Marathon County Public Library (MCPL)

Wausau: Every Bird Counts: A Migratory Bird Celebration
2026-05-02 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
MCPL is partnering with the Wausau Bird Club to bring you a variety of activities for all ages in honor of World Migratory Bird Day! Join us to learn about migratory birds and birding in Wisconsin, and discover what we can do as citizens to support and protect them. Younger participants can enjoy crafts, games, and prizes, and learn how to use binoculars to practice spotting birds.
This free event is open to all ages, and no registration is required. Drop in anytime from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. in the Community Room on the second floor. For more information, call 715-261-7220.

Wausau: Spice Blending for Grilling
2026-05-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Learn how to create your own spice blends to give your grilled favorites an extra punch of flavor! Using a variety of spices and other elements, participants will have the opportunity to try out tried and true recipes from around the world and create their own signature spice blend. Everyone will leave with 2-3 spice blends to try out at their next barbecue.
This free event is open to adults only, with registration required to secure your spot as space is limited. For more information, contact 715-261-7230.
Register

Wausau: Community Game Night
2026-05-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Looking for a fun night of strategy and problem solving? Join us on the third Wednesday of each month for a game night from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Bring your friends, family, or come on your own and meet up with others in the community! A variety of modern board games will be provided to choose from, and you’re welcome to bring your favorites from home and teach others.
This free event is open to adults and young adults with no registration required. For more information, please contact us at 715-261-7230.

Rothschild: The Marvelous Monarch
2026-05-21 13:30 - 14:30 | Marathon County Public Library—Rothschild Branch, 211 Grand Avenue, Rothschild, 54474, United States
All ages (6+) are invited for a special event as we’re joined by Faith Gokey, a certified Master Gardener, as she shares her passion for monarch butterflies. Learn about monarch migration, how to support local pollinators, and how to create a garden that’s rich in native beauty. Faith will offer guidance and inspiration grounded in both science and personal experience.
Faith has dedicated more than ten years to transforming her own gardens into a thriving native plant habitat, creating a sanctuary where monarchs can feed, rest, and complete their lifecycle. Her approach to gardening is rooted in a deep respect for nature and a commitment to supporting pollinators in our community.
This free event is open to all ages (6+) and no registration is required. For more information, contact 715-359-6208.

Wausau: Book Club: "Lady Tan's Circle of Women" by Lisa See
2026-05-28 17:30 - 18:30 | Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Join library staff and other book lovers for engaging discussions of books each month! In May, we will meet to discuss “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” by Lisa See.
According to Confucius, “an educated woman is a worthless woman,” but Tan Yunxian—born into an elite family, yet haunted by death, separations, and loneliness—is being raised by her grandparents to be of use. Her grandmother is one of only a handful of female doctors in China, and she teaches Yunxian the pillars of Chinese medicine, the Four Examinations—looking, listening, touching, and asking—something a man can never do with a female patient.
From a young age, Yunxian learns about women’s illnesses, many of which relate to childbearing, alongside a young midwife-in-training, Meiling. The two girls find fast friendship and a mutual purpose. But when Yunxian is sent into an arranged marriage, her mother-in-law forbids her from seeing Meiling and from helping the women and girls in the household. How might a woman like Yunxian break free of these traditions, go on to treat women and girls from every level of society, and lead a life of such importance that many of her remedies are still used five centuries later?
No registration is required, and all are welcome. Stop by the main desk at MCPL-Wausau to grab a book that’s ready to check out! For more information, please contact us at 715-261-7230.

Wausau: Community Plant Swap
2026-06-01 - 2026-06-06 | Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
It’s that time of year again! Gather your plants & plant cuttings for our popular community plant swap! A table will be set right outside the library entrance and anyone is welcome to drop off a plant or two to leave for someone else. If necessary, provide any care instructions along with the plant. If you see a few plants that you’d like, help yourself! Please be mindful of others when taking plants so that everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the swap.
This event is open to all ages. Stop by during open hours the week of June 1-June 6. For more information, contact 715-261-7230.

Wausau: School Supply Swap
2026-06-01 - 2026-06-06 | Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
School’s out for summer! Before you put away your backpack or your kid’s backpack full of materials until the fall, sort through it and bring in your gently used school supplies to swap with others! Bring your notebooks, pens, pencils, colors, glue, and more starting Monday, June 1 through Friday, June 5. Stop back on Saturday, June 6 to pick up supplies for yourself or your kids! You do not have to donate in order to participate in the swap. Please be mindful of others and take only what you need.
Participants of all ages can drop off materials at the second floor Reference Desk, and on the day of the swap, join us in the Community Room from 9:30-4:30 p.m. to pick up supplies. For more information, call 715-261-7220.

Kronenwetter: Story Time at the Farmer's Market
2026-06-07 09:00 - 14:00 | Buska Park, 2390 Terrebonne Drive, Kronenwetter, WI, 54455, United States
Enjoy an exciting story time with us during the opening weekend of the Kronenwetter Farmer’s Market! Young children and their caregivers are invited to join us at Buska Park for family-friendly stories read outdoors in the fresh air. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about our Summer Library Program and upcoming library events for all ages! The farmer’s market runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and we will be reading stories and crafting throughout the event.
For more information contact us at 715-261-7220.

Wausau: Summer Kickoff Party
2026-06-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Oak Island Park, 500 River Drive, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
It’s time to celebrate the start of summer and kick off our Summer Library Program, Unearth a Story, at Oak Island Park! Join us for a morning packed with fun-filled activities in the fresh air. Enjoy a petting zoo featuring farm and exotic animals from Whitehaven Petting Zoo, stop at our make-and-take flower planting station with the North Central Wisconsin Master Gardeners, get your face painted by Fancy Faces Facepainting, and more. Don’t miss this exciting celebration!
This free event is open to children and their caregivers. Stop by from 10:00-12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8, just look for the MCPL signage. In case of rain, the event will be moved to the Community Room at MCPL Wausau. For more information, call 715-261-7220.

Rothschild: Puzzle Social
2026-06-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Marathon County Public Library—Rothschild Branch, 211 Grand Avenue, Rothschild, 54474, United States
If you enjoy working on jigsaw puzzles, drop by for our puzzle social! Grab a seat, meet some fellow puzzle lovers, and enjoy collaborative puzzling and conversation. Beginners and puzzle pros are welcome! We’ll meet this summer on June 13, July 11, and August 8 from 10:00-12:00 p.m. and puzzles will be provided.
This free event is open to adults, with no registration required. For more information, call 715-359-6208.

Wausau: Beginning Genealogy for Families
2026-06-16 17:30 - 18:30 | Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Unearth your family’s story! Children and their families are invited to explore family records and learn about the people and stories that came before them. Along the way, you’ll learn the basics of genealogy as our Reference Librarian guides you through the library’s resources and databases in a way that’s easy to understand. Then, work together to create your very own family tree to take home! This event is perfect for those looking to learn more about their family and get started with the basics of genealogy.
This free event is for children in grades 4-6 and their caregivers. Registration opens May 16 for families. You may register online or by calling 715-261-7230. We’ll meet in the Community Room on the second floor and materials will be provided.
Register

Spencer: Whitehaven Petting Zoo
2026-06-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Lions Park, 105 South Park Street, Spencer, WI, 54479, United States
Calling all animal lovers! Join us at Lions Park for a petting zoo experience featuring a mix of farm and exotic animals provided by Whitehaven Petting Zoo. Come see animals such as goats, rabbits, chinchillas, a bearded dragon, tortoises, a Patagonian cavy, and much more!
Additional animals may be available, depending on a favorable weather forecast. Stop by Lions Park at the park shelter anytime from 10:00-11:00 a.m. This free event is open to children and their caregivers, with no registration required. For more information, contact 715-659-3996.

Edgar: Snake Discovery: Reptiles Around the World
2026-06-22 13:30 - 14:30 | Oak Street Park, 204 E Lutz Street, Edgar, WI, 54426, United States
Step into the fascinating world of scales and tails! Join us for a one-of-a-kind experience with Snake Discovery, where you’ll learn about reptiles and even have the chance to safely touch and hold them. Snake Discovery will introduce reptiles both large and small, from common species to rare finds. Slither around the world with them as you meet reptiles from every continent. Participants will learn what a legless lizard is, meet a rare species of snake up close, touch a gecko, hold a large boa constrictor, watch a snake eat, and more! Time will be set aside after the presentation for participants to safely touch and hold the reptiles.
This free event is open to children and their caregivers. We’ll meet at Oak Street Park from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. For more information, call 715-352-3155.

Athens: Mischief & Magic: Mischief Menagerie
2026-06-29 10:30 - 11:30 | Athens Community Hall, 221 Caroline Street, Athens, WI, 54411, United States
Step into an extraordinary world where marvels await at every turn. Join us for an engaging program led by Mischief & Magic and see their collection of special animals, including a two-headed turtle, albino and rare reptiles, their Jurassic Jaws real fossil collection, and more! This program promises a journey into the bizarre and fascinating, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who dare to explore.
This free event is open to children through age 11 and younger, and their caregivers. We’ll meet at the Athens Community Hall from 10:30-11:30 a.m. For more information, contact 715-257-7292.

Hatley: Egg Carton Geodes
2026-07-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Marathon County Public Library—Hatley Branch, 435 Curtis Avenue, Hatley, WI, 54440, United States
Children are invited to craft their own geode look-alike at the library! Staff will pre-cut cardboard egg cartons into individual cups. Participants will then coat the inside of their cups with glue and sprinkle on dyed Epsom salt. The final product will reveal a unique geode! Drop in on July 6 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. and materials and instructions will be provided.
This free event is open to children and their caregivers, with no registration required. For more information, contact 715-446-3537.

Wausau: Crafts & Dragons: Papercraft Spell Boxes
2026-07-09 14:30 - 16:30 | Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Calling all adventurers! Join us for a fantasy-themed craft and make your own papercraft spell boxes. These spell boxes are perfect to hold spell cards, trinkets, or even mini-figures! All supplies will be provided. We’ll meet in the Conference Room from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
This free event is open to teens only, with registration required to secure your spot and supplies. Registration will open one month prior on June 9. Walk-ins are welcome as supplies last. For more information, contact 715-261-7220.

Marathon City: Book Club: "The Names" by Florence Knapp
2026-07-13 17:45 - 18:45 | Marathon County Public Library—Marathon City Branch, 515 Washington Street, Marathon City, 54448, United States
Join us and other book lovers for a discussion of a variety of books—new and old, fiction and nonfiction! This July, the group will discuss “The Names” by Florence Knapp.
Can a name shape the course of a life? In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register the birth of her son. Her husband, Gordon, respected in the community but a controlling presence at home, intends for her to follow a long-standing family tradition and name the baby after him. But when faced with the decision, Cora hesitates…
Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of their lives, shaped by Cora’s last-minute choice of name. Full of hope, this is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark. It is the story of one family and love’s endless capacity to endure, no matter what fate has in store.
Everyone is welcome to join the discussion. Stop by the library to check out a copy of the book. For more information, call 715-443-2775.

Wausau: Gather Your Party
2026-07-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Are you interested in playing Tabletop Roleplaying Games (TTRPGs), but don’t have your own party? Is your adventuring party looking for a healer? Are you a DM or GM looking for a group to play? You must gather your party before venturing forth!
Meet in the Community Room for this Gather Your Party social hour to discuss TTRPGs, find a group to join, or form your party right on the spot. This free event is open to adults only, with no registration required. For more information, contact 715-261-7230.

Wausau: Library Card Pool Day
2026-07-23 | Kaiser Pool, 900 East Bridge Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
The Marathon County Public Library and the Wausau & Marathon County Parks Department are once again partnering for a free swim day! Join us at Schulenberg, Kaiser, or Memorial Pools on Thursday, July 23 anytime the pools are open. Present your MCPL library card for free admission—one card covers the whole family!
This free event is open to all ages, with no registration. Just show up to swim with your library card in hand! For more information contact us at 715-261-7220.

Spencer: Little Archaeologists
2026-07-28 10:30 - 12:30 | Lions Park, 105 South Park Street, Spencer, WI, 54479, United States
Get ready to dig into an exciting adventure! Young explorers are invited to become real-life archaeologists as they uncover hidden treasures from the past. Your little archaeologist will stop at stations along the way to crack open rare dinosaur eggs, take part in an artifact excavation, and create fossil drawings.
This free event is open to children and their caregivers, with no registration required. Stop by Lions Park anytime from 10:30-12:30. In case of rain, we’ll meet under the shelter. Materials will be available while supplies last, so be sure to stop by and see what you’ll uncover! For more information, call 715-659-3996.

Wausau: Camp Between the Stacks
2026-08-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Escape the summer sun and build a cozy family fort right between the bookshelves! We’ll provide some basic supplies to help you get started, but you’re welcome to bring your own blankets, sheets, and pillows to make your fort one-of-a-kind. Don’t forget your imagination and summer camping spirit! Once your fort is ready, snuggle up inside and enjoy a cozy family reading adventure together.
This free event is open to children through age 11 and their families. Join us in the children’s area anytime from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. For more information, please contact us at 715-261-7220.

Wausau: Summer at Mead: Wildflowers & Native Plants
2026-08-13 12:15 - 15:45 | Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Join us this summer for field trips to the Mead Wildlife Area and experience unforgettable outdoor activities for all ages! Everyone is invited to join us on August 13 to stop and smell, touch, and see the beautiful wildflowers! Participants will identify native plants and wildflowers, and discuss the importance of pollinators and seed saving.
Meet at MCPL Wausau in the lower library parking lot on West Washington Street and hop on our bus for free transportation departing promptly at 12:15 pm. After our activities, we’ll take the bus back to MCPL Wausau and arrive by 3:45 p.m. This free event is open to all ages, but please note that minors MUST be accompanied by an adult on all field trips. Registration is required for this event by registering online or by calling. Registration for each event opens one month prior, so check back here to register if registering online. These events happen rain or shine! See below for important information regarding library parking. For more information about the event or to register, call 715-261-7230. For Mead-specific questions, call 715-457-6771. Larger groups are asked to please contact Mead Wildlife Area directly to better accommodate your group.
Parking: Parking in the upper library lot on North First Street is free, however, space is limited. Parking in the lower lot is managed by the city. You must register your car at the booth or via the Passport app. It is free for the first two hours, and it’s $1.00 per additional hour.

Wausau: Zine Making
2026-08-17 09:30 - 19:30 | Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Teens are invited to make their own zines! A zine, short for fanzine or magazine, is a DIY self-publication, usually made on paper using magazine clippings and art supplies, and then reproduced with a photocopier or printer. Zines evolved from fan-based publications in the 1930s and became more prominent in the counter-culture movements of the 1970s and beyond. They have been a powerful tool for documenting marginalized voices and communities, including the punk, feminist, and LGBTQ+ movements. A zine can be what you make it!
We’ll provide magazines, glue sticks, markers, and more to create our one-of-a-kind zines! This free event is open to teens only, with no registration required. Stop by the Young Adult section anytime from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact 715-261-7220.

Mosinee: Cribbage at the Library
2026-08-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Marathon County Public Library—Mosinee Branch, 123 Main Street, Mosinee, WI, 54455, United States
Adults are welcome to join us for relaxed, self-led cribbage games in our charming, historic second-floor space. Whether you’re a seasoned player or are new to this Midwestern staple, all are welcome!
There will be playing cards and one cribbage board provided, but groups are encouraged to bring their own board. We’ll meet on the following Tuesdays this summer: June 2, 16, 30; July 21; and August 4, and 18. Please note that we will not meet on Tuesday, July 7 due to a Summer Library Program performance. No registration is required. For more information, please contact us at 715-693-2144.

Stratford: Evening Book Club: “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” by Marie Bostwick
2026-08-25 17:30 - 18:30 | Marathon County Public Library—Stratford Branch, 213201 Scholar Street, Stratford, WI, 54484, United States
Join library staff and other book lovers for engaging discussions of books each month! This August, we will discuss “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” by Marie Bostwick.
By early 1960s standards, Margaret Ryan, Viv Buschetti, and Bitsy Cobb, suburban housewives in a brand-new “planned community”, appear to have it all. The fact that “all” doesn’t feel like enough leaves them feeling confused and guilty, certain the fault must lie with them. Things begin to change when they form a book club with Charlotte Gustafson–the eccentric and artsy “new neighbor” from Manhattan–and read Betty Friedan’s just-released book, The Feminine Mystique. Controversial and groundbreaking, the book struck a chord with an entire generation of women, helping them realize that they weren’t alone in their dissatisfactions, or their longings, lifting their eyes to new horizons of possibility and achievement. Margaret, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv are among them. But is it really the book that alters the lives of these four very different women? Or is it the bond of sisterhood that helps them find courage to confront the past, navigate turmoil in a rapidly changing world, and see themselves in a new and limitless light?
No registration is required, and all are welcome! Stop by the library to pick up a copy of the book. For more information, please contact us at 715-687-4420.

Wausau: Creative Writers Collective
2026-08-26 17:30 - 19:00 | Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States
Do you have writer’s block? Do you need a collaborative space to write? Or are you looking for a new creative outlet to challenge yourself? Adults are welcome to join our writers collective at the library! Whether you’re working on an existing story, writing something new, or want to join us just to write, all levels of writing experience are encouraged. We’ll have writing prompts and writing dice available as warm ups, and you’ll have the opportunity to share your work at the end. Expect a collaborative, relaxed space as well as hot tea!
This event is open to adults, with no registration required. This summer, we’ll meet in the Conference Room on June 24, July 22, and August 26. For more information, call 715-261-7230.
