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The Mercer Library has made a number of changes over the years with sustainability in mind. We've done big things like adding a solar panel array and upgrading our lighting, and small things like purchasing plates and silverware to use instead of disposable items. It all adds up over time, both in terms of cost savings and conserving resources, and we hope to continue to adjust our practices to be careful stewards of both.
Do you want to learn more about how you can enact some sustainable changes at home or connect more to our beautiful Northwoods landscape? Or do you just have some old electronics you want to recycle? Either way, you won't want to miss our Earth Day Fair THIS Saturday, April 20 from 10am to 12pm. More details on the event are below.
That's just one of the many events and activities we have coming up in the second half of April. We are welcoming a new artist in residence this week; hosting informational programs on avoiding identity theft, end-of-life planning, and gardening; and more. See the latest schedule of events on our website for more details.
In more fun news, the Northern Waters Library Network Passport was so well-received in 2023, we've decided to do it again! The program encourages you to visit some of the 30 libraries in our library system between now and August 31, get stamps in your passport, and be entered to win some valuable prizes. It's a great excuse for summer road trips across the northwoods! Stop by to grab a passport or visit the NWLN Passport website for more information.
Hope we'll see you soon at the library,
Teresa Schmidt
director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | 715-476-2366
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Artist in Residence Reception tomorrow, 4/17
Please join us in welcoming our artist in residence, McCall Hocking, in an opening reception tomorrow evening, Wednesday, April 17 at 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided, and the artist will give a brief statement at about 5:30 p.m.
McCall is the featured artist at the library from now through the end of June, and she has installed almost 30 original oil paintings and mixed media canvases for library visitors to enjoy. McCall describes her work as "a humorous take of the beauty and absurdity of living through this crazy current time and place, combining Northwoods influenced landscapes with anthropomorphized woodland creatures."
Stay tuned for information on oil painting and creativity workshops with McCall coming in May and June!
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Earth Day Fair this Saturday, April 20
The Mercer Public Library will host its 6th annual Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This is an event that you don't want to miss!
The FREE event will include activities for all ages, information tables, recycling for a variety of materials, refreshments, door prizes, and more. Fair participants have donated several great door prizes this year including a compost tumbler ($80 value), sustainable kitchen items, farm-fresh eggs, locally-produced maple syrup, memberships to local organizations, and more.
Over 19 local organizations and businesses are participating this year. See the latest list on our website.
What can you recycle at our Earth Day Fair?
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Electronics, small appliances, and household batteries courtesy of Trig's Recycling Center in Minocqua. PLEASE NOTE: We cannot accept televisions or computer monitors of any type this year.
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Denim (at least 90% cotton) through the Blue Jeans Go Green program
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Shoes in gently worn condition for the Soles4Souls program
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Plastic film (grocery bags, bubble wrap, food storage bags, case overwrap, and other clean, "stretchy" plastic film) for the Mercer Leo's NexTrex Recycling Challenge. PLEASE NOTE: This program cannot accept pet food bags, topsoil bags, or anything dirty or with food residue.
- Eyeglasses and printer cartridges for the Mercer Lions Club
We're pleased to announce that as part of Mercer's Bird City annual activities, naturalist John Bates will be presenting a free program on "Birds of Lakes, Rivers, and Wetlands" at the conclusion of the fair. He'll be speaking at 12:00 p.m. in the library.
The Mercer United Methodist Church will then sponsor a "Walk for Water" following John's talk. You can visit the Mercer Walk for Water website to register to participate or make a donation. The walk will begin from the Community Center at 1:00 p.m.
The Friends of the Mercer Public Library are also sponsoring a children’s Earth Day poster contest. Cash prizes will be awarded in three age categories: preschool through second grade, third through sixth grade, and seventh through twelfth grade. Click here for links to entry forms and more information.
You can learn more about the fair, the details of what recycling will be accepted that day, and the registered participants on the Earth Day Fair event announcement on our website.
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Avoid identity theft with a free informational program on 4/18
Federal Trade Commission data shows that American consumers reported over $10 billion in losses due to fraud in 2023, a 14% increase over the previous year. Imposter scams, fake investment schemes, online shopping fraud, and other scams are having a bigger impact than ever. You may think you know enough to avoid getting scammed, but scammers are adapting their strategies every day. How can you protect yourself?
Financial specialists from Associated Bank will offer information and tips on keeping yourself safe from identity theft, fraud, and scams in a free program on Thursday, April 18 at 11:15 a.m. at the library. (Please note the earlier time.) Refreshments will be served, and all are welcome!
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Horticulture workshops with Extension Iron County
Extension Iron County horticulture educator Bruce Spangenberg has two more free in-person horticulture events this month, each with two locations to choose from.
- Monday, April 22: Ornamental Grasses for Northwoods Landscapes
- Thursday, April 25: Keeping Your Trees Healthy
Each program will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Iron County Courthouse Boardroom in Hurley and at 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Mercer Public Library. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited. Register at the Extension Iron County website or call the Extension office at 715-561-2695.
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Life Planning: What you need to know as you age
End of life decisions can be hard. The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of the North, Iron County branch, presents “Life Planning: What you need to know as you age.” This free program will be held at the Mercer Library on Wednesday, April 24th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
You’ll learn about the importance of power of attorney paperwork, how nursing home coverage works, what hospice is and how it can benefit your family, and about Wisconsin long-term care programs and what the ADRC can do to help you as you age in Iron County. You won’t want to miss this great opportunity to be informed and prepared for those hard decisions!
This event is free and open to everyone. For more information, call the Mercer Library at 715-476-2366 or the ADRC of the North at 1-866-663-3607.
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Join us for Grown Up Story Hour on April 28
What is Grown Up Story Hour? It's simple! You stop by the Liberty Way Tap House on Sunday, April 28 at 1:00 p.m. Order a drink or something to eat if you like. Then sit back, relax, and listen as we read stories, essays, and poetry.
Sometimes the readings are funny, sometimes they are sentimental, and sometimes they make you think. Either way, the event is a nice way to spend the afternoon with fellow lovers of the written or spoken word. I hope we'll see you there!
If you would like to read at Grown Up Story Hour, let me know. It's a friendly audience, and new readers are always welcome. Select a reading no longer than 10-15 minutes (shorter is OK, too!), or we can help you find one. Send me an email or call the library at 715-476-2366 for more information.
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"Taste Test" continues with pepper
Our first Taste Test program was a success, so let's try it again! Each month we’ll be featuring a different spice, seasoning, or other ingredient.
Ask at the front desk for the April 2024 featured spice, black pepper. You’ll receive a sample of pepper along with recipes and other information about how to use it in your kitchen. Watch for a new kit on the first Friday of every month!
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One more April Tech Class
Tech help is also available by chance or by appointment with any of our library staff. Stop in with questions about your smartphone, laptop, tablet, eReader, the library's digital services, and more.
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