September 2018 library news
Dear Library Friends --

Isn't it funny to see the twists and turns life takes sometimes? Last month I wrote you a farewell as I left the library to take a new job, and here I am writing a thanks-for-taking-me-back message! Yes, that's right: my new job just didn't work out, and since the library director position in Mercer was still available the library board was nice enough to offer me a do-over. I'm grateful to be back, and will get right to work planning more activities and library services for the Mercer community.

As as small way of saying "thank you," I'll host a Library Patrons and Friends Appreciation Day on Monday, September 17th. Drop in between noon and 4pm and I'll offer you some homemade treats.

It's time for our annual signature event, the Fall Celebration with the Friends of the Mercer Library. They've been hard at work planning this year's event, which includes some great silent and live auction items, the always-popular Book Basket raffles, the drawing for our American Girl raffle, a "Wine Pull," and of course a full Italian dinner, wine and beer, and dessert. The celebration will be next Saturday, September 22nd at 5 to 8:30pm. I hope to see you there!

Teresa Schmidt
Library director
Fall Celebration September 22nd

The Friends of the Mercer Public Library Fall Celebration is a much-anticipated annual event in Mercer. The evening features a full catered Italian dinner, wine, the popular "Book Basket" raffles, and live and silent auctions. The Celebration is coming up this Saturday, September 22 at 5 to 8:30pm.
 
Auctioneer Danny O'Sullivan is back to lead the festivities this year. Items in the live and silent auctions include vacation stays in North Carolina and Arizona, a pontoon cruise and gourmet dinner for your group of 6, art by local artists such as Rose King and Terry Daulton, a memorable "Smoking Loon," and much more. New this year: take your chances in the "Wine Pull" or pick up a gift certificate for a local business and support the library. Visit our website for a list of some of the auction items available.
 
All proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Mercer Library, who support programs and equipment for the library throughout the year. Your Celebration ticket includes dinner, dessert, and beverages. Tickets are available at the library NOW for $30 per person in advance or $35 per person at the door.
Wisconsin State Park geology

Scott Spoolman is a writer specializing in stories of science and the environment in his home state of Wisconsin. His 2018 book, Wisconsin State Parks: Extraordinary Stories of Geology and Natural History, provides a perfect entry point into our state’s natural and geologic history.

Spoolman will present a free program at the Mercer Public Library on Thursday, September 27th at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served and copies of Spoolman's book will be available for sale.
Movie Night with Mr. Rogers

Our first fall movie night will be on Monday, September 24th at 6:30 p.m., when we'll screen "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" This critically-acclaimed documentary takes a closer look at Fred Rogers, a creative genius who inspired generations of children.

Movie Night is always free, and we'll provide the popcorn!
Pollinator Garden workshop

The Iron County Land and Water Conservation Department will sponsor a "Pollinator Garden Workshop" on Thursday, September 27th at 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Learn about pollinators in Wisconsin with an emphasis on native bees, their life cycles, and how to establish a habitat in which they will thrive. Discuss the importance of native plants in the pollinator landscape and which plants are the best pollinator "magnets." Get hands-on experience collecting native plant seeds and starting your own plants from seed. 

This program is presented by Mary Nelson, UW-Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Green County, Wisconsin. **You must register in advance by emailing lakes@ironcountywi.org before September 20th.** 
Other activities @ your library

  • There's one last event for the 2018 Northwoods Book Festival! Visit northwoodsbookfest.org for details about a program with Kathy Flanigan, author of Beer Lover's Wisconsin, at the Presque Isle Community Library on Friday, September 21 at 5:00pm. All are welcome.
  • Knitters' gathering: Join your fellow knitters for an informal gathering on Monday mornings at the library, 9am to noon on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Mondays of the month.
  • The Mercer Book Club is starting up again! All are welcome to join them on Wednesday, September 19th at 1:00pm. They'll be discussing Celine by Peter Heller and selecting more titles for their 2018/2019 list.
  • Senator Ron Johnson's staff will hold a mobile office hour on Tuesday, September 18th at 3:30-4:30pm. Mobile office hours allow constituents to meet with the senator's staff to request assistance with a federal agency or regarding other federal matters. Staff-led mobile office hours are closed to the press, and no recording devices of any kind are allowed.
  • Coffee & Coloring has started again! Adults can join us on the second and last Fridays of the month at 2-4pm for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and paper crafts. We'll provide the coloring supplies or bring your own projects to work on. Beginning in October some members of the group will work on making pocket journals, and all are welcome to learn more about upcycling a used book into a handmade creative journal.
Mercer Public Library | 715-476-2366 | director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | mercerpubliclibrary.org
Winter hours: Mon, Wed and Fri 9am-5pm; Tues & Thurs 9am-6pm; Saturday 9am-noon