Today I had a patron walk in and say, "What are are you doing in here - giving away free stuff?" Well, yeah, that's what we do! Free WiFi, free books, free movies, free board games, free puzzles, free place to hang out and just be yourself.
He had a point, though: our parking lot was
full this morning, and by noon today we had already greeted 75 visitors. We had children getting books, adults on vacation getting a few hours of work in before they hit the lake, families getting their evening entertainment, and people who needed information about local events, businesses, and activities. That's what your library is all about - serving the community no matter what you need.
If what you need are events and things to do, you're in luck: We have a very full schedule of things going on in July, so I have another long newsletter for you. Read on, and don't hesitate to speak up when you have ideas or suggestions on how we can make things better.
Have a happy and safe 4th of July, everyone!
Teresa Schmidt
Library director
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Patricia McConnell on July 10
We are delighted to host
Patricia McConnell on July 10 at 6:30 pm as part of the 3rd annual
Northwoods Book Festival. Her book,
The Education of Will, details her personal journey with her beloved Border Collie, Willie, to turn a life of fear into one of confidence and compassion. Dr. McConnell is known world-wide as an expert in canine and feline behavior, and is the former host of Wisconsin Public Radio's "Calling All Pets."
Another headline event in the Northwoods Book Festival will be a program with
Dave and Amy Freeman, authors of
A Year in the Wilderness and the founders of the "Save the Boundary Waters" campaign. They'll be at the Boulder Junction Public Library on July 24 at 6:30 pm.
Other upcoming programs include appearances by
"Buckshot" Anderson at the Winchester Library on July 12,
Heather Swan at the Minocqua Library on July 19,
Victoria Houston at the Winchester Library on August 2, and
Nancy Langston here at the Mercer Library on August 6.
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Wisconsin Water Library on July 9
Anne Moser from the UW-Wisconsin Water Library will present two programs on Monday, July 9. Join us to learn more about the waters of Wisconsin and beyond!
At 10 am, kids ages 8 and up can learn about
Underwater Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and how they are used in marine archaeology and research. You may even get a chance to operate your own ROV.
At 6:30 pm, adults are welcome to learn more about
"Plastics in the Great Lakes." Marine debris is a global problem: There is no part of the world left untouched by debris, and it is a threat to our environment, navigation safety, the economy, and human health. One type of marine debris of particular concern – plastics – can be a serious threat to the biota of the water body. The good news is marine debris is preventable! Anne Moser of the UW Wisconsin Water Library will provide an introduction to the science of plastics in our Great Lakes and learn ways you can prevent it.
Both programs are free and open to the community.
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"Libraries Rock!"
More kids programs @ your library
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We're happy to host a fun lineup of kids programs on most Thursday mornings this summer. Join us for "
Rocks & Minerals" with the Northwoods Wildlife Center on July 12,
build a birdhouse with the Northwoods Wetlands and Wildlife Club on July 19, and hear about the "
Legends of the Loon" with the Discovery Center on July 26. All programs begin at 10am.
It's not too late for kids in 8th grade or younger to join our summer reading program. Pick up a reading log, keep track of the time you spend reading this summer, and enter to win some great prizes. Stop by to learn more.
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DIY-orama
Get creative, promote your favorite books, and win prizes!
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The Friends of the Mercer Library will sponsor “DIYorama,” a contest that celebrates books and reading. Create your own miniature diorama that highlights a favorite book and enter to win some fabulous prizes!
Entries will be accepted three categories: a kids’ division (ages 12 and under), general division (ages 13 to adult), and a miniature division for all ages.
Entries must be received by 5:00pm on July 27, 2018.
Each diorama must illustrate a book or a scene from a book. Kids’ division and general division entries must use a regular-sized mint tin (approx. 2 ½” x 3 ¾” x ¾”) either as the structure of the diorama or incorporated into the scene. Miniature division entries must fit entirely within a small mint tin (approx. 1 ½” x 2” x 5/8”), though the exterior of the tin may also be painted or decorated.
Winners will be selected through public voting held at the Mercer Library from July 30, 2018 to Friday, August 10, 2018, with prizes awarded for each division, for “Best Book Illustration” and for “Best in Show.” A special “Friends’ Choice” award shall be judged by members of the Friends of the Library. Entries will remain on display at the Mercer Library until August 31, 2018.
For more information or full rules and an entry form, visit the library. Thank you to Madeline Tyner at the
Cooperative Children's Book Center
for inspiration and the photo of her "Baabwaa & Wolliam" diorama!
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"How to Live Well" with Amy Carlson
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Join us for an afternoon exploring health and well-being for people living with an aging body, a chronic condition, Parkinson’s Disease, and/or other neurological disorders on Monday, July 23 at 1 to 4 pm with Amy Carlson, an ambassador with the Davis Phinney Foundation.
At 1 pm, Amy will present an Informational Hour on being the boss of your health, focusing on the present, and tackling symptoms. At 2 pm, join us for a Movement Hour: What is the best exercise? How can you combine music and movement with singing, dancing, boxing, marching, and stretching? And finally, 3 pm will begin a Creative Hour focused on art, music, and writing. Join us for any or all three hours.
Amy Carlson has been visiting Mercer for 50 years. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2012 at age 44, Amy saw her career as a construction program manager interrupted and turned her attention to learning and advocating for people with Parkinson's. Along the way she has learned a lot about managing her healthcare, living in the present, and fighting the symptoms of her chronic condition. Amy speaks to support groups around the country, and is an ambassador for the Davis Phinney Foundation for managing Parkinson’s Disease.
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Pie Social - Sunday, July 15
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The Friends of the Mercer Library will host their annual community
Pie Social on Sunday, July 15th at 1-2:30pm. Join us for pie, live music with Ron Harrison, and a chance to visit with your neighbors. This event is
completely free, and is just one way for the Friends to say "thank you" to a community that supports our library throughout the year.
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Local author John Swift on July 24
John Swift will appear at the Mercer Library at 1pm on Tuesday, July 24th to discuss his latest novel,
Yellow Boy. Swift is a summer resident of Mercer and has spoken here in the past about his "Sheriff Gogebic" mystery series. The program is open to all, and copies of Swift's books will be available for sale.
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Book Sale July 31 - August 3
The Friends of the Mercer Library will host their annual used book sale on July 31, August 2, and August 3 at the Mercer Public Library. The sale will be held in our "Friends of the Library" room during normal library hours, and new items will be added every day. Find bargains for everyone on hardcover and paperback books, children's books, DVDs, and more. On Friday, August 3, shop the bag sale: all the books you can fit in your bag for just $2! All proceeds support programs and special activities at the Mercer Library.
We are now accepting donations of books in
good, usable condition. We love fiction and nonfiction books for all ages, DVDs, and music CDs. Sorry, we cannot accept textbooks, encyclopedias, magazines, VHS or music cassette tapes, "condensed" books, or anything with mold, moisture damage, or otherwise in poor condition. For more information, give us a call at 715-476-2366.
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In addition to the special programs we plan each month, there are several ongoing events in the library and community center:
- Friends of the Library will meet on Tuesday, July 10 at 10am to plan their summer and fall events, including a pie social on July 15, used book sale on July 31 through August 3, and annual Fall Celebration on September 22. New members and volunteers are always welcome!
- Knitters' gathering: Join your fellow knitters on Monday mornings at the library, 9am to noon on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Mondays of the month.
- Tech Tuesdays: Technology help will be offered by appointment or by chance this month, due to our very full schedule of events. Give us a call at 715-476-2366 to see if librarian Teresa Schmidt is available.
- Mercer Lioness Bingo continues all summer. Doors open at 6pm for food and beverages, and games start at 7pm every Wednesday night through September 5.
- Health and Wellness will hold a summer exercise class at 1pm on most Mondays and Thursdays, July 2 - August 6. You can also play pickleball on Sundays and Tuesdays at 3-6pm in the community center.
- Ecumenical Bible Study: This group will take a break until fall. For more information and a schedule, call Martha at 715-776-3993.
- Coffee and Coloring and the Mercer Library Book Club will be taking a break for the remainder of the summer. Join us again in September.
Please note that the library will be closed on July 4 for Independence Day, and on August 1 for Loon Day.
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Summer hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-7pm; Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday 9am-noon
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