Children's Summer Program
Help us "Build a Better World"! We've planned a variety of summer activities for kids this summer, including arts & crafts, musical performances, science explorations and more! (See below.)
Join our Summer Reading Club! Starting 5/30, parents may register their children at any MCPL location or online to receive a log to track their child's reading and acts of kindness over the summer. Children can show their progress to library staff at intervals throughout the summer and return their logs to the library by 8/12 to receive rewards!
Need some reading ideas for your child this summer? Check out our Staff Reviews for Children or browse our listing of New Children's Books recently added to the collection!
June Building Extravaganza!
Thu., 6/1/17 - Fri., 6/30/17 @ MCPL Mosinee , 123 Main Street, Mosinee, Wisconsin 54455Throughout the month of June, kids can build with clothespins, craft sticks, paper cups and other household objects at our Mosinee Branch!
Pennies for a Cause
Mon., 6/12/17 - Sat., 8/19/17 @ MCPL Wausau , 300 North First Street, Wausau, Wisconsin 54403Children can help better their community all summer long by donating a penny or more and voting for which organization they want to receive the money!
LEGO® Block Party
Children of all ages and their families are invited to build creative projects using LEGO blocks! All blocks will be provided. Free and no registration required.
- Sat., 6/24/17, 1:30pm - 3:30pm @ MCPL Wausau
- Mon., 6/26/17, 3pm - 6pm @ MCPL Hatley
- Fri., 6/30/17, 1pm - 2pm @ MCPL Marathon City
- Sat., 7/8/17, 11:30am - 1:30pm @ MCPL Rothschild
- Tue., 7/11/17, 3:30pm - 4:30pm @ MCPL Mosinee
- Tue., 8/15/17, 12pm - 2pm @ MCPL Athens
Creative Computing for Everyone
Tweens and teens in grades 4-12 can learn how to use Scratch computer programming to make a variety of games, stories and animations at our Wausau Headquarters!
- Mon., 6/26/17, 2pm - 3:30pm @ MCPL Wausau
Paws to Read
Children can practice and improve their literacy skills by reading to friendly, well-behaved therapy dogs!
- Mon., 6/26/17, 3pm - 4pm @ MCPL Mosinee
- Tue., 6/27/17, 6pm - 7pm @ MCPL Rothschild
- Thu., 6/29/17, 1pm - 3pm @ MCPL Wausau
Alice In Dairyland Visits Spencer!
Tue., 6/27/17, 10am - 11am @ MCPL Spencer , 105 Park Street, Spencer, Wisconsin 54479The newly-crowned Alice in Dairyland will visit our Spencer Branch with interactive activities to get folks excited about agriculture in Wisconsin!
The Zany Inventor
Join the Zany Inventor for a glimpse of his crazy, magical world of science and invention with plenty of audience participation! Free and open to the public.
- Tue., 6/27/17, 10:30am - 11:30am @ MCPL Wausau
- Tue., 6/27/17, 2pm - 3pm @ MCPL Wausau
- Wed., 6/28/17, 10:30am - 11:30am @ Edgar Elementary
- Wed., 6/28/17, 2pm - 3pm @ MCPL Stratford
- Thu., 6/29/17, 10am - 11am @ Marathon Elementary
- Thu., 6/29/17, 2pm - 3pm @ MCPL Mosinee
Celebrate the USA Story Time
Celebrate the 4th of July with this patriotic story time and craft event happening this summer at two of our branches!
- Tue., 6/27/17, 10:30am - 11:30am @ MCPL Hatley
- Thu., 7/6/17, 10:30am - 11:30am @ MCPL Marathon City
Mr. Lemoncello's Great Library Escape!
Wed., 6/28/17, 1pm - 3pm @ MCPL Wausau , 300 North First Street, Wausau, Wisconsin 54403Tweens must use their logic and puzzle-solving skills to escape MCPL's recreation of Mr. Lemoncello's library!
Summer Craft Day
Kids and families are encouraged to visit the library to complete a host of summer-themed craft projects! Free, with all supplies provided.
- Thu., 6/29/17, 1:30pm - 3:30pm @ MCPL Rothschild
- Fri., 6/30/17, 2pm - 3:30pm @ MCPL Athens
- Wed., 7/19/17, 1pm - 3pm @ MCPL Wausau
Creative Computing for Girls
Girls in grades 4-12 are invited to learn Scratch computer programming during this six-week workshop!
- Thu., 6/29/17, 2pm - 3:30pm @ MCPL Wausau
July Building Extravaganza!
Sat., 7/1/17 - Mon., 7/31/17 @ MCPL Mosinee , 123 Main Street, Mosinee, Wisconsin 54455Throughout the month of July, kids can build their own pixelated, Minecraft-themed creations at our Mosinee Branch!
Outside the Lines: A Family Coloring Party
Bring the whole family to work on coloring projects for both children and adults!
- Sat., 7/1/17, 10:30am - 1:30pm @ MCPL Hatley
July Month of Crafts
Mon., 7/3/17 - Fri., 7/28/17 @ MCPL Spencer , 105 Park Street, Spencer, Wisconsin 54479Visit our Spencer Branch to make a different craft each week throughout the month of July! Free, with all supplies provided.
Adventures with Chalk and Hot Air Balloons
Sat., 7/8/17, 10:30am - 12pm @ MCPL Wausau , 300 North First Street, Wausau, Wisconsin 54403Kids can get ready for Wausau Events' Balloon Rally and Chalkfest with a morning of stories, hot air balloon science activities and chalk art at our Wausau Headquarters!
Yo-Yo Blast with Dazzling Dave
See National Yo-Yo Master Dazzling Dave as he astounds audiences with this show that blends yo-yo tricks and life lessons! Free and open to the public.
- Mon., 7/10/17, 10am - 11am @ MCPL Athens
- Mon., 7/10/17, 2pm - 3pm @ MCPL Mosinee
- Tue., 7/11/17, 10:30am - 11:30am @ MCPL Wausau
- Tue., 7/11/17, 2pm - 3pm @ MCPL Wausau
- Wed., 7/12/17, 10:30am - 11:30am @ Edgar Elementary
- Wed., 7/12/17, 2pm - 3pm @ MCPL Hatley
Save The Earth Story Time
Tue., 7/11/17, 10:30am - 11:30am @ MCPL Rothschild , 211 North Grand Avenue, Rothschild, Wisconsin 54474Kids and their families can learn how to save the earth through stories, songs and more at this environmentally-themed Family Story Time!
It's Your Move: Family Game Night
Bring your family and friends, or come in by yourself and meet some new people, and try out some of the games the library has to offer.
- Tue., 7/11/17, 6pm - 8pm @ MCPL Wausau
Robot Rampage
Wed., 7/12/17, 1pm - 3pm @ MCPL Wausau , 300 North First Street, Wausau, Wisconsin 54403Build your own model robots using plastic and cardboard recycled materials at this fun and earth-friendly event!
Rock-N-Play!
Wed., 7/12/17, 1pm - 3pm @ MCPL Spencer , 105 Park Street, Spencer, Wisconsin 54479Kids can get creative and stretch their imagination to the limit by building with rocks and Play-Doh® at our Spencer Branch!
Animals, Animals, Animals!
Environmental educator and humorist David Stokes will visit MCPL along with live insects, snakes, turtles and more! Free and open to the public.
- Thu., 7/13/17, 10am - 11am @ Marathon Elementary
- Thu., 7/13/17, 2pm - 3pm @ MCPL Stratford
- Tue., 7/18/17, 10:30am - 11:30am @ MCPL Wausau
- Tue., 7/18/17, 2pm - 3pm @ MCPL Wausau
Tom Pease
Join us for a performance by children's musician, storyteller and humorist Tom Pease! Free and open to the public.
- Thu., 7/13/17, 11am - 12pm @ MCPL Rothschild
- Thu., 7/13/17, 1:30pm - 2:30pm @ MCPL Rothschild
Sensory Story Time
Geared mainly toward children ages 3-6 with Autism Spectrum Disorder, this story time will feature stories as well as soothing interactive activities.
- Sat., 7/15/17, 9:15am - 9:45am @ MCPL Wausau
StoryWalk® Weekend
Visit the Monk Botanical Gardens to read eight different children's books posted along the gardens' scenic trails! Kids and families can also participate in fun hands-on activities and crafts at ... (read more)
- Sat., 7/15/17, 11am - 3pm @ Monk Botanical Gardens
It's Your Move: MCPL Game Day
Bring your family to the library for a fun day of gaming! Board and card games for all ages will be available.
- Sat., 7/15/17, 11:30am - 1:30pm @ MCPL Rothschild
Hobbies and Crafts Night
Hobby and craft enthusiasts are welcome to join us every month for a night of creating and socializing!
- Mon., 7/17/17, 3pm - 8pm @ MCPL Hatley
Build Your Own Beaded Bracelets
Tweens and teens can make their own bracelet using wooden and plastic beads, yarn, hemp cord and more! Free, with all supplies provided.
- Wed., 7/19/17, 11am - 2pm @ MCPL Marathon City
- Wed., 8/16/17, 2pm - 4pm @ MCPL Mosinee
Puzzle Building Afternoon
Wed., 7/19/17, 2pm - 4pm @ MCPL Mosinee , 123 Main Street, Mosinee, Wisconsin 54455Spend an afternoon bonding as a family as you work on jigsaw puzzles of varying difficulty at our Mosinee Branch! Free and open to the public.
Magic Tree House Madness
Wed., 7/19/17, 2pm - 3pm @ MCPL Stratford , 400 North Fourth Avenue, Stratford, Wisconsin 54484Kids and families can participate in some fun-filled crafts and activities related to the popular "Magic Tree House" book series! Free, with all supplies provided.
Professor Marvel's DIY Magic Show
Professor Marvel will engage kids with magic, story-telling and puppetry. Free and no registration required.
- Thu., 7/20/17, 11am - 12pm @ MCPL Rothschild
- Thu., 7/20/17, 1:30pm - 2:30pm @ MCPL Rothschild
Spaghetti Buildings
Kids can learn how buildings withstand the elements and create their own building using marshmallows and spaghetti noodles!
- Thu., 7/20/17, 3:30pm - 5pm @ MCPL Hatley
- Fri., 7/21/17, 11am - 12:30pm @ MCPL Rothschild
- Tue., 8/1/17, 1pm - 3pm @ MCPL Marathon City
Jelly Bean Creations!
Thu., 7/20/17, 6pm - 7:30pm @ MCPL Spencer , 105 Park Street, Spencer, Wisconsin 54479Kids are challenged to create their own building or sculpture using nothing but toothpicks and jelly beans! All supplies provided.
Story Time with the Fairest of the Fair
Special story time and meet-and-greet with Katelyn Schmoll, the 2017 Fairest of the Fair for the Wisconsin Valley Fair. No registration required.
- Sat., 7/22/17, 10:30am - 11:30am @ MCPL Wausau
- Tue., 7/25/17, 10:30am - 11:30am @ MCPL Rothschild
Read and Rock with Leonardo!
Award-winning children's musician Leonardo will perform songs, lead letter and word-building exercises and entertain audiences of all ages! Free and open to the public.
- Mon., 7/24/17, 10:30am - 11:30am @ MCPL Wausau
- Mon., 7/24/17, 2pm - 3pm @ MCPL Hatley
Minute to Win It - for Tweens!
Tue., 7/25/17, 1:30pm - 3pm @ MCPL Wausau , 300 North First Street, Wausau, Wisconsin 54403Escape the summer heat and compete in a series of crazy games and challenges - each with a 60-second time limit!
Create and Donate in Edgar!
Wed., 7/26/17 - Tue., 8/22/17 @ MCPL Edgar , 224 South Third Avenue, Edgar, Wisconsin 54426Learn about different ways you can give back to the community in Edgar and beyond! Free and open to the public.
Play and Learn with the Fairest of the Fair!
Wed., 7/26/17, 10am - 10:30am @ MCPL Mosinee , 123 Main Street, Mosinee, Wisconsin 54455Katelyn Schmoll, this year's Wisconsin Valley Fairest of the Fair, will join us for a special session of our weekly Play and Learn program! Free and no registration is required. Call 715-693-2144 for more information.
Recycle Day
Wed., 7/26/17, 11am - 2pm @ MCPL Spencer , 105 Park Street, Spencer, Wisconsin 54479Kids can use duct tape and other supplies to turn recycled materials like soda bottles and milk cartons into something entirely new!
3-D Paper Sculpture
Wed., 7/26/17, 1pm - 3pm @ MCPL Wausau , 300 North First Street, Wausau, Wisconsin 54403Children in grades K-5 can use a variety of techniques to create their own 3-D sculptures out of paper. Free, with all supplies provided.
Paws Enforcing Laws
Wed., 7/26/17, 2pm - 3pm @ MCPL Edgar , 224 South Third Avenue, Edgar, Wisconsin 54426Meet a Marathon County Sheriff's Department Deputy and his K9 partner at our Edgar Branch!
Fiber Art Basket Making
Mon., 7/31/17, 6pm - 7pm @ MCPL Rothschild , 211 North Grand Avenue, Rothschild, Wisconsin 54474Tweens and Teens can learn how to make a small yarn basket using the ancient art of yarn coiling! Free, with all supplies provided.
August Building Extravaganza!
Tue., 8/1/17 - Thu., 8/31/17 @ MCPL Mosinee , 123 Main Street, Mosinee, Wisconsin 54455Throughout the month of August, kids can build their own model robots using recycled materials and craft supplies at our Mosinee Branch!
All About Pets Story Time
Tue., 8/8/17, 10:30am - 11:30am @ MCPL Rothschild , 211 North Grand Avenue, Rothschild, Wisconsin 54474Pet-related stories, songs, games and crafts! Free.
Free Pool Day
Tue., 8/8/17, 1pm - 7:50pm @ Wausau Outdoor Pools , , Wausau, WisconsinChildren and their families can enjoy a FREE day at Wausau's outdoor pools just by showing their library card! One card per family.
Building Palooza
Wed., 8/9/17, 1pm - 3pm @ MCPL Wausau , 300 North First Street, Wausau, Wisconsin 54403If you can dream it, you should try to build it! Stop by MCPL Wausau and get creative with various types of building materials.
Wisconsin Woodchucks: Summer Readers Game Night
Sat., 8/12/17, 6:35pm - 8:30pm @ Athletic Park , 324 East Wausau Avenue, Wausau, Wisconsin 54403Kids who complete their summer reading program goals will receive a voucher to attend a Wisconsin Woodchucks game for free on this special game night!
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Thu., 8/17/17, 6:30pm - Fri., 8/18/17, 9am @ MCPL Wausau , 300 North First Street, Wausau, Wisconsin 54403Bring your best stuffed friend to the library for a sleepover! Drop off starts at 6:30 p.m., pickup starts the next morning at 9 a.m.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at MCPL!
Mon., 8/21/17, 11am - 1:45pm @ MCPL Wausau , 300 North First Street, Wausau, Wisconsin 54403Safely watch the solar eclipse outside with pin-hole viewers (weather permitting). Free and all supplies provided.
Duct Tape Palooza!
Create a variety of crafts all with colorful types of duct tape! Free and all supplies provided.
- Thu., 8/24/17, 4:30pm - 6:30pm @ MCPL Athens
- Fri., 10/6/17, 11am - 2pm @ MCPL Marathon City
- Thu., 10/26/17, 10am - Fri., 10/27/17, 5pm @ MCPL Hatley
Pokemon Pictionary
Fri., 8/25/17, 11:30am - 12:30pm @ MCPL Wausau , 300 North First Street, Wausau, Wisconsin 54403Players can battle for points by drawing (and guessing) their favorite Pokemon characters!
Get ready for summer crafts!
What better way to beat the heat than to escape to your local (air-conditioned) library for a few hours of crafting? Throughout June and July, multiple MCPL locations will host crafting events for children of all ages. Crafts will include making sparkling dragonflies, dazzling suns, salt paintings and more! Examples of some of these crafts are shown...
The Evil Wizard Smallbone
★★★★★ Fleeing his neglectful and abusive uncle in a brutally cold, blinding New England blizzard, Nick ends up on the porch of an eccentric old man who appears to be the owner of the Evil Wizard Bookstore. In exchange for a warm place to live and plenty to eat, the snarly old man orders him to clean the house, make meals and take care of the animals. The only...
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Wisconsin's Digital Library for Kids
An online catalog of free e-books, audiobooks, music and videos available for checkout! These files may be downloaded to e-readers, computers, MP3 players and other compatible devices. This link filters the WDL collection to items intended for children.
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