Happy 2022 to our library friends! Here's hoping that this new year will be a healthier and happier one for all of us.
We're past the longest nights of the year, and the recent snowfall means things are looking up for outdoor activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Still, you might find yourself in need of some activities to chase away the winter blues. I hope the library can help.
We have a few events to offer this month, including computer classes, a celebration of American comedy icon Betty White, book clubs, and more. Read on for details about what's coming up. Masks are strongly encouraged for anyone attending an in-person library event.
If one of your 2022 resolutions is to get more involved in the community and make new friends, consider joining the Friends of the Library! Our Friends help with book sales, fundraising events, library volunteering, and much more. New volunteers are always welcome! Their next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 11 at 11:00 a.m. and you can attend in person or online.
You can also 'check us out' for the usual books, movies, board games, and puzzles, and we'll release new FREE craft kits on January 14 and January 28 this month. Stop by to see what's new!
Teresa Schmidt
Library director
715-476-2366
|
|
Community Chat with Jenna Malinowski
Join us for another Community Chat as we welcome Jenna Malinowski, Wildlife specialist with the Wisconsin DNR, on Friday, January 7 at 10:00 a.m. Learn more about wildlife management in Wisconsin and what role the DNR plays in protecting our local wildlife.
Community Chats are informal events that give you a chance to learn more about the various government, civic, and nonprofit organizations in our community. Bring your questions!
|
|
Celebrating Betty White
Betty White would have been 100 years old on January 17. Join us to celebrate this American icon on Monday, January 10th at 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Throw on your fuzzy robe and join us for some cheesecake and “Golden Girls.” We’ll watch an episode or two, plus some of Betty’s other work from a lifetime in Hollywood. We’ll even have door prizes!
|
|
Computer Classes
The library will offer two scheduled computer classes this month. Both classes are free and open to all levels. Bring a laptop if you like, and bring your questions.
-
Microsoft Word Tips & Tricks - Tuesday, January 11 at 1:00 p.m.
-
Microsoft Excel Tips & Tricks - Tuesday, January 25 at 1:00 p.m.
Remember that tech help appointments are available for your other questions, too. Did you get a new device for Christmas and want some help getting started? Want to know how to download library books and audiobooks to your smartphone or eReader? Need help figuring out how to accomplish something on your laptop? Call for a tech help appointment with librarian Teresa Schmidt, 715-476-2366.
|
|
Knitting at the library
Local knitter Kit Bogenschneider will host an informal knitting group on the first three Mondays of the month at 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to join in! Bring a work in progress, show off your completed projects, or just enjoy the company of your fellow knitters.
|
|
Recycle your unwanted lights
It's your last week to bring in your unwanted stringed lights for the Mercer Lions recycling drive to support Habitat for Humanity of Wausau.
Bring in your working or non-working lights before January 10. There's a bin available at the library during our normal hours, or you can take them to the Mercer Town Hall, Post Office, School, or Snow's Family Market.
|
|
January Book Club schedule
Our two Book Clubs each meet once a month, and new members are always welcome. Copies of the books are available to borrow from the library.
The Ironwood Carnegie Library also invites residents of Gogebic, Iron, and Ashland Counties to join their Diversity Matters Reading Group. This virtual reading group strives to understand more about the disenfranchised in America (Hispanics, Latino, and black persons; Native Americans, immigrants, LGBTQ members) by reading nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. In January, the group is reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and the virtual discussion will be on January 27 at 6:00 p.m. For more information on how to join, visit our website.
|
|
Fe University Classes
Fe University gives older adults the opportunity to keep their minds active and stay connected to the community by offering college-level courses for seniors. There are two classes beginning this month:
-
Cross-Country Ski Instruction at MECCA - January 4, 6, 11, and 13. Experienced instructor Chad McGrath returns to guide students through cross-country skiing basics. You'll learn both striding and skating, how to kick and balance, pole work, and how to go up and down hills. $30 course fee, rent skis for $5/session.
-
The Anglo-Saxons: History, Legacy and Myth - January 27 and February 3, 10, and 17. Join popular FeU instructor Dr. Mary Magray to learn the history of the real Anglo-Saxons--and how the term "Anglo-Saxon" has evolved over time, as well as how it's being used today. Course fee and location TBA.
For more information about Fe University and their classes, visit www.feuniversity.org or call (906) 285-7517 or (715) 862-0210
|
|
Library Covid policies
Following the latest recommendations from the CDC and the Iron County Health Department, masks are recommended for all library visitors.
Please do not enter the library if you are exhibiting any symptoms of concern, including cough, congestion, shortness of breath, sore throat, fever or chills, fatigue, muscle aches, or a new loss of taste or smell. Please also do not visit the library if you have been instructed by your doctor or public health officials to isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure or diagnosis.
Our WiFi network is available 24/7 and is accessible from the parking lot and our outdoor seating area. You can place holds on the items you're looking for using your library card number and our online catalog. Curbside pickup is 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
