May 19, 2020

In order to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and its impact on members of the community and our staff, the Marathon County Public Library’s headquarters in Wausau and its branches throughout the county will remain closed to the public through June 15, 2020. We will continue to provide important library services such as contact-free curbside pickup, free Wi-Fi outside of our buildings, online programming and reference phone calls and emails. In addition, due dates and fines are suspended during this time. We are working with county officials, statewide library leadership, and our library system on developing a multi-phase reopening plan that prioritizes public health. We will be...

Community COVID-19 Director's Report Government Information Health Resources Library Board Library Branches

May 14, 2020

In light of the recent news that the Wisconsin State Supreme Court has overturned Governor Evers' "Safer at Home" order, the library is gathering information and resources to determine our next steps.  As a county agency, we will be guided by our County Administration and County Health Officer. Keep watching the library's website and social media channels for updates. UPDATE (5/15): Marathon County has published "MARATHON COUNTY COVID-19 ORDER #1." Thank you for your support during these unusual times!   In the meantime, we are still happy to provide a variety of services during our COVID-19 (coronavirus) closure, including the following: Patrons may...

COVID-19 Director's Report Government Information Laws And Legal Issues Libraries Library Branches Community Events On-Site Services Wisconsin

February 21, 2020

This spring, the U.S. Census Bureau will attempt to count every person living within the United States, and the Marathon County Public Library is here to help! In mid-March, U.S. households will receive a paper questionnaire from the Census Bureau by mail. Starting April 1, individuals can take the census by one of three ways: by filling out and sending back the paper questionnaire; taking the questionnaire by phone; or responding to the questionnaire online at www.2020census.gov. In addition, census takers may visit your residence door-to-door to administer the questionnaire as well. Participation in the census is required by law, and individuals can respond to the census any time between April 1 and July...

Government Information Community

February 21, 2020

If doing your taxes is still on your to-do list, MCPL can help! Each year, we offer a variety of free state and federal tax forms and publications.  The federal documents we have ordered this year include the 1040/1040-SR forms and their instructions, while the state documents consist of Form 1 and its instructions, Form WD, Rent Certificate, and Schedule H and its instructions. Need a tax form that we don’t have available for free? Additional forms from the IRS and Wisconsin Department of Revenue websites can be printed at a cost of 10¢ per page.  Please be aware that library staff cannot answer specific tax questions or advise you on which forms you may need. For more tax resources, visit...

Government Information Taxes

January 27, 2020

Our U.S. Constitution requires that every 10 years, we complete a basic outline of who we are as a country: How many people live here The number of men and women and seniors and toddlers The nationalities and racial backgrounds of our residents …and more. Since we’re starting a new decade, a new census count will be conducted in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and 5 U.S. territories: Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (You’re not alone if you’re not familiar with the Northern Mariana Islands… I had to look them up, too — they’re just north of Guam in the Pacific Ocean and they look lovely.) The 2020 census count...

Government Information Community

January 9, 2018

Each winter and spring, the Marathon County Public Library offers a selection of the basic state and federal tax forms for the public to take, free of charge. MCPL Wausau and its branch libraries generally receive these forms shortly before or after the first of the year, but this year, they have still not arrived. Over the past few weeks, we've had many patrons stop in to ask one popular question: "Where are your tax forms?" While we do not know when they will arrive, we can tell you that the forms have been requested. In the meantime, this year's state tax forms can be downloaded and printed from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website. You can do that at home or we can print them off for you at...

Libraries Taxes Government Information

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...

Books Government Information Reading Recommendations

December 16, 2014

Many of us are breathing a sigh of relief now that election ads and coverage are over for this election cycle.  If you are like me, maybe you wondered how accurate those statistics you saw in the ads were.  How can one politician claim jobs were added when another claims the exact opposite?  Maybe you were curious where the news anchors get their information on the economy, job growth or government agency spending.  I have the perfect link for you news junkies:  The Wisconsin Digital Archives.    The Wisconsin Digital Archive provides one stop shopping for all those reports you hear about on the news.  Curious about job growth, school achievement scores, roadway safety...

Government Information Wisconsin Websites

April 23, 2014

Despite the snow we've seen this April, spring has arrived in Marathon County, and so has severe weather season! This week is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week, and the library has some helpful tips and suggestions to keep you and your family safe. Remember to Listen, Act, and Live! Listen: When severe weather is in your area, listen to a credible source (such as an emergency weather radio) for updates. Continue to monitor until the storm system leaves your area. Act: When a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately! If you are in your home, head to your basement if you have one, or look for a room without windows, ideally on the lowest floor and in the center of the building. For...

Nature Government Information

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

February 19, 2014

All Marathon County Public Library locations now have copies available of the latest LOCAL INDICATORS FOR EXCELLENCE (LIFE) IN MARATHON COUNTY Report. As with previous editions, this 9th edition provides information and statistics on community strengths as well as identifying challenges and opportunities facing the community. The goal of the LIFE Report is community improvement.  The LIFE Report serves as a call to action for everyone in Marathon County. Request a copy of the LIFE Report via the Library Catalog (V-Cat). View a summary of the report here.

Wisconsin Government Information

October 23, 2013

The final Pushback Against Drug Abuse program will be held Tuesday October 29th from 5:30 to 7:00 and then repeated Wednesday October 30th from 12:00 to 1:30. The topic of this week's program will be It Takes a Village. Local drug experts will discussing the drug abuse problem in Wausau and how the community can play a role in tackling this growing, dangerous threat. Remember: drug abuse can strike any neighborhood, any household. It can happen to you and yours! Plan on attending It Takes a Village to learn about what you can do to Push back against drug abuse. The program will be held in the 3rd Floor Wausau Room. All are welcome.  

Health Resources Government Information Events

October 17, 2013

Hundreds of Marathon County residents have attended the first two programs in the Pushback Against Drug Abuse sessions being held at the Marathon County Public Library. Each week local drug experts have shared valuable information on AOD issues and what role individuals can play in fighting the local drug problem. The Week 3 program is entitled The"A" Word. In this case, "A" stands for Addiction. Marathon Coutny drug experts will be discussing drug and alcohol addiction, the various local treatment options available to abusers and what role individuals can play in recovery. The "A" Word program will be given Tuesday Oct. 22nd at 5:30 and repeated Wednesday Oct. 23 at 12:00 in the 3rd Floor Wausau Room...

Health Resources Government Information Events

October 10, 2013

Dozens of people attended the opening Pushback Against Drug Abuse sessions held Tuesday October 8th and Wednesday October 9th at the Wausau Library. Wausau Police Department Officer Melinda Pauls' presentation dealt with current drug trends in the Wausau/Marathon County area, especially those impacting young adults. The next program in the four-week series is entitled I Think We Have a Problem? Participants will learn how to identify if someone is using - or dealing - drugs and your options if you suspect someone is involved with drugs. I Think We Have a Problem? will be presented Tuesday October 15th at 5:30 and Wednesday October 16th at 12:00 in the Wausau Room of the Headquarters...

Health Resources Events Government Information

October 1, 2013

As of Tue., October 1, 2013, Wisconsin residents can explore their health insurance options and apply for benefits using HealthCare.gov, portal to the health insurance marketplace established by the federal government to fulfill the mandates of the 2010 Affordable Care Act. Marathon County Public Library patrons are welcome to use the library's computers to access HealthCare.gov, but please note: We are not trained or licensed to assist you in selecting a specific health plan. We are happy to direct you to information and public resources about the Affordable Care Act that will help you make your own choices. Free access to computers and the Internet is available at all nine MCPL locations: Wausau,...

Health Resources Government Information

October 26, 2012

The Winner is Duck!!! Hey kids- Your parents weren't the only ones that had a chance to vote. 367 Marathon County kids voted for "President" in the MCPL Children's area in Wausau. 2 library books were up for election "Grace for President" by Kelly DiPucchio and "Duck for President" by Doreen Cronin. Duck won by a landslide with 229 votes to 138 votes for Grace. Thank you to all of the kids that voted! {{11-11-12}}

Children Government Information Awards

October 11, 2012

Election Day is Tuesday, November 6, 2012. Are you ready to vote? The following resources will help you answer some common voter questions and concerns. Where should I vote? -- Visit My Vote Wisconsin (myvote.wi.gov), a new website created by the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board (GAB). Pick the option that best describes you -- most likely, "Regular Voter" -- and select "Address Search" on the following screen. Type in your current address to determine where you should vote. I've never voted before. How do I register? -- In general, you may be able to register by mail, with a municipal clerk, or in person on Election Day. The GAB offers a quick-reference...

Government Information Websites

September 1, 2010

In order to better understand specific broadband availability, needs, uses and barriers to adoption, the LinkWISCONSIN team will conduct consumer surveys beginning July 12 and continuing throughout the summer. Households will be selected randomly to participate in the 10-12 minute telephone survey. If you have not been contacted and would like to participate in the consumer survey, please submit your contact information or take our secure online survey. All individual responses, whether obtained through telephone or online survey, will remain confidential. Collectively, responses will provide important feedback as we move forward with the planning phase of this statewide project. If called to...

Websites Government Information

August 2, 2010

In early 2010, WE Energies applied to build a Biomass facility in Rothschild, which had a lot of our community-members wondering "What the heck is Biomass?" ... and perhaps more importantly "How will this affect us?" Fortunately, the Library has a number of resources that can help you make sense of it all, plus a few links that will allow you to communicate your opinions to the powers that be. MCPL | Books about Biomass: http://bit.ly/drybUv (for help understanding the science and history of biomass)   WE Energies | Biomass Energy Project: http://bit.ly/1B8pjF (from the WE Energies website; includes fact summaries and all application materials pertaining to the...

Government Information Websites

November 23, 2009

Finding official government information can be difficult using regular commercial search tools like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Using the official U.S. government search portal, www.usa.gov, it will not only be much easier for you to find the wealth of federal, state, and local government information,  but you can be confident that you are accessing legitimate government websites and information. What can you find using the government’s search portal, www.usa.gov? Government grants and jobs, passport and travel information, census reports, tax information and forms, consumer information, health and nutrition, ways to contact your elected government officials, food stamp program, veteran affairs, all...

Government Information

September 17, 2008

With Election Day fast-approaching (Tuesday, November 4, 2008, to be exact), many of you may be wondering how you can participate in the democratic process this year. If so, you may find the following links useful: How to Register to Vote (prior to Election Day) How to Register & Vote on Election Day Polling Locations/Hours for Marathon County How to Appy for an Absentee Ballot What Documents Can Be Used for "Proof of Residence"? Non-English Voter Information Voting Guide for Citizens w/ Disabilities Additional resources and answers to other Voting FAQ's are available on the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board website: http://elections.state.wi.us

Government Information