It's finally spring in the northwoods! The snow hasn't quite melted all the way but the sun is shining and we have library patrons coming in with shorts on, so it's close enough.
Speaking of sun, have you seen how well our
solar energy system is doing? Since we flipped the switch last October we've generated 2.7 MWh of solar power, keeping 4,250 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere or the equivalent of planting 107 trees! This project was completely funded by the Friends of the Mercer Library, and all the financial benefits go towards offsetting the town's energy expenses for our building.
Last month we celebrated National Library Week with a special spring used book sale. Thanks to all of you who came and shopped, we raised over $600 for the library AND cleaned out our storage space. It was a great week!
The
Friends of the Mercer Library will hold their annual membership drive this month -- watch your mailbox for your renewal letter. Your membership in the Friends helps to support all of our library programs, added services like our movie license and
Book Page subscription, furniture and equipment for the library, and special projects like our solar energy system.
Thanks for all of your continued support of the Mercer Library - we're looking forward to a great spring and summer with you!
Teresa Schmidt
Library director
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"Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere. Sometimes, in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself." - author unknown
On Tuesday, May 15th at 6:30 p.m., naturalist John Bates will give you the inside track on some of the best hikes and paddles in Northern Wisconsin. Make planning your next adventure easier so you have more time to find yourself in the outdoors!
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QPR Suicide Prevention training
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.
Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. QPR trainer Fred Robinson will present the QPR "Gatekeeper" training at the Mercer Library on Friday, May 18 at 1:00pm. This program is offered to the community at no charge, and all are welcome.
Learn more
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It IS a Laughing Matter
Jay Woolf was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia thirty years ago. The idea for his book,
It Is A Laughing Matter: coping with life through laughing at death,
germinated at the most difficult time for him, when he knew he was facing a serious illness, but prior to its diagnosis. Through humor Jay not only coped, but thrived.
Learn more of the story and about Jay and his lighthearted way of facing mortality when he speaks at the Mercer Public Library on Tuesday, May 29th at 1:00pm.
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Kit Bogenschneider is the founder of the Loony Paddlers and the Monday Mixed Social Paddlers, leading groups of kayaks and canoes on fun excursions all summer. She's known for her knowledge of all the best places to paddle in Mercer and beyond. Join her on Saturday, May 12th at 11:00 a.m. for a short presentation on kayak safety. Kit will demonstrate some of the safety equipment available to paddlers and talk about practical ways to stay safe on the water.
Learn more
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Community Health Survey - your feedback needed!
The
Iron County Health Department is conducting a survey as part of their "Community Health Improvement Process," and they've asked us to help get the word out. The survey is anonymous, and should only take about 5 minutes to complete. It's important that the county gets feedback from people all over the county to help them develop a plan that addresses the health concerns our residents have, so please take a few minutes to give your feedback.
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In addition to the special programs we plan each month, there are several regular groups that meet at the library:
- Mercer Library Book Club will be taking their annual summer break, and will resume their monthly meetings in September.
- Coffee and Coloring is a relaxing program for adults held on the second and last Fridays of the month at 2-4pm. Join us this month on May 11 and May 25. All are welcome to use our coloring pages and supplies or bring your own paper craft projects.
- Movie Night: Our last movie night of the spring will be on Wednesday, May 9th at 6:30pm, when we'll be showing "Jersey Boys." This docudrama tells the story of four young men who came together to form "Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons." 134 minutes, rated R for language.
- 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: Free technology help with librarian Teresa Schmidt on scheduled Tuesdays at 2-4pm. This month, Tech Tuesday will be offered on May 1, 8, and 22, or call the library for an appointment at another time.
- Ecumenical Bible Study: Women of all denominations are welcome to join this community group on Tuesdays at 8:30am through the end of May. For information, call Martha at 715-776-3993.
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