Mid-May Library news
Congratulations to Eileen D., who correctly guessed May 11th for our "When Will It Melt?" contest. The snow is finally gone, and we jumped right into the heat of summer for a few days there. I don't know about you, but I could have used a little more transition time.

We're excited to continue to host Mercer School's annual art exhibit for the reminder of the month. Stop by during normal library hours to view a variety of work by students of all ages.

Our Friends of the Library are busy as always, planning their book sale for later this month, our annual Fall Celebration, making continuous improvements to our gardens and grounds, and more. Watch your mailbox for their annual membership mailing coming soon, with more information about all the things they've been up to.

Please note: The library will be closed on Monday, May 30 in honor of Memorial Day. We will also be closed on Monday, June 6, for a long-overdue carpet cleaning.

Happy reading!

Teresa Schmidt
Library director
Garden Basics with Darrin Kimbler

Extension Iron County Horticulture Specialist Darrin Kimbler will give a presentation on garden basics THIS WEDNESDAY, May 18 at 11:00 am.

Darrin will discuss some of the fundamentals that will help you have a successful gardening season, and will leave plenty of time for your questions about your garden and landscapes. Gardeners of all levels are welcome, including beginners.

Join us in person at the library or online using Zoom! Visit mercerpubliclibrary.org/events for the Zoom link if you need it.
Used Book Sale - May 26, 27, 28

The Friends of the Mercer Library will sponsor a USED BOOK SALE during normal library hours on Thursday, May 26, Friday, May 27, and Saturday, May 28. Our book sales offer great deals on books for all ages, jigsaw puzzles, DVDs, and more.

All proceeds from the sale benefit the Friends of the Mercer Public Library who support programs, special events, materials, and new equipment and special items for the library. You can help by shopping at the sale or by donating used items for the sale -- or both!

We need your donations for the sale!

We love donations of good condition hardcover books, paperback books, children’s books, DVDs, and CDs. We also appreciate board games and puzzles if they are in good condition with all their pieces. We we can only accept workbooks like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and coloring books if they are in new, unused condition.

We do not accept textbooks, encyclopedias, magazines, outdated medical or other reference books, and “condensed” books. We also cannot accept any items that are moldy or have insect or rodent damage due to the risk of spreading those problems to other books at the library. Thank you!
Geology for Tourists

Our Northwoods land of lakes is the result of billions of years of geological processes. Sometimes incredibly violent, these geological actions have left evidence in plain sight.

In "Geology for Tourists," you will learn about the processes of geological cycles and about the main types of rock and formations which give evidence of our violent geological past.

Join us on Friday, June 3 at 10:00 am for a free, two-hour presentation with Richard Thiede, retired science teacher and business owner. You will learn about the main events of our geological history, from a molten ball to shallow ocean to mountain range to our beloved Northern Highlands and the geological basis of our thousands of lakes.

Fe University will sponsor an optional geology field trip the following day on June 4. There is a cost to attend the field trip, which includes a six-hour bus tour and boxed lunch. For more information about the field trip, visit feuniversity.org.

Protect the Turtle River Watershed!

The Rice Lake Association needs your help!

Curly Leaf Pondweed is a serious threat to our lakes and rivers. It has taken up residence in Rice Lake and is threatening other lakes, including the Turtle Flambeau Flowage. Because of the unique properties of this invasive plant, it must be hand-pulled early in the season before the seeds ripen. The Rice Lake Association is in need of a large number of volunteers and paid workers to help with this project, scheduled to take place between May 31 and June 10.

Please visit the Rice Lake Association website or contact Robert Kary at 217-369-3855 for more information on this project, to apply as a paid worker, or to volunteer your time to help stop this invasive species.

Note: We don't usually use our library newsletter to share non-library information, but this is an issue that could have a huge effect on Mercer and our Turtle Flambeau Flowage. Please help if you can! - TS
Other events at your library

Mark your calendar for June 8: Jeff Kersten from the Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will be at the Mercer Senior Center at 12pm to share information on "Common Scams Targeting Seniors."

One-to-one tech help appointments are available for your questions about your phone, laptop, tablet, eReader, and other tech devices. We schedule tech appointments on most Tuesdays or other days as needed. Call for an appointment with librarian Teresa Schmidt, 715-476-2366.

Our calendar also includes a knitters group, one last set of book club meetings before a summer break, craft kits, and more. Visit our website for the latest schedule.
Digital services @ Your Library

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Library Covid policies

Masks are recommended in the library but are not required. Please do not enter the library if you are exhibiting any symptoms of concern, have tested positive for covid-19, 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. 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.
Mercer Public Library | 715-476-2366 | director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | mercerpubliclibrary.org
Winter hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-5pm; Tue, Thu 9am-6pm; Sat 9am-12pm