Marathon County Public Library

January 29, 2019

Even after more than 40 years of public service as a Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) employee, Sharyn Heili still feels as though she has more to give: “I have to have a purpose and to feel like I’m making a difference. People, especially kids, need someone to believe in them, and I feel like that’s part of my purpose on this Earth.” Heili recently retired after working for the library in Wausau for 44 years. In the 8 years prior to her retirement, she was the lead children’s librarian. She also worked in reference and started her career with the library driving its bookmobile throughout Marathon County. Growing up in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, the library was always a place where Heili felt at...

January 2, 2019

After the success of last year's first-ever Martin Luther King Jr. "Day On," all Marathon County Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, January 21, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In addition, most other county agencies and offices will also be closed. Like last year, this MLK Day won’t be a day off for library staff and other county employees. Instead, the county has put together a  “day on” inservice so that county employees can attend various different educational programs based around the ideals promoted by Dr. King. These many seminars, workshops and talks revolve around Dr. King’s teachings of diversity, non-violence and poverty. Highlights of this...

January 1, 2018

A common problem among MCPL employees is that the list of books we want to read continues to grow week after week but we just don't have the time to read everything. If you can sympathize, you probably love to sit down with a good book just as much as we do! 2017 was a great year for literature. Among the 50+ members of our staff, we read everything from comical children's books about a mouse and a chipmunk who covet the same nut to a graphic novel about a post-apocalyptic teen who ventures into the hellish Spill Zone to photograph grotesque sites for a rich benefactor. Take a look at some of our staff members' favorite books of 2017 and let us know what you think. Then, tell us...

May 25, 2016

Hello! My name is Matthew Derpinghaus, and I’m the new Library Support Services Manager for the Marathon County Public Library. I oversee the areas of Circulation, Shelving, Support (new books, ILL, cataloging, etc.) and technology. Speaking of technology, did you know that the library commissioned me to purchase and install 138 new Dell computers? The computers were purchased because of the increasing need for patrons and staff alike to have speedier, more reliable machines. Along with purchasing the new hardware, I also acquired some new software to help with timing and printing. The new software, called CASSIE, simplifies the login and printing process. Although the initial session time has changed...

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 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 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: 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 friends call me Tay...

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

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...

February 25, 2016

Meet Heather Bain, Branch Assistant at MCPL Rothschild! Q:    What is the best part of your job? A:    The interactions I have with patrons of all ages. I love kids, so being able to lead story time and do some of the program planning has been great! Q:    What is your favorite movie quote? A:    If I had to choose: “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it, or learn from it.” Rafiki from “The Lion King.” Q:    What has been your favorite project at MCPL? A:    The programming and decorations at the Rothschild Branch. I love seeing patrons’ reactions when they see a new passive program or see...

December 15, 2015

Meet Chad Dally, Library Specialist, event coordinator and adult event planner at MCPL Wausau! Q: What is the best part of your job? A: The variety of information sought by our patrons and connecting them with that info, and the freedom to try a wide range of adult programs. Q: What is your favorite movie quote? A: “Everyone knows Custer died at Little Bighorn. What this book presupposes is ... maybe he didn’t?” - Eli Cash (Owen Wilson), “The Royal Tenenbaums” Q: What is your favorite place to eat? A: At home with my wife, and The Delta Diner in Delta, WI. Q: What has been your favorite project at MCPL? A: The 2014 double-feature screening of “The Lumberjack,” a 1914 silent film shot in Wausau...