"Screenagers" film back by popular demand, new Community Chats, and more coming soon!

November 2016 Mercer Library News
November is supposed to be a quiet time of year, but with our continuing beautiful weather and activities we've scheduled, I am still waiting for that quiet! 

Back by popular request, Mercer School and the Library will sponsor a second screening of the documentary " Screenagers: Growing up in the Digital Age" on Friday, November 11th at 1:00 p.m. This film talks about a really important topic for parents, grandparents, and teens: the effects of "screen time" on developing teen brains. Those who saw it at our first screening were so impressed that they insisted we bring it back a second time. The community is welcome to attend this screening along with the students at Mercer School.

We have a lot more in store for you, too. Read on for more information on all the things happening at the library this month. Hope we'll see you soon! 

Teresa Schmidt
Library director
Screenagers: Growing up in the digital age

As a parent, it's challenging to figure out what's best for your kids when it comes to screen time. And as a teenager, it's hard to balance being online with all the other things going on in life. Questions about screen time can become a source of tension, leaving parents feeling anxious and kids feeling defensive.

"Screenagers" is a documentary film about the impact of the digital world on children and how to help them find balance. Mercer School and the Mercer Library will hold a FREE screening on Friday, November 11th at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Center. Community members are welcome to attend along with students from the school. 

Community Chats @ Your Library

Join us for our second "Community Chat," where we invite a representative from one of our local service agencies to talk about what they do for the community, this Friday, November 4th at 9:30 a.m. with  Mark Marczak from the Iron County Aging Unit. We'll provide the coffee and the treats!

Geocaching International Film Festival (GIFF)

The library is happy to host the 2016 Geocaching International Film Festival (GIFF) on Saturday, November 5th. The event is hosted by your librarian Teresa Schmidt, also known as AnotherCrafter in the geocaching world. We'll start with an optional potluck at noon, then watch the 2016 short film finalists starting at 1:00 p.m. All are welcome, including those who've never gone geocaching but would like to know what it's all about! 

Election Day Bake Sale

Don't forget that Mercer's new polling place is in the Community Center connected to the library. The Friends of the Library will host their traditional bake sale in the library on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8th from 8:00 a.m. until they are sold out. Reward yourself for voting by getting a little treat and supporting the library at the same time. If you would like to contribute something for the sale, bring it to the library on Monday 11/7 or Tuesday 11/8.

Decorate our Holiday Tree!

The Friends of the Library invite you to decorate our holiday tree this season. Bring in a handmade or hand-decorated ornament and you could win a cash prize of up to $100! 

The ornaments will not be judged and everyone has an equal chance of winning, so you don't need to be a great artist to enter. Ornaments will be due at the library by December 2, 2016. Visit our website for more information and the complete rules for this contest.

Movie Night @ Your Library

We will hold our first movie night on Wednesday, November 16th at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Center, with a free screening of "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" - 101 minutes, rated PG-13. All are welcome, and we'll provide the popcorn! 

Memory Screening

Have you had days when your conversations start with "What was I going to say?" or "Did I tell you this already?" Maybe it's time for a Brain Wellness Check! This program will be offered at the Mercer Library on Wednesday, November 16th from 9am to 11am. Find out what your Brain Health Score is, how to live a brain healthy lifestyle, and about local programs that can help you stay sharp as you get older. 

This program is free, and is presented by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of the North. For more information, call the ADRC at 866-663-3607. 

Ongoing Events

Ongoing events at the library include our monthly Coffee & Coloring, Friends of the Library meetings, a knitters' group, and more.

The Mercer Library's November Artists of the Month are members of the Nicolet College Decorative Artists Class, including instructor Maren Moll and students Clemetta Evenson, Marilyn Feldkamp, Judy Ivey, Dorothy Krembs, Pat Pape, Cherie Vought, Alice Weekes, and Judie Wilson. Stop in to see the work of these talented local artists during normal library hours in November.  

The Mercer Book Club is reading Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and their epic quest for gold at the 1936 Olympics by Daniel James Brown, and will hold their discussion on Thursday,November 17th at 1:00 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the library, and new members are always welcome. 

"Tech Tuesday" is your chance to get some one-on-one help with your computer, tablet, smartphone, e-reader, or other tech device. Stop by this month on 11/8, 11/15, or 11/29 at 1 to 3 p.m. Other tech help is available by appointment: just call 715-476-2366 to set up a time. 

Visit our website for a full schedule of events.
Mercer Public Library | 715-476-2366 | mercer.wislib.org
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