Wausau Headquarters

The Wausau Headquarters of Marathon County Public Library offers a wide range of books, programs, and services. Conveniently located in Wausau, Wisconsin, it’s a hub for learning and community engagement.

With nine locations throughout Marathon County, Wisconsin, chances are there’s an MCPL near you!

For immediate assistance (regardless of location), call 715-261-7200. You may also contact us by email, or dial 715-261-7209 for 24/7 automated assistance.

Visit our Holiday Hours & Closings webpage for exceptions to the following hours of operation.

The Marathon County Public Library’s Wausau Headquarters, located in Wausau, Wisconsin, is a vibrant community hub offering a wide range of services and resources for all ages. The library features a vast collection of books, e-books, audiobooks, and digital resources. Visitors can enjoy access to public computers and free Wi-Fi, educational programs, and engaging events for children, teens, and adults. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to read, research, or attend community events, the Wausau Headquarters provides a welcoming space for all. Explore the many ways MCPL enriches the Wausau community today!

History of the Wausau Headquarters

Early Years

The origins of library service in Wausau date back to 1871, when the Pine Knot Literary Society, a men’s literary club, established the town’s first library. Initially housed in the offices of the Wisconsin River Pilot newspaper, the collection grew to over 700 books, funded through purchases and donations. Residents could access the library by purchasing a membership for $3 annually or 25 cents per week.

In 1879, the Pine Knot Literary Society transferred its collection to the Ladies Literary Club of Wausau, which managed the library under a similar subscription model. This arrangement continued until 1897, when the Wausau Free Public Library was established, supported by city funds drawn from license fees. During this period, the library moved several times, from the courthouse to a bank basement and other temporary locations.

Carnegie Building (1907)

In 1904, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated $25,000 for the construction of a library building in Wausau. The city selected architect George W. Maher to design the facility, and construction began on land donated by Walter and Sarah Alexander from the McIndoe homestead. The 3,402-square-foot Carnegie Library opened on April 3, 1907, with 4,968 books and 4,785 registered users. The first librarian was Nellie Silverthorn, daughter of Pine Knot Literary Society member Willis C. Silverthorn.

Parcher Addition (1929)

By the 1920s, the library was overcrowded. Funds from the Parcher Welfare Fund, established by Mary Single Parcher, financed a 4,187-square-foot addition to the Carnegie building. Completed in 1929, the addition included expanded shelving, a community room for 300 people, and meeting spaces.

Marathon County Library and Bookmobiles (1937)

The Marathon County Library was established in 1937 as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, extending library services countywide. Initially based in the Wausau library, it later moved to the Marathon County Courthouse Annex. In 1949, the county introduced its first bookmobile, holding 3,000 books and circulating throughout the county every five weeks.

1968 Addition

As the library continued to grow, the Wausau City Council approved a $589,000 expansion in 1966. The addition, completed in 1968, increased the library’s size to 29,860 square feet, making it the largest in the county.

Consolidation (1974)

By 1974, the Wausau Public Library merged with the Marathon County Library to form the Marathon County Public Library (MCPL). The consolidated library operated from the Wausau facility, unifying resources to better serve city and county residents.

Renovations and Expansion (1995)

After decades of use, the original library building suffered from structural issues. In 1993, the city broke ground on a $5.3 million project to construct a new library on the same site. The updated facility opened on January 3, 1995, providing modernized spaces and expanded services.

Current

The Wausau Headquarters has received several accolades, including the Wisconsin Library Association’s Library of the Year Award in 1965 and again in 1997. In 2005, the bookmobile program was retired, signaling the library’s continued evolution to meet community needs.

Today, the Wausau Headquarters remains a cornerstone of the Marathon County Public Library system, serving as a hub for education, culture, and community engagement.