It's almost National Library Week! 

April is cause for plenty of celebration in the northwoods: Our snow is disappearing (then appearing again, then disappearing again), fishing season is just around the corner, and of course, it's National Library Week! We've decided to celebrate with a few fun events this year, so read on for details on how you can join us. 

We're busy planning a summer season full of fun things to do for kids and families, a few movie screenings on the new big screen courtesy of the Friends of the Library, and more. We'd love to hear your ideas for new programs, activities, and materials to add to our library collections. Drop me a line!

Also, don't forget that tomorrow (Tuesday, April 5th) is Election Day in Wisconsin! Bring your ID, and if you're voting in Mercer bring a few dollars to support our Friends of the Library Bake Sale. If you are able to contribute items for the sale, please bring them to the Mercer Town Hall any time after 8:00 a.m. Thanks!  

Teresa Schmidt, library director


Celebrate National Library Week, April 10-16, 2016
Open House, Book Sale, and more planned at the Mercer Library

National Library Week is April 10-16, 2016, and the Mercer Library has several special events and promotions to celebrate.

All week the library will offer fine amnesty: all cardholders who stop by the library in person can ask to have their overdue fines or their children's fines waived, no questions asked. If you've been avoiding the library because you owe late fees, this is the perfect time to begin with a fresh start. Bring in the library materials you've been hanging on to for far too long and return them with no penalty. (Note that the library will not be able to waive fees from other Merlin libraries or for materials that were lost or damaged.) 
 
Other week-long activities include a library word search that all patrons can complete to enter to win a prize basket; make-and-take craft kits for kids to do at the library or take home; and other surprises. 

On Monday, April 11th, the library will host an Open House from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Tour the library and see what's new, enjoy cake and other refreshments, and enter for a chance to win a spring gift basket. 

Wednesday, April 13th is National Scrabble Day, and the library will host informal Scrabble games from 10am to noon. All are welcome to drop in and play a few games. Players of all skill levels, including beginners, are welcome.   

On Friday, April 15th, the Friends of the Library will host a pop-up, One-day Used Book Sale from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The sale will offer a selection of books donated by area residents, as well as materials withdrawn from the library. All will be sold at low prices with many offered on a "bag sale" where shoppers can fill a paper bag of books for just $2.

The library will be accepting donations of usable books all week, but please no magazines, encyclopedias, textbooks, or Condensed Books. We love books for adults, teens and children; CDs and DVDs; and puzzles and games.

We'd love to see you during National Library Week!


Artists of the Month: students from Mercer School

Mercer School student art is coming to the Mercer Library. Art teacher Dan Kiedrowski works with grades Pre-K through 12 and has chosen a diverse selection of student work for display from Friday, April 15 through Friday, May 20.
 
Humorous dioramas by the 5th grade, sculptural works by the eighth grade, some high school drawings, ceramics and more will showcase the artistic talents and hard work of the students.  The public is invited to a Meet the Artists Reception on Monday, April 18 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Mercer Public Library. Join us for refreshments and to meet some of our talented student artists. 


Early-Release Day Movie 

Mercer School will have an early release on Friday, April 22nd, at 12:15 p.m.. Kids of all ages are invited to visit the library after school for popcorn and a movie.  We'll be showing Wall-E  (2008, rated G) in honor of Earth Day and doing a few Earth Day crafts. 

Parents should plan to pick up their kids at around 2:30 p.m. Kids who plan to walk back to the school with the after-school program MUST check in with the program at 12:15 before coming to the library.
Coffee and Coloring @ Your Library

Our coffee & coloring program continues to be a popular event! All are welcome to join us at the library for "coffee and coloring" twice this month on Fridays, April 8th and April 29th from 2 to 4 p.m. 

We'll provide coloring sheets, colored pencils, and coffee - You provide conversation and a fun way to spend an afternoon.  As always, there is no charge to participate and all are welcome. 

Other activities at your library
  • Stop in for one-on-one technology help at "Tech Tuesdays" on April 5, 12, and 26 at 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. or call to set up an appointment for a more convenient time. (Please note there will be no Tech Tuesday on April 19th.) 
     
  • The Friends of the Mercer Library meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. to plan upcoming activities and library projects. New members and volunteers are always welcome.
     
  • The Mercer Book Club will meet on Thursday, April 14th at 11:00 a.m. to discuss The Last Train to Zona Verde by Paul Theroux. All are welcome! Stop by the library to borrow a copy of the book. 
     
  •  Knitters and other fiber crafters meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m. to work on projects, get help, show off their completed projects, and enjoy the company of their fellow crafters. Are you new to knitting? Feel free to drop in for some informal introductory lessons or to get help with your current project.  All are welcome! 
     
  • The library board meets on the second Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at the library. These meetings are open to the public.