The MCPL Blog: Libraries

March 27, 2019

Each year, libraries across the country take some time in April to highlight “the valuable role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities,” as the American Library Association’s website notes. Specifically, April 7–13 is National Library Week, and April 9 is National Library Workers Day. While the Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) doesn’t have events specifically planned to celebrate the week, one look at our jam-packed events calendar will give you a sense of the unique programming our nine library locations offer throughout the year to engage and connect children, teens, working adults, retirees and more. We don’t want to pat...

February 12, 2019

Due to the winter storm hitting central Wisconsin today, February 12, the Marathon County Public Library will close its Wausau Headquarters and all of its branch libraries at 5 p.m. As previously announced, the Stratford Branch will be closed the entire day today. This means that today's Facebook Fundamentals - Part 2 class and the meeting of the Hatley Book Club will also be canceled. Weather permitting, MCPL will resume its normal hours and reopen tomorrow, February 13.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at our Wausau headquarters. Thank you!

June 21, 2018

If you traveled back in time to June of 1938 you could buy yourself a copy of Action Comics #1 (the first comic book to feature Superman) for 10 cents. Today, the same copy would cost you a few million dollars! Superman was created by Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel in the late 1930s and has since become the most recognized superhero. The character is often credited with giving rise to the entire superhero/comic book genre. In the decades since, Superman has grown into a multi-media enterprise. His heroic tales have been portrayed through radio, TV, film, and more, not to mention the countless collectables items and merchandise he’s inspired. Marathon County Public Library is celebrating this milestone...

April 25, 2018

Beginning May 26, the front entrance of our Mosinee Branch (along Main St.) will be temporarily closed while the City of Mosinee completes work on the sidewalk in front of the library building. For the time being, patrons are asked to use the side entrance of the library (along 2nd St.), which is located next to the branch's overnight book drop. This entrance is also wheelchair accessible. The sidewalk project is expected to last approximately one week and theMosinee Branch will continue to fully operate during this project, with no library hours or events affected. For more information, contact the Marathon County Public Library's Mosinee Branch at 715-693-2144.

April 15, 2018

Due to inclement weather and unsafe driving conditions, the Marathon County Public Library will be closed today, Sunday, April 15. This only affects the library's Wausau headquarters, as all other MCPL locations do not have hours on Sunday. MCPL Wausau is expected to reopen tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. as usual. 

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 8, 2017

With summer just around the corner, the Marathon County Public Library is putting some of their children's story times on hold in order to gear up for their upcoming Summer Library Program! Beginning today, May 8, all story times at MCPL Wausau will go on hiatus, including their Family Story Time, Preschool Story Time, Tales for Tots and Book Babies. All of these story times will resume on June 6.  Story time changes will also be coming to the MCPL branches this summer. Weekly Family Story Times at the Edgar, Mosinee, Spencer and Stratford Branches will take a break for the entire summer, returning in early September. The Marathon City Branch's Family Story Time will meet as planned throughout the...

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...

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 occuring 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...

January 23, 2017

UPDATE 2/6/17: This issue has now been resolved. If you happen to experience any further problems accessing the library catalog, please feel free to contact us and let us know about the issue.   Original post: Beginning late last week, some library patrons began encountering sporadic errors when trying to access the library catalog, also known as V-Cat. So far, the error does not seem dependent upon the device, operating system or web browser patrons are using. The error is something we are aware of and is something the Wisconsin Valley Library Service (who maintains the catalog) is currently working to resolve. If you attempt to access the catalog and experience an...

January 9, 2017

New environments can be intimidating for any child, but for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder, that fear can be amplified. New places – especially those in public – come with all sorts of unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, all of which can be overwhelming for kids on the spectrum. With our new monthly Sensory Story Time starting up in just a few days, we’ve put together a short photo slideshow to help better acquaint kids and parents with the library’s entrance and children’s area, which we hope will help them prepare for what to expect when visiting our Wausau Headquarters.  

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...

April 29, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Sarah M. Job title: Library Coordinator MCPL Location: Mosinee Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 3 years What are some of your main job responsibilities? I just became the library coordinator at the Mosinee Branch. Previously, I worked the circulation desk at both the Rothschild and Marathon City Branches and I also lead the Rothschild book club....

April 29, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Kitty R. Job title: Circulation Team Lead/Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 24 years What are some of your main job responsibilities? I work the main circulation desk, sort mail, receive daily newspapers and magazines and put them out for public use, lead the circulation team and help with customer problems...

April 28, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Dan R. Job title: Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 6 months   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Writing and sending press releases, updating social media, organizing promotional campaigns, working the second-floor reference desk.   Describe yourself in three words. Fun-loving,...

April 28, 2016

Here's a little video we here at MCPL put together to share a closer look at some of the things we do, both behind the scenes and in our public areas as well as clips and photos of programming that we provide in all our communities. We hope you enjoy it and we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section!  

April 28, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Audrey K. Job title: Branch Coordinator MCPL Location: Spencer Branch Time Worked at MCPL: Nearly 22 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I perform normal day-to-day library business, staff scheduling and event planning.   Describe yourself in three words.  Organized, friendly, easily-distracted.   What’...

April 28, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Dan R. Job title: Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 6 months   What are some of your main job responsibilities?  Writing and sending press releases, updating social media, organizing promotional campaigns, working the second-floor reference desk.   Describe yourself in three...

April 27, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Heather B. Job title: Branch Assistant MCPL Location: Rothschild Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 2 ½ years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Leading story time, planning programs and putting together displays.   What book(s) are you currently reading? I’m currently listening to the audiobook of A Dance with Dragons by...

April 27, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Taylor W. Job title: Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 3 ½ years   What are some of your main job responsibilities?  I work at the desk in the children’s area, lead story times, and create programs for school-aged kids.   What nicknames, if any, do you go by? My family and...

April 27, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Heather B. Job title: Branch Assistant MCPL Location: Rothschild Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 2 ½ years   What are some of your main job responsibilities?  Leading story time, planning programs and putting together displays.   What book(s) are you currently reading? I’m currently listening to the audiobook of A...

April 26, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Ashley D. Job title: Branch Coordinator MCPL Location: Athens Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 4 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Some of my responsibilities include planning programs, hosting the monthly book club and scheduling staff at the Athens Branch.     What book(s) are you currently reading? The Wild...

April 26, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Rachel H. Job title: Adult Services Librarian MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 1 ½ years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I work at the reference desk, serve as the coordinator for print and digital subscriptions, teach computer classes, plan programs (on occasion) and proctor exams.   What book(...

April 25, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Jeff P. Job title: Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 9 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I work mainly as a passport agent and doing main circulation desk support.   Describe yourself in three words. Charismatic, resilient, insouciant.   What is your ideal vacation...

April 25, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Deb G. Job title: Branch Coordinator MCPL Location: Edgar Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 30 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Planning programs, leading the Edgar Book Club, doing story time and other daily tasks. Describe yourself in three words. Friendly, informative, helpful.   What book(s) are you...

April 22, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Johanna N. Job title: Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 2 ½ years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Working in the children’s department, which entails keeping displays current, answering questions posed by parents and kiddos, weeding, helping out with special projects/events, and...

April 22, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Wendy D. Job title: Branch Assistant MCPL Location: Spencer Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 1 year What are some of your main job responsibilities? Performing regular day-to-day library duties, shelving books and leading story time   Describe yourself in three words.             ...

April 21, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: David G. Job title: Branch Assistant MCPL Location: Rothschild and Mosinee Branches Time Worked at MCPL: Almost 3 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Providing customer service to patrons, doing story time at the Mosinee Branch, checking books in and out, shelving, preparing and receiving books in transit and anything else...

April 21, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Michelle K. Job title: Library Assistant MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: Over 20 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I pack and unpack materials to and from other locations, work the desk at the drive-thru and pull materials for requests from other libraries   What book transformed you, your...

April 20, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Karen S. Job title: Page Team Leader MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 6 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Checking-in books from branch libraries, V-Cat libraries and here at Wausau Headquarters, as well as scheduling assignments for the page team, who pull and re-shelve books. I also pull books...

April 20, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Marsha Y. Job title: Branch Coordinator MCPL Location: Hatley Time Worked at MCPL: 3 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I am responsible for the overall administration of the Hatley Branch Library in accordance with MCPL policies, procedures and mission. I and the staff assistants perform any and all tasks that may be...

April 19, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Deb F. Job title: Library Assistant MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 31 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Working the main circulation desk, putting together displays and doing reports.   What book(s) are you currently reading?          ...

April 19, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Carol M. Job title: Branch Assistant MCPL Location: Hatley Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 1 ½ years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I do story time at Hatley Branch, put together displays and other miscellaneous branch tasks.   What nicknames, if any, do you go by? Mom!   What book(s) are you currently reading...

April 18, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Laura W. Job title: Branch Services Librarian MCPL Location: Rothschild Time Worked at MCPL: 4 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Working at a branch, I get to do a little bit of everything, which I love! I help people find and check out their materials, check-in and shelve books, answer questions and assist patrons with...

April 18, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Kate S. Job title: Adult Collection Development Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 3 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Ordering adult materials for all MCPL locations, weeding and working the reference desk.   What book(s) are you currently reading?  The Once and Future King...

April 16, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Matthew D. Job title: Library Support Services Manager MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 2 months   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Is completely overhauling all the computers and printers enough?   Describe yourself in three words. Driven, tenacious, new (at MCPL, anyway).   What book(s)...

April 15, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Janice P. Job title: Branch Coordinator MCPL Location: Stratford Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 30 years What are some of your main job responsibilities? As the Stratford Branch Coordinator, I plan events for the library and run our monthly book club. Describe yourself in three words. Friendly, Kind, Outgoing. What book(s) are you currently...

April 14, 2016

The Marathon County Public Library is celebrating National Library Week in a multitude of ways, including reflecting on the past, present and future! To go along with this year's NLW theme of "Libraries Transform," MCPL has put together a historical slideshow featuring images and information highlighting the many ways MCPL transformed, from starting as a small men's literary club in the mid-to-late 1800s to becoming a modern-day entity that serves the largest county in Wisconsin (by area) with nine locations. Watch MCPL's evolution below, and catch a glimpse of what the future may have in store!

April 14, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Julie K. Job title: Young Adult Librarian MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 3 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Teen programming, working the reference and children’s desks and helping with collection management and development.   What book(s) are you currently reading? I’m reading A Mad...

April 13, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Sandy U. Job title: Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: More than 30 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Working the main circulation desk, working as a passport agent, and working on snags (missing and damaged items). Main Desk, Passport Agent, Snags (Missing & Damaged Items)...

April 13, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Heather H. Job title: Branch Assistant MCPL Location: Athens and Marathon City Branches Time Worked at MCPL: 1 year   What are some of your main job responsibilities? Doing story times.   What’s your favorite part of your job? I like reading to the kids at story time.   What is your ideal vacation? Where would you go and what...

April 12, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending our observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting our employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Lisa H. Job title: Branch Coordinator MCPL Location: Marathon City Time Worked at MCPL: 3 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I do event planning, do story time and all of the daily administration of running the branch.   What book(s) are you currently reading?  I am currently reading the books Calling Me Home...

April 12, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending our observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting our employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Sharyn H. Job title: Children’s Librarian MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: More than 40 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I have the pleasure of working (and playing) with children, parents and caregivers. I do story times and plan other programs for children including the Summer Library Program. I...

April 11, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending our observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting our employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Ralph I. Job title: Library Director MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 5 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? My duties include the oversight of all operations and personnel, as well as policy development.   What book(s) are you currently reading? I’m currently reading Man, Economy, and State...

April 11, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending our observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting our employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Ashley C. Job title: Library Assistant MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 4 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities? I work at the circulation desk, performing customer service, helping patrons find materials they are looking for in the library, ordering books for the patrons and collecting fines. I also do...

April 10, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Kitty R. Job title: Circulation Team Lead/Library Specialist MCPL Location: Wausau Headquarters Time Worked at MCPL: 24 years What are some of your main job responsibilities?  I work the main circulation desk, sort mail, receive daily newspapers and magazines and put them out for public use, lead the circulation team and help...

April 10, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Audrey K. Job title: Branch Coordinator MCPL Location: Spencer Branch Time Worked at MCPL: Nearly 22 years   What are some of your main job responsibilities?  I perform normal day-to-day library business, staff scheduling and event planning.   Describe yourself in three words.  Organized, friendly, easily-...

April 1, 2016

Marathon County Public Library is extending its observance of National Library Week (April 10-16) throughout the month of April by highlighting its employees through a series of staff profiles! Now through April 30, learn a little bit about the personnel at our nine MCPL locations, and feel free to give them a friendly "hello" next time you see them! Name: Sarah M. Job title: Library Coordinator MCPL Location: Mosinee Branch Time Worked at MCPL: 3 years What are some of your main job responsibilities?  I just became the library coordinator at the Mosinee Branch. Previously, I worked the circulation desk at both the Rothschild and Marathon City Branches and I also lead the...

March 2, 2016

Have you experienced first-hand the transformative power of a library? It’s a big question, and one we hope many of you can answer with an emphatic “yes.” In April, library staff across the country – and the patrons we serve – will celebrate National Library Week. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Libraries Transform,” and our staff has been busy planning a wide range of programs and other activities, some related to that theme and others just for the fun of it. Sure, National Library Week is a chance for our library staff to pat ourselves on the back, and to accept more pats from our patrons (we love to hear how we’ve helped transform your lives for the better!) But it’s also a chance for us to...

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 14, 2016

Love is in the air! (or at least on our blog) Below, listed in the order they were received, are all of the entries we received in our 2016 Love in Six Words story contest. In all, 55 people submitted 76 entries! Thank you to all who sent us stories and stay tuned for future six-word story contests! Our top five entries, in no particular order, are: - "Love is like a sparkly sticker!" - Serenity Schweitzer - "She's OK. I'll go. You sleep" - Jennifer Thomas - "Love is hello grown into forever" - Randy Clinton - "Caressing lips. Shuddering breaths. Swoon. Repeat" - Collin Csuy - "Empathy flowing over time and circumstance" - Tim Boyle And below we have all entries to the contest, in the order they...

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...

November 24, 2015

Rep. Sean Duffy recently organized his third-annual Hunger and Homelessness Summit on Nov. 9 in Rothschild to bring together people from throughout central Wisconsin – government, business, individuals and non-profit folks – to discuss hunger and homelessness. More than 100 people participated, and I attended the summit to participate in discussions and learn about other community efforts that may help some of the patrons we serve at the library. As we gather with our families and friends in our homes to share holiday meals, I thought this would be a good time to share information not only from the summit, but also about available library resources. The need for overnight shelter and food assistance has...

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...

July 27, 2015

Residents throughout central Wisconsin still have until the end of August to help individuals and families in need of food, through the MCPL food drive. The library is working with the Marathon County Hunger Coalition on the food drive, which ends Aug. 22, to benefit food pantries across our area. Anyone from across the central Wisconsin area or beyond is welcome and encouraged to drop off non-perishable items during regular business hours at any MCPL location: Athens, Edgar, Hatley, Marathon, Mosinee, Rothschild, Spencer, Stratford and Wausau. If you would like to donate, please consider some of these suggested items: canned fruit and vegetables, cereal, peanut butter, packaged or...

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...

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...

May 2, 2014

The Heartbleed bug, the Internet Explorer security flaw, changes to Facebook’s privacy settings, credit card breaches at major retail stores; all are examples of privacy and security breaches headlining local and nationals news. Since our lives are so connected to the Internet, it sometimes can feel like we don’t have a lot of control over our digital lives, and especially our privacy. Choose Privacy Week is an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that focuses on digital privacy rights. It’s an invitation for libraries and library users to have a conversation about individual privacy rights in a digital age. While privacy has always been an important part of library services, the Choose Privacy...

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...

July 22, 2013

Drugs are an increasingly serious problem in Marathon County. The illegal manufacture, sale and abuse of heroin, prescription drugs and other illicit drugs such as methamphetamines is increasing in our county. This, in turn, threatens the public safety and health of our families, friends and neighbors. In order to combat this growing threat, the Marathon County Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Partnership has launched Pushback Against Drugs, a public awareness initiative to raise awareness of the scope of illicit drug use in Marathon County and inspire public involvement and actions that help Prevent, Enforce and Treat drug abuse. Over 250 organizations, agencies, groups and individuals have committed to the...

July 17, 2013

With temperatures expected to reach in the 80s and 90s, local officials are urging residents to protect themselves from heat related illness. One way to do that is by coming to the library. All Marathon County Public Library locations have been designated as official cooling centers, places where residents without air conditioning can get relief from the extreme heat. We also will have bottled water available.  According to the Marathon County Health Department, most heat-related illnesses involve the elderly, individuals who have chronic illnesses, children, athletes and outdoor workers.  To prevent risks from excessive heat, the health department suggests people do the following: ...

June 4, 2013

The main clientele served by the Marathon County Public Library are residents of Marathon County. Now and then, the Wausau Headquarters' Reference Desk receives letters or emails from people outside the county or even outside the state asking for help. Often the people writing are looking for obituaries of family members who died in Marathon County Normally staff answers those requests as time allows. Recently, the Reference Desk received a request that undoubtedly qualifies as THE longest, long-distance question ever put to Marathon County Public Library staff. The letter was addressed...Liverpool, ENGLAND! The person wrote asking for lists of Marathon County newspapers and radio...

May 2, 2013

The Marathon County Public Library recently installed 'Hearing Loop' devices at the Main, Children's and Reference desks at the Headquarters Library in Wausau.  Hearing Loops are a type of Hearing Assistive Technology that work in conjunction with hearing aids or cochlear implants. They pick up the staff person's voice via a microphone and transmit it wirelessly to the hearing aid or implant worn by the customer. The customer thus receives a direct, clear signal that is not garbled by distance or background noise. These devices will enable staff to better assist customers with hearing loss while maintaining customer privacy.  

March 9, 2013

A recent survey from the Pew Research Center found adults still love to hold a library book, but also want libraries to keep up with technology and provide a comfortable environment – all priorities for Marathon County Public Library staff as well. The Pew study, released in January, found the overwhelming highest use of libraries – 73 percent – is borrowing print books. With more than 250,000 print books in our system, we gladly facilitate that unique feeling of cracking open a good book. Yet we also know – and the Pew survey backs it up – that our patrons expect greater access than ever before to electronic books and audio books. In 2012, we tripled the number of e-books available to about 54,000...

March 9, 2013

The American Library Association this year wants to celebrate libraries’ community efforts with their National Library Week theme, "Communities Matter @ Your Library." Throughout the week, we’ll host special events at all branches, including food drives, Internet safety tips for teens, scavenger hunts and: Monday, April 15: The United Way will present a program entitled “Heart Smart” at 6:30pm at the Wausau Headquarters Tuesday, April 16: Take a tour of the Hatley Community Garden located behind the library, plant a few seeds and taste veggies you could grow at home, from 10:30-11:30am at MCPL Hatley Wednesday, April 17: Marathon County Historical Society librarian Gary Gisselman will...

December 31, 2012

On January 9, 2013, the Marathon County Public Library system will begin using new library catalog software as part of an upgrade coordinated by the Wisconsin Valley Library Service. The new software will look different than what patrons are used to, but will have many more features that will help patrons more easily find the materials they need. The new software, known as “Sierra,” will offer simplified searching options that will allow patrons to search for an author, subject or title from the same search box, much like how Google works. Patrons also will not need to know exact spellings of author names or titles to find books; Sierra will offer search suggestions that will help patrons find exactly what...

April 8, 2011

We want to hear your library story. Is the Marathon County Public Library an important part of your life?  Has your library helped improve your life, "saved your life" by helping you complete a term paper, helped you get a job, learn a new skill, helped your child learn to read, changed your life, whatever. If you have stories about your library, we would love to hear them.    We have made it easy for you to create your library story now, during National Library Week, by providing a place online and in-house for you to do it.  Share your story, choose a picture if you like, and click on submit. You can share your story here: www.mcpl.us/...

March 20, 2011

Spring has sprung, and with it  the National Library Week celebration @ your library.  Create Your Own Story @ Your Library is the theme for the 2011 celebration.  During National Library Week we celebrate the importance of libraries.  You won't want to miss these FREE, fun programs for you and all members of your family.  Sunday 4/10:  Opening Celebration  @ Wausau Headquarters 1:30pm, MCPL Wausau--Library Director officially pronounces National Library Week 2:00pm., MCPL Wausau--Mr Steve (Lundquist) , "Master Facilitator of Fun"--fun-filled  family program of music, magic and ballooning Monday  4/11: 6:30pm, MCPL Mosinee --Family...

March 11, 2011

The old entrance to the children’s area @ Wausau headquarters was taken down this morning before the Library opened.  A wonderful new one will be coming soon, thanks to the Noon Optimists who are funding this project as a part of their 50thanniversary celebration.    What will the new entrance look like?   Keep your eyes and ears open as the magic unfolds.   Think nursery rhymes, fairytales, and a wee sprinkling of pixy dust.

March 11, 2011

Is this cat yours?  This beautiful kitty wandered into the Wausau Headquarters Library today.  We all fell in love with this very gentle, sweet, lovable, orange  longhair cat.   If you are missing your best friend,  you can find her/him at the Humane Society of Marathon County.   If unclaimed, this adorable “baby” will probably be available for adoption.  Alas, no Dewey library cat for us.

March 8, 2011

Just released! The 2010 Annual Report of the Marathon County Public Library contains a wide range of statistics and a broad overview of the Library's activities throughout the previous year. If you're curious about the Library's impact on our communities, especially the vital resources and services we offer, this report will truly open your eyes: www.mcpl.us/about/2010_MCPL_Annual_Report.pdf Would you like to see the Library try something new in 2011? Or do you have feedback to offer on the 2010 report? If so, please do not hesitate to contact us! (www.mcpl.us/about/contact) Thank-you for your continued support of the Marathon County Public Library!

February 7, 2011

The 1860 Census was the last time the federal government took a count of the South's vast slave population.  Several months later the government issued  maps of slavery that drew on Census data, one being Southern States as a whole. These  maps captured the complexity of the institution and struck a chord with a public hungry for information about the "rebellion".     Visit the Wausau HQ library's second floor for a special display, "Visualizing Slavery" based on Opinionator, The New York Times. Also featured is biographical information about Casper Fenhaus, Berlin Township and Wausau resident and veteran of the Grand Old Army who ...

December 10, 2010

Wile away the winter weather with a cheery fire, hot mug of cider and a holiday book, music or movie  from your local library.  Still hot gluing and stitching  home made presents?  Tidings & Trimmings by Cathy Pendleton contains traceable patterns for adorable angels, bunnies and skaters. If it's a new decorating theme you're after, you're sure to find one in O Christmas Tree (A Leisure Arts Publication) using your old family photos (A Holiday Heritage), patriotic angels or a tree based on your childhood memories. Undecided about your holiday menus? Tired of the same old baked ham? Holiday Cooking with America's Top Chefs will inspire you with new ways to prepare...

December 9, 2010

During this holiday season, the Library at Wausau is doing a Tribute to the Troops.   How can you be a part of this tribute? Bring in a picture of your family member(s) who is in the military. Pictures will be positioned on a star on the flag, and will be displayed in the main lobby display case at the Library.   Pictures can be brought or sent to the Wausau location until December 31st. Your picture will be returned to you.   Please let us help you honor your loved one in the military.   Questions?  Please contact the library @Wausau.

December 5, 2010

More free library movies are headed your way to  temper the January chill!  Bring your own tub of popcorn, cheesy nachos and a thermos of hot apple cider - sit back and watch these coming attractions! Tuesday, January 4 (6:30 p.m.) we'll feature a foreign film with English subtitles rated PG-13 about two young Palestinian men who are hours away from becoming suicide bombers in Tel Aviv. On Saturday, January 8 we'll offer a kids' 10:30 a.m. matinee with your favorite green ogre who lands in an alternate version of  Far Far Away.  He must undo mischief and evil in the hopes of restoring his world and saving his friends. Wednesday, January 12th's showing (6:30...

November 19, 2010

Come and visit Verne at the Wausau HQ library lobby. But don't let his Hawaiian shirt fool you. For underneath that hat he's an All-American Pilgrim Pig who can't let go of his island origins.  Here's the story. Around 300 AD Verne set out from points west with the first Polynesian explorers. With skill, luck and pig-navigation they landed safely in Hawai'i. Lacking metal knives (for carving pigs), pottery (in which to boil them) and a written language (for writing cute little stories such as, "The Three Little Makahiki Pigs") Verne was lonely but safe in ancient Hawai'i. Modern Hawai'i came in 1778 with the unexpected, unwanted arrival of British Captain James Cook.  Warfare was forbidden...

November 17, 2010

Welcome to the Stratford Branch Library! Located at 400 North Fourth Avenue in Stratford, we are conveniently located, close to the schools. Our 3,000 square-foot facility offers a large selection of materials, resources and programs. High speed internet service, Wi-Fi access, fax machine and a copier machine are available for public use. A community room is also available for special events and meetings. We offer a weekly Family Storytime on Wednesday mornings at 10:15 am. Our Book Club meets monthly the third Monday of the month at 1:00 pm. Our next featured books are, for November, Eve’s Daughters by Lynn Austin, and for December, Christmas Secret by Anne Perry. Starting the New Year in January, we will...

November 17, 2010

Festival of the Arts in Wausau is an exciting time. Just a few months ago, the downtown area was brimming with potters, painters, paper-makers and more. Rich colors and textures filled booths lining the sides of 3rd Street and the Square. Now some of those very works of art are hanging on the walls of the Marathon County Public Library for you to take home and enjoy. How did that happen? Because the Friends of Marathon County Public Library provided funding. The Friends of MCPL is a volunteer organization. Our purpose is to support the library by promoting and improving library services in Marathon County. To the Friends, supporting the library means providing circulating artwork. And much more. Friends...

November 8, 2010

The Marathon County Board of Supervisors meet this afternoon, November 11 at 2:00pm.  They will vote on the  2011 budget for Marathon County which includes the Library.  The Marathon County Public Library Board meeting is Monday, November 15 at 12:00 noon.  As proposed, the 2011 Library budget calls for not filling at least three full-time Library Assistant staff positions and terminating one of the three Customer Service  Librarians. The net loss would  be 160  staff hours per week. According to documents furnished by County Administrator Brad Karger, the Marathon County Public Library system (Headquarters and Branches) employed 55.27 full-time...

June 4, 2010

Going out of town this summer? Make sure to suspend your item requests so they don't arrive while you're away! Here's how to accomplish this: (1) Go to www.mcpl.us/account and choose "Holds / Requests." You will need to log in using your 14-digit Library Card number and your four-digit PIN. (2) Check the boxes next to your requested items. (3) Change the "Suspend Until" date at the top of the list and click the "Change Status" button. OR... contact us at (715) 261-7200 or info@mcpl.us, and we'll take care of this for you! Please be aware that you will need to provide your 14-digit Library Card number for all account-related transactions.

April 13, 2010

How important are libraries to the communities that they serve?  As we celebrate National Library Week, Libraries are the Heart of the Community, a report , " How Libraries Stack Up: 2010" was recently issued from OCLC illustrating some answers to these questions: Every day 300,000 Americans get job-seeking help at their public library. Nearly 12,000 libraries offer wireless Internet access. 2.8 million business owners and employees use public library resources to support their business. Library cards are almost as prevalent as credit cards--two-thirds of Americans have library cards. 5,400 libraries over technical training classes. 2.1 million DVD's are borrowed from...

March 19, 2010

    Come in and see what paint and some original ideas by our in-house "designer", a.k.a. Kitty, have accomplished.  Enter the Wausau Library on the first floor, keep on walking past the check-out desk, past the computer lab, round the corner, and you're here. Artwork documenting the history of the library is on the burgundy painted square in this photo.  To the left, in the white  "gutters", is artwork waiting for you to check-out.  Yes, you can check out artwork just like a DVD, CD, or book, and enjoy at home. We're proud of this wonderful “new” area.  Please come and see, relax and enjoy the space, check out some artwork, glance at...

December 28, 2009

2009 will forever be remembered as THE year Library customers checked out 1,000,000 books, CDs, DVDs, magazines and other materials. The Public Library has always played a vital role in Marathon County life. Its value and appeal has only increased in the tough times we find ourselves in. Given the present economic picture, 2009 may just be the FIRST OF MANY 1,000,000-checkout years! While the 'March to a Million' campaign occupied center stage in 2009, many other noteworthy events, programs and services were provided during the year. *We had a very successful Summer Library Program; likewise, Marathon County Reads. *Older Americans programs continued to be popular as did Children's...

April 28, 2009

If you saw our earlier blog post titled   "Your Library is Showing Its Colors”, here is a photo of the other side of the room. This is the view from the top of the stairs on the second floor at Wausau. This area is where the new-nonfiction books live until you take them home. The picture shows the new wood display shelves that were recently purchased.  By using these small units instead of one long shelf like we had previously,  several cozy browsing areas have been created.  There are lots of new books changing places on these shelves every day. Stop in and see the changes at your Library, and while you are here check-out something good to read, watch, or listen...

April 21, 2009

See the new colors of your library.  Library staff members Kitty, Deb, and Paula  have been busy with their paint cans and rollers again.  Here is a small sample of their work. This is the computer area on the 2nd floor of the Wausau location which they recently completed painting.  Computers are free for anyone to use.  And don't forget that  there are many relaxing places in the library where you can use your laptop with free wireless Internet access.  Wireless Internet access is available for free at all 9 locations. See you here.

April 20, 2009

Click here to read some wonderful essays written by the Writers of Wausau for National Library Week 2009! The Writers of Wausau (WOW) meets regularly at the Marathon County Public Library - Wausau Headquarters every Wednesday, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., usually in the First Floor Conference Room.

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 15, 2009

A 2008 report produced by NorthStar Economics Inc. showed that Wisconsin public libraries contribute more than $4 for every dollar taxpayers invest. One of the ways in which libraries are able to economize and share resources is through membership in a regional library system. MCPL belongs to Wisconsin Valley Library Service (WVLS), a federation of libraries in Clark, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, and Taylor Counties.  WVLS services include: Ensuring that area residents have access to all public libraries within the system area. In 2008, residents made 1,579,958 visits to WVLS public libraries and checked out 2,514,202 items.    Maintaining V-...

April 14, 2009

Today (April 14) is National Library Workers Day, but instead of patting myself on the back, I would like to thank those other library workers—the Friends of the Library. Several times a year, the Friends hold a book sale at the library. There is a lot of preparation required for these sales; in fact, it is an ongoing, year-long project for some of our very dedicated Friends members. Many of the books that are included in the sale are items that are donated to the library. Books that have been removed from the library’s circulating collection are also available for sale. All of these books need to be sorted and displayed on tables in the book sale room on the library’s third floor. ...

April 12, 2009

Today is Easter and also the start of  National Library Week.  National Libary Week begins today, April 12  and runs through Saturday, April 18.  We are giving you lots of good reasons to visit your library this week with free 50 cent coupons, treats, free library card replacement this week, a scavenger hunt for kids 3-8 .  Stop in tomorrow, Monday at  Wausau at 1:00pm, and hear Brad Karger, Marathon County Administrator, and Jim Tipple, Mayor of Wausau, officially proclaim National Library Week.  And don't miss the programs this week, in particular, Karen Land, this Thursday, April 16 at 6:00 pm.  She will be...

July 3, 2007

Have you wondered what libraries might be like in the future?  You can now experience a virtual library and imagine what libraries will look like and be like in the future.   How?  See the Libraries of the Future Display at the Wausau Library in the new customer area on the second floor, and let your imagination soar. The Libraries of the Future display will be up  throughout the summer.  Have fun dreaming! 

May 14, 2007

Check out our  Amazon.com Wish List.  If you have been wanting to make a donation to Marathon County Public Library, but  thought "I wonder what they  need"  - now you know!  The books we have selected are titles that we would like to add to our collection.  The list will be updated at least once a month with new titles. When you purchase the title - it will be shipped directly to us!  If you would like the book to be a memorial purchase, you can specify this in the "notes" section of the order.  And no worries about buying something someone else purchased... each time an item is bought, it is automatically taken off our list! Every donation helps!

February 9, 2007

The Marathon County Public Library will be 100 Years old on April 3. Come and help us celebrate on April 15, 1:30-4:00 at the Wausau location. Listen to the music of Andy Z. and the Spankin' Monkeys Band,the Golden Glow Barbershop Quartet and storybook characters telling stories to families. Hop aboard the trolley for a fun ride and view of the city, have some birthday cake and treats, and join in the other fun activities for the whole family.