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!
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...
September 9, 2021
The following is a selection of books written by authors featured in the 2021 Central Wisconsin Book Festival (CWBF)! From fiction to nonfiction to poetry, this year's CWBF will be a great opportunity for members of the community to hear from notable writers with diverse backgrounds. Check out the following items before or after the festival to explore their creations:
August 25, 2021
Next month is the Central Wisconsin Book Festival! This year, 11 fabulous children’s authors will be speaking at the festival. The majority of these events will be conducted virtually through Zoom, which means you can attend from anywhere! The following books are my recommended pre-festival reads for kids. The good news? They're all available for checkout from your local Marathon County Public Library! On Friday, September 17, via Zoom, Canadian artist Matthew Forsythe will read from his entertaining picture book Pokko and the Drum and also show participants how he created the illustrations. Forsythe’s artwork has been exhibited in Los Angeles, Japan, Italy, and Germany. A few of my...
August 18, 2021
If you use the OverDrive app to access Wisconsin's Digital Library for free e-books, e-magazines and audiobooks, please plan to switch to the Libby app by the end of 2022.The OverDrive app is being "sunsetted" by its creator — i.e. the app will no longer be updated or supported in the near future, and eventually will be discontinued.Additionally, the OverDrive app will not be available in the Apple App Store, Google Play, and the Microsoft Store starting in February 2022. It's unclear when the OverDrive app will be removed from the Amazon Appstore.*Current OverDrive app users can continue to use the app until further notice. All of the same e-books, e-magazines and audiobooks are available on the Libby app.If...
August 11, 2021
Do your children want to learn more about those who have made substantial contributions to history, and the world? We've put together a reading list of biographies for kids, arranging them by length - short, longer, and longest. We've also included links to two podcasts that also may interest them - Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and The Past & the Curious. For additional recommendations, call the children's desk at the Marathon County Public Library's Wausau Headquarters at 715-261-7220.
July 29, 2021
Are you a gardener, watching your harvest grow this summer? I am, and since the start of the pandemic, I've really enjoyed digging (literally) into my backyard and doing more projects than I ever have before. Weekends off with my husband (for the first time in the decade we’ve known each other) provided the perfect opportunity to work outside creating quite the sanctuary in our backyard! Not only did we expand our garden (again) and build more planting areas around the yard (again), we’ve created a winding path up to a woodland area where I can sit and read. We’ve also created new areas for wildlife and pollinators, including a wildflower patch, bee hotels, and my favorite addition: a pond...
July 22, 2021
The Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) recently purchased over 60 new items for its collection, thanks to a $1,000 grant from the East Asia in Wisconsin Library Program. The program was created in fall 2020 by the Center for East Asian Studies (CEAS) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Library Association, the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The goal of the program is to provide public libraries with the funds to purchase East-Asia-related materials to their collections, or to plan programs and events related to East Asia. MCPL was one of 38 public libraries around the state to be awarded a...
July 8, 2021
For those fortunate enough to learn the joy of reading at a young age, books can be impactful, perhaps even life-changing. Accompanying book characters through life challenges and experiences can set a course for young readers for whom they want to be and how they want to live their lives, or can simply begin a lifelong interest in reading. With this in mind, I asked some adult readers what book they read in their childhoods that had a significant impression on their lives. The qualities of courage and fortitude were lessons some readers learned through their book choices. One individual loved the Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie series, particularly the early books, relating how they...
July 7, 2021
The fifth annual Central Wisconsin Book Festival (CWBF) takes place September 17–26, 2021! Even though summer is officially upon us, the committee behind the Central Wisconsin Book Festival have their eyes on the fall as we plan our annual fest!The festival, an initiative of the Marathon County Public Library (MCPL), has grown in several exciting ways since its humble beginnings in 2017: The number of authors hosted, the number of people who attend, and the reach of the festival beyond Central Wisconsin to other states and even countries!The biggest way we’re growing this year is geographically: For the first time, MCPL is collaborating with the Portage County Public Library in Stevens Point and the...
June 30, 2021
When I was a kid, summer was the time to read horror novels. I know it's months away from the traditional spooky season, but summer was the only chance I had to read and really enjoy a good scary story. As soon as it got hot—like July or August hot—l was at the library looking for the latest horror novel to keep me company on family trips or while camping. Hopefully one or two of these will keep you company throughout the short summer nights!
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...
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...
March 17, 2021
Everyone needs something new to read from time to time, even tweens! Occasionally, we'll post tween book talks right here on www.mcpl.us. The talks will cover a wide range of novels aimed at late elementary and middle school-age kids. The talks can be experienced in two different ways. Tweens can either watch the YouTube video discussion associated with each book below, or can download an MP3 file of the talk to their computer, tablet or smartphone and listen to it podcast-style!The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamilloAvailable from the library as a book (see link below) Grasping Mysteries by Joseph ElliottAvailable from the library as a book (see link below) The Good...
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!
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
January 6, 2021
The Marathon County Public Library staff is back with more fun for the family and this time, it's all about winter! We've put together a series of stories, crafts and fun facts into one video for you to watch from the convenience and safety of home! We also have instructions for the melted snowman craft you'll see in the video, some ideas for healthy snowman snacks and a sheet for the "Five Little Snowflakes" fingerplay that you'll want to print so you can follow along in the video!
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...
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...
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...
December 10, 2020
Curious about what your friends and neighbors might be reading? Or which books are trending nationally? Check out the following books from the New York Times Best Sellers list! Have you read any of these books already? Let us know what you thought in the "Comments" section below! Happy reading! Please note: These are popular items that may not be immediately available. It is likely you will need to use the "Request" option in the Library Catalog (V-Cat) to add yourself to the waiting list. Do not be discouraged by long waiting lists for books; MCPL usually has enough copies in circulation to keep wait times reasonable. Also: All of the following books are owned by MCPL in at least...
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...
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...
November 12, 2020
Many of the leaves have fallen from the trees, but it's still autumn according to the calendar! To celebrate, and to give parents and families some fun things to do and see at home, we've put together a special "Fall Fun for the Family" video with stories and fun facts about animals that can be watched anytime! (Or, like our other virtual stories, multiple times if you really like it!) Before you watch the video, you'll want to download the "Animal Play-Along" sheet included below, and either print it or have it ready to view on your screen, so young ones (and adults) can follow along with Miss Lisa (we'll also tell you in the video when it's time for that part of the fun!) Also available to download...
November 1, 2020
Doing a simple search online for “Children and Literacy” will bring up ample research tracing the positive impact of reading from an early age. Reading builds vocabulary, develops listening comprehension, and improves story telling. According to Reach Out and Read, an organization that promotes families reading together: “Children that are read to more often have improved language and listening skills, experience stronger emotional connections to their loved ones, and gain a lifelong love of reading.” All of these picture books are great books to share and read together!
September 8, 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 from festival organizers about themselves and their work. Below is a back-and-forth from Charles Hagner and CWBF committee member Chad Dally through email. Charles will join us virtually at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27 to tell us why Wisconsin is a great state to look for birds, and share some tips and techniques to identify birds. He’s the director of Bird City Wisconsin and author of the American Birding Association Field Guide to Birds of Wisconsin. What's your background and how did you get involved with...
September 3, 2020
On September 1, Netflix launched a new 12-episode collection called Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices. The show, which you can watch with your Netflix account – or for FREE without a subscription on the Netflix Jr. YouTube page – features prominent Black celebrities and artists reading children’s books by Black authors about Black kids. Some of the featured celebrities include Lupita Nyong’o, Karamo Brown, Common, Misty Copeland, Tiffany Haddish and Jacqueline Woodson. For more about the series, click here or watch the trailer below! Want to read the books that are featuring in Bookmarks, or check them out so you can follow along to the episodes at home? See the titles below and click on the...
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...
September 1, 2020
The following is a selection of books written by authors featured in the 2020 Central Wisconsin Book Festival (CWBF)! From fiction to nonfiction to poetry, this year's "virtual" CWBF will be a great opportunity for members of the community to hear from notable writers with diverse backgrounds. Check out the following items before or after the festival to explore their creations:
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...
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...
August 20, 2020
A variety of annual awards for fantasy and science fiction works were announced over the last few months, including the Hugo Awards, Nebula Awards, Locus Awards and others! Whether you're already a fan of science fiction or fantasy – or neither of these genres appeal to you – perhaps the accolades and descriptions of the following works will serve as inspiration to read something new, surprising and/or unusual. So, without further ado (and in no particular order), the following are a sampling of award-winners that may be found in the Library Catalog (V-Cat):
August 18, 2020
A lot of events in the news recently, including that regarding institutional racism and the protests held by the Black Lives Matter movement and other groups, can bring up a lot of questions. It did for me, even as an adult. Why is this happening? What happened in the past, and how did we get here? Those questions got me thinking about other social issues we’re currently facing right now, including immigration and transphobia. Why is life hard for so many immigrants, when we’re an entire nation of them? What’s the difference between gender and sexuality? As you start to examine history, you start to see that it’s a story created and controlled by the winners of wars and other conflicts. This got me...
July 31, 2020
Much like fairy tales, myths have been retold over many years. Sometimes there are different variations of a story, making it interesting to read and compare across the versions. Mythology is ripe for retellings, whether realistic, like Seven Deadly Shadows, fantastic, like The Never Tilting World, or with elements of science fiction, like The Dragon Pearl. Sometimes in order to get the full impact of a retelling, you need to know the original story, so consulting Edith Hamilton’s “Mythology” can be very helpful, as can Neil Gaiman’s recent retelling of Norse Myths. Enjoy the rich diversity of mythology that has influenced writers and authors for thousands of years.
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.
July 17, 2020
Are you or your child running out of fun and engaging titles to read during the COVID-19 pandemic? Then call any of the nine Marathon County Public Library locations and we will hand-pick titles for you and your children! Need new read-alouds before bed for your baby or preschooler? We would love to prepare a stack of our story time favorites and new books for you by request via curbside pick-up! Have a tween that loves fantasy, or the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, and they've run out of books? We have a bunch of new titles we can pull and have ready for your child! Or maybe you need a good mystery or thriller for yourself? The great thing about the library is, books are free to check-out...
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!
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...
July 8, 2020
A few weeks back, we posted a list of fairy tail retellings for teens. These novels retold the stories of Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and other famous tales in modern times, or with new twists to the stories. Since there were so many good recommendations to share, we had to split the list into two parts. Below, you'll find the second list, which features retellings for such tales as Little Red Riding Hood, The Frog Prince, Rumpelstiltskin, and others. Enjoy these young adult and middle-grade (MG) novels that use fairy tales as the basis for the story, and let us know - what's your favorite fairy tale adaptation or retelling?
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...
July 1, 2020
The Marathon County Public Library, on behalf of all its partners, is happy to share that the Central Wisconsin Book Festival will return to the Wausau area for its fourth year. The first event of this year's festival is Monday, Sept. 21 and we'll follow that with SIX more days of events and finish the festival on Sunday, Sept. 27. As Central Wisconsin (and the rest of the world) continues to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, we will err on the side of caution and host an all-virtual festival this year. Although virtual events have a different feel than in-person readings, we hope our audience will enjoy not only the lineup of authors we've booked, but also being able to watch events from the comfort and...
June 26, 2020
Most everyone has a favorite fairy tale, whether it’s from a picture book or from a Disney film. Fairy tales are ripe for retelling and reimagining, whether envisioning Cinderella in a science fiction setting, or a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood where the wolves are really men. We get to hear the story of the evil stepmother (Spoiler: they aren’t all mean and evil,) and the drama and curse of the Beast. Sometimes, an author will combine two stories and create a new story as a result. And sometimes the frog stays a frog, even after a kiss. Enjoy these young adult and middle-grade (MG) novels that use fairy tales as the basis for the story! It was so hard to pick our favorites, and there were so...
June 24, 2020
Let’s face it: A library, on its own, cannot change the world. It’s a physical building — bricks, windows, shelves — filled with inanimate, physical materials like books, movies, and music. But… a library can be an agent of change for the people who visit — a source for learning about the world as it exists today and the history of where we’ve been as a planet, as a country, as a state, and as a people. Through the materials in our buildings, libraries are places that foster understanding and empathy. People who work at libraries (myself included) pride themselves on the fact that we provide information on just about any topic, and always in a nonjudgmental way. It’s simple...
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...
June 9, 2020
With recent events in America, it is more important than ever to expose young children to people of all races and ethnicities. It is never too early to start talking to children about race and its place in our country. Parents, caregivers, and educators have the power and responsibility to broaden children's understanding of the world. Talking about race may be intimidating and uncomfortable, so check out this great article by embracerace.org that gives small talking points and advice on how to start the conversation with children. Representation in children's books is very unequal. Studies show that children need to see people that look like them in books and other media to form a positive self...
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,...
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!
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...
May 11, 2020
Schools, libraries and other educational institutions have been closed for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but some Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) staff members found a way to get much-needed books into the hands of area students during the closure. Over the past several weeks, Stephanie M., a library assistant at MCPL’s Wausau Headquarters, has arranged for children’s books to be donated to local school districts, as well as to the United Way of Marathon County. The donated books were removed from the library’s collection and would normally have been donated to the Friends of the Marathon County Public Library to be sold at one of the group’s quarterly book sales. But since those sales won’t be...
May 5, 2020
Arnold Lobel first introduced the world to Frog and Toad in 1970 and the pair have been delighting young readers (and their caregivers) for years. Two friends, a frog and a toad, go on everyday adventures in this series of early reader chapter books. They fly a kite, bake cookies, rake leaves, and more, all while enjoying each other’s company in this four book series. Celebrate Lobel’s stories about friendship by not only reading a favorite Frog and Toad book, but by sending a letter to a friend! During these socially distant times, friendship and connection is more important than ever. Harper Collins Publishers put out an activity kit that includes a letter template for kids to use to write a letter to a...
May 1, 2020
Beginning Monday, May 4, all nine MCPL locations will begin offering curbside pickup for the duration of the library’s COVID-19-related closure. To participate in this service, please thoroughly read and follow the steps below: 1. PLACE YOUR HOLDS ONLINE OR BY CALLING YOUR LOCAL MCPL LOCATION To place a hold on an item, patrons can either call their preferred MCPL location or place holds via the V-Cat catalog. If contacting by phone, please call the library that you plan on picking up your items at. Hours that phones will be answered vary by location. For more information about times to call, visit https://mcpl.us/about/locations and click on the specific location you want to...
April 30, 2020
One of the most popular questions at the Youth Services reference desk is, “where are the Dog Man books?!” These graphic novels are wildly popular with kids and tweens due to their quick-witted humor, fast-paced plots, hilarious illustrations and pun-ny titles. Kids devour these books - sometimes in one sitting! If your young one has already read all of the titles in the Dog Man series and are wanting more, listed below are some other graphic novels that Dog Man lovers will gobble up!
April 20, 2020
Did you know Earth Day is turning 50 this year? “Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. Inspired by the student anti-war movement, Senator Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, realized that if he could infuse the energy of anti-war protests with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution, it would force environmental protection onto the national political agenda. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans — at the time, 10% of the total population of the United States — took to the streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies...
April 11, 2020
This week, the Marathon County Public Library continued offering its daily Virtual Story Time to help encourage kids and parents to read and tell stories at home! A roster of our staff members took turns singing songs and reading stories each morning, and will continue doing so for the next several weeks as all MCPL locations continue to be closed. If you or your family missed these story times, which are typically broadcast live on our Facebook page, we've collected them all for you here. You can also hop over to our YouTube channel to watch these story times and many other videos that we've posted! ...
April 10, 2020
If you are anything like me, baking is an outlet for stress during the best of times. I love looking at beautiful baking cookbooks, checking out my favorite bakers and bloggers on Instagram, and bookmarking new recipes. During this period of self-isolation, I am leaning in and baking even more than I normally do. I have already made my favorite chocolate chip cookies, banana bread, artisan bread, and even tried my hand at macarons. The macarons were not successful, but it was a fun experiment! I will be making my second attempt this weekend! Here is a list of some of my favorite baking cookbooks. I have also included links to these chef’s blogs and social media accocunts so you can find some baking...
April 8, 2020
Over a century ago, Melvil Dewey decided that libraries were too disorganized, so he set out to organize all the world’s knowledge into ten categories. While many librarians discuss the continued use of these categories to organize knowledge, many public libraries still use them today. If you're looking for a nonfiction book to read but aren't sure what you're in the mood for, I’ve picked 10 titles; one each from each of the subject areas. While one title doesn’t completely cover all the topics included in that one category, this will give you a taste of what each one contains. All of these books are available for free checkout and download in Wisconsin's Digital Library via the Overdrive or Libby...
April 4, 2020
This week, the Marathon County Public Library continued offering its daily Virtual Story Time to help encourage kids and parents to read and tell stories at home! A roster of our staff members took turns singing songs and reading stories each morning, and will continue doing so for the next several weeks as all MCPL locations continue to be closed. If you or your family missed these story times, which are typically broadcast live on our Facebook page, we've collected them all for you here. You can also hop over to our YouTube channel to watch these story times and many other videos that we've posted! Monday - Story Time with MJ Tuesday- Story...
March 21, 2020
Stuck at home without books? Looking for something to listen to while you do other things? Then consider the following Harry Potter-like fantasy titles, which will help you escape home quarantining and take you to a far away land! All of these titles are available for checkout on the free Overdrive and Libby apps, which can be found in most app stores on your tablet, smartphone or computer. All you need is your Marathon County Public Library card and PIN number (usually set as the last four digits of your phone number) to log in. Check back throughout our closure for new book lists and recommendations for different genres that are available via Overdrive and Libby. And if you have any...
March 9, 2020
Curious about what your friends and neighbors might be reading? Or which books are trending nationally? Check out the following books from the New York Times Best Sellers list! Have you read any of these books already? Let us know what you thought in the "Comments" section below! Happy reading! Please note: These are popular items that may not be immediately available. It is likely you will need to use the "Request" option in the Library Catalog (V-Cat) to add yourself to the waiting list. Do not be discouraged by long waiting lists for books; MCPL usually has enough copies in circulation to keep wait times reasonable. Also: All of the following books are owned by MCPL in at least...
February 9, 2020
Curious about what your friends and neighbors might be reading? Or which books are trending nationally? Check out the following books from the New York Times Best Sellers list! Have you read any of these books already? Let us know what you thought in the "Comments" section below! Happy reading! Please note: These are popular items that may not be immediately available. It is likely you will need to use the "Request" option in the Library Catalog (V-Cat) to add yourself to the waiting list. Do not be discouraged by long waiting lists for books; MCPL usually has enough copies in circulation to keep wait times reasonable. Also: All of the following books are owned by MCPL in at least...
January 28, 2020
On Monday, January 27, 2020, the American Library Association announced the winners of the Youth Media Awards. These outstanding materials are selected by committees of librarians and other literature or media experts. They are meant to guide parents, librarians and educators towards quality works for children. Some of the Youth Media Awards you may recognize: the John Newbery Medal, which recognizes the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children; the Caldecott Award, which is awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children; and the Printz Award, which is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to...
January 9, 2020
Curious about what your friends and neighbors might be reading? Or which books are trending nationally? Check out the following books from the New York Times Best Sellers list! Have you read any of these books already? Let us know what you thought in the "Comments" section below! Happy reading! Please note: These are popular items that may not be immediately available. It is likely you will need to use the "Request" option in the Library Catalog (V-Cat) to add yourself to the waiting list. Do not be discouraged by long waiting lists for books; MCPL usually has enough copies in circulation to keep wait times reasonable. Also: All of the following books are owned by MCPL in at least...
December 31, 2019
With only a few hours remaining in 2019, another year is about to come to a close. Before we are thrust into a new year and a new decade, staff members at the Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) are taking a look back on the books they read over the past 12 months and selecting their favorites. This year’s list features 26 books that MCPL employees say were their favorite of the year (along with a few runners-up). This diverse list includes adult fiction and nonfiction, youth nonfiction, best-sellers, and titles by both well-known and up-and-coming authors. In addition to our own picks, we’d also like to know – what was your favorite book that you read this year? Let us know in the comments. Of...
December 9, 2019
Curious about what your friends and neighbors might be reading? Or which books are trending nationally? Check out the following books from the New York Times Best Sellers list! Have you read any of these books already? Let us know what you thought in the "Comments" section below! Happy reading! Please note: These are popular items that may not be immediately available. It is likely you will need to use the "Request" option in the Library Catalog (V-Cat) to add yourself to the waiting list. Do not be discouraged by long waiting lists for books; MCPL usually has enough copies in circulation to keep wait times reasonable. Also: All of the following books are owned by MCPL in at least...
November 9, 2019
Curious about what your friends and neighbors might be reading? Or which books are trending nationally? Check out the following books from the New York Times Best Sellers list! Have you read any of these books already? Let us know what you thought in the "Comments" section below! Happy reading! Please note: These are popular items that may not be immediately available. It is likely you will need to use the "Request" option in the Library Catalog (V-Cat) to add yourself to the waiting list. Do not be discouraged by long waiting lists for books; MCPL usually has enough copies in circulation to keep wait times reasonable. Also: All of the following books are owned by MCPL in at least...
October 9, 2019
Curious about what your friends and neighbors might be reading? Or which books are trending nationally? Check out the following books from the New York Times Best Sellers list! Have you read any of these books already? Let us know what you thought in the "Comments" section below! Happy reading! Please note: These are popular items that may not be immediately available. It is likely you will need to use the "Request" option in the Library Catalog (V-Cat) to add yourself to the waiting list. Do not be discouraged by long waiting lists for books; MCPL usually has enough copies in circulation to keep wait times reasonable. Also: All of the following books are owned by MCPL in at least...
September 11, 2019
Autumn has arrived at the Early Literacy Center (ELC) in the children’s area of MCPL Wausau, complete with crisp apples, colorful leaves and plump pumpkins! Visit us and enjoy fun, interactive autumn harvest learning with the young child(ren) in your life. Together at the felt board you can put apples, leaves, and acorns on the tree; compare the shapes and colors of leaves and make a pattern. Recognizing patterns and creating patterns help your child pay attention to details.The ability to notice simple patterns in colors or shapes prepares children to find patterns in letters and words when they’re learning to read. Try on an apron and pretend to sell fruits and veggies in the harvest market area....
September 8, 2019
Curious about what your friends and neighbors might be reading? Or which books are trending nationally? Check out the following books from the New York Times Best Sellers list! Have you read any of these books already? Let us know what you thought in the "Comments" section below! Happy reading! Please note: These are popular items that may not be immediately available. It is likely you will need to use the "Request" option in the Library Catalog (V-Cat) to add yourself to the waiting list. Do not be discouraged by long waiting lists for books; MCPL usually has enough copies in circulation to keep wait times reasonable. Also: All of the following books are owned by MCPL in at least...
August 7, 2019
Curious about what your friends and neighbors might be reading? Or which books are trending nationally? Check out the following books from the New York Times Best Sellers list! Have you read any of these books already? Let us know what you thought in the "Comments" section below! Happy reading! Please note: These are popular items that may not be immediately available. It is likely you will need to use the "Request" option in the Library Catalog (V-Cat) to add yourself to the waiting list. Do not be discouraged by long waiting lists for books; MCPL usually has enough copies in circulation to keep wait times reasonable. Also: All of the following books are owned by MCPL in at least...
July 3, 2019
Curious about what your friends and neighbors might be reading? Or which books are trending nationally? Check out the following books from the New York Times Best Sellers list! Have you read any of these books already? Let us know what you thought in the "Comments" section below! Happy reading! Please note: These are popular items that may not be immediately available. It is likely you will need to use the "Request" option in the Library Catalog (V-Cat) to add yourself to the waiting list. Do not be discouraged by long waiting lists for books; MCPL usually has enough copies in circulation to keep wait times reasonable. Also: All of the following books are owned by MCPL in at least...
June 4, 2019
Even for the most reluctant reader, true crime always seems to be a big hit. Let’s face it; nearly everyone suffers from some curiosity when it comes to crime. How could a person cut a body completely in half and pose it in a vacant lot without anyone noticing? What happened to this person to make him into someone who seems to enjoy abducting and killing people? Personally, I like true crime for the mystery aspect as well as the details into the investigation. The following books highlight cases that inspired authors, such as “The Real Lolita,” where we learn that Nabokov was fascinated with the abduction of Sally Horner and that led directly to his famous novel, “Lolita.” Gabriel...
May 24, 2019
Curious about what your friends and neighbors might be reading? Or which books are trending nationally? Check out the following books from the New York Times Best Sellers list! Have you read any of these books already? Let us know what you thought in the "Comments" section below! Happy reading! Please note: These are popular items that may not be immediately available. It is likely you will need to use the "Request" option in the Library Catalog (V-Cat) to add yourself to the waiting list. Do not be discouraged by long waiting lists for books; MCPL usually has enough copies in circulation to keep wait times reasonable. Also: All of the following books are owned by MCPL in at least...
April 28, 2019
Curious about what your friends and neighbors might be reading? Or which books are trending nationally? Check out the following books from the New York Times Best Sellers list! Have you read any of these books already? Let us know what you thought in the "Comments" section below! Happy reading! Please note: These are popular items that may not be immediately available. It is likely you will need to use the "Request" option in the Library Catalog (V-Cat) to add yourself to the waiting list. Do not be discouraged by long waiting lists for books; MCPL usually has enough copies in circulation to keep wait times reasonable. Also: All of the following books are owned by MCPL in at least...
April 26, 2019
This year, MCPL will transport kids into the cosmos with its Summer Library Program! This year’s theme is “A Universe of Stories,” and we’ve planned three months of fun, entertaining and educational events for kids, tweens and teens! May 28 through August 30, kids, tweens and teens can read books and submit reviews containing their thoughts about what they read. (Adults can do this, too!) Participants will receive a reward for each review they turn in. Younger children (pre-K) can instead complete a reading and activity sheet with their parent/caregiver and receive a prize once their sheet is complete! We also have a ton of great events scheduled at all nine MCPL locations, including visits...
March 28, 2019
Curious about what your friends and neighbors might be reading? Or which books are trending nationally? Check out the following books from the New York Times Best Sellers list! Have you read any of these books already? Let us know what you thought in the "Comments" section below! Happy reading! Please note: These are popular items that may not be immediately available. It is likely you will need to use the "Request" option in the Library Catalog (V-Cat) to add yourself to the waiting list. Do not be discouraged by long waiting lists for books; MCPL usually has enough copies in circulation to keep wait times reasonable. Also: All of the following books are owned by MCPL in at least...
March 20, 2019
When the snow starts to fall, I grab an adventure book. I’m not sure why wintry weather makes me think adventure. Maybe it has to do with dreaming of being in a warm place, like in “The Lost City of Z,” or the opportunity to have an adventure that I will never be able to experience like in “The Martian.” Oddly enough, most of my adventure reading tends to be about surviving in the wilderness, like the escaped prisoners do in “The Long Walk” or Douglas Mawson’s amazing fight to survive in the Antarctic in “Alone on the Ice.” Sometimes learning about another person’s life as they tackle their dreams, as in “Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube,” where the author describes what it’s like to be a woman learning to run...
February 27, 2019
Curious about what your friends and neighbors might be reading? Or which books are trending nationally? Check out the following books from the New York Times Best Sellers list! Please note: These are popular items that may not be immediately available. It is likely you will need to use the "Request" option in the Library Catalog (V-Cat) to add yourself to the waiting list. Do not be discouraged by long waiting lists for books; MCPL usually has enough copies in circulation to keep wait times reasonable. Also: All of the following books are owned by MCPL in at least one version; however, the Library Catalog (V-Cat) may show versions not owned by MCPL and therefore unavailable for request by MCPL...
January 31, 2019
The American Library Association has announced its 2019 youth media award winners earlier this week! These awards celebrate the most outstanding and high quality materials for children and teens. They are selected by committees of librarians and other literature or media experts and are meant to guide parents, librarians and educators towards quality works for children. Check out the latest winners from MCPL. For a full list of all award winners, visit the ALA website. The John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature was awarded to Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina. Two Newbery Honor Books also were named: The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani and The...
January 28, 2019
On January 9 and January 12, local author Cindy Meyering visited the Marathon County Public Library’s Marathon City Branch to talk about, and read from, her new book I’m There for You. Meyering lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Mark. She is a retired teacher, but continues to enjoy time in the classroom by substitute teaching. I’m There for You is her first novel for children. It was self-published through AuthorHouse and was a winner in MCPL’s Community Writing Competition last year. The following interview took place during the author’s visit to the Marathon City Branch Library on January 9th, 2019, and was conducted by Branch Assistant Elizabeth Lutz. Elizabeth Lutz: Did this book’s story spring...
December 28, 2018
As you can imagine, most Marathon County Public Library staff members love to read. A lot. And when you’re surrounded by books day after day, your “to read” list only seems to grow. At this time of the year, we like to reflect back on the past 12 months and think about all of the titles that we read. Though it can be difficult for folks to pick just one favorite out of numerous others, our staff members got together and each selected their favorite read of 2018. This year’s selections include thrilling mysteries, an autobiography of one of today’s most popular comedians, best-selling historical dramas and more. After taking a look at what we’ve been reading, tell us - what was YOUR favorite book that you...
November 21, 2018
This time of the year is the perfect time to start a series—it’s cold outside, there are upcoming holidays and books make great presents! And I’ve got some great recommendations for you! A lot of my recent (and not so recent) favorite books are part of a fantasy series. And while I could fill up a whole book case with what I think is awesome when it comes to fantasy, I also realized that there were probably fantasy series that I haven’t heard of, let alone read, yet. I reached out to my co-workers, and here is a small sampling of fantasy series that we think are fantastic. (No pun intended. Ok, maybe pun intended.) Our list covers everything from urban fantasy/horror with Lili St. Crow’s “...
November 15, 2018
In the months of November and December, you will find jungle-themed activities and books in our Early Literacy Center at MCPL Wausau. “Early literacy” is a term for what children know about reading and writing before learning how to read and write. They develop these skills by talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing with a caregiver. In the jungle, you can say hello to Gerald the Giraffe, a four foot stuffed animal alongside our safari jeep. Go on safari and talk with your child about what animals they see, what kind of terrain they are driving on, and more! Using the safari jeep is a great time to talk with your children and let their imaginations soar. You will also find a “matching animal halves...
November 6, 2018
So many readers love a good mystery. It can be really hard to say good-bye when that last volume of series comes out, but that just leaves more room in your reading life for another great mystery series. I like a mystery with just a touch of the supernatural. If you are like me, you will love “Midnight Riot,” a novel set in contemporary London, complete with ghosts and magic. If you prefer something a little more historical, “Beautiful Place to Die,” set in 1950’s South Africa is the book for you. Interested in exploring a new location or looking for something more exotic? Try “Bangkok 8” set in Thailand or “The Coroner’s Lunch,” set in Laos in the early 70’s. No...
October 27, 2018
The finale of PBS's Great American Read aired earlier this week, where the vote of the public was tallied and the most beloved book of America was revealed. What topped the list, you ask? It may come as no surprise that Harper Lee's beloved novel To Kill a Mockingbird was crowned the most loved book. Read by young adults and adults for decades, Harper Lee's novel is cherished by many. To Kill a Mockingbird was followed up by two series in the second and third spots, Outlander and Harry Potter. In what order did Americans rank the rest of the books on the list? See for yourself below! Plus, you can check out any of these books through MCPL's catalog, our interlibrary loan system, or...
October 16, 2018
I love horror. I really do. I like a book that’s going to scare me, unsettle me or just make me think differently about the world. October is the perfect time for dipping your toe into the horrors that lie between the covers of books. To that end, I offer you a list of both contemporary and classic horror tales. From the short stories of Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft to the true story of murder in “In Cold Blood,” horror comes in a surprising number of flavors, both cosmic (Cthulhu, anyone?) and every day. Horror also has elements of its cousins, fantasy and science fiction, like the horror of discovering that the person you thought was your friend is actually that same person, but from...
September 25, 2018
Would you like to hear about Wisconsin politics from an author receiving national attention? Ask an award-winning mystery writer a question? Want to learn how to start your own blog or create your own podcast? Maybe you’d like to hear Wausau-area writers — teenagers to senior citizens — read their own, original work? Over the course of 4 days, a person has a chance to do any of that — maybe ALL of that — and much more during the 2nd annual Central Wisconsin Book Festival, taking place around the Wausau area September 27–30, 2018. The festival began in 2017 as a way to connect authors of all stripes with fans of the written word around Central Wisconsin. At the same time, it was meant to...
July 24, 2018
Organizers behind the second annual Central Wisconsin Book Festival are hard at work setting up a wide variety of free community events, and this year’s festival is already shaping up to be bigger— and hopefully as good or better — than last year’s festival! What started as a two-day book festival in 2017 with about 10 events has grown to at least 15 events (with more still to be added) over the course of four days, featuring fiction and nonfiction authors, poets, and maybe even you! The festival begins Thursday, September 27, 2018, and continues through Sunday, September 30. Visit www.mcpl.us/cwbf for more information! One of the goals of the festival — besides bringing in well-known, lesser-known...
July 7, 2018
With plenty of holiday weekends and long, lazy days, summer is the perfect time to lose yourself in a good book. But what should you pick up first? We’ve got a few suggestions that will keep you engrossed and entertained all the way through August, including a true crime thriller that’s made the news, a coming-of-age story about a girl dealing with the after effects of Vietnam, and a contemporary tale of marriage and incarceration.
July 7, 2018
Next weekend finds us smack dab in the middle of summer and time for Wausau’s annual “Big Weekend,” consisting of Wausau Events’ Balloon & Rib Fest and Chalkfest. This event has been held every year for the past 15 years and has become a staple of summertime in Wausau. Hundreds of artists will work tirelessly in the heat (and sometimes in some rain showers) to work on their creations, adorning downtown Wausau’s 400 Block with cartoon characters, celebrity portraits, inspiring messages and more. Registration for this year’s Chalkfest has already sold out, as it often does. But if you want to work on your skills for next year’s event (or just see what you can do on your own driveway or sidewalk), check...
April 12, 2018
Spring is here and, in spite of the great weather, the season also brings with it the time for AP testing. Sudents have spent their entire school year focused on improving their skills and learning content, trying to get a 4 or a 5, which equals college credits for them. But sometimes you need a little boost to get that elusive high score, and the library is here to help! Our collection development specialist and young adult librarian have gotten together and created a list of all the AP study materials available at the Marathon County Public Library's Wausau Headquarters. Students can visit the library here in Wausau to pick up materials or can request them to be sent to another one of our branch libraries...
April 10, 2018
It's National Library Week (April 8-14), and the American Library Association (ALA) just released the 10 most challenged books of 2017. These are titles are ones that folks have most frequently attempted to remove from different schools and libraries across the United States for various reasons. Since the ALA (and most libraries) strive to provide a wide range of materials that appeal to all different kinds of people, removing materials from a library collection and other forms of censorship are not ideal. Below is the ALA's most challenged books of last year. Take a gander at the list below and tell us what you think. Are there any titles on the list that you've read? Any titles that you're surprised to...
March 28, 2018
Last month, the American Library Association announced its 2018 Youth Media Award Winners! These titles are considered to be the best current books for children, tweens and teens in literature. Take a look at this year's winners (and some of the runners-up) and see which ones appeal to you most. The John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature was awarded to Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly. Three Newbery Honor Books also were named: Crown, and Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes, Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds and Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson. The Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most...
March 14, 2018
Famed scientist, theoretical physicist, cosmologist, astronomer, mathematician and author Stephen Hawking passed away yesterday, leaving behind a legendary body of work challenging our knowledge of the cosmos and what it holds for humankind. Hawking was 76. Some of the British-born scientist's most famous works include A Brief History of Time, The Theory of Everything and The Grand Design, which explore the ideas of time, how the universe was created, parallel dimensions, what will happen when the universe ceases to exist and other quantum physics theories. Despite being diagnosed with a rare early-onset form of ALS at the age of 21, Hawking continued teaching, researching and sharing his findings and...
February 28, 2018
Every year, a decent selection of films based on books get nominated for various Academy Awards. These films are generally a mix of more obscure titles while others are based on best-selling and widely-known books. This year is no different, with a total of 16 films nominated for everything from Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Animated Feature to Best Sound Mixing and Best Visual Effects. These films are made up of everything from gripping novels and biographies to beloved children's books and comic books. Before the Oscars telecast this Sunday, take a look at the list below and see which books you've already read (or try to read a few before Sunday's ceremony!)
January 4, 2018
Did you recently purchase an Instant Pot or receive one has a gift? Then your next step is to visit the Marathon County Public Library to learn about everything you can do with it! Instant Pots were a popular gift idea this past holiday season. This electric, programmable kitchen appliance supposedly helps folks save time when cooking, making it easier for people to make vegetables and other healthier foods. According to the manufacturer, these kitchen gadgets can act as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, sauté/browning pan, steamer and warming pot, meaning you can do the bulk of your cooking all in one place! Now that it's open and out of the package, what can you...
January 1, 2018
A common problem among MCPL employees is that the list of books we want to read continues to grow week after week but we just don't have the time to read everything. If you can sympathize, you probably love to sit down with a good book just as much as we do! 2017 was a great year for literature. Among the 50+ members of our staff, we read everything from comical children's books about a mouse and a chipmunk who covet the same nut to a graphic novel about a post-apocalyptic teen who ventures into the hellish Spill Zone to photograph grotesque sites for a rich benefactor. Take a look at some of our staff members' favorite books of 2017 and let us know what you think. Then, tell us...
December 29, 2017
Children's literature can be a difficult category to describe, since it consists of everything from board books for infants and picture books for beginning readers to graphic novels and series like Dork Diaries for middle schoolers and tweens.Many book series remain popular year after year, including the Harry Potter, Big Nate and Captain Underpants series, with many of these books being checked out again and again and again. There are also plenty of incredible reads that are popular but not part of a book series, such as Peter Brown's The Wild Robot, R.J. Palacio's Wonder, Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon and Sara Pennypacker's Pax, to name a few. Those books might be popular with...
December 28, 2017
With 2018 just days away, the Marathon County Public Library is reflecting upon the last year. Included in that reflection is looking at the top items checked out in several different categories, including nonfiction books. This year's top 10 took readers to various places in time and covered a variety of topics. Readers were sent back to World War I and the sinking of the Lusitania; they visited a couple who hid people from the Nazis at their zoo during World War II; they learned techniques for tidying up their lives and becoming better people; and they learned about poverty-stricken families trying to keep a roof over their heads in Milwaukee. Take a look at MCPL's top 10 list of the most...
December 27, 2017
The end of the year is fast approaching and with only a few days left of of 2017, the Marathon County Public Library is taking a look back at the past year to see what its most check-out items of the year were. Almost everyone has a favorite fiction author. Nicholas Sparks, John Grisham, James Patterson and Sandra Brown are just a few popular names that people often look for at MCPL, and all of those names appear on this year's list of the most checked-out fiction books of 2017. There's even one author who has TWO titles in this year's top 10. Can you guess who? Take a gander at the list below and find out!
December 20, 2017
2018 is less than two weeks away and with it will come a slew of new movies and TV series based on several popular books and book series. Oftentimes when film and television adaptations premiere, the holds list for the books they are based on can grow rather long. But you can get ahead of the curve by reading some of these titles now before they hit the big screen or are broadcast into your living room!
November 29, 2017
The latest film adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express hit theaters earlier this month and has since resonated with audiences, raking in nearly $200 million in the last few weeks. The film, starring Kenneth Branagh, Johnny Depp, Judy Dench and more, is based on the 1934 novel of the same name by famed mystery writer Agatha Christie. If you’ve seen the film and loved it, you’re in luck – there are over 40 novels featuring her famous detective Hercule Poirot that you can dive into (as well as 12 novels featuring another one of her beloved fictional detectives, Miss Marple). But if you’ve already read through Christie’s work, never fear! Below is a list of 10 mystery novels that you may enjoy just...
November 25, 2017
Each fall, eighth grade students from the D.C. Everest School District take part in National History Day. Held annually, students around the country will conduct their own research into topics related to an overarching National History Day theme. After months of research, the students write a paper and present their final projects to school staff and the public. Winning projects are then recognized at the school's History Day Award Ceremony. This year's National History Day theme is "Taking a Stand in History." Inevitably, many students participating in National History Day visit their location Marathon County Public Library location to conduct their research and to acquire various published written...
November 20, 2017
The 68th annual National Book Awards were held on November 15 in New York City. The National Book Foundation awarded the prestigious honor of a National Book Award to authors and poets in four different literary categories - Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry and Young People's Literature. The winner of the NBA for Fiction was Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward. In the book, siblings Jojo and Kayla are being raised by their grandparents, Mam and Pop, while their drug-addicted mother Leonie is in and out of their lives. When their father is released from prison, Leonie takes her kids and sets out on a journey to the Mississippi State Penitentiary. The Future is History: How Totalitarianism...
November 16, 2017
After spending 1 or 2 days a week with each other for the past 20 years, the dedicated volunteers behind the Friends of the Marathon County Public Library acknowledge they’re more like family than friends. It’s a bond forged as pages flipped and the creative output of generations of writers — fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children’s and young adult picture books and literature — passed through their hands. Their curiosity led them to become shepherds on a mountain of words — likely billions of words, all within an arm’s reach — as they’ve methodically worked their hands around covers to keep their charge organized, sifting, weighing each book, and deciding whether someone might want to take an item home...
September 27, 2017
We are smack-dab in the middle of Banned Books Week, which is an annual initiative organized by the American Library Association (ALA) celebrating the freedom to read. Banned Books Weeks is all about celebrating every person's right to read whatever it is they want, Library staff, book sellers, publishers, journalists and readers across the country often tend to celebrate this week, as they continue to advocate for the expression of diverse ideas and stories, despite the attempt to censor or challenge certain titles by some folks who disagree with their content or viewpoint. Below is a list compiled by the ALA of the most-frequently challenged books of 2016, based on more than 300...
August 15, 2017
With this year’s smash cinematic hit, Wonder Woman, the comic world’s best-known female superhero is back in the limelight. While her superhuman strength, intelligence and determination for justice are inspiring, there are some real life superheroes out there that are just as noteworthy. Wonder Woman’s creator, William Moulton Marston, came of age at a time when suffragettes where marching for the right to vote. The two most influential women in his life, Elizabeth Holloway Marston, an attorney and psychologist; and Olive Byrne, the niece of birth control pioneer and activist Margaret Sanger, had a great impact on his work. It was these women and movement taking place around him that inspired Marston...
July 12, 2017
This summer, children can brush up on their reading skills by attending our weekly Paws to Read events, happening at our Wausau Headquarters, Mosinee Branch and Rothschild Branch. During these sessions, kids have the opportunity to read to very relaxed and well-behaved therapy dogs, courtesy Therapy Dogs of Central Wisconsin. They can sit with their parent, guardian or caretaker as well as the dog’s handler and read from a book of their choosing. Reading to a therapy dog can be a great benefit for a child because it gets them to read out loud without fear of being ridiculed. Some children don’t have a sibling, parent or friend willing to listen to them, or may have been teased in the past for mispronouncing...
June 12, 2017
Today marks the beginning of OverDrive's next Big Library Read, where patrons can get immediate access to Marie Benedict's debut novel The Other Einstein without having to wait! Now through June 26, MCPL patrons can log into their account on OverDrive (also known as Wisconsin's Digital Library) and borrow The Other Einstein on their smartphone, computer or tablet using the OverDrive app. The Big Library Read, held a handful of times each year, is a huge global e-book club where patrons can all read and discuss the same title together. The Other Einstein is the story of Albert Einstein's wife Mitza Maric, a brilliant physicist in her own right. Mitza has always been a...
May 25, 2017
The Handmaid’s Tale, written by Canadian author Margaret Atwood in 1985, has been a popular dystopian novel that’s never gone out of print. Set in a near future East coast city, the U.S government has been overthrown by a religious totalitarian regime, and due to environmental and medical catastrophes much of the population is infertile. Besides the elite, women have lost all autonomy, and the fertile few are cast as Handmaids, their only purpose to reproduce for those in charge. Atwood’s writing comments on the social, political, and religious trends of America, speculating what reality would become if those trends were taken to the limit. The Handmaid’s Tale has been a feminist favorite that seems to...
May 18, 2017
Netflix's new hit series 13 Reasons Why has been in the news a lot recently due to its popularity with viewers and a bit of controversy. The show, based on the 2007 young adult novel by Jay Asher, follows a a teenager named Clay who receives a box of cassette tapes from his classmate, Hannah, detailing what led up to her suicide. The show has been criticized by some who claim the show (and book) glorify suicide, though it has garnered great reviews and has been popular with both teen and adult viewers alike. The series was recently renewed for a second season, which will air on Netflix in 2018. If you're a fan of the book or the series, here is a list of 13 other YA novels that will also...
March 30, 2017
Reading is a developmental process that every child reaches at their own pace. Not every six year-old is ready to learn to read, while some four year-olds are. Early reading instruction is something that most parents do naturally by reading to their children on a regular basis and inviting them to handle books. By doing this, young children learn that there is a right way to read a book (i.e. reading left to right, top to bottom), as well as how a story is structured (i.e. beginning, middle and end). They begin to match pictures with the words that Mom or Dad say. Some children even memorize a favorite book and are delighted to “read” it to their parents. But what happens if you grow up in...
February 4, 2017
The American Library Association has announced its 2017 youth media award winners! The Marathon County Public Library owns copies of ALL of the major winners and runners-up, so feel free to click the links for each title below and place a hold on these titles today! For a full list of all award winners, visit the ALA website. The John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature was awarded to The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill. Three Newbery Honor Books also were named: Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan, The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, and Wolf...
December 28, 2016
With just a few days left to 2016, we at the Marathon County Public Library are reflecting on the past 12 months and analyzing which materials have been the most popular with our patrons here in northcentral Wisconsin. When it comes to the top 10 most-checked out nonfiction books, it looks like many folks wanted to improve their lives in one way or another, whether it was through organizing and tidying up their personal spaces (see the top spot and #8) or through eating and living healther (#2, 5, 6, and 10). Take a look for yourself at the 10 most-checked out adult nonfiction books of 2016 at all nine MCPL branches. Consider seeing why they're so popular by checking them out...
December 27, 2016
With 2016 coming to a close, we at the Marathon County Public Library are taking a look back at the past year to see what items have been most popular with our patrons here in northcentral Wisconsin. When it comes to adult fiction, it seems that patrons can’t get enough mysteries, thrillers, and other action-packed books by popular authors like John Grisham, Janet Evanovich and James Patterson. Like the rest of the country, they have also been swept away by World War II epics like All the Light We Cannot See and The Nightingale, both of which spent much of the year on the New York Times Best Sellers list. Take a look for yourself at the 10 most-checked out adult fiction books of 2016 at all nine MCPL...
December 13, 2016
The 67th annual National Book Awards were held on November 16 in New York City. Authors and poets were awarded the coveted National Book Award in four different literary categories - Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry and Young People's Literature. The winners of the 2016 National Book Awards are listed below. If you're inclined to check any (or all) the winners out, you're in luck; MCPL owns copies of each!
May 3, 2016
The great thing about libraries is that they offer countless materials for a wide variety of people to experience, regardless of age, race, size, background, sexual orientation, religion or economic status. Since each person has their own opinions and expectations of what constitutes a "good book," patrons across the world sometimes challenge books in an effort to have them removed from the library's collection. Each year, the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom compiles reports from libraries, schools and the media on attempts to ban books in communities across the country. Below is the ALA's list of the top 10 most-challenged books of 2015. If you're interested in seeing what...
March 21, 2016
As you might guess, many of the library's staff are avid readers! If you'd like to read our opinions of a variety of books – from children's picture books to adult nonfiction – check out our regularly-updated Staff Reviews webpage, follow us at Goodreads.com or subscribe to our Staff Reviews e-newsletter. Read Staff Reviews: www.mcpl.us/catalogs/books/reviews. (from the MCPL E-Newsletter)
March 1, 2016
On Feb. 25, MCPL Wausau hosted author and folklorist James P. Leary for an entertaining musical lecture on folksongs recorded in the Midwest in the 1930s and 1940s. Leary spoke about his book "Folksongs of Another America: Field Recordings from the Upper Midwest, 1937-1946," published by the University of Wisconsin Press. Leary was even nominated for a 2016 Grammy in the Best Album Notes category, though he lost out to none other than Joni Mitchell! Below is the video of the entire program, and we're thankful to James for sharing his musical knowledge (and a few tunes from the book) with us!
March 1, 2016
We were very fortunate to host Jeff Wood, senior lecturer of English at UW-Marshfield/Wood County, in January for a program on the history of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Enjoy!
February 10, 2016
Come February 28, many of Hollywood’s finest will gather to hand out golden statuette after golden statuette at the 88th Academy Awards. It's not uncommon for Oscar-nominated films to be based on or inspired by books and this year’s nominees are no different. Eight films based on novels are nominated for this year's ceremony with a total of 43 nominations among them, including several Best Picture nods. If you haven’t seen all (or any) of these nominated films you can still get a taste of what they’re like by reading the books they’re based on (it’s always best to read the book BEFORE you see the movie, right?). The Marathon County Public Library and its branches have copies of each of the nominated titles...
January 15, 2016
It’s that time of year: the American Library Association has announced its 2016 youth media award winners! Over 20 awards were given out, including the Caldecott, Newbery, Coretta Scott King and Printz winners, with nearly all of the winning titles available for check-out through the Marathon County Public Library. Take a look at a few of the major winning titles below! "Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Peña – The John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature was awarded to Last Stop on Market Street, written by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson. This is the first time in ALA history that a picture has won this...
January 12, 2016
If you follow current events, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Netflix’s “Making a Murderer” docu-series, or have seen the show yourself. Released in December, the series has since transcended beyond the attention of Netflix subscribers and into the national spotlight, finding its way into headlines and both primetime and cable news programs. For those unfamiliar with the subject matter, “Making a Murderer” looks into Wisconsin native Steven Avery, who was convicted of sexual assault and attempted murder in 1985, resulting in Avery serving 18 years in prison. After being exonerated of those crimes Avery, a Manitowoc County resident, was tried and convicted in 2007 for the murder of Teresa Halbach and...
November 11, 2015
With the 2016 presidential election less than a year away nearly 20 candidates are still left vying for the nation's top spot. In addition to interviews and televised debates, another great resource for learning about the presidential hopefuls and where they stand on certain issues can be through their own written words. A vast majority of candidates in both of the major political parties have published books throughout the years, including memoirs, autobiographies, and manifestos on a host of topics, from healthcare to the economy. Below is a non-comprehensive list, in alphabetical order, of some of the candidates' more recent books that can be checked out through the Marathon County Public Library, any...
September 30, 2015
Marathon County Public Library is excited that we will be taking part in OverDrive’s Big Library Read program featuring two young adult e-books. Library card holders will be able to borrow and read "The Door in the Hedge" by Robin McKinley and/or "In the Shadow of Blackbirds" by Cat Winters starting midday Wednesday, October 7 and concluding at midnight on Monday, October 21 (U.S. EST) by visiting http://mcpl.us/catalogs/overdrive. "The Door in the Hedge" opens a door into an enchanted world in this collection of original and retold fairy tales. Four short stories, two original and two cherished classics, take you into a magical world of whimsy, wonder, princesses and talking frogs. "In the...
August 17, 2015
Our staff at the Marathon County Public Library has launched a new service aimed at helping our patrons find their next favorite books. The library recently set up a new page within our website called Personalized Reading Suggestions, through which we’ll rack our brains and a vast pool of online reading resources, to recommend three books based on just a few clues provided by you, the patron. Our staff is surrounded by books all day and each of us has our own favorite genres that run the gamut, so chances are someone here shares your reading tastes. Plus, we love these kinds of challenges that usually starts a little something like this… “I just finished The Hunger Games and Matched trilogies. Do have...
January 4, 2015
Season 5 of Downton Abbey is here, and so is our 2015 Downton Abbey reading list! All of these titles are available in the V-cat catalog. Contact us with any questions, or for help locating these titles. “I want to read more about Highclere castle, the real castle where they film Downton Abbey.” Try: Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle by Fiona Carnarvon “Anna and Bates are my two favorite characters! I want to read about life downstairs!” Try: Upstairs & Downstairs: An Illustrated Guide to the Real World of Downton Abbey by Sarah Warwick “Below Stairs: The Classic Kitchen Maid’s Memoir That Inspired “Upstairs, Downstairs” and...
November 21, 2014
Many of our locations are taking a break from regular story times over the winter holidays. Here is a list of story time breaks for all MCPL locations. For further questions, feel free to contact us. MCPL Wausau: No weekly story time from December 21, 2014-January 4, 2015. Play and Learn story time, which is organized by the Family Resource Center, will still occur on Fridays except on November 28 & December 26, 2014. MCPL Rothschild: Thursday story times will start at 2:30 p.m. effective December 4, 2014. MCPL Marathon: No weekly story time from December 19, 2014-January 7, 2015. MCPL Mosinee: No changes. MCPL Edgar: No weekly story time from December 19, 2014-January 7, 2015....
October 22, 2014
October 15, 2014
Finalists for the National Book Award were announced today, bringing recognition to 20 authors in four categories: fiction, non-fiction, poetry and young people’s literature. The winners in each category will be announced Nov. 19, but if you’d like to sample the work of some of the nominees before or after the winners are selected, click any of the links below to find titles available in our catalog. In other award-winning book news, The Man Booker Prize was just awarded yesterday to Richard Flanagan for "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" Find it in our catalog here. National Book Award Nominees Fiction Anthony Doerr: “All the Light We Cannot See” - Rabih Alameddine: “An Unnecessary...
October 3, 2014
Mark your calendars for these two exciting opportunities to meet several Wisconsin authors! On October 7, author Ilsa J. Bick will visit MCPL Wausau at 7:00 p.m. Ilsa J. Bick is an award winning author of YA titles like “Draw The Dark” and her latest, “White Space,” which received accolades from VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) magazine. Bick will read from her latest books, sign copies, and discuss how she became a writer. This event is for teens, but adults are also welcome to this event. For more information on Ilsa Bick, please visit her website. Fans of romance novels and aspiring authors are encouraged to attend our romance writers roundtable on October 16 at 6:00 p.m. Members of the Wisconsin...
September 24, 2014
Is your favorite book a banned book? Every year, the Office of Intellectual Freedom receives hundreds of reports from libraries and schools about challenged books. In September, libraries celebrate the freedom to read and open access to information during Banned Books Week. Here are the most challenged titles of 2013, from BannedBooksWeek.org. The 10 most challenged titles of 2013: Captain Underpants (series), by Dav Pilkey Reasons: Offensive language, unsuited for age group, violence The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison Reasons: Offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group, violence The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie...
September 8, 2014
This September, libraries all across the country are reminding parents and children that a library card is the most important school supply, whether you are a child or an adult returning to school after a long absence. Legendary comic book creator Stan Lee is the face of the 2014-2015 national campaign, which includes a social media giveaway of a comic book prize package. Share why you value your library card by using the hashtag #LibraryCardSignUp on Facebook or Twitter, or add a picture to the “My Library Card” Flickr group. The contest ends on September 23. Did you know that if you are over the age of 18, you can apply for a MCPL library card online? We also have paper applications available at all...
July 28, 2014
Do you have a few chapters of your first attempt at a novel on your flashdrive or buried in a shoebox in your closet? With the demands of work, family, or school, it might seem impossible to start writing, not to mention finish writing a novel. However, authors Kourtney Heintz and B.C. Kowalski proved that it can be done, and they will share their experiences with you during these special events at the Marathon County Public Library. This Thursday, Kourtney Heintz will host a productive part-time writer workshop at MCPL Wausau at 6:30 p.m. Heintz wrote two novels while working full-time, and she will share her tips for setting deadlines and managing the distractions of real life. You may have heard of...
May 30, 2014
Developing self-esteem is important to children because confidence will help them in school and life in general. You start developing your child’s self-esteem at birth by being responsive--talking, singing, reading, and being playful. These are also practices that will set foundations for your child’s reading readiness! By being responsive, your child will start to understand who they are and what they do matters to "the world"-- a.k.a. you, the caregiver! By interacting and responding to your child, he or she responds, and you respond back. As your interactions continue, the child’s self-esteem and trust in you as a caregiver grows and gains strength. For more information about childhood self-esteem and...
May 19, 2014
On May 15, author, humorist, and singer/songwriter Michael Perry visited the MCPL Wausau headquarters and discussed his latest book, answered some audience questions, and signed books. Perry is the author of best-selling titles such as "Population 485, "Truck: A Love Story, and "Visiting Tom." The library has many of Perry's titles available for check-out. The library also live-tweeted the event, and some memorable tweets from Twitter are curated via Storify below.
April 7, 2014
Are you trying to tackle the task of potty training your child? Check out the titles below to share with your child. The Family Resource Center is also available to answer questions and provide support while potty training. No More Diapers for Ducky On Your Potty, Little Rabbit Caillou: No More Diapers Calliou: Potty Time Dinosaur vs. the Potty Have You Seen My Potty? Ian's New Potty My Big Girl Potty The Prince and the Potty My Potty Book for Boys Pete's Potty Potty Duck Goes Potty A Potty for Me! Tinkle, Tinkle, Little Tot: The Toilet Training Songbook You Can Go to the Potty Your New Potty Once Upon a Potty: Boy Once Upon a Potty: Girl
January 20, 2014
Patrons of the Marathon County Public Library have a chance to get lucky and check out hotly anticipated new releases of books, music and movies with no waiting list! MCPL Wausau recently started a "Lucky Day" shelf on which we put one or more copies of popular new releases. These are items that can't be reserved; once they are on the shelf, they are up for grabs. Are you one of the hundreds who request James Patterson's or Janet Evanovich's newest novels? Keep an eye on the first-come, first-served Lucky Day shelf, and you may not have to wait. And, with some patrons finding that lucky copy, the wait for other patrons on a book or DVD request list should be reduced. Call 715-261-7200 for more...
December 9, 2013
Sometimes after you read a really good book, you want to share it with as many people as possible. On April 23, 2014, you might have a chance with the World Book Night giveaway. Each year, a WBN committee selects 30-35 titles (it's 35 in 2014) made up of adult and young adult fiction, non-fiction and poetry. The books' authors agree to waive royalties and publishers print special World Book Night editions free-of-charge – all with the goal of encouraging reading among non-readers. If your favorite book is on the list, you can apply to be a WBN volunteer for the chance to pass out 20 copies of the book at a location of your choice to people who seldom read books or never read books. All Marathon County...
September 24, 2013
Traveling Tales kits are new, improved and ready to use! Now stored in clear, easy to carry bags, our kits have endured a makeover and are available for checkout. Located in the children’s department in Wausau, Traveling Tales include themed books, CDs and in some, a puppet. These kits are a great tool for parents, homeschooling families, and daycares. Traveling Tales help promote early literacy and reading readiness for little ones in a fun and exciting way. Check out a kit or put one on hold today! Find "Traveling Tales" in the Library Catalog (V-Cat): www.mcpl.us?k=traveling+tales+kit.
July 22, 2013
MCPL is starting a new feature comparing older books with recent releases. Look for these reviews in our newsletter and at mcpl.us/blog. For this installment, staffer Amy Ryan looks to the garden for recommendations. "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver For one year, Kingsolver and her family vowed to eat only the food they grew on their family farm in Virginia or could buy from local sources. This humorous and inspirational memoir tells the story of that year -- month by month, vegetable by vegetable, animal by animal. It’s a book I try to read every spring as I plan my own vegetable gardens. — Check it out: www.mcpl.us?t=animal vegetable miracle "Growing a Farmer...
June 21, 2013
In a sweeping victory, "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee beat out "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger by more than 100 votes to take the Week 3 Fiction title in the Marathon County Public Library's Literary SmackDown competition. Although Salinger's only novel has become the gold standard narrative of the adolescent mind, Lee's epic story of a young girl caught in the middle of a racially-charged and violent court case had more impact on Marathon County readers. Our next pairing pits "The Prince" by Machiavelli against "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote. Don't forget to vote on our website, at any MCPL location or on Facebook.
June 7, 2013
In a stunning upset, "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte schooled "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald and won the first round of fiction competition in MCPL's Literary Smackdown. Despite the recent popularity of Fitzgerald's iconic and decadent Jazz-age novel, a plucky and intelligent young governess took the first victory in this summer-long competition to determine the most influential book in Marathon County. Voting is now open in the first nonfiction matchup of the competition, so don't forget to vote for your favorite between "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank and "The Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan.
June 3, 2013
MCPL's Digital Classics Book Club in June is taking on a classic work of politics, Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince." This year marks the 500th anniversary of The Prince. The book also is one of the competitors in our Literary Smackdown event, and is scheduled to go up against In Cold Blood the week of June 17-23. MCPL has an unlimited supply of digital copies available, and anyone can join the discussion about The Prince on our Goodreads page. Please feel free to call 715 261-7230 or email us if you have questions.
May 23, 2013
In less than two weeks, Marathon County Public Library customers will be able to start casting their votes for the book they deem THE most influential book ever published. Starting June 3, adults and teens will have the opportunity to vote, online or in person, for their favorite fiction and nonfiction books. During the first four weeks, two matchups per week will be offered. After that, there will be one matchup per week. Customers can vote online www.mcpl.us, on Facebook www.facebook.com/MCPL.Wausau or on paper ballots available at all library locations. Among the candidates are novels such as "The Great Gatsby," "Animal Farm," "Harry Potter," "1984" and "To Kill a Mockingbird." Nonfiction titles...
April 22, 2013
The 2013 Pulitzer Prize winners, honoring journalism and the arts, were recently announced and include many authors whose work is available in MCPL's V-Cat system. This year's top prize in fiction was awarded to Adam Johnson for his novel "The Orchard Master's Son," an adventurous and moving tale of a journey into the depths of totalitarian North Korea. Finalists in the fiction category include Nathan Englander for his novel, "What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank" and Eowyn Ivey for her novel "The Snow Child." Fredrik Logevall's historical account of the Vietnam War, "Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America's Vietnam" took the top prize in history, while Bernard...
April 15, 2013
Kids- Vote for your Favorite in the Children’s Choice Book Awards! Who do you think should be “2013 Author of the Year?” Jeff Kinney? Rick Riordan? Which book do you think should be “2013 Book of the Year?” Pete the Cat? Bad Kitty? Dork Diaries? Celebrate Children’s Book Week, May 13-19, by choosing your favorites! From now thru May 9th kids can vote for their favorite author, illustrator and book. Your voice counts! To vote, use the link below and start by choosing your age category and vote for your favorites. Then visit the MCPL Wausau children’s department and receive your very own “I Voted” sticker. And join us on May 20th for a Children’s...
February 6, 2013
Kids! Get into the festive book spirit and check out a "Mystery Book" found in the children's area at the Wausau Headquarters Library. The "mystery" is that you don't know what book it is until you check it out! If you like, write a review or draw a picture about your "Mystery Book". A review sheet/drawing sheet is included. Return your book review or drawing to the children's desk at MCPL Headquarters and receive a nifty bookmark to save your place in the next book you read. Happy Reading!
January 31, 2013
At the Wausau, Marathon County Public Library location, books for children who are learning to read independently are now shelved together by authors' last names. Parents and children can now choose books that match their abilities using the following recommendations from the library children’s staff when choosing a reading level. RED- beginning reader: simple short stories, with easy text, only a few words on each page and many pictures to help tell the story. BLUE- emergent reader: books have one or two lines of text on each page with simple sentences and pictures to help tell the story. GREEN- semi-fluent reader, these books have more complex story structures with a plot, more sentences to a page...
January 29, 2013
The American Library Association (ALA) announced the top books for children and young adults this week. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the awards encourage original and creative work. Please note this is a partial listing. Use the link at the bottom of this post for a complete list. This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen -- Winner: Caldecott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children. Creepy Carrots by Illustrated by Peter Brown, written by Aaron Reynolds -- Honor Book: Caldecott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children. ...
December 5, 2012
Due to the holiday season, Marathon County Public Library will have a break in story times. No need to worry though, Book Bundles are here! By checking out a Book Bundle, you can put on an educational story time for your children at home. Each Book Bundle has a set of three themed books and an accessory sheet. The accessory sheets have suggested songs, fingerplays, and early literacy activities that match the theme of the books. Some themes we have include “Bears and Hibernation,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Under the Sea,” and many more. Book Bundles are currently located near the picture books and “favorite characters” shelf in the Wausau Children's Department. Simply pick out a theme and check it out at the...
November 16, 2012
Looking for a simple idea for a homemade gift? A new cookie recipe? A creative way to decorate your home? We have books for that. Check out some of these titles from our collection. Christmas All Through the House by Gooseberry Patch www.mcpl.us?isbn=9780848734541 Betty Crocker Christmas Cookbook www.mcpl.us?isbn=9780470874035 A Hanukkah Holiday Cookbook by Emily Raabe www.mcpl.us?isbn=978-0823956265 Yule by Dorothy Morrison www.mcpl.us?isbn=9781567184969 A Kwanzaa Holiday Cookbook by Emily Raabe www.mcpl.us?isbn=9780823956296 (from the MCPL Newsletter, Nov. 2012-Jan. 2013)
August 24, 2012
What's all the Bzzzz about? BeeHive Books in the Tween Scene! Are you looking for a good book to read and don't know where to start? We suggest trying a book with a beehive on the spine. If you are a kid who typically doesn't like to read, there is a good chance you will like these books. BeeHive books have an attractive appearance, clear vocabulary, a high interest hook within the first 10 pages, well-defined characters, humor and an interesting, action packed plot. Ask at the Wausau Library Children's Desk for more information or start looking for a BeeHive book only found in the Tween Scene.
March 23, 2012
If you liked The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, try one of these dystopian young adult novels. Variant by Wells, Robison E. Blood Red Road by Young, Moira The House of the Scorpion by Farmer, Nancy Hole in the Sky by Hautman, Pete Exodus by Bertagna, Julie Dark Life by Falls, Kat The Supernaturalist by Colfer, Eoin ...
January 26, 2012
The American Library Association (ALA) announced the top books for children and young adults this week. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the awards encourage original and creative work. Please note this is a partial listing. Please use the link at the bottom of this post for a complete list. Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos -- Winner: John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature. In the historic town of Norvelt, Pennsylvania, twelve-year-old Jack Gantos spends the summer of 1962 grounded for various offenses until he is assigned to help an elderly neighbor with a most unusual chore involving the newly dead, molten wax,...
January 24, 2012
The nominations are in for the 2012 Academy Awards, and it's worth noting that several of the nominated films were based on books! We've listed these books below for your consideration. While you wait for the Oscar winners to be chosen and announced on February 26, you may want to check out and read your favorite film's literary counterpart! Moneyball by Michael Lewis -- Billy Beane, the Oakland A's general manager, is leading a revolution. Reinventing his team on a budget, he needs to outsmart the richer teams. He signs undervalued players whom the scouts consider flawed but who have a knack for getting on base, scoring runs, and winning games. Moneyball is a quest for the secret...
January 10, 2012
In case you missed them, here are 20 of the most highly-reviewed and popular books of 2011! We’ve compiled the “Best Books” lists of the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, NPR, Barnes & Noble, Kirkus Reviews, and Amazon.com, and listed the top books here for your consideration. Use the links below or contact us to request any of these books today! The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach -- A baseball star at a small college near Lake Michigan launches a routine throw that goes disastrously off course and inadvertently changes the lives of five people, including the college president, a gay teammate, and the president's daughter. ...
November 17, 2011
Religious practices have been important since humans first pondered the mysteries of the cosmos. The unique architecture of American cathedrals, chapels, synagogues and mosques now represent many faiths. Changing seasons bring a host of religious celebrations with beautiful artwork, music, tasty food and artifacts. As a community center providing access to ideas, the library shall present a series of lobby displays about the major religions practiced in America. A special exhibit to instruct about Islam was assembled by international students from the Northcentral Technical College. We will follow up with...
November 8, 2011
Marathon County Public Library, 300 N. 1st Street, recently added copies of Wisconsin Women: Celebrating Their Contributions to its collection. WISCONSIN WOMEN profiles over 90 Wisconsin women who have made significant contributions in the arts, education, business, law, government, sports and other areas. Area women profiled in the 600-page book include Rita Crooks, Suzy Favor, Diane Postler-Slattery, Jean Tehan, Sonja Ackerman, Bao Vang, Tammy Baldwin, Donna Seidel, Sue Becker, Ginger Alden, Waltraud Karkar and others. Each entry features a three-seven page interview and accompanying photographs. WISCONSIN WOMEN is the latest oral history volume produced by the D. C. Everest Oral...
August 31, 2011
Every day we encounter the rules of law - whether it's obtaining the correct forms to write a will to fighting a traffic ticket to filing bankruptcy. The Marathon County Public Library has a variety of up-to-date law books available to help people on legal matters large and small. New law books include the following: *David Hudson's THE HANDY LAW ANSWER BOOK provides answers to hundreds of legal questions. *Ralph Warner's 101 LAW FORMS FOR PERSONAL USE contains examples of the most-used legal forms. *If you're contemplating a lawsuit, check out THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO LAWSUITS. *To help understand landlord-tenant relationships, look for Portman and Stewart's companion volumes: EVERY...
March 7, 2011
If you were one of the many movie-goers enchanted by the Oscar-winning movie, THE KING'S SPEECH, but were wondering how accurate the movie was, here's your chance to find out "the rest of the story." Marathon County Public Library now has copies available of THE KING'S SPEECH written by Logue's grandson, Mark Logue, and Peter Conradi. Though ostensibly the biography of Lionel Logue, THE KING'S SPEECH devotes a great many pages to Logue's work with King George VI. The authors utilized the private diaries kept by Logue to present a detailed, insider's view of the special relationship Logue enjoyed with the King. In some cases, those details conflict with what's depicted in the movie....
February 7, 2011
In case you missed them, here are just a few of the most popular books of 2010! We’ve compiled the “Best Books” lists of the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, NPR, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.com, and listed the top books here for your consideration. Use the links below or contact us to request any of these books today! FICTION: NONFICTION:
January 10, 2011
Check out these great books, available at your Library! Request one today! FICTION: NON-FICTION:
December 21, 2010
Digging Out, (Tomkins/Hartl) is for family members of those who hoard. Gloria and Kathy were desperate; their elderly mother lived surrounded by tons of paper, books and debris. She had scabies and respiratory problems from living in a trash-filled home and refused to let her daughters clear and clean. She stumbled over the clutter and broke her wrist . If this describes a situation in your family, you'll benefit from the many approaches they offer, such as when to intervene or not; whether or not dementia is an issue; how to manage when multiple hoarders live together and how to ensure the cleanliness and safety of your loved ones over their protestations. Is your dining room table...
November 17, 2010
Do you follow the New York Times best seller lists? So do we! What’s more, we’d like to make it easier for you to find and borrow these hot new books from the library! Visit www.mcpl.us/catalogs/books and click on the “NY Times” tab for direct links to our Library Catalog (V-Cat) for the top five best-selling books in multiple categories! (from the MCPL Newsletter, Autumn 2010)
September 2, 2010
Who amongst all of us would-be authors hasn't fantasized about writing that chart-topping, award-winning, million-dollar bestseller?!? And who hasn't mulled over how to get started writing? Or how you get your magnum opus published? Or possible pitfalls along the way? Well, Marathon County Public Library and the Wausau Area of Wisconsin Romance Writers may have just what you need! On Saturday, September 11, four published authors from the Romance Writers Group will be presenting a program - 'So You Want to be Published?' - that should help many prospective authors regardless of the genre they write in. Lyn Cote, Helen Johannes, Renee Wildes and Laurel Bradley will offer an overview of the current...
July 22, 2010
There's more to our collections than what you'll find on the shelves! Popular books are often in demand (and therefore, unlikely to be found just sitting on the shelf), but you can preview and request most of our new books by using our "New & Forthcoming Books" webpage! www.mcpl.us/catalogs/books (also accessible from our website's main menu under "Catalogs") These books represent our most recently-ordered Adult Fiction, Adult Nonfiction, Teen Books, Children's Books, and New York Times Best-Sellers. Many of them haven't even arrived at the Library yet, so it is an excellent opportunity for you to get on the request list ahead of time. Once you're on the request list, we will contact...
June 21, 2010
Carol Burnett was a welcome visitor to American households for decades. First appearing on The Garry Moore Show, she made us laugh with her limber body and rubbery face not to mention a fine singing voice. Yet what impressed most was her innate sweetness and naturalness. What you saw what was you got: a talented singer-comedienne who didn't take herself seriously, someone who was so glad we had those times together. That impression was only reinforced when she hosted her own variety show - The Carol Burnett Show - which many rate as the finest, funniest variety show ever. Burnett shares some of the most meaningful - and usually hilarious - moments in her long career in her appealing and entertaining...
April 30, 2010
For Tuesday, May 11th, the Teen Book Club at MCPL Wausau will be reading Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer! "When a meteor hits the Moon, Miranda must learn to survive the unimaginable. Told in journal entries, this heart-pounding story chronicles Miranda's struggle to hold on to the most important resource of all--hope--in an increasingly desperate and unfamiliar world." Click here to request Life as We Knew It. Click here to view other books by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Click here to read a more in-depth book review at BookPage.com --- For future Teen Book Clubs, plus other teen events, watch www.mcpl.us/teenzone For adult book clubs, visit www.mcpl.us/events/bookclubs
April 19, 2010
Blockade Billy is a baseball-themed novella by Stephen King, due to be released later this week! This book wasn't widely advertised until just a few weeks ago, so its release has taken a lot of reviewers (and libraries!) a little by surprise! Never fear, though; you can place a request for Blockade Billy here: http://mcpl.us?isbn=1587672286 Read more about Blockade Billy here: http://www.stephenking.com/promo/blockade_billy/
March 27, 2010
As part of our NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK celebration at the Wausau HQ Library, we invite children, parents and grandparents to join us on Wednesday, April 14 at 6:30 pm in the Children's Department to enjoy a taste of Mexican food, music, crafts and readings from our Spanish collection. Plus, we'll be breaking a pinata! El Dia de los Ninos/El Dia de los Libros (Children's Day/Book Day) recognizes the value of each child and the importance of early activities that encourage literacy. Books will be given away to each child participant; this event is free and no registration is necessary!!
January 14, 2010
As we have been going about our daily lives this week, important negotiations have been going on behind closed doors in Boston. That is the site of this year's American Library Association Midwinter Meeting. People everywhere have been buzzing about the decisions that will soon be announced: what were the best books published for our children in 2009? Everyone has their favorites, and they have been blogging and Tweeting about them for the past month or more. Children, teachers, librarians and other book lovers have been holding "Mock" elections to make their choices. But what will the results of the real elections be? These decisions will be kept completely secret until...
May 17, 2009
Looking for a good book to read for yourself, your teen, or child? NoveList Plus is a great place to start. This online resource is available to you for free with your library card. Check out what makes NoveList Plus such a great reader’s advisory resource for you: 159,000 fiction titles for Adults, Teens, and kids Authoritative Reviews and articles about books Author Read-alikes—find authors who write like the authors of books that you like Recommended “Reads”—suggested reading lists annotated and compiled by librarians, covering a wide variety of subjects Series information so that you can read your favorite books in order Book Discussion Guides—...
April 18, 2009
National Library Week is coming to an end. Marathon County Public Library has a year long promotion that you, the customer can help us achieve. In 2008, customers checked out a total of 943,787 items at our nine locations. This was an increase of about 7% over 2007. In 2009, we are marching to a million items checked out. Currently, we are up about 7% over 2008. With your help, an average monthly increase of 6% will help us reach our goal of one million items circulated to our customers. The Library has many items for the entire family; books, DVDs, music CDs, video games, books on CD, playaways, book discussion kits, VHS tapes, magazines,...
April 16, 2009
Are you between the ages of 12 and 19 years old? Come and join the Wausau Library's Teen Book Club! We'll be meeting the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm in the Teenzone. Our first meeting is May 26th and we’ll be discussing Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. Uglies tells the story of Tally Youngblood. When she turns 16 she is getting an extreme makeover. Eyes, Hair, Skin, Nose, the works- she’ll be drop-dead gorgeous. Everyone in Tally’s world gets the operation when they turn 16. They are given a full body work-over and have access to New Pretty Town, where everything is all parties and fun. Tally can’t wait to be pretty, and meet up with her friends. But for now, Tally is...
March 17, 2009
The Top of the Day to you: Looking for some good stories and information on Ireland? If you are planning a trip, are interested in Irish history, or just want to kick your heels up, here are some of my favorites. Princes of Ireland: Dublin Saga by Edward Rutherford The Rebels of Ireland: conclusion of Dublin Saga; sequel to Princes of Ireland Ireland: a Novel by Frank Delaney; Tipperary also by Frank Delaney is also excellent. His most recent book, Shannon, is my next read. An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor Edward Rutherford has been discribed as the history teacher that you wished you would have had in high school. His books are wonderful epics that take...
December 15, 2008
Dewey is the heartwarming story of an ordinary cat who finds himself freezing cold, starving, and homeless in an extraordinary place on a bitterly cold January day—in the book drop of the Spencer Public Library. Fortunately for him, and for the town of Spencer Iowa, he is rescued by library director, Vicki Myron, who needs some rescuing herself. Dewey in turn rescues the library staff, and all the patrons of the library. He seems to have an uncanny sense of who needs his rescuing the most, jumps on their lap and gains their attention. Bequeathed Dewey Readmore Books, his home and playground are the public library. He became famous world-wide; people from all over came to see ...
November 20, 2007
NoveList is now available for you to use at home, school, work, or on the go for free with your library card. NoveList is a fiction database covering 135,000 titles. Find books that you like on certain subjects or that take place in certain time-periods, books that have similiar plots, or readlikes--books similar to others that you have read and enjoy. Books that have received awards and honors are listed, as well certain types of books--romances, mysteries, horror, and more. Find books for young adults, adults, and children. The "Grab and Go" lists of books for children are conveniently grouped by age levels. Check it out. It is a great...
August 24, 2007
Recent news reports suggest that the missing remains of Alexei, the last heir to the Russian throne, may have been found along with remains believed to be Maria, one of his sisters. Those interested in a fictional account of the final days of Russia's last czar and his family will be fascinated by The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander, or Rasputin's Daughter another novel by Alexander. Robert Massie's book Nicholas and Alexandra presents a true, yet sympathetic portrait of the life and times of the royal couple.
July 16, 2007
If you're like me, and millions of other fans, you are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, due out June 21, this Saturday. To help me get through this rough time period, I went to see the new movie, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" that was released this past weekend. If you are looking for other fixes before, or after you get your hands on the new book, or get to the new movie, try these suggestions: Waterboro Public Library in East Waterboro, Maine, list of Harry Potter Readalikes. Madison Public Library in Madison, Wisconsin also has a nice list of "What to Read while Harry's at...
May 28, 2007
Here are a few authors of adventure stories, historical fiction, fantasy, and thrillers that men I know love and discuss with gusto. You may like them too. Enjoy! Dan Brown--The DaVinci Code, others Tom Clancy—any Stephen Coonts--any Bernard Cornwell—any Harold Coyle—White Star, 10000 Spartans Vince Flynn--any C.S. Forrester—any Frederick Forsyth—any George McDonald Fraser—Flashman series Daniel V. Gallery-submarines, WWII WEB Griffin—Aviators Louis L’Amour-- any Patrick O’Brien--Master and Commander Edward Rutherfurd—Princes of Ireland, Rebels of Ireland, Russka (Russia) Sarum (England) J.K.Rowling—Harry Potter books, (eagerly awaiting the July...
May 23, 2007
Is there something you'd like us to purchase? Let us know through our Suggest a Purchase link! http://www.mcpl.us/account/suggest/index.html There is no limit to the number of suggestions you can make, or the type of items you can request. From children’s books, to DVDs, to light fiction, to more serious reading; we’ll give careful consideration your suggestions and let you know if items will be purchased. We hope to hear from you soon!
