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September 2019 library news
September is National Library Card Sign-Up month! Since you're on my email list you probably know about the benefits of being a library user. The most obvious is that you can get access to a world of books, movies, and information while leaving more money in your pocket!

But did you know your library card also gives you free access to the enormous Wisconsin Digital Library of eBooks and downloadable audiobooks? Or about using Gale Courses to take a class on anything from creative writing to computer skills to health information management? You could also stop by and use Ancestry Library Edition here in the library to work on the family history, or use the many resources of Badgerlink from the comfort of your own home. Your library card is the key that opens all these doors. Spread the word!

I have a lot to share with you again this month. Read on for our September schedule, which includes our annual Fall Celebration, a "Yoga for Bookworms" fundraiser, a free iPhone/iPad class, an exciting workshop with Brazilian music group Paulo Padilha and Bando, a business workshop on arts in the community, armchair travel to winter in Japan, and more.

See you at the library!

Teresa Schmidt
Library director
Fall Celebration - September 21

Tickets are now on sale for the Friends of the Mercer Library 22nd annual Fall Celebration on Saturday, September 21 . This is the library's biggest fundraising event of the year, featuring good food, wine, "book basket" raffles, live and silent auctions, and fun. The cost is $30 per person, and your ticket includes a full Italian dinner catered by Reuland's, wine, beer, soda, and dessert.

Tickets are also available now for our Book Basket raffles. We have some fantastic baskets donated this year, each featuring a book and items around a theme like desserts/baking, musky lures, coffee, picnic, garden, dragonflies, bees, pizza and Wisconsin Badgers. Tickets are $1 or $6 for 5.

We're still looking for the following to help support the event:
  • Donated items or services for the live and silent auctions
  • Donated gift certificates from local businesses
  • Monetary donations to sponsor the event
  • Donated bottles of fine wine for the wine pull table, an event which generated a lot of excitement last year

Get your tickets soon -- this event often sells out! Contact the library at 715-476-2366 if you have questions.
Yoga for Bookworms

Join Northern Fire Yoga on Saturday, September 21 at 9:00 a.m . for 60 minutes of gentle yoga, with all proceeds to support the Mercer Public Library. The class will be held at the Great Northern Hotel banquet room. All levels are welcome, and a limited number of loaner mats will be available for those who do not have their own.

This event is being held in conjunction with the Mercer Library Fall Celebration and is another way for local residents and visitors to support the library. Suggested donation $15 - To ensure a spot, please visit www.northernfireyoga.com to register.

~ THANK YOU to Northern Fire Yoga and the Great Northern Motel for sponsoring this event ~
Book Club news

After a summer break, we're ready to restart the Mercer Book Club. The first meeting of the season will be on Tuesday, October 1 at 1:00pm , when we'll be discussing As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner. All are welcome, and copies of the book will be available at the library.

We've also had a number of people express an interest in an evening book club . We'll be planning an initial meeting soon so the group can decide on meeting times and the reading list. Drop me an email at [email protected] to make sure you get the schedule if you'd like to join us.
Winter in Japan - Armchair travel with Gary Theisen

You think Mercer is cold in winter? Try far northern Japan (Hokaido) where the rare Red Crowned Cranes dance and mate, Stellar Sea Eagles feed in ice strewn seas and snow monkeys bask in warm geothermal springs. Gary and Ginny Theisen photographed these spectacles and more during a mid-winter trip to Japan in February of this year. They will give a talk about their experiences, share professional quality photographs of their encounters with wildlife, and discuss how their images of people, architecture and food provide insights into cultural understanding. Join us for this free program on Tuesday, September 17 at 4:30 p.m.
Brazilian music group Paulo Padilha e Bando

Catch the samba swing of Brazil with Paulo Padilha e Bando . Padilha is in town as part of the Arts Midwest World Fest program with the Historic Ironwood Theatre , and will visit the Mercer Library on the afternoon of September 24 for a music and dance workshop for the community.

Born in São Paulo, Padilha travels between the sounds of traditional samba and other Brazilian popular musical styles. Padilha is a master musician and educator that specializes in rhythm and song workshops for all ages. His clever lyrics tell about the urban lifestyle in Brazil in a sharp but good-humored way. With a band of master samba musicians and dancers, Paulo Padilha e Bando will make you want to dance all the way home! 

Plans for this event are still developing, so mark your calendar for the afternoon of September 24 and stay tune for more details in our next newsletter.
The Arts as an economic anchor in the community

Paint, draw, sing and dance: Artists and creative businesses can generate jobs and revenue, improve quality of life, and foster community.  Land O' Lakes Arts (LOLA) Board President and Wisconsin Arts Board member Lynn Richie and LOLA Program director Wendy Powalisz will discuss bringing out the creativity in their community in a free program on Wednesday, September 25 at 12:00 p.m. in the Mercer Community Center.

This program is part of the “Business Bites” series sponsored by the Iron County Development Zone, Mercer Public Library, and Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce. The series is designed for local business owners, prospective business owners, and residents to gain business skills and learn about potential economic development in the Iron County area. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is appreciated: please call the Mercer Chamber at 715-476-2389 or email [email protected] to register by September 23. 
Grown-Up Story Hour returns

Grown-up Story Hour is back! This month we're trying out a new location: we'll be at Island View Lodge on Wednesday, September 25 at 6:00 p.m. Sit back, relax, maybe grab a drink or something to eat, and enjoy an hour of short stories and essays. Everyone is welcome.

If you'd like to read at Grown-Up Story Hour, call the library at 715-476-2366 or email [email protected] . We can help you find something to read, or you can share some of your favorite short stories or essays with us. It's easy and fun!
September tech classes

This month we're doing drop-in tech help on Thursdays, September 12 and 26 at 2-4pm. Bring questions about your laptop, tablet, smartphone, or other gadget.

Apple users are invited to a class on "Making the Most of your iPhone and iPad" on Monday, September 30 at 2:00 p.m. Learn to better navigate your device, customize your device with system settings, and find apps that make life easier and more fun in a free class. Bring your iPhone or iPad to follow along, and bring your questions.
American Girl doll raffle

Tickets are still available for the Friends of the Library American Girl Doll raffle. This year's package includes an American Girl Truly Me doll and all the outfits and accessories she needs to enjoy our northwoods winters, including a skating outfit, snowboard, and more. Tickets are available at the library for $5 each or 3/$10. The drawing will be held at our Fall Celebration on September 21, but you do not need to be present to win.
Other activities @ your library

  • Adults are welcome to join us for "Coffee & Coloring" on September 13 and 27 at 2-4 p.m. Coloring is a great way to relax - bring your own projects to work on or use some of our coloring pages and supplies.
  • The Ecumenical Bible study group will resume their weekly meetings on Tuesday, September 10 at 8:30 a.m. For more information on this group, contact Martha at 715-776-3993.
  • Friends of the Library will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 10 at 10:00 a.m. New members are always welcome.
  • The Mercer Library Board of Trustees meets on September 10 at 5:00 p.m., and their meetings are open to the public.
  • PLEASE NOTE: The library will be CLOSED on Wednesday, September 11 for staff training.
  • Be sure to check out our full calendar of events to stay up to date with the latest schedule.
Mercer Public Library | 715-476-2366 | [email protected] | mercerpubliclibrary.org
Summer hours: Monday - Thrursday 9am-7pm; Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday 9am-noon