Hey kids! Need some great holiday gifts for your family and friends? Visit the library for three different gift-making workshops at 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. on Mondays, November 30, December 7, and December 14. 

We'll put together some simple gifts for the men, women, girls and boys in your life. Each workshop will provide the supplies and instructions for at least 2 different handmade gifts.  Kids ages 9 to 100 are invited to participate. (Yes, that means you, adults -- but we'll let the kids go first!) Younger kids might also be able to participate with an adult's help.  There's no charge to participate, and all are welcome! 

Did you know that our statewide digital collection includes popular e-books, downloadable audiobooks, and now magazines? And the best part is, it's all free to any Wisconsin library card holder! Visit Wisconsin's Digital Library online, and get the Overdrive app for your phone, tablet, or ereader to get the most out of your digital downloads. Feel free to stop in if you need help learning to use our digital collections.  

Have you heard about Fe University? 

Fe University is a project of the Iron County Aging-Friendly Communities Coalition to give older adults the opportunity to keep their minds active and stay connected in the community. We're really excited about this year's winter offerings, and hope you will consider registering to join us for a class or two. A quick list of what's coming up soon:

• The History of Iron County and its role in the Gogebic Range with local historian Larry Peterson; Tuesdays in December at the Iron County Courthouse.
• Investing 101 with financial advisor Joseph Lemke; Thursdays in January at the Mercer Public Library. 
• International Order and the Impact of Foreign Assistance with Gary Theisen, a professional with work experience with US Aid Department, World Bank, and in 60 countriest; Tuesdays in January and February at the Haines Civic Building in Mercer. 
• Intro to Psychology with Chad McGrath, who holds a masters degree in psychology and has extensive experience in the mental health field; Wednesdays in January - March at the Iron County Board Room, Hurley.

All classes are extremely reasonably priced, and scholarships are available. Visit feuniversity.org  or call the Iron County UW-Extension at 715-561-2695 for more information or to register for a class.  

The Friends of the Mercer Library will host a Holiday Cookie Exchange on Monday, December 21st at noon at the library. Bring 3-4 dozen cookies to exchange, and take home an assortment of cookies to share with your family. All are welcome, and no registration is required.

The Friends will also hold their annual holiday party on Wednesday, December 9th at the Ding-A-Ling Supper Club. All Friends members and their guests are welcome. The cost is $18 per person, and includes entree, baked potato, salad bar, dessert, and coffee. New this year: in lieu of a gift exchange, the Friends will collect donations for the Mercer Food Pantry. Please call the library before December 4th at 715-476-2366 for more information and to register for the party. 

• Stop in for one-on-one technology help at "Tech Tuesdays" on November 17 and December 15 and 22 at 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. 
   
• We'll also have a special "Tech Buying Guide" workshop on Tuesday, December 8th at 1:00 p.m. to help you make sense of all the different options and specifications when you are shopping for a laptop, tablet, or e-reader for yourself or as a gift. Tech Tuesdays are free and open to all, and no registration is required. 
   
• The Mercer Book Club will meet on Thursday, December 10th at 11:00 a.m. to discuss Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. All are welcome! 
   
• Holiday Schedule: The library will be closed November 26 & 27, December 24 & 25, January 1. We will close at 3:00 p.m. on December 31.