June 13, 2022

This winter and spring, the Marathon County Public Library hosted a youth poetry contest. Students between the ages of 9 and 18 submitted their best work, and submissions were judged by Wausau Poet Laureate Dawn Anderson. Anderson said: “Thank you for this privilege to read these wonderful poems where young people pour out their hearts, joys, struggles and creativity. It confirms my resolve that poetry is a wonderful way to process thoughts and feelings, and share wonders.” MCPL is pleased to announce the winners in each of the two age groups. In first place, in the 9‒12 age group: “Spring is a Spring” by Macy Rentmeester. Second place went to “The Sea Emotions” by Paige Mathies, and in third...

Children Contests Events Poetry Teens Tweens Writing

June 4, 2022

I previously wrote about the advantages of handwriting letters and as a follow up, I wanted to talk about decorating letters and envelopes. It’s easy to do, can be a lot of fun and makes the final product a little more unique. You can start off simple, soaking the paper in coffee, tea or food coloring to ‘age’ the paper and to add a light scent. Making your own envelope is fairly easy as well, which you can do using patterned or colored paper. 1. Start with a square piece of paper. I found it helpful to fold it corner to corner so I could see where the center was. 2. Take one corner and fold it to the center, fold the opposite corner so they meet in the middle. 3. Fold the...

Adults Arts and Crafts Children Teens Tweens Writing

May 7, 2022

Attention local writers! The Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) wants YOU to share your written work, and a bit about yourselves, through a new video series we're working on! We’re looking for writers in the central Wisconsin area—both published and unpublished—who are willing to stop by MCPL Wausau to read a couple of their poems, a few pages of their novel, a personal essay or some other piece of their writing. (Work that any reasonable person would consider obscene will be rejected.) We’ll film the sessions and post the videos on MCPL’s YouTube page for others in the community (and the world) to see! Interested writers can email us at writers@mcpl.us. Please include your name, where you're from,...

Adults Community Writing

April 4, 2022

Poetry is all around us. It’s in the shape of the spoon you used for breakfast, your brother's missing tooth, and that dingy mitten left behind when the snow melts. Inspiration for a poem can appear any place. But how do you catch it? Read on for simple ways that kids and teens can practice poetry every day and develop those poetry skills. Then, consider submitting your poetry to our Youth Poetry Contest. We have two age categories - ages 9-12 and ages 13-18 - and entrants can submit up to two original poems to the contest. Submissions will be accepted at poetry@mcpl.us or in person at any Marathon County Public Library location through May 27, 2022!  To help jumpstart your creativity...

Children Contests Learning Poetry Teens Tweens Writing

January 19, 2022

It’s interesting how regardless of how innocuous a person’s dying words may seem, the context of the situation adds weight and meaning to them. The circumstances have an effect on the words' meaning whether the death was unexpected, or if the words were said with the knowledge that they may be the person's last. Last words make us wonder - are we getting a glimpse into something more than life, who a person truly is? Or are the words random and meaningless, a direct result of illness or fear? Some find humor in their last moments, while others are reflective and heartfelt. Regardless, they are interesting to read and I’ve always been fascinated with the emotional impact of words. Here are some of the...

Adults Writing

January 10, 2022

It’s rare these days to receive a personal letter in the mail. Generally, most of us just receive junk mail and credit card offers. Receiving a personal letter or card in the mail can make someone's day or improve their mood, and taking the time to sit and handwrite a letter to someone you care about is beneficial for both the writer and the recipient. It makes us feel good to know that someone is thinking about us, and devoting time and attention to us. Taking a moment to slow down and really focus on writing to someone else is a good practice and good for mental health.Letter writing also helps you practice more formal language, spelling and grammar, and if you’re a creative writer, it can be...

Adults Writing

July 7, 2021

The fifth annual Central Wisconsin Book Festival (CWBF) takes place September 17–26, 2021! Even though summer is officially upon us, the committee behind the Central Wisconsin Book Festival have their eyes on the fall as we plan our annual fest!The festival, an initiative of the Marathon County Public Library (MCPL), has grown in several exciting ways since its humble beginnings in 2017: The number of authors hosted, the number of people who attend, and the reach of the festival beyond Central Wisconsin to other states and even countries!The biggest way we’re growing this year is geographically: For the first time, MCPL is collaborating with the Portage County Public Library in Stevens Point and the...

Authors Books Central Wisconsin Book Festival Community Events Poetry Writing

April 8, 2021

Each year, the month of April is recognized as the National Poetry Month. To celebrate this, we at MCPL wanted to create a program that would inspire young patrons and students to learn more about poetry, and maybe even write a few poems themselves! The idea of a Poet-Tree came about from one of the children’s Library Specialists. She was inspired to create a program for tween and teen patrons to submit poems to display on a tree within the library. What could be more fun than hanging a leaf shaped poem you wrote on a 3D tree? With that thought in mind the mixed media Poet-tree was created! The poems currently being featured on our first-ever Poet-Tree were written by students from within the Wausau...

Children Education National Poetry Month Poetry Tweens Writing

October 31, 2020

Earlier this month, the Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) invited people of all ages to send us scary stories ahead of Halloween. The catch? The spooky submissions were limited to just six words! We received 11 spooktacular submissions, and we want to share them with you! Our staff voted for their top three favorites, but we thought they're all fun and creative so we're including all of this year's entries! The top three picks: “Flame out. Alone. Breath on neck” – Kelly Henderson​ “We’ve time-traveled … It’s January 2020 again!” – Laura Lawler “An ear-piercing scream. Then Silence.” – Amanda Powers (Editor's note, and full disclosure: Laura Lawler is an employee of MCPL, but...

Contests Writing

October 15, 2020

Are you applying for a job and want someone to look over your updated resume? Or would you like a second set of eyes to proofread your cover letter before you submit a job application? One of the professional services the Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) offers is the proofreading and editing of job-related documents such as resumes, cover letters, and curricula vitae. Patrons may email these documents (preferably in Microsoft Word format) to ref@mcpl.us, and one of our qualified Adult Reference staff members will proofread them in the areas of spelling, grammar, structure, and clarity. Patrons will then receive a reply email containing our suggested edits within 2-3 business days. MCPL’s...

Adults Community Jobs Libraries Wausau Headquarters Writing

September 2, 2020

The fourth annual Central Wisconsin Book Festival (CWBF) takes place September 21–27, 2020, with events happening each of the six days, bringing authors and literature lovers together in exciting, creative and introspective ways! Although organizers felt it was necessary to make this year’s festival all-virtual, we’re still really excited about this year’s lineup and hope you will be, too. About a dozen volunteers have met monthly — first in person, then virtually — since the end of the 2019 festival to set up this year’s events. It’s been a challenge to reorganize the whole festival to take place online, due to the coronavirus pandemic. We’ll certainly miss the opportunity to gather together and...

Adults Authors Books Central Wisconsin Book Festival Community Events Poetry Reading Recommendations Writing

August 28, 2020

This summer, teens from throughout Marathon County participated in "Write Your Story," the 2020 Teen Short Story Writing Contest. We received some extraordinary pieces and have been impressed with the talent and creativity we've seen!   After careful reading, evaluation and discussion, the judges have made their final decisions, and it's time to announce the winners! For the 12-14-year-old age group, the winners are: 3rd place: (tie)     "The Day I Lost Everything" by Whitley Johnson     "The One-Horned Buck" by Jackson Nechuta 2nd place:     "The House on Maple Street" by Avery Kessen 1st place:  ...

Contests Teens Writing

August 27, 2020

The Central Wisconsin Book Festival will take place Sept. 21-27, 2020. Before it happens, we want to share a bit about some of the guests so we've asked a few to answer some questions that festival organizers have. Below is a back-and-forth between CWBF committee member Danielle Hale and Tiffany Midge, who will appear during two virtual events, Sept. 24 and Sept. 27. Quarantine Questions with Tiffany Midge I have a confession to make. I’m a bit of a fangirl when it comes to Tiffany Midge. I first heard about her just after I finished grad school in 2017. I was looking up Native American women writers because I wanted to read more from authors I could identify with. (Midge is a member of the...

Adults Books Central Wisconsin Book Festival Events Poetry Writing

May 22, 2020

Are you looking for a way to liven up your writing? Many writers use prompts to get started on a story. Writing from a prompt can lead you to ideas and feelings you would not otherwise have discovered. Here’s a creative project to try at home! Supplies needed: A block of wood Sandpaper Antique picture books, catalogs or magazines Scissors Glue or Mod Podge Small paintbrush   Steps: Take your block of wood and sand off the rough edges using sandpaper.You can work with any size block (perhaps you have pieces left over from a birdhouse or furniture project.) Often lumber mills will give away odd ends for free 2. Cut out interesting-looking pictures from older...

Adults Writing

May 8, 2020

In March and April, we asked patrons in our communities to submit original works they wrote related to thoughts, feelings and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. We received submissions from four people, and we are very happy to share three of them – two poems and one piece of short fiction - with the public. (The fourth submission is not included because it didn’t match up with the intent of the community writing project.) Thank you to those who submitted their work, and we hope the rest of you enjoy what they came up with! “COVID-19 Stinks” by Atia Kampstra (Age 7) The sun has gone down and the curtains have closed I sit in a graveyard sobbing so much I might not be able to cry again...

Adults Community COVID-19 Events Writing

April 17, 2020

Writing can be a cathartic, therapeutic way to process negative emotions of grief or trauma, or to cope with mental health. Our Rothschild Branch had organized an event on this very topic that was originally going to be held last night, but that event has since been rescheduled for October 15.  For those who planned on attending the event today, we wanted to explore the idea of using writing to process negative or traumatic events, and offer some tips and tools that will help get you started and feeling inspired. Before you get started writing, you'll want to think about your intent. What is the intent of your writing? Will be just for you, or do you plan to share it publicly? Either way, the...

Community Writing

January 28, 2019

On January 9 and January 12, local author Cindy Meyering visited the Marathon County Public Library’s Marathon City Branch to talk about, and read from, her new book I’m There for You. Meyering lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Mark. She is a retired teacher, but continues to enjoy time in the classroom by substitute teaching. I’m There for You is her first novel for children. It was self-published through AuthorHouse and was a winner in MCPL’s Community Writing Competition last year. The following interview took place during the author’s visit to the Marathon City Branch Library on January 9th, 2019, and was conducted by Branch Assistant Elizabeth Lutz. Elizabeth Lutz: Did this book’s story spring...

Writing Books Children Authors

August 27, 2018

A Community Writing Competition open to all patrons of the Wisconsin Valley Library Service took place earlier this year, January through May. Judging of the entries by library staff commenced, and the winners were selected in June. There were just over 25 entries to consider in the three categories of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry, and the ages of participants ranged from 13 to 85. In the interest of sharing local writing with the community, winners’ entries were printed in the Record Review, a weekly newspaper that serves the areas around Athens, Edgar, Marathon, Stratford, and Spencer. The goal of the competition was to promote creative writing. It provided an incentive for writers to...

Writing Events Newsletter

February 14, 2018

Today is Valentine's Day, and love is in the air!  Over the past few weeks, we've been asking adults at our nine library locations and online to tell us what love means to them in six words or less. Folks were limited to a total of three entries per person and could write about any kind of love - love for a friend or family member, significant other, pet, hobby, song, food, inanimate object, etc. We received 16 entries in total, and originally planned on picking our favorites but...we couldn't! We liked all of your entries so much that you're all winners in our book. Read the submitted entries below and put a little love in your heart!   Attentive devoted loving care given faithfully! –...

Libraries Writing Holidays Community

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...

Writing Libraries

October 31, 2015

We'd like to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone who participated in our 2015 Terror! in Six Words story contest. We were thrilled to receive more than 80 entries from 78 participants! We had a blast reading through all the entries, and we hope you enjoy reading them, too. The top five entries are listed below, along with all of the entries. A quick note for curious minds wondering how we picked the winners. First, it wasn't easy and you may disagree with our picks (let us know in the comments if you do!) Second, entries were shared with 10 MCPL staff members, and each picked their own top five. Entries that made the top five were picked based on appearances on the judges' lists. For example, our winner from...

Writing

October 28, 2015

If you missed our Oct. 8, 2015 inspirational program with author and motivational speaker Gary Beyer, you can watch the video below. We enjoyed hosting Gary and his wife, Julie, as both of them exude positivity in light of difficult life circumstances.    

Events Writing Movies

June 11, 2015

The United States has a new champion for poetry. On June 10, the Library of Congress announced it appointed Juan Felipe Herrera as the nation’s Poet Laureate, a position that dates back to 1937 and is aimed at raising awareness of the reading and writing of poetry. Perhaps most significant in the announcement is the fact that Herrera, 66, is the first Latino poet to be named to the post. You can read or listen to an NPR story here, but the short version is he’s the son of migrant farm workers and spent much of his earlier life on the west coast. He studied at both UCLA and Stanford, as well as the Iowa Writer’s Workshop. He has since written more than two dozen books. If you’re curious to read some of...

Awards Poetry Writing

April 6, 2015

Teens, have you ever felt like your voice wasn’t heard?  Or were there times when you spoke out about your truth?  Now you have the opportunity to share these by submitting an essay, poem, graphic novel or photograph about these times to Never Counted Out, a website created to connect teens with artists and writers.  Never Counted Out is the brain child of novelist, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, the author of Fat Angie.  e.E created the website after connecting with a depressed teen writer, after his teacher shared is creative writing sample with her.  When e.E. talked with young writer, she felt like she had made a special connection with him and wanted to create opportunities for other...

Arts and Crafts Teens Writing

February 16, 2015

We're happy to share with the public all of the entries submitted for our recent "Love in Six Words" contest. We received an amazing 141 entries from 91 writers! (Each participant could submit up to three entries.) Below are our top 5, as judged by a half-dozen library staff, and below that are all 141 entries. Thank you so much to all who submitted and start thinking for next year when we host this contest again! Winners: 1. "I Love You - For All Time" - Dave Anderson (Mr. Anderson included this explanation with his submission: “My wife has recently passed away and this is the phrase I mention when I'm thinking of her. When I saw your contest poster, that's the first words to come to mind - and then I...

Contests Writing

October 31, 2014

This year, we asked you to create a scary story using just six words. We received a ton of creative and truly terrifying entries, which made judging difficult. Here are the winning entries. Library staff will contact the winners to make arrangements for picking up their prize. 5. “I am watching you right now” – Ann Seliger 4. “Dismembered demon wanders through macabre masquerade” – Shereen Siewert 3. “Finally alone, then the floor creaked” – Amber Edwards 2. "It’s Here. Don’t look. Don’t scream" – Kali Kaiser   And the winner..... 1. "And Then the Lights Went Off" – Steve Weinkauf Honorable mentions: “Open shades, pale face staring in” – Miriam Gustafson “Scary, spine-tingling,...

Awards Writing Wisconsin

October 22, 2014

Books Writing Wisconsin

October 3, 2014

Mark your calendars for these two exciting opportunities to meet several Wisconsin authors! On October 7, author Ilsa J. Bick will visit MCPL Wausau at 7:00 p.m. Ilsa J. Bick is an award winning author of YA titles like “Draw The Dark” and her latest, “White Space,” which received accolades from VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) magazine. Bick will read from her latest books, sign copies, and discuss how she became a writer. This event is for teens, but adults are also welcome to this event. For more information on Ilsa Bick, please visit her website. Fans of romance novels and aspiring authors are encouraged to attend our romance writers roundtable on October 16 at 6:00 p.m. Members of the Wisconsin...

Books Writing Wisconsin

July 28, 2014

Do you have a few chapters of your first attempt at a novel on your flashdrive or buried in a shoebox in your closet? With the demands of work, family, or school, it might seem impossible to start writing, not to mention finish writing a novel. However, authors Kourtney Heintz and B.C. Kowalski proved that it can be done, and they will share their experiences with you during these special events at the Marathon County Public Library. This Thursday, Kourtney Heintz will host a productive part-time writer workshop at MCPL Wausau at 6:30 p.m. Heintz wrote two novels while working full-time, and she will share her tips for setting deadlines and managing the distractions of real life. You may have heard of...

Writing Wisconsin Books

May 19, 2014

On May 15, author, humorist, and singer/songwriter Michael Perry visited the MCPL Wausau headquarters and discussed his latest book, answered some audience questions, and signed books. Perry is the author of best-selling titles such as "Population 485, "Truck: A Love Story, and "Visiting Tom." The library has many of Perry's titles available for check-out. The library also live-tweeted the event, and some memorable tweets from Twitter are curated via Storify below.    

Writing Wisconsin Books

September 23, 2013

Has a life of reading inspired you to write? Do have family or life experiences you always thought would make for an interesting book? In October, the library will offer a series of events and activities to help aspiring writers make the leap from reader to writer. Nationally-known writing coach Judy Bridges, author of “Shut Up & Write,” will be in Wausau with tips to get started on works of fiction or nonfiction. We’ll also bring in local and regional authors to discuss their writing methods and their paths to getting published. In November, it’s time to write! Various MCPL locations will set aside study rooms and other space as part of National Novel Writing Month, an initiative that encourages...

Writing Newsletter

August 20, 2013

Crime and western novelist Elmore Leonard, dubbed the "Dickens of Detroit," died Aug. 20 at his suburban Detroit home from complications due to a stroke. He was 87. Leonard was known for his ferocious work ethic that produced such best-sellers as Get Shorty, Freaky Deaky and Be Cool. His distinct mix of crime and comedy led to adaptations of many of his novels and stories into films, including Get Shorty, 3:10 to Yuma, Hombre and Rum Punch, the latter adapted by director Quentin Tarantino for his film Jackie Brown. In its rememberence the Detroit News wrote "In Leonard’s colorful world of dumb but entertaining crooks and bemused cops, there was always more than a whiff of postwar seediness and amorality...

Writing

July 16, 2013

The long wait is over! The 2013 edition of Pixels & Pages features works of art and creative writing from teens all across Marathon County. Print copies are available at your local library. Click the image to the left to access the new issue online. After you’ve finished reading this year’s magazine, don’t forget to submit your work for next year.  During the past year, teens from Marathon County submitted more than 100 pieces of creative writing and visual art. Teen and staff judges selected a variety of pieces to be published in this magazine. Students from Wausau East High School's Graphic Communications III class prepared the material for publication. The magazine,...

Arts and Crafts Writing Teens

September 18, 2012

A creative writing contest and workshop for grades 6-12. Teens throughout Marathon County are invited to submit their best original spine-chilling tales to be featured on the MCPL website! Winning entries will be featured in the 2013 edition of "Pixels & Pages," the library's annual magazine of teen creative writing and art, and excerpts two entries will be published in the October 18th issue of the City Pages!   Stories may be submitted online at www.mcpl.us/scarystory. (Stories should be at most 1,500 words, original and not published elsewhere.)   Plus, teens can attend our Scary Story Writing Workshop (Sat., 10/13, 2:00pm @ MCPL...

Newsletter Teens Writing

October 18, 2011

Have you or a member of your family ever dreamed of being a writer?  Then don’t miss hearing nationally recognized author,  Marion Dane Bauer on Tuesday, October 25, 6:30pm at the John Muir Middle School auditorium in Wausau.  “My Story, Your Story:  Creating Stories Together” is a free, family-friendly presentation blending short readings from some of her books with tips for beginning writers.  Marion Dane Bauer has written 81 books, receiving a Newbery Honor Award for her book, On My Honor in 1987.  She has written books ranging from baby board books and picture books, to novels for tweens and teens, and books on writing for young people. Her books will be...

Children Writing Teens

June 14, 2011

Improve your creative writing! Join us on Tuesday, 6/28, 6-8pm @ MCPL Wausau for a fun and helpful video chat session with Sarah Beth Durst, author of "Ice, Enchanted Ivy, Drink, Slay, Love" and other books for young adults. We will also have a few writing activities to help kick-start your inner creativity.  Both adults and teens are invited to this event. Bring your writing questions! View Sarah's website: www.SarahBethDurst.com Find Sarah's books in the Library Catalog: www.mcpl.us?author=Sarah Beth Durst Find books about "Creative Writing": www.mcpl.us?subject=Creative Writing  

Teens Writing

December 6, 2010

Give us your best work for Marathon County Public Library's Teen Publishing Project! Submit artwork, poetry, stories, and essays for publication on our website and the chance to be featured in our second annual magazine. (Click here to see last year's magazine).   Hurry! Time is running out! Entries must be in by December 31, 2010. Click here to submit your work online, or if you'd rather submit a paper copy, click here for a printable submission form. You can check out the entries we've already published online, and see the complete rules at http://www.mcpl.us/teenzone/publishing/ Call (715) 261-7200 or email teenzone@mcpl.us for more info.

Teens Writing Arts and Crafts

November 17, 2010

Teens are invited to submit their poetry, stories, essays, and artwork for publication on our website and the chance to be included in our second annual magazine! We’ve received dozens of entries to date, but we want more! General Guidelines: (complete rules: www.mcpl.us/teenzone/publishing) Include your full name (only first name, last initial will be published), grade, school, address, phone, title of your entry, and category (poem, story, visual) Entrants must be in 6-12th grade at time of entry. Entrants must be residents of Marathon County, WI. Entries must be newly-created original work of the entrant, must not infringe upon copyright laws. Entries must not have been previously...

Teens Writing Newsletter

July 28, 2010

Congratulations to Briah, 6, and Austin, 8, state-level winners in the 2010 PBS Kids Go Writers Contest.  Briah’s story, “Barbershop Bella,” earned First Place in the Kindergarten Division and has been entered in the national competition. You can see a slide show of Briah’s story at this Wisconsin Public Television link:  http://www.wpt.org/kids/writerscontest.cfm Austin’s story, “The Thug Get-Away,” earned a Judge’s Choice award in the Second Grade Division.  Briah and Austin were two of the participants in a 5-week writing workshop at the Marathon County Public Library.  The library’s writing workshop was funded by a materials grant from Wisconsin Public Television.  Thank you to...

Writing Children

February 1, 2010

We have had an overwhelming response to our writing workshops for K-3 children.  We have a full slate of twelve students registered for the workshops, which will be held for five Thursdays, beginning February 18.  If you would like your name added to the waiting list, please call the Children's Library at 715.261.7220. We are offering these workshops in conjunction with the PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest for children in Kindergarten through third grade.  Lesson plans, writing supplies, and funding for other workshop materials is being supplied by Wisconsin Public Television. Even if you are not registered for the library's workshops, you can still enter the contest!  Check out...

Children Writing

April 17, 2008

Thanks to all who participated in the Teen Literature Day Short Story Contest! The event was a huge success, with over 80 entries from all over the county and surrounding areas. We are happy to announce that the overall winner is "The Fourth Blast". The winners in the age categories are; "Author, Author", "Silvana Tale", and "The Guiding White". Congratulations to our winners, library staff will be contacting you shortly regarding prizes!

Writing