“October is crisp days and cool nights, a time to curl up around the dancing flames and sink into a good book.” - John Sinor
I hope you're enjoying our extended fall season this year. It's hard to believe that it's October 9th and we still haven't had our first frost! We're past peak color here in Mercer, but northern Iron County still has some fantastic fall colors to see, and the weekend forecast looks great for Mercer's Pumpkin Run ATV/UTV Rally.
The library is getting back into a more regular schedule of events, including in-person events and hybrid events that you may choose to attend virtually if you like. Take a look at our online events calendar for all the things we have scheduled, including computer classes, take home craft kits, book clubs, presentations, and more.
We're restarting our Community Chat series with a visit from the NorthLakes Community Clinic on November 5th, too. Let me know if there are other local organizations you'd like to learn more about and we'll invite them for a Community Chat.
As always, I'm eager to hear your feedback about library events. If you have a suggestion for an upcoming activity or class, please reach out to me and let me know. Thanks!
Teresa Schmidt
Library director
715-476-2366
|
|
Protect your trees and shrubs
Darrin Kimbler, Extension Iron County horticulture specialist, will present a program on Protecting your Trees and Shrubs from Wooly Creatures on Monday, October 11 at 10:00 a.m. Learn some tips for identifying the problem critters in your neighborhood and how to protect your woody plants.
You may attend this event in person in our Community Center, or attend virtually via Zoom. To attend the Zoom meeting, please register in advance. No registration is required to attend in person. For more information, call the library at 715-476-2366.
|
|
Avoiding Senior Scams
Medicare scams, the 'grandparent' scam, telemarketing, internet fraud, reverse mortgage scams... Increasingly, senior citizens are the target of scammers who seek to steal your money or your identity.
Learn more about identifying scams and stopping scammers before you become a victim. Jeff Kersten from the Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will visit the library on Thursday, October 14 at 10:00 a.m. to present a free program on "Avoiding Senior Scams." All are welcome to this important presentation.
|
|
Computer Classes
Librarian Teresa Schmidt will hold a FREE class on "Email organization" on Thursday, October 21 at 10:00 a.m. We'll take a look at some of the most popular email providers and programs and learn some hints on how you can better manage and organize your email and contacts.
All are welcome and no registration is required. Bring your computer/tablet/smartphone if you have one, your email password, and your questions!
|
|
Halloween Trunk or Treat
We welcome Mercer area businesses and residents to set up in the Library and Community Center parking lot for our annual Halloween Trunk or Treat. Wear a costume and decorate your vehicle if you wish, and share Halloween goodies with Mercer kids!
All are welcome to set up, and no RSVP is required. We estimate that we had between 150 and 200 trick-or-treaters visit the event in 2020. Please arrive early so that you are set up by about 12:45.
Kids and families are invited to visit the library for Trick or Treat on Sunday, October 31 at 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
|
|
We did it!
We did it! You helped us collect over 500 pounds of recyclable plastic film to achieve our goal of earning a recycled bench from the NexTrex Recycling Challenge! Our bench is now included in our Reading Garden area for everyone to enjoy.
Because we've reached our goal and because of changes in the available drop-off locations for plastic, we are not able to continue the recycling program. Please do not bring your recycling to us any longer. Thank you to everyone who participated!
|
|
Art & Craft Swap
Do you have more craft supplies than you know what to do with? Want to try something new but don't want to invest in a lot of materials? Need to de-stash and make room for new things? Well, mark your calendars, crafty friends!
The library will be holding an Art & Craft Swap on Friday, November 12 at 1:00 p.m. Bring your unneeded art and craft supplies to share. Pick up some extra supplies from others. There are no rules – this is a free, “bring what you have, take what you will use” event. Anything left at the end of the day will be donated to a resale shop or disposed of. Don't have anything to contribute? That's 100% OK! You are welcome to come and take anything you can use from others.
Start cleaning out your studio now and join us on the 12th!
|
|
Book Clubs fall schedule
Our Book Clubs meet once a month, and new members are always welcome to join us!
|
|
Fe University upcoming classes
Fe University is designed to give older adults the opportunity to keep their minds active and stay connected to the community. They offer a wide range of classes taught by members of the Iron County and surrounding communities with experience and knowledge in their course areas. Upcoming classes include:
-
An Inside Look at the National Football League - If you’re a football fan, this is THE class for you. Go behind the scenes of the NFL with retired defensive line coach Greg Blache. If you've ever wondered how the business side of football works, or wanted a breakdown of offensive and defensive terms, or found yourself curious about personnel and the college draft – this is a rare and exciting chance to learn from a true expert. Course fee: $25, 3 sessions on 10/14, 10/18, and 10/21, Mercer Community Center
-
The Role of Development Assistance in U.S. Foreign Policy - The U.S. provides financial and other forms of assistance to foreign countries—but why? Broaden your horizons and overturn misconceptions about foreign aid programs and the issues underlying them. With professional experience in over 60 countries via the U.S. State Department and other international agencies, Gary Theisen will introduce students to the rationale behind foreign assistance and the challenges affecting global change and development. Course fee: $35, 4 sessions on 10/26, 10/28, 11/2 and 11/4, Mercer Public Library
For details on these and other Fe University courses, or to register for a class, visit www.feuniversity.org.
|
|
Library Covid policies
Following the latest recommendations from the CDC, masks are strongly recommended for all library visitors.
Please do not enter the library if you are exhibiting any symptoms of concern, including cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, fever or chills, fatigue, muscle aches, or a new loss of taste or smell; or if you have been instructed by your doctor or public health officials to isolate or quarantine.
Our WiFi network is available 24/7 and is accessible from the parking lot and our outdoor seating area. Curbside service is also available to anyone by request. Just call us at 715-476-2366 to let us know what you need, and we'll be happy to help.
|
|
Winter hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-5pm; Tue, Thu 9am-6pm; Sat 9am-12pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
