Marathon County Public Library

August 25, 2017

We’ve recently completed our months-long Pennies for a Cause campaign at the library’s Wausau Headquarters! The campaign, which ran 6/12-8/12 in the children’s area, gave kids and parents the chance to donate coins to be given to a local charitable organization. With each donation, folks also voted for which organization they wanted to receive the money. And now, the votes are in! Nearly $100 was raised throughout the summer and will be donated to the Humane Society of Marathon County, which garnered the most votes, with a total of 54! Runners up include New Life Pet Adoption Center, which received 43 votes, and Stable Hands Equine Therapy Center, with 29 votes. MCPL sincerely thanks all of the generous...

August 10, 2017

The Marathon County Public Library is working with other community partners to present the first-ever Central Wisconsin Book Festival, starting Friday, September 29, and continuing through September 30 with a diverse lineup of events. The festival begins Friday night with “Fact or Fiction,” a live and interactive storytelling event at the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) in Wausau. Other events include, but aren’t limited to, a presentation on early childhood literacy from Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a conversation with comic writer and artist Tim Seeley and a discussion about Alzheimer’s disease with former Wisconsin governor Martin Schreiber, who recently co-authored a book on Alzheimer’s care and whose wife is...

July 26, 2017

Now that Wausau's city council has voted to allow chickens within the city limits, local residents may be wondering just exactly how to make their dreams of backyard poultry a reality. Well, first things first, we recommend you read the actual ordinance (8.08.012, page 10) and make sure what you're planning aligns with what is permitted in your area. And for those of you in other Marathon County municipalities who are curious about owning chickens, we can point you to the ordinances that may affect you; just contact us at the Reference Desk. Then, when you're ready, check out some of the books offered by your local Marathon County Public Library on the topic of raising chickens, some of which...

June 16, 2017

The kids are out of school, the temperatures are rising and summer is finally upon us! June, July and August are always busy months here at the Marathon County Public Library (and just about everywhere else), with a full calendar of events and activities to attend throughout the summer. We have plenty on our plate with our annual Summer Library Program offerings, with many of our events corresponding with other events and holidays happening across Marathon County. While it’s far from a complete guide, take a look at some of the crossover events we have planned for the coming months in relation to other popular events happening this summer in your community! Celebrate the USA Story Time Tue., 6/27/17...

April 19, 2017

Staff of the Marathon County Public Library celebrated the opening of their newly-completed Wausau Community Room on April 5. Located on the second floor of the library's Wausau Headquarters, the community room was built to allow for easier patron access and to replace the library's third floor meeting room. Library Director Ralph Illick cut the ceremonius ribbon at the unveiling, which was organized by the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce and was attended by library staff, Marathon County Administrator Brad Karger, employees of the Wisconsin Valley Library Service, members of the Marathon County Board and library board, members of the MCPL Foundation, volunteers from the Friends of Marathon...

July 17, 2016

With great disappointment, today I announce that the Marathon County Public Library will no longer seek to host the Children’s Museum of Marathon County (CMMC) on its third floor. The final report on the weight capacity for the third floor has been completed by FEH Design, and their conclusions for required revisions are too costly to support having a museum occupy that space. This is most unfortunate, as the partnership between the library and CMMC was full of great potential for providing hands on STEM focused and educational experiences throughout our county. Although we will no longer be co-located, we share the desire to bring a new level of interactive and fun learning to our community. The CMMC will...

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...

February 28, 2010

The Friends of the Marathon County Public Library Team, the "Dewey Decimals", took home the gold Sunday at the Marathon County Literacy Council’s 6th annual Adult Spelling Bee. They won by spelling the final two words "muskeg" and "brolly" correctly.  Competing with them for the top spot was Aspirus Hospital’s team, "Word Warriors",  who received second place. Nine teams competed, had fun, and helped fund the work of the  Literacy Council, to improve literacy in Marathon County. Other teams competing were DC Everest, Wausau Early Bird Rotary, Greater Wausau Evening Kiwanis, Wausau Noon Optimists, "Birds and Bees", Marathon County Retired Educators, and "We Bee Spielers...

February 26, 2010

The Dewey Decimals, the Library's own spelling bee team, is matching their spelling prowess against other area teams this Saturday, February 27 in the Marathon County Literacy Council's Adult Spelling Bee.  Due to the efforts and generosity of the Friends of the Marathon County Public Library, the Library is able to support the Literacy Council's important work and have fun. Come and cheer on the Dewey Decimals!  The Spelling Bee is being held at the Health Sciences Building, Northcentral Technical College (directions here).  The Bee starts at 1:00pm and is free.  Food is available and raffles will be held.  Come and join us.

February 18, 2010

Teams are ready and waiting to spell their hearts out at the Marathon County Literacy Council’s Spelling Bee on Saturday, February 27.   And yes, this includes a team from the Marathon County Public Library.  Our Library Team, staff members Chris and Alissa, and Friends member Bill Dovenbarger are ready to match their spelling knowledge against other area teams in this fun event.  The annual Marathon County Literacy Council’s 6th annual Adult Spelling Bee is Saturday, February 27, 1:00-4:00pm at the Health Science Building, Northcentral Technical College.  The Spelling Bee is the annual fund raiser that helps support the important work of the Marathon County Literacy Council to...

July 9, 2009

Yes, the Marathon County Public Library has its very own pig.  We are participating with other Wausau downtown businesses and Wausau Area Events in celebration of the Big Bull Falls BBQ Ribfest "Pigs on Parade",  in conjuction with all the other activities this weekend.  It promises to be a fun-filled weekend with the hot air balloon rally, Chalk Fest, kayak races, RibFest,  and of course the Pig Parade. Our very talented staff painted our pig and outfitted him with his very own hot air ballon so that he is ready and waiting for the hot air balloon rally.  See our pig here at the library thru Saturday.  On Saturday afternoon he will take his place with the other...

April 22, 2009

Mosinee Branch Library (pictured here) will be part of  the Mosinee Business & Community Expo on April 29th from 3:30-6:30pm. This event will be held at the Mosinee Recreational Center on 11th Street which will showcase Mosinee businesses and community groups. This event is free to the public. Stop by and see us.