All of you who didn't spend all winter in Mercer are probably tired of reading my weather updates, but those who spent the whole season here with us understand... we are *joyful* about spring! It felt like the longest winter ever, and to look out my window at the hummingbird on my feeder feels like a real achievement.
We can finally call a winner in our "When Will It Melt" contest, too. The snow was still there when I checked on Saturday, but it was gone when we arrived at work on Monday. So, Sunday, May 14 was the day it melted. Congratulations to Ellen A. for placing the closest guess!
The Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce is promoting the town-wide garage sale on Saturday, June 17. After our program last week, "My Kids Don't Want It, Now What?", I started to wonder if anyone would want to have a sale table at the library that day. If there's interest, we could make space available for those of you who don't have enough things or live too far out to have a garage sale at home. If you would be interested, please call the library or send us a message. We won't plan it unless people want it.
We're putting the finishing touches on our summer program schedules, planning some summer craft kits for rainy days and a reading challenge for all ages, and much more this summer. More details will be released in our next newsletter, so stay tuned. I hope you'll make plans to join us for some of our events this summer season. We're going to have a lot of fun. See you soon!
Teresa Schmidt
Library director
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Conservation Through Land Trusts
Are you interested in helping to permanently protect shorelands, woodlands, and other natural resources, now and into the future? Learn how a land trust can be an important tool for conservation by joining us for Conservation Through Land Trusts on Monday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Mercer Community Center.
The Northwoods Land Trust (NWLT) has helped protect over 15,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife habitat and 81 miles of water frontage, including several irreplaceable ecosystems right here in Iron County. Presenters at this program include Ron Eckstein, retired DNR wildlife manager; Cathy Techtmann, Environmental Outreach State Specialist and Professor, Community Resource Development UW Madison-Division of Extension; and John Bates, naturalist, guide, and author of ten books on the Northwoods and Upper Midwest. The program is free and refreshments will be provided.
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Friends of the Library Membership Drive
May is Membership Month for the Friends of the Library! The Friends of the Library provide funding for almost all of our library programming, purchase needed furniture and equipment, fund "extras" for our library patrons like all of our contest prizes, our movie license, and the BookPage magazine, and much more. This year we hope to exceed 200 Friends members, and although it's a stretch goal, we think we can get there.
A donation to the Friends in any amount makes you a member. Current members will receive their membership renewal reminders in the mail soon, and you can also make a membership contribution on our website or in person at the library. Please help us show the community's strong support for our library by becoming a 2023 member. Thank you!
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Summer Programs coming soon!
We have a great selection of summer programs coming for you this year. In a couple of weeks, we'll be releasing the full schedule of events for all ages, which will include:
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A Midsummer Tea with the Friends
Our Midsummer Tea with the Friends of the Library is sold out! We're delighted to have so much interest in this event, and apologize to anyone who wanted tickets but was unable to get them. We do have a waiting list in case of cancellations, so call the library to be placed on the list if you would like.
We are still seeking additional volunteers to help at the event. If you can help, please give us a call at 715-476-2366.
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Chess Club for all ages
Would you like to learn to play chess? Are you already a player, but looking for new opponents or maybe even a chance to participate in a local tournament? Anyone from beginner to expert, child to senior, is welcome at our new chess club! Drop in for a game or two, stop by after school, or stay all afternoon. We will have a few sets available for play, or you are welcome to bring your own. The next Chess Club will be on Tuesday, May 30 at 2-6 p.m.
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Hold those donations, please...
The Friends of the Library will hold a Used Book Sale on Tuesday, August 1st at the library. We ask that you please hold your donations for the sale until July. We've had a lot of donations this spring and our storage areas are full, so we can't take any used books at the present time. Sorry for the inconvenience! Mark your calendar for August 1, the day BEFORE Loon Day, for what is sure to be a great sale.
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May Technology programs
One-on-one tech help is also available by chance or by appointment. Drop in with your quick questions, or give us a call to set up an appointment for more in-depth questions. Call 715-476-2366 for more info.
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Winter hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9-5 -- Tues, Thurs 9-6 -- Sat 9-12
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