April 22, 2020

The week of April 19–25, 2020, is National Library Week — a time when libraries across the country typically celebrate their myriad offerings and show appreciation for the patrons they serve.  However, that celebration is drastically different this year due to precautions related to the COVID-19 coronavirus. The Marathon County Public Library’s (MCPL) Board of Trustees voted to close all 9 MCPL locations to the public beginning March 17, 2020. A "Safer at Home" order from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers went into effect on March 25 stating, “Libraries shall close for all in-person services, but may continue to provide on-line services and programming.” The order was originally...

COVID-19 E-books Events Facility Improvement National Library Week Wisconsin's Digital Library

January 15, 2020

Thanks to recent parking changes in downtown Wausau, visitors to the library's Wausau headquarters have more options for free parking! The main Library Parking Lot (north of the building, by the front doors) will continue to offer free three-hour parking for library patrons – no parking meters, permits or pay stations. Other nearby lots and ramps are controlled by the City of Wausau and offer paid parking Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm; however, the first two hours of parking are free if you register at a pay station located in the lot / ramp.  These lots / ramps include: Lower Library Lot (Lot 7  |  Zone 5720) -- west of the library (behind it) by the river, access...

Community Facility Improvement Wausau Headquarters

December 19, 2019

With the holiday season upon us, I would like to share some exciting news for our library users around the county. You may have noticed that we are currently on hold with our interior upgrades, and there is now a plan for the county’s facilities team to complete the roof repairs in the spring. The repairs were attempted last year, but unanticipated structural issues prevented the completion of those repairs. Currently, Marathon County is looking at renewing the project in the spring, after which the interior enhancements will proceed. Also, I am pleased to report that the library’s board has formed a task force to review MCPL’s library system membership. Currently, we are members of the Wisconsin...

Facility Improvement Director's Report Newsletter Library Board

November 21, 2019

In an effort to provide more consistency and uniformity across its 9 locations, the Marathon County Public Library will change its hours of operation starting January 12, 2020, to include a balance of morning, afternoon and evening hours. The library’s Board of Trustees in October 2019 unanimously approved the changes, which were based on factors such as hourly circulation and door counts, staffing and safety issues, public and staff surveys, and comparisons with other libraries in Wisconsin and elsewhere in the United States. See below for a full breakdown of the hours by location, but here are a few key things to keep in mind if you’re wondering about your next trip to the library after January 12...

Library Branches Facility Improvement Events Library Board

August 23, 2019

We are making good progress at MCPL with several important matters of interest.  The library’s new interior public furnishings are being designed by Engberg Anderson Architects, and we will add more information online for you once they complete those designs. The library’s foundation has agreed to grant substantial funding for the addition of new technology that will be used to enhance our STEM programming as part of this redesign, and we will be customizing our programs to best serve our communities.  We are hopeful that the ongoing roof repairs at MCPL Wausau will be completed during the coming months, but we may need to proceed with caution in order to limit any complications that might...

Director's Report Facility Improvement Friends Of The Library Newsletter

December 20, 2018

Good news! The much anticipated interior renovations are now only months away. Soon, we will review proposals from library design firms to refurbish our headquarters and branches. We want to give all of our locations a makeover, while also looking at potential technology upgrades to ensure the very best possible public service to our communities. The Planning and Visioning Project that was completed in 2016 will be used by the design firm as a guide to ensure that the upgrades are comprehensive and relevant. We are very fortunate that our Marathon County Public Library Foundation has agreed to help with this project, and we are all thrilled to see this new chapter at MCPL come to fruition. Also, soon you...

Director's Report Newsletter Facility Improvement

December 17, 2018

The Marathon County Public Library solicits qualified architectural and design firms to submit proposals for interior renovations at its Wausau Headquarters and branch libraries.  Proposals are due for submission to the Marathon County Public Library, 300 North First St., Wausau, WI, 54403, attention Library Director Ralph Illick, by 2:00 p.m., Central Standard Time, on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Further submission details are provided below. Documents: REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) Supplement: Engberg Anderson: Final Report Supplement: Engberg Anderson: Appendices Addendum #1 Addendum #2

Facility Improvement

August 20, 2018

As children head back to school and the summer days begin to wane, the Marathon County Public Library will be undergoing some much-needed changes! We will be replacing the carpeting in our main library Children’s Department after having endured a sudden break in a water supply line in the dark of night. This unfortunate event was managed and mitigated admirably by the Marathon County Facilities and Capital Management Department, and they have our gratitude for helping to make a potentially bad situation little more than an inconvenience.  We also will be replacing many of the library’s 22+ years old public furnishings. Our intention is to better use our available space, as well as improve your...

Newsletter Director's Report Facility Improvement

May 15, 2018

The Marathon County Public Library's Mosinee Branch is scheduled to reopen Wednesday, May 16, following a brief closure due to a roofing construction project. The library has been closed to the public since last week. Once again, we'd like like to thank our patrons for their patience and understanding!

Library Branches Libraries Facility Improvement

May 7, 2018

The Marathon County Public Library's Mosinee Branch will be closed starting today due to a roofing construction project. The branch will remain closed throughout the coming days until the project is complete.We will follow-up with updates as we receive them and notify the public when the branch is set to reopen. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to have the branch open again as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding!

Library Branches Libraries Facility Improvement

March 14, 2018

There is a lot going on at your library! The Friends of the Library have moved into their new digs in the old bookmobile garage, and their first book sale was a huge success. The Friends made the transition very smoothly, and we look forward to their being able to enjoy the new room for years to come as they raise money to help the library provide its programs.  On another note, the LENA Project will be gearing up in February and March of this year. The library will be hosting and facilitating this important community collaboration designed to help parents of children aged birth to three years old with the critical brain development that centers around language. There are multiple community...

Director's Report Friends Of The Library LENA Children Book Sale Community Facility Improvement Uniform Addressing

March 12, 2018

Due to a roof replacement project at Rothschild's village hall, the outdoor book return at our Rothschild Branch will be unavailable today -- and possibly a little longer than that. For the same reason, parking options in front of the library may be limited, and you may need to use the village hall's central or south entrance instead of the library entrance to the north.  To return your items, please use the indoor book return. Thank you!

Facility Improvement Library Branches

January 24, 2018

The end is in sight for an effort that’s been months in the making — and years in planning — to move the Friends of the Marathon County Public Library into a new space. More than a dozen volunteers who work with the Friends of the Library spent the last several months moving thousands of books, audiobooks, movies, and other materials from the 3rd floor of the Wausau location to its new home on the ground level, located on the west side of the building and facing the river. While moving all of the existing materials, the Friends also still sift through items recently donated to the library to add to the collection. They will celebrate the move and welcome the public into the new space with their first...

Events Book Sale Friends Of The Library Facility Improvement

August 15, 2017

I hope that all of our readers have enjoyed this pleasant, temperate summer season. We have seen a lot of changes at MCPL, and I would like to share some news about more changes you will see in the near future.  To begin, we have been using the new Wausau Community Room on the second floor of our Wausau Headquarters, and the public loves it! There is easy access via stairs or elevator, and the reviews have been very positive. If you have the need for a meeting of your nonprofit group or club, please consider using this meeting room for your next gathering of twenty or more people. Remember that all meetings at the library must be open to the public. Next, I am deeply saddened to announce that our...

Director's Report Friends Of The Library Library Branches Meeting Rooms Facility Improvement Library Board

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...

Libraries Community Facility Improvement Library Board

March 24, 2017

The Marathon County Public Library is happy to announce that the drive thru at its Wausau Headquarters will reopen for public use at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 27! Located on the west side of the building, MCPL Wausau's drive thru has been closed since last October due to a construction project occurring in the library's basement area. That lower level is being renovated in order to move the Friends of the Marathon County Public Library down from their current home on the library's third floor. Though this project is still ongoing, it is far enough along for the drive thru to reopen to the public. Aside from picking up requested items, patrons may also pay their fines at the...

Facility Improvement Libraries

February 27, 2017

It’s a situation no aquarium owner wants to happen: a complete removal of all aquarium contents to make a repair. Yet that’s exactly what happened recently with the Phyllis Donner Aquarium at MCPL Wausau, though we’re happy to say the repairs were completed without the loss of any aquatic life. The aquarium was constructed in 2012 by Las Vegas-based Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM), famous for their Animal Planet television show “Tanked.” In December, Darren Letner, owner of Tank Mates LLC in Wausau and the aquarium’s caretaker, noticed a few spots at the bottom of the aquarium where the seal holding in 650 gallons of saltwater was starting to deteriorate.  A plan was devised that required Letner to...

Newsletter Aquarium Children Facility Improvement

January 9, 2017

I should take this opportunity to shoulder the blame for December’s polar vortex and extreme cold. Foolishly, I was complaining only two weeks earlier about being shortchanged by the temperate weather we had thus far enjoyed. Please know that I have learned my lesson, and will hereafter avoid any such future musings.  With the onset of our much more recognizable seasonal weather, I hope you and yours enjoy a happy and healthy New Year.  Here at MCPL, we are well underway with renovations in the basement garage and on the second floor. The new book sale room for the Friends of the Marathon County Public Library will be completed later in January, providing a new and dynamic space for the Friends...

Director's Report Newsletter Facility Improvement

October 14, 2016

Due to construction projects to improve facilities at the Wausau Headquarters, the library's drive thru will be closed starting Monday, October 17, until further notice. During this time, a portion of the library's basement will be renovated in order to move the Friends of the Marathon County Public Library down from their current home on the library's third floor. Future book sales held by the group will also be located in this revamped space. This project is expected to be completed by December 31. Patrons will still be able to pick up, return and request items inside the Wausau Headquarters and can return materials 24/7 via book return slots located around the outside of the building. Stay...

Facility Improvement

August 31, 2016

We have so much going on at the Marathon County Public Library! We recently have learned that the third floor of the main library will not meet the code restrictions to allow for the Children’s Museum of Marathon County to reside there. A comprehensive engineering study confirmed that the amount of renovation required for the floor to meet codes for a museum would be exorbitant and unrealistic. This is most unfortunate, as we see a tremendous opportunity for partnering with the children’s museum to bring STEM programming to all the county’s residents. The children’s museum group will continue to seek a viable location for their project, and we will continue to support those efforts. We look forward to...

Newsletter Director's Report Children Facility Improvement

December 15, 2015

As we reflect on the past year, we have so much to be thankful for and even more to look forward to here at MCPL. During the past several months, we have had the architectural firm Engberg Anderson working with us on planning and visioning the future of your library. This has been an exciting project that allowed us to listen to our public, our staff, and our partners in the community. I am very pleased with the results of their study, and I look forward to implementing many of their suggestions as our board prioritizes their findings. I am also especially pleased to report the partnership we are building with the Children’s Museum of Marathon County, a well-organized non-profit organization that has...

Newsletter Children Director's Report Facility Improvement

November 27, 2015

On Nov. 4, 2015, I was fortunate to attend one day of the annual Wisconsin Library Association conference, held this year in Middleton. These conferences are a great chance to network, but more importantly, librarians and library staff from across the state come together to discuss different aspects of library operations – including sessions this year on programming, library design, collection development and engaging teens through technology, among other topics. Since MCPL covered the cost of attending the conference, I thought I would share with you, the public, some of the things I saw and learned during this beneficial excursion.   The morning keynote address was from Mita Williams, a librarian at...

Libraries Events Facility Improvement

September 9, 2015

The following are notes compiled from the library's Planning & Visioning listening sessions so far: 2015-8-26 Workshop Meeting Minutes 2015-9-9 Workshop Meeting Minutes

Facility Improvement

August 24, 2015

A letter to our friends and neighbors about our Planning and Visioning from the Library Director Over the coming weeks we will be hosting listening sessions at the main library in downtown Wausau. These sessions will be conducted by Engberg Anderson, an architectural firm based out of Milwaukee that specializes in libraries. We want to learn how we may best serve the public during the next ten years to ensure that your library is relevant and useful to you. They will solicit your ideas about services, facilities, and resources that you want to see at your library. Please take a moment if you can, and attend a session or write down your thoughts so that we may collect them and then implement those...

Director's Report Facility Improvement

August 24, 2015

A letter to our friends and neighbors about our Planning and Visioning  from the Library Director Over the coming weeks we will be hosting listening sessions at the main library in downtown Wausau. These sessions will be conducted by Engberg Anderson, an architectural firm based out of Milwaukee that specializes in libraries. We want to learn how we may best serve the public during the next ten years to ensure that your library is relevant and useful to you. They will solicit your ideas about services, facilities, and resources that you want to see at your library. Please take a moment if you can, and attend a session or write down your thoughts so that we may collect them and then implement those...

Libraries Facility Improvement

April 4, 2014

Responding to patron demand and other factors, the Marathon County Public Library Board of Trustees recently increased operating hours at four MCPL locations. The Board in March approved additional weekend hours at the Wausau Headquarters and Hatley, Marathon and Rothschild branches. The changes mean the locations’ winter hours are now in effect year-round, and include:   Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed Sunday at the three branches (previously closed all weekend). Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Wausau Headquarters (previously open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday). An increase from four hours to 20 hours of operation at MCPL locations on...

Libraries Newsletter Government Information Library Board Facility Improvement

January 20, 2014

We’ve had a very busy year here at the library, and it has been a pleasure for all of us at MCPL to serve the community. As we move into 2014, I want to wish everyone a happy and safe winter season with friends and family. I would like to personally thank all of those who work here, as well as the countless volunteers, members of the Friends of the Marathon County Public Library, and the MCPL Foundation for their tireless efforts to make this library such a wonderful asset to Marathon County. This fall we asked you to help us to better serve you by answering a survey about the services we provide. Those responses have given us great input for furthering our mission to connect people with information, ideas...

Newsletter Director's Report Facility Improvement

November 18, 2013

In December, MCPL Wausau celebrates the first anniversary of its 650-gallon, saltwater aquarium filled with tropical fish and other sea creatures. The aquarium officially opened on Dec. 5, and was funded through a generous donation from the estate of Phyllis Donner. Las Vegas-based aquarium company Acrylic Tank Manufacturing built the aquarium, which is home to dozens of fish, crustaceans, coral and other aquatic life typically seen solely through the lens of a scuba mask. Over the past year, some fish have more than doubled in size, and several species of coral have taken hold and started to create reefs. Darren Letner of Wausau maintains the aquarium and said he’s happy to see so many fish flourishing...

Aquarium Children Facility Improvement Newsletter

May 29, 2013

MCPL Wausau is opening two new study rooms with room for six and 10 people, as well as a meeting room for 20 to 22 people. The study rooms are available for two hours at a time. The meeting room schedule is more flexible. We hope college students, non-profit groups and others will use these spaces for educational purposes – office hours or use of the room for entertainment is not allowed – and Wi-Fi and teleconferencing is available. Our eight branch locations also have study or meeting spaces available, either within their walls or within the municipal buildings in which the libraries are housed. These rooms, varying in size, offer our communities a secluded space when a coffee shop is a little too busy or...

Newsletter Small Business Facility Improvement

January 23, 2013

In 2012, patrons of the Marathon County Public Library saw changes at all MCPL locations. Those changes and others will continue into the New Year. Public libraries need to change with the times to stay relevant, vital and attractive. Sharp-eyed patrons may have noticed many outdated and no-longer-popular books have been removed from the nonfiction and fiction collections of all MCPL locations. New titles are being purchased to update these collections. More public seating — particularly, laptop-friendly seating — soon will be added at MCPL Wausau to make it a more inviting destination. The new 650-gallon saltwater aquarium in the Wausau Headquarters’ children’s department has proven to be a must-see...

Newsletter Facility Improvement

January 8, 2013

We have fish! The saltwater aquarium in the children's department at the MCPL Wausau Headquarters is now open to the public. Stop by and check it out, or visit our aquarium photo album on Facebook.

Aquarium Children Facility Improvement

November 16, 2012

So ends another beautiful Central Wisconsin summer. We at the Marathon County Public Library want to wish everyone a safe, warm winter and holiday season. We will continue to offer a wide range of programming for all ages at all of our locations, so be sure to regularly check our website for updates as you continue your journey of lifelong learning. We are in the process of modernizing our branch locations and updating the collection throughout the organization. If you are looking for items that you do not see available, please let a staff member know so that we can get you what you need. Remember that we have various resources located throughout the county,...

Director's Report Newsletter Facility Improvement

September 18, 2012

A special area with books, computers and resources for kids in grades 3-5.   With the ongoing success of TeenZone and further improvements in the Children’s Department, the Wausau library is developing an area and programming for members of an age group who often feel left out: tweens.   Tweens are in that awkward time of life when they are no longer just children, but not quite teenagers. We’ve defined them as ‘children in third, fourth or fifth grade.’   The Tween Scene features colorful artwork, a carefully selected collection of books, computers, funky furniture and a gaming station. Our goal is to provide a safe and engaging place for...

Newsletter Children Facility Improvement

October 29, 2008

Improvements to the parking lot at MCPL Wausau are nearly complete, and the lot itself is currently open for customers to use! Please note that the temporary parking areas established for this project will no longer be available as "free library parking," but they are still public parking areas, available as metered parking or with a City parking permit. Thank you to all of our customers for their patience and understanding throughout this project. We hope you enjoy the new lot and the extra parking spaces!

Facility Improvement

September 11, 2008

(MCPL Wausau) -- Construction to expand the upper-level library parking lot is set to begin the week of Sept. 22. During this time, library customers may use south end of the library's lower-level lot (just off Washington Street) or the First Street level of the Jefferson Street ramp for 2-hour free parking. Additionally, the lot by the Federal Building and the Wausau Center Mall parking ramp also offer free parking. Please Note: These parking arrangements are only temporary to assuage parking difficulties during the construction project, which should be complete approximately by the end of November. Handicap parking will remain available in front of the Library main entrance throughout the...

Facility Improvement

August 25, 2008

(MCPL Wausau) -- As the outside stairway nears completion, construction to expand the upper-level library parking lot is set to begin Sept. 8. During this time, library customers may use southern end of the lower-level lot or the First Street level of the Jefferson Street ramp for 2-hr. free library parking. This arrangement is only temporary to assuage parking difficulties during the construction project. Library customers making quick trips to MCPL may also find the Library Drive Thru particularly valuable during this period.

Facility Improvement

July 25, 2008

On July 27th, construction will begin on the much-anticipated stairway to connect the upper and lower-level parking lots at the MCPL - Wausau Headquarters! The lower lot offers metered and permit parking until 6:00pm on weekdays, with free parking evenings and weekends. Once the stairway complete, the City will work to expand the upper lot. Click here to view the stairway design concept.

Facility Improvement

April 22, 2008

The drive thru at MCPL Wausau is open and ready for business! Express services include picking up items on hold, fine payments and a 24/7 book-drop.  The drive thru is open Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm and is accessible via the lower-level parking lot on the west side of the building, just off Washington street. Call the Circulation Desk at 715-261-7200 for more information or to request items to be made available for pickup. Enjoy great customer service, even without leaving your vehicle! Please note: The original version of this article listed other hours for the drive thru; it was updated to reflect the hours as of 2020-01-21.

Wausau Headquarters Facility Improvement