Self-care during these strange times
Hello, library friends --

What a strange summer it continues to be... Every day we are all faced with making decisions about how to keep ourselves and our community safe. Is it OK to do this? Is it dangerous to do that? Everything feels high stakes in this world turned upside down. I hope that you are all taking care of yourselves, and treating each other with kindness. Remember that we're all doing the best we can with the information we have.

For me, I find that trying to take more breaks from social media and spend more time reading has been a good source of self-care. I set some time limits on my phone so it can remind me when I've been online for too long, and I'm trying to expand my horizons a bit by reading some new authors. Right now I'm reading a fascinating book about the Supreme Court , tried a new recipe from a cookbook I checked out from the library, and I have a copy of Hank Green's new book sitting on my table lined up next. I'm also trying to build my crossword skills a bit -- I'm up to doing the Thursday NYT crossword puzzles without cheating. (OK, mostly without cheating.)

And bonus, right now if you read you could earn yourself a really gorgeous handmade mug from Odonata in our summer reading challenge! (Read on for details about that.)

I hope you're finding ways to take care of yourself both physically and mentally during this draining year. As always, let us know how the library can help. I bet we have something on our shelves that could help distract you, entertain you, or help you learn something new.

Take care,

Teresa Schmidt
Library director
715-476-2366
The Library is OPEN

Masks are required for all visitors inside the building. The library is providing disposable masks to those who need them for their library visit.

Temporary library hours:
  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday & Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Closed Saturday and Sunday

Please note: The library will be closed to the public during the week of August 3-7. Curbside service ONLY will be available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday that week.

If you can't wear a mask or are not able to be inside the library for any reason, we're happy to provide curbside services for you. Call us at 715-476-2366 and we can find library books, movies, and other materials for you, or help provide copy, fax, and printing services.
Iron County COVID-19 testing this week

As of Thursday, July 23, Iron County has a total of 42 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Two weeks ago on July 7, the county was reporting just 8 confirmed cases. That's a concerning increase in a short period of time.

The Iron County Public Health department is working with the Wisconsin National Guard to provide two testing sites this week: TODAY, Thursday, July 23 at Hurley School and Friday, July 24 at the Wisconsin DNR station on Statehouse Circle here in Mercer . Both events will be held from 10am to 7pm or until tests run out. The health department will call with test results in 3-5 days, so be sure to answer your phone!

To attend the Mercer testing site, turn on to Statehouse Circle from Highway 51 at the intersection just north of County Highway J in downtown Mercer. Traffic will be directed down Statehouse Circle to enter the line for testing. Be prepared to wait!

For more information, see the Health Department's testing announcement , visit the Iron County Health Department website , or call the department at 715-561-2191.

All are welcome for testing, but the health department is particularly encouraging anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or anyone who has been in contact with someone who has it to get tested. Symptoms include:
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Runny nose or congestion
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Everyone should take steps to protect themselves and others:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol.
  • Don't spend time with people who are sick.
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from others, even if you are feeling well.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Clean all "high-touch" surfaces every day, including counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
  • Wear a cloth face covering when you are around others.

Summer Reading Challenges for ages 0-109

Don't forget about our summer reading challenge for all ages. You still have a month to get in your reading!

Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Library, we'll be giving away some great prizes purchased from local businesses. Kids can read to earn an ice cream cookie sandwich from The Pines and a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt from the Wampum Shop. Adults can read to earn a custom-made mug from the artists at Odonata , and be entered to win gift certificates from Mercer businesses or the grand prize, a BCO+ pass for the 2021 season at the Big Top Chautauqua. All prizes are while supplies last, so don't wait - these mugs are going to be a hot item.

Sign up online using the Beanstack app ( iOS | Android ) or use our Beanstack site at mercerpubliclibrary.beanstack.org.

Visit our website for more information and download paper reading logs if you prefer to track offline, or stop by the library to pick up a paper log. Have fun reading this summer!
Take our library survey

The Mercer Public Library Board of Trustees is drafting a long-range plan for library service in Mercer, and we need your input to help ensure that we are keeping the needs of our community in mind. Please take our survey at:


We’ll be compiling the responses to use during our strategic planning workshops later this year. As a small way to thank you for your time, at the end of the survey you’ll have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win one of several gift certificates to area businesses. The drawing will be held on July 24, 2020. One entry per person, please.
Friends of the Library membership drive

THANK YOU to everyone who responded to the Friends of the Library annual membership drive already! Over 110 members have joined or renewed already, with more arriving every day. It's so wonderful to see how many people in the community support the library. Your donations will support the programming and special services we provide for the community.

If you're on the Friends' mailing list, you should have received their annual letter in the mail. If you haven't received your letter or would like to become a member for the first time, you can read the membership letter and download a donation form on our website . Thank you for your support!
Virtual Summer Programs: week 8

Can you believe it's been 8 weeks already? "Imagine your Circus Story" this week with free online programming for kids and tweens! Each week, we post new videos including shows, author interviews, crafts, and guest performers. This week kids can watch a circus, learn about magician Harry Houdini, learn how to make juggling balls, and more.

We've partnered with Page Turner Adventures to provide this online programming. All the videos will be posted to our website on a password-protected page. Click here for all the details, including the password.
Mercer Public Library | 715-476-2366 | director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | mercerpubliclibrary.org
June hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-5pm; Tues, Thurs 9am - 7pm; closed Sat & Sun