Hello, library friends --
Our number one goal throughout this pandemic has been to ensure the safety of our library visitors, volunteers, and staff. We've been open to the public since June of last year, and we've been able to stay that way by following the CDC and state health department guidelines as best we can.
As you've probably heard by now, the CDC released new guidelines on what fully vaccinated people can safely do. We have changed our library policy on masks to follow these new guidelines. Masks are required for all library visitors ages 5 and older who are not vaccinated.
We will not ask for proof of your vaccination status. We ask that our visitors, volunteers, and staff follow these guidelines voluntarily for your own safety and for the safety of others. We also ask that you not question the choices of others in the library. Every person's situation is unique, so let's assume that we are all doing the best we can for ourselves, our families, and our community.
Relaxed COVID recommendations mean that we're also beginning to schedule in-person events for the coming months at the library. Read on for some upcoming events, and stay tuned for information coming soon about summer kids' programming, our summer outdoor movie schedule, and more.
We're still offering our usual library services: books, DVDs, jigsaw puzzles, board games, downloadable books and audiobooks, and more. Check out our new online catalog for all the things available to you. Stop by and see us soon here at the library!
Teresa Schmidt
Library director
715-476-2366
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Used Book Sale, June 4-5
The Friends of the Mercer Public Library will have a USED BOOK SALE on Friday, June 4 and Saturday, June 5 at 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day.
The sale will feature bargains for everyone: hardcover books are $1, paperbacks are 50 cents or three for a dollar, and kids books are just 25 cents. Saturday is a Bag Sale, with all the books you can fit in your bag for just $1.
We are now accepting donations for the sale! We would love your donations of hardcover and paperback books for adults, teens, and children; books on CD; DVDs; board games; and jigsaw puzzles. Please bring your donations in during normal library hours.
Please note: we CANNOT accept textbooks, encyclopedias, outdated health or travel books, magazines, "condensed" books, or anything in poor condition. Do not place donations in the book drop or leave them outside the door.
Questions? Call us at the library at 715-476-2366.
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Virtual visit with author Patricia Skalka
Join us for a virtual author talk with Patricia Skalka on Tuesday, June 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Skalka is the author of the Dave Cubiak Door County Mysteries, including her latest title, Death Washes Ashore. Last year, USA Today picked Death Stalks Door County, the first Cubiak mystery, to represent Wisconsin in “50 States/50 Books to Read.” Join us for a fun evening discussing Skalka's books, writing, and Door County.
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Helen Keller: A Life Almost Lost
Join us for a performance of “Helen Keller: A Life Almost Lost” by award-winning historical performer Jessica Michna. This inspirational program begins in Helen’s own voice, quoting excerpts from the 1925 “Knights of the Blind” speech, and tells the story of Helen Keller and her dedicated teacher, Anne Sullivan.
This free performance will be held on Sunday, June 13 at 1:00 p.m. outdoors on the library grounds. Please bring your own chair if possible. (Metal folding chairs will be available.) In case of inclement weather, the event may be moved indoors to the Mercer Community Center.
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Friends of the Library news
The Friends of the Mercer Public Library are happy to say that their Reading Garden project is underway! Watch for our new outdoor seating area and a rain garden constructed with the help of the Iron County Land and Water Conservation Department. Improvements will continue throughout the summer as we add plantings and other features.
The Friends' annual membership drive has also begun. If you have been a Friend of the Library in the past or made a donation to one of our events, your membership mailing and renewal card will arrive in your mailbox soon. To become a member of the Friends of the Library, simply make a donation of any amount. Membership forms are also available at the library.
The library needs volunteers! We could use additional volunteers to work at the library desk on summer evenings. We'll provide training, but you will need to have basic computer skills. If you are interested, please call the library at 715-476-2366 and talk to Renie.
The Friends hold their regular meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at 11:00 a.m. New members and volunteers are always welcome. The next meeting will be on June 8th at 11:00 a.m. and will be available as an in-person meeting with a GoToMeeting option. Those attending in person will be asked to follow the library's mask policy.
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Trex Plastic Recycling Challenge
As part of our efforts towards sustainability here at the library, the Friends of the Library have signed up for the Trex Community Challenge recycling program. We are accepting clean, recyclable plastic film. If we meet our goal of collecting 500 lbs by October, Trex will donated a high-performance composite bench for the library grounds.
Collection bins are available at the library and at Snow's Family Market. Thank you, Snow's, for working with us on this project! Bring your recyclable plastic in during normal library/store hours.
Please see our website for details on what we can recycle and follow the guidelines closely. Our volunteers have to sort everything to make sure that only accepted materials are in the bins, so make our job easier by following the guidelines.
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Book Club summer break
Our book clubs are taking their usual summer break. The book club meetings will be posted in our online events calendar when they resume in September.
Don't forget that the library is here to support your personal reading groups, too. We can help get titles for your local friends and family book clubs, church groups, and other reading or study groups. Just ask!
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Tech Tuesday
Librarian Teresa Schmidt holds "Tech Tuesdays" by appointment to provide one-on-one help with your technology questions at the library. Appointments are available on most Tuesdays, and on other days as necessary. Call us at 715-476-2366 for more info or to make an appointment.
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Library COVID policies
Following the latest recommendations from the CDC, the library requires that all visitors ages 5 and older wear masks inside the building if they are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Library visitors who are vaccinated may make their own decisions about wearing masks. We ask that you respect others and maintain social distancing when practical.
If you cannot enter the library for any reason, we are happy to accommodate you with curbside library services. We can provide library materials; copying, faxing and scanning services; notary services (when available); and other library services. Just call us at 715-476-2366 to let us know what you need, and we'll be happy to help.
You can also take advantage of our online services with your library card number. Visit our website at www.mercerpubliclibrary.org for links to our digital collection of e-books and audiobooks, Gale Courses, Ancestry Library Edition, and Badgerlink resources.
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Did you know...
...that Gale Courses offers hundreds of online courses on topics like art, business, computer applications, customer service, and education and healthcare continuing education? These are the same online classes that some technical colleges offer for credit, but are available to you as a non-credit option for FREE. It's a great way to train your employees, build your own skills, or take up a new hobby. Courses start during the second week of every month, and are absolutely free with your library card number. If you need help getting started, ask at the library anytime.
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Winter hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-5pm; Tues, Thurs 9am - 6pm; Sat 9am-12pm
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