We're still planning the 2019 summer program! Our summer events below are complete, but information about the summer reading club will be posted in the near future.
Spring Story Time Break
Kids & Adults To prepare for our annual Summer Library Program, MCPL-Wausau will be taking a story time break. Our summer session starts June 8!
Outside the Lines: A Family Coloring Party
Children Drop-in Bring the whole family to work on coloring projects for both children and adults!
Craft Week: Torn Paper Planets
Children Drop-in Kids can create their own planets out of torn paper and other craft supplies!
Weeks and Weeks of SLP Crafts!
Children Drop-in Stop by the library all summer long to work on different crafts to go along with our summer reading theme. A new craft each week to keep things interesting!
Medicare Basics Info Session
Adults Registration It's never too early to learn about Medicare, whether you or someone you love plan to use the system. Join us for a free information session about this important service!
Polio: Scourge of the 1950s
Adults Rick Lohr shares a personal story about polio's impact on his family within the context of the disease and vaccines in Marathon County.
LEGO® Block Party
Children Drop-in Children of all ages and their families are invited to build creative projects using LEGO blocks! All blocks will be provided.
Family Story Time
Children Bring your entire family to story time! Children of all ages and parents/guardians are welcome to this 30-minute program. Enjoy learning with all of your children through stories, songs and other literature-based activities.
Play and Learn
Children Children of all ages are invited to use their imagination and creativity! These fun, 60-90 minute programs feature a different story each week, followed by songs and supplemental activities. Offered in partnership with the Family Resource Center.
Needle Arts
Adults & Teens Drop-in Drop by the library any (or every!) Tuesday afternoon for a mix of creation and socialization!
Nonfiction @ Night: "Lost in Shangri-La"
Adults Discuss our monthly book club pick about a World War II rescue mission that caused a trio of U.S. military personnel to crash-land on New Guinea.
Outer Space Story Time!
Children Hear stories about outer space and make a craft that's out of this world!
"Finding Dory"
Children Join us for Family Film Friday about Dory's epic adventure to find her parents!
World Ocean's Day
Children Visit the library for a morning of stories, crafts and sea creatures during our story time celebrating World Oceans Day!
Create a Father's Day Card!
Kids & Adults Drop-in Kids can make a card for their dad or the father figure in their life, with all supplies provided!
Craft Week: Create Your Own Alien!
Children Drop-in Kids can make their own aliens using cardboard tubes and other craft supplies!
Book Babies
Children Join us for 20 minutes of "lap sit" story time for children birth to 23 months! Listen and interact with your baby through books, songs, rhymes and other activities.
Sidewalk Chalk Drawing
Children Drop-in Help the library kick off the Summer Library Program with fun chalk art outside of the library all week long!
Toddler Dance Party
Children Join us for a story time and toddler dance party featuring stories, music, props and more!
SLP Ocean Suncatchers
Children Stop by the library to make your own ocean suncatcher as we celebrate World Oceans Day!
Gardening with Kids
Adults If you enjoy spending time with children in the garden and are looking for some new ideas on how to spark a child's interest in horticulture, please join us for Gardening with Kids.
Book Club: "The Latehomecomer"
Adults Stop by the library to discuss Kao Kalia Yang's beloved memoir of a Hmong family's balance between their past and future.
Healthy Living for your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research
Adults Learn more from the Alzheimer's Association about healthy aging tips and the research behind it! Part of a series with the Association.
Book Club: The Flight Attendant
Adults Stop by the library for a lively discussion of this 2018 spellbinding novel of memory, murder and the consequences of addiction!
PAWS to Read
Children Drop-in Children can practice and improve their literacy skills by reading to friendly, well-behaved therapy dogs!
Preschool Story Time
Children This 30-minute program will help prepare your preschooler for kindergarten with stories, songs, rhymes and other early literacy activities.
Weird Science Comedy Show
Children Join Doc Ron (and his faithful traveling companion, Einstein, the world's cutest bunny) as they conduct crazy experiments with fire, smoke and flying cheese curds!
GrapeVine Session: Better Bone Health
Adults Registration Stop by the library to learn more about bone health and osteoporosis with the Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation!
Father's Day Cards and Coasters
Adults Stop by the library to create a unique gift for your dad or grandpa (or someone else's) ahead of Father's Day!
Book Club: "Firestorm at Peshtigo"
Adults Take part in a lively discussion about the deadliest fire in American history - and it happened in Wisconsin!
Book Club: "Sourdough"
Adults Stop by the library and take part in a lively discussion of Sloan's 2017 novel!
June Outer Space Craft Week
Children Drop-in Stop by the library any time during the week to make aliens and planets!
Book Club: "How to Walk Away"
Adults Drop-in Take part in a lively discussion of Center's novel about a woman with a bright future, whose life is changed forever in one tumultuous moment.
Book Club: "Before We Were Yours"
Adults Take part in a lively discussion about two families, generations apart, forever changed by a heartbreaking injustice. New people always welcome!
Hobbies and Crafts Night
Adults Drop-in Hobby and craft enthusiasts are welcome to join us every month for a night of creating and socializing!
Moon and Stars Story Time
Children Join us for a special story time at the library as we celebrate the moon and stars in the sky!
Jim Lenz's Comedy Science Show
Children Join Jim Lenz as he infuses comedy, drama, audience participation, and his love of science into one unique, zany, and unforgettable performance!
Planetary Pasta Rovers
Children Drop-in Create a planetary pasta rover using different types of pasta and glue as we celebrate "A Universe of Stories" (and crafts) during our Summer Library Program!
Miller & Mike
Children Come explore a cosmos of comedy with former Ringling Bros. circus clowns Miller & Mike for their fast-paced, fun show!
Aroma Therapy and Essential Oils Discussion Group
Adults Drop-in If you're interested in learning more about aroma therapy, essential oils and natural or homemade health products - or if you have tips and concoctions to share with others - join us each month to talk about it!
Rockin' Round the Universe with Randy Peterson
Children Blast off with Randy Peterson and into the universe of music during our Summer Library Program!
Craft Week: Create a Flying Saucer!
Children Drop-in Kids can craft their own flying saucer using provided household and craft supplies!
Magic Bob Presents: Lost in Space
Children Blast off with Magic Bob and get lost in space! With the help of Magic Bob, kids will discover (or rediscover) that every time they open a book, they blast off on an amazing adventure.
Planets, Stars and Beyond!
Children Join us for this special family story time about traveling to the planets and stars!
Fiber Arts
Adults Drop-in Knitters, crocheters, and crafters of all ages and experience levels are invited to gather to create and socialize!
A Journey through the Heavens, The Legends of the Stars
Children Join us as we learn more about summer constellations and the stories of their origins!
Book Club: "The Alice Network"
Adults Stop by the library for an engaging discussion of Kate Quinn's WWII novel!
The Short Stories of Isaac Bashevis Singer
Adults Drop-in Take part in a lively, friendly discussion of some of history's greatest written works, including June's discussion of short stories from a master of the form!
Galaxy in a Bottle
Kids & Teens Registration Kids, tweens and teens can combine art and science to make their own mini galaxy!
DIY Stress Balls
Children Kids can make their own stress balls for stress relief during this program!
Outer Space Sand Art
Kids & Teens Drop-in Use colored sand to color outer space-themed pictures, create decorative bottles or make colorful keychains!
Family Game Day
All-Ages Drop-in Bring your family to the library for a fun day of gaming! Board and card games for all ages will be available.
Craft Week: Make Your Own Rocket Ship!
Children Drop-in Drop by the library to craft your own paper rocket ship!
Exploring Space with a Rover
Kids & Teens Registration Get an idea what it's like to be "Mission Control" and explore space during this Summer Library Program event!
Milk: From Farm to Table
Adults Learn about the health benefits of dairy and how milk gets from the farm to your kitchen table!
Tales for Tots
Children Enjoy books, songs and fingerplays with your toddler at this fun and lively story time! We have two half-hour sessions at 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - stop by for either one!
Firework Paintings!
Children Make paintings resembling fireworks with this Fourth of July-inspired craft event!
Celebrate the USA Story Time
Children Celebrate the 4th of July with this patriotic story time and craft event!
Kindness Rocks!
All-Ages Drop-in Paint rocks with inspirational words, phrases or images! Open to all ages!
"I Survived" Mini Camp
Children Join us over the course of three days for survival presentations and activities inspired by the "I Survived" book series!
Starry Watercolor Mini Paintings
All-Ages Registration All ages are welcome to make mini paintings of a starry sky using watercolors, salt, star stickers, and watercolor paper!
Book Club: "The Things They Carried"
Adults Take part in a lively discussion about one of the greatest historical fiction books ever written!
Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior
Adults Join us for a presentation with JoAnn Janikowski of the Alzheimer's Association on Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia specifically aimed at those who help care for someone with the disease.
Book Club: "We Were the Mulvaneys"
Adults Get engaged with a group discussion of Carol Oates' searing family drama.
Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia
Adults Join us for a presentation on Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia with JoAnn Janikowski of the Alzheimer's Association.
Kids Needle Arts: Hacky Sacks!
Kids & Teens Drop-in Kids can join us to learn how to crochet their own hacky sacks and try them out on the spot!
Nonfiction @ Night: "Hidden Figures"
Adults Discuss our monthly book club pick about three African-American women who contributed to some of NASA's greatest missions.
Book Club: "Hatchet"
Adults Join us for an engaging discussion of Paulsen's book, about a 15-year-old boy forced to survive in the wilderness.
Chalk Art
Children Drop-in Kids can make their own chalk art creations at the library in advance of Wausau's annual ChalkFest!
Book Club: "The Breakdown"
Adults Drop-in Take part in a lively discussion about Paris' thrilling novel!
Book Club: "Beneath a Scarlet Sky"
Adults Stop by the library to take part in an interesting discussion of a wide variety of books, including Sullivan's WWII tale!
Unidentified Flying Objects in Wisconsin
All-Ages Learn about various UFO sightings that happened in Wisconsin!
Groovy Space Story Time
Children Feeling groovy? If not, would you like to? Join us for a special groovy story time with fun outer space stories, songs and crafts!
Natural Dyeing for Beginners
Adults Adults can learn the basics of dyeing fabrics with vegetable dyes and more during this free informational presentation!
Constellation Banner
Teens Registration Hey teens, if you're a fan of starry nights, the galaxy, or astrological constellations, this craft is for you! We will be using paint markers, glitter, and gems to decorate your very own constellation banner.
July Outer Space Craft Week
Children Drop-in Stop by the library any time during the week to make flying saucers and paper rocket ships!
Read With A Friend Day
All-Ages Drop-in Read with a friend at the library or make new friends with other library patrons!
Colossal Fossils Presents: The Mammoth Hunters
Children Touch mammoth tusks, bear skulls, and more as Sean the Mammoth Hunter talks about life in the Ice Age!
Star Search!
Children Discover how the sky is the biggest storybook in the universe as you listen to some of the ancient stories about the star patterns. Plus, create a constellation scope and art!
Create Your Own Sun Catcher!
Children Drop-in Kids can create a sun catcher, with all supplies provided!
Paper Beads
All-Ages Join us for an evening at the library and learn how to make your very own paper beads.
Introduction to Pinterest
Adults Registration Learn how to create a free Pinterest account and how to navigate the website ! Registration required.
Ollivander's Wand Shop
All-Ages Celebrate Harry Potter's birthday by making your own magic wand at the library!
Friends of MCPL Book Sale
All-Ages Drop-in Browse through thousands of items for sale at low prices during this quarterly book sale!
Summer Story Time Break
Children To prepare for the transition from summer to fall, the library will be taking a story time break from Aug. 10-Sept. 2!
SLP Constellation Craft Week
Children Drop-in Children are invited to the library to create their own craft constellations all week!
Constellation Sensory Bag
Children Drop-in Children are invited to the library for a fun hands-on craft project that will have them "seeing stars."
A Universe of Stories: Writing Your Own Story
Adults & Teens If you've ever thought about writing the story of your life, or would like to help a family member do it, join us in Marathon City to get an idea what it takes to write an autobiography or memoir!
Free Family Pool Day!
Kids & Teens Drop-in Children and their families can enjoy a FREE day at Wausau's outdoor pools just by showing their library card! One card per family.
A Journey Through Adoption: A Story of Hope & Faith
Adults Join us for a fascinating program as author and father Adam Schnabel talks about the process, and the ups and downs, of adopting his child from Bulgaria.
Eat your Veggies Story Time
Children Join us for a vege-tastic story time with tales promoting the produce, songs celebrating celery and other veggies and games!
Fruit and Vegetable Printing
Children Drop-in Encourage kids to eat their fruits and veggies with this fun and easy craft!
TAG - Teen Advisory Group!
Teens Drop-in Teens are welcome to meet others, volunteer and help plan library programs through our Teen Advisory Group (TAG). Meetings monthly
GrapeVine Session: Better Brain Health
Adults Registration Stop by the library to learn from a registered nurse what to do to lower the risk of dementia and keep the brain healthy.
DIY Galaxy Jars and Slime
Teens Drop-in Make your own slime and mini galaxy in a jar during this tween/teen event!
Astronaut Training
Children Children of all ages are invited to join us to learn a little bit of what it takes to be an astronaut!
Nonfiction @ Night: "Educated"
Adults Discuss our monthly book club pick about a woman who pursues an education after being raised by survivalist parents who isolated her and her siblings from mainstream society.
Shine like the Sun Story Time
Children Kids can hear stories about the sun and conduct an easy, educational science experiment!
Book Club: "Send down the Rain"
Adults Stop by the library for a lively discussion of Martin's 2018 novel!
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Children Bring your best stuffed friend to the library for a sleepover! Drop off and story time starts at 6 p.m., pickup starts the next day at noon!
Galaxy Bottle Charm Necklace
Children Capture a galaxy in a bottle during this unique craft program for kids! Free and all supplies provided.
August Outer Space Craft Week
Children Drop-in Stop by the library any time during the week to make spaceships and paper plate aliens!
Book Club: "The Astronaut Wives Club"
Adults Go beyond the book with lively discussion at the library's book club!
Book Club: "I'll Be Gone in the Dark"
Adults Take part in a lively discussion of McNamara's award-winning true crime book!
Create a Paper Airplane!
Kids & Teens Drop-in Make paper airplanes in honor of National Aviation Day!
Book Club: "The Orphan's Tale"
Adults Join us for a discussion of this book, about a teenage girl who joins a German circus in order to save children during WWII.
Book Club: Small Great Things
Children Drop by the library for a lively discussion of this best-selling book by Jodi Picoult!
Early Stage Alzheimer's and Preparing for the Future
Adults All are welcome to join us for a presentation on questions and preparations that arise when a friend or loved one is in the early stage of Alzheimer's Disease.
Tiny Chicken Pin Cushions
Adults Some crafts can be elaborate and intricate, but others can be a fun, relatively simple project - like our chicken pin cushion!
SLP Cupcake Factory Craft Week
Children Drop-in It's going to be a busy summer across the MCPL system - and maybe in your own lives, too - so why not finish off the summer with a sweet craft?
