Hello again, library friends! 

This is our first newsletter of 2016, so let me wish you a belated happy new year! We have a lot going on in February, and I'm excited to share some of it with you here. 

We're also always looking for new program ideas here at the library. Do you have a skill you'd like to share? A topic you'd like to learn more about? Know someone with a hobby that others might be interested in? Send your ideas my way! To share ideas or for more information on any of our programs, give us a call at 715-476-2366.

Thanks,

Teresa Schmidt, library director


Mercer Candidates Forum 2/2

The Iron County Citizens Forum and the Mercer Public Library will sponsor a Candidates Forum for the Mercer Town Board tomorrow,  Tuesday, February 2nd at 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. 

Six candidates are vying for two seats on the Mercer Town Board, and all have indicated their intention to attend the forum. Bill Brundage, James Davis, Gordon Kohegyi, Michael Lambert, Victor Ouimette, and John Sendra will face a primary election on February 16th to narrow the field to four candidates for the regular election on April 5th. 

The forum will be moderated by Will Andresen from the Iron County UW-Extension, and the audience will be invited to submit written questions for the candidates. The forum is free and open to all, and refreshments will be served. 

Love Your Library Lunch - Feb 9th

The Friends of the Mercer Library will host their second annual "Love Your Library Lunch" on Tuesday, February 9th at 11:00 a.m. in lieu of their regular monthly meeting. 

This informal event is designed to thank our many Friends of the Library members and library volunteers. Lunch will be served, and there is no charge to attend. New members are welcome! If you want to know more about the Friends of the Library and would like to attend the luncheon, please call us at 715-476-2366 to RSVP by February 5th.

"The Age of Love" 

Aging Friendly Iron County will sponsor a free screening of "The Age of Love," a film by Steven Loring, on Friday, February 12th at 2pm in the Mercer Community Center. 

From www.theageoflovemovie.com - 
"THE AGE OF LOVE follows the humorous and poignant adventures of thirty seniors in Rochester, NY who sign up for a first-of-its-kind speed dating event exclusively for 70- to 90-year-olds." Join us for this free screening and enjoy popcorn and Valentine cookies. 

Friends of the Library election bake sales

The Friends of the Mercer Library will hold bake sales at the primary election on February 16th and the regular election on April 5th. Be sure to do your civic duty and VOTE, then reward yourself with a treat from the Friends. All proceeds will benefit library projects.  If you would like to contribute baked goods for either sale, give us a call at 715-476-2366. 
Coffee and Coloring @ Your Library

Adult coloring is all the rage, and for good reason - it's relaxing and fun! Want to see what all the fuss is about? Join us at the library for "coffee and coloring" on the last Friday of the month from 2 to 4pm. 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. See you on February 26th! 
Mercer Seed Library offers seed saving program

Mark your calendar to celebrate the Mercer Seed Library on March 2nd! 

Seed catalogs are arriving in the mail, but before you order consider making a trip to the Mercer Public Library to see the selection in the Mercer Seed LIbrary. Gardeners can "check out" seeds this year, grow them in their gardens and hopefully harvest seeds in the fall to return to the Seed Library. This process can benefit gardeners in our northern climate because the seeds harvested from successful fruits and vegetables in our area will likely do better in subsequent years. 

Darrin Kimbler, Horticulture Specialist from the Iron County UW-Extension, will present an educational program on seed saving at the Mercer Public Library at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2nd. 

If you would like to know more about the Mercer Seed Library, call Jeanne Matchefts at 715-476-2460 or Chris Paulik at 715-476-2874. Jeanne and Chris will also be on hand after the presentation on March 2nd until 3:00 p.m. to answer questions regarding the Mercer Seed Library and introduce you to our seed "catalog."
Biggest Loser Community Challenge

The Mercer Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring teams for the "Biggest Loser Community Challenge," a health and wellness challenge that will get you moving, eating better, and having fun. The Mercer Health & Wellness committee and the Mercer Public Library, along with many other local organizations, are also getting into the spirit with events and information to help you get healthy in Mercer. Teams of 4 should sign up for the Challenge before February 15th by visiting www.biggestlosercommunity.com. There is a cost to participate, but several organizations and individuals have provided funds to help if the cost is a barrier for you. Stop by the Mercer Chamber of Commerce or give them a call at 715-476-2389 for more information. 

Other activities at your library
  • Stop in for one-on-one technology help at "Tech Tuesdays" on February 2, 9, and 16 at 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. or call to set up an appointment for a more convenient time. 
     
  • The Mercer Book Club will meet on Thursday, February 11 at 11:00 a.m. to discuss Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. All are welcome! Stop by the library to borrow a copy of the book. 
     
  • Mercer School will have an early release on Friday, February 19th. Kids of all ages are invited to come to the library for popcorn and a movie on our new big screen. We'll be showing the "Shaun the Sheep" movie, rated PG. Parents should plan to pick up their kids at about 2:30pm. 
     
  • Knitters and other fiber crafters meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:00pm to work on projects, get help, show off their completed projects, and enjoy the company of their fellow crafters. All are welcome! 
     
  • The library board meets on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the library. These meetings are open to the public.