detail seems important Personal relationships are very important in the books There are 5 million different types of fear in the books, with just as many reactions to that fear or ways of handling it. It’s...

Adults Books Movies Reading Recommendations Teens Tweens

November 17, 2020

As winter approaches and the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many folks are focusing on mental health. Journaling has been shown to have really positive mental health benefits, and can be a positive outlet for getting out your thoughts and feelings. Plus, with a new year approaching, it’s also a great time to get organized and think about goals going forward. Here are two options to make your own homemade journal or notebook, using common household materials:   Basic Homemade Journal: Supplies: Plain paper or cardstock Patterned scrapbook paper or cardstock Scissors or paper cutter Hole punch Twine, string, or yarn Steps: 1. Cut pieces of regular printer paper or cardstock...

Adults Arts and Crafts Teens Tweens

October 22, 2020

Recently, BadgerLink added and updated some of their online resources that are available to library users across the state, including at MCPL. If you aren’t familiar with BadgerLink, it’s the free service for libraries offered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction that provides a variety of resources for school, home and work.  Updated resources include: Literary Reference Center Plus (upgraded from Literary Reference Center) - this resource offers a collection of literary criticism and reference works MAS Complete (upgraded from MAS Ultra-School Edition) - this resource is designed specifically for high schoolers and features a collection of popular magazines,...

Adults Education Online Resources Technology

October 15, 2020

Are you applying for a job and want someone to look over your updated resume? Or would you like a second set of eyes to proofread your cover letter before you submit a job application? One of the professional services the Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) offers is the proofreading and editing of job-related documents such as resumes, cover letters, and curricula vitae. Patrons may email these documents (preferably in Microsoft Word format) to ref@mcpl.us, and one of our qualified Adult Reference staff members will proofread them in the areas of spelling, grammar, structure, and clarity. Patrons will then receive a reply email containing our suggested edits within 2-3 business days. MCPL’s...

Adults Community Jobs Libraries Wausau Headquarters Writing

September 2, 2020

The fourth annual Central Wisconsin Book Festival (CWBF) takes place September 21–27, 2020, with events happening each of the six days, bringing authors and literature lovers together in exciting, creative and introspective ways! Although organizers felt it was necessary to make this year’s festival all-virtual, we’re still really excited about this year’s lineup and hope you will be, too. About a dozen volunteers have met monthly — first in person, then virtually — since the end of the 2019 festival to set up this year’s events. It’s been a challenge to reorganize the whole festival to take place online, due to the coronavirus pandemic. We’ll certainly miss the opportunity to gather together and...

Adults Authors Books Central Wisconsin Book Festival Community Events Poetry Reading Recommendations Writing

August 27, 2020

The Central Wisconsin Book Festival will take place Sept. 21-27, 2020. Before it happens, we want to share a bit about some of the guests so we've asked a few to answer some questions that festival organizers have. Below is a back-and-forth between CWBF committee member Danielle Hale and Tiffany Midge, who will appear during two virtual events, Sept. 24 and Sept. 27. Quarantine Questions with Tiffany Midge I have a confession to make. I’m a bit of a fangirl when it comes to Tiffany Midge. I first heard about her just after I finished grad school in 2017. I was looking up Native American women writers because I wanted to read more from authors I could identify with. (Midge is a member of the...

Adults Books Central Wisconsin Book Festival Events Poetry Writing

August 21, 2020

If you’re one of the many families that have considered – or who have already committed to – homeschooling your child this fall, you may be wondering what you can use to facilitate your teaching. Or, maybe you’ve homeschooled your children for years but are looking for some new supplemental materials to take your lessons to the next level. Either way, the Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) is here to help. As we get closer and closer to starting a school year unlike any other before, many parents have been filled with questions and concerns over their kids’ education. If your children will be homeschooled this year, or learning completely virtually, MCPL has a slew of newly-purchased materials that will...

Adults Books Catalogs and Collections Education Learning

July 25, 2020

July 31st is Harry Potter’s Birthday, and if you’re a fan like me, it’s a great excuse to celebrate all things Harry Potter! Since I became the Mosinee Branch Coordinator, I’ve tried to bring my love of the Harry Potter series to our branch. At the end of the July, we typically host a week-long celebration of crafts and activities (with costumes very welcome!) including a crowd favorite, wand making! While we can’t do our usual in-person programming this year, below are instructions on how to make your very own wand at home, along with some links for other activities to celebrate! Instructions for Younger Children (No Hot Glue Involved!) Supplies needed: Short stick, chopstick or unsharpened...

Adults Children Teens Tweens

July 18, 2020

Fairy tales are stories that we learn as children, but remember into our teen years and adulthood. How often do we hear about something being "a Cinderella story," or about something having a "fairy tale ending?" They're engrained in our culture and the way we see the world and tell stories.  Below, we're offering part two of our fairy tales (and fairy tale retellings) for adults. If you haven't already checked out Part 1 of our list, you should, and then take a look at the list below.   

Adults Books Reading Recommendations

July 16, 2020

What would a good fairy tale for an adult look like? Would it have poison apples, wicked witches and handsome princes? Maybe…It might. But it might not. It might be the essence of the fairy tale remolded to tell a different kind of story. Fairy tales are often viewed as “childish” or only for children, but the books on this list are for grown-ups with a taste for fairy tales, myths and magic.  Enjoy these retellings and reimaginings, and keep an eye out for part 2 of this list, coming soon! And if you're really a fan of the genre, check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our fairy tale retellings for teens, too! 

Adults Books Reading Recommendations

July 10, 2020

Book-to-movie adaptations have long been a sore spot and an area of contention for diehard bookworms. Some expect the movie or TV show to be exactly like the written source material, without straying at all, while others expect some changes to be made during the leap from page to screen. The idea that nothing can or should change is something I personally disagree with, because that expectation sets you up to be disappointed. There are things you can accomplish and convey in books that you cannot mimic in film, and vice versa. And let’s face it – if there was a movie adaptation made that quoted and followed the book it’s based on line-for-line, it would be hours long, probably feature scenes that would be...

Adults Books Movies

July 7, 2020

For many, summer weather plus quarantine means getting things done around the house. At my home, there’s always cleaning and gardening to be done, and one way I’ve found to entertain and engage my mind while tending to those tasks is listening to podcasts. This is a relatively new discovery for me, and I’ve learned that there are podcasts for nearly everything under the sun. But as a reader, the book podcasts hold the most interest for me. Content for book podcasts runs the gamut, from lively book discussions to author interviews to read-alouds. The following are some of my favorites. Try them out, or discover some of your own. If you have a favorite, let us know in the comments section. It’s a big...

Adults Books Reading Recommendations Technology

June 21, 2020

In keeping with the recommendations of the State of Wisconsin, the Marathon County Health Department and other public health authorities, the Marathon County Public Library and its eight branch libraries will be open by appointment on June 22, as previously announced. Our Wausau location will offer appointments for computer use only. Appointments can be made for up to one hour per person per day. Browsing for materials will not be permitted at this time. To make an appointment, call the MCPL Wausau reference desk at 715-261-7230. Patrons visiting one of the eight branch libraries can make an appointment of 30 minutes per week, which can be used either for computer use or for browsing for materials (since...

Adults COVID-19 Libraries Library Branches On-Site Services Technology Wausau Headquarters

June 11, 2020

I believe that if you read for personal growth and broaden your perspectives you should also be opened to challenging yourself in terms of what you read. I often read as a form of escapism, and sometimes that escape is someplace borderline unsettling and difficult, but it’s fascinating to experience something so foreign. Much like reading a book where the protagonist is the ‘villain’ or someone unsavory, it allows you to see the world through their perspective and you learn a little about why they are the way they are. Banned books are also often good examples because being controversial, they challenge a person's personal opinions but often are impactful. I recently started reading My Dark...

Adults Books Reading Recommendations

June 8, 2020

It's the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Let's pull back the curtain and take a behind-the-scenes look at one of the best shows (objectively, definitely)...The Office! In the new book The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s, author Andy Greene chronicles how The Office got off the ground and shares tales from the show, as told by the creators, writers and actors who worked on the program. Many of the actors from the series also wrote and/or directed episodes of the show including but not limited to, Steve Carell, Mindy Kaling, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, and B.J. Novak. A few of the actors have also written clever and comedic books, which I think are worth reading,...

Adults Books Reading Recommendations

June 5, 2020

The death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, while in police custody, has sparked worldwide outrage, protests and calls for systemic reform within the U.S. criminal justice system and its police departments. No list of books and resources that addresses police brutality, inequality and injustice, and similar and important topics can ever be complete, so we thought we’d pick out just a few. If we’ve left out a book or resource you think is important, feel free to comment!

Adults Books Community Movies Reading Recommendations

May 22, 2020

Are you looking for a way to liven up your writing? Many writers use prompts to get started on a story. Writing from a prompt can lead you to ideas and feelings you would not otherwise have discovered. Here’s a creative project to try at home! Supplies needed: A block of wood Sandpaper Antique picture books, catalogs or magazines Scissors Glue or Mod Podge Small paintbrush   Steps: Take your block of wood and sand off the rough edges using sandpaper.You can work with any size block (perhaps you have pieces left over from a birdhouse or furniture project.) Often lumber mills will give away odd ends for free 2. Cut out interesting-looking pictures from older...

Adults Writing

May 21, 2020

As many are during this time, I am cooking more homemade food than ever! I’ve always loved cooking and baking, but now that I have a bit more time at home and am trying to keep my immune system in tip-top shape, I’ve been focusing even more on healthy, homemade meals (but still as tasty as ever!) As someone born with food intolerances to soy, dairy, and egg, (who outgrew them, only to have them reappear after a semester abroad back in college), I’ve always had to be conscious of what I eat and learned early on how to cook most of my meals at home due to safety concerns at restaurants. A few years ago, I was researching nutrition while going through a severe case of mononucleosis and went plant-based to try...

Adults Books Catalogs and Collections Food Health Resources Websites

May 20, 2020

You want to collage - but where to start? Collage can be a great artistic medium to experiment with because it can be anything you want it to be! Collage affords you the ability to be messy, be creative, have fun and not have to focus too much on how “nice” your project looks. The very nature of collage also allows you to more easily cover up any parts of your project that you are unhappy with. There are a few different ways to approach your collage projects, which I'll briefly cover below. Intuitive With intuitive collage, you pull pieces that you’re drawn to, gather them all, and determine if there’s a pattern or a way to bring them all together. To do this, flip through magazines and cu out things...

Adults Arts and Crafts

May 8, 2020

In March and April, we asked patrons in our communities to submit original works they wrote related to thoughts, feelings and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. We received submissions from four people, and we are very happy to share three of them – two poems and one piece of short fiction - with the public. (The fourth submission is not included because it didn’t match up with the intent of the community writing project.) Thank you to those who submitted their work, and we hope the rest of you enjoy what they came up with! “COVID-19 Stinks” by Atia Kampstra (Age 7) The sun has gone down and the curtains have closed I sit in a graveyard sobbing so much I might not be able to cry again...

Adults Community COVID-19 Events Writing

June 25, 2019

This summer, MCPL is celebrating “A Universe of Stories” with its summer library program! Adults can write short reviews of books that they read and earn rewards along the way.  Every adult will receive a reward for the first book review that they submit. Prizes they can choose from include books, water bottles, bumper stickers, USB drives, ear buds or tote bags. After their initial review, adults can claim a reward for every fifth book review they turn in. Reviews will be accepted and rewards will be given out through August 30, and rewards vary by location. For more information, contact your local MCPL, or visit www.mcpl.us/slp!   

Newsletter Summer Library Program Adults

August 7, 2017

If you’re like us, you’ve been eagerly anticipating the total solar eclipse that will happen on August 21, 2017. This out-of-this-world event is something that’s a long time coming, with the last total eclipse to be visible across the entire contiguous United States having happened in 1918 (and not since 1979 has a total eclipse been visible from the mainland United States). The next one will not occur until 2024, and who wants to wait that long to see one again? We here at MCPL have been talking about and planning our own Solar Eclipse Viewing Party for over a year and have tons of fun activities planned for patrons of all ages! Beginning at 11 a.m. on August 21 at our Wausau Headquarters, we’ll show...

Events Adults Children Teens Libraries