As I write this message to you, we're finally getting what all of our snowmobilers and skiers have been waiting for... snow! I hope you're staying warm and cozy.

The new year is a good time to reconnect with the library. We have a lot of great resources and are scheduling some events that could help you achieve your goals this year. Whether you'd like to learn a new skill, finally figure out that tech problem that's been plaguing you, read more in 2024, or just connect to your friends and neighbors, the library is the place to be. Check out our events calendar for the coming months or stop by to check out books, movies, games, puzzles, digital resources, and more.

February is National Library Lovers Month, and we have some fun things planned for readers and library fans. Stay tuned for our next newsletter to hear what's coming up.

Wishing you a very happy new year,

Teresa Schmidt

director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | 715-476-2366

Artist in Residence reception 1/25

We're delighted to welcome our newest Artist in Residence, Cedar Nelson! Cedar is a watercolorist and block printer from Ironwood, Michigan, and her work will be featured in library displays and events from now through the end of March 2024.

The Friends of the Library will host an opening reception for Cedar on Thursday, January 25 at 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Stop by to enjoy some refreshments, see the exhibit, and hear from the artist as she gives brief remarks about her work at 5:00 p.m. All are welcome!

Cedar will also be teaching two block printing workshops at the Mercer Library during her residency: a workshop for kids in third grade and older on Saturday, February 17 and a workshop for teens and adults on Saturday, March 9. Both classes are free, but space is limited, and registration is required. Call the library to register. 

Tech Classes

The library is a great place to get help with your smartphone, laptop, or other tech device. In addition to providing technology help through drop-in questions or by appointment, we've scheduled a few classes this winter to help you learn something new. Here are the next events on our calendar:

• Friday, Jan. 26 at 10:30 a.m. - Scanning Photos and Documents with Blaze
• Friday, Feb. 9 at 10:30 a.m. - What is the cloud? with Teresa
• Friday, Feb. 23 at 10:30 a.m. - Facebook Marketplace and other online sales with Julia

Mercer's Comprehensive Plan

Every Wisconsin community must have a Comprehensive Plan that details how each the community wishes to grow in the next 20 years, including include its goals, objectives, policies, and process for achieving its desired growth. Mercer’s Updated Plan must be completed by 2025, and the Town of Mercer Planning Commission will be holding several public participation sessions in the process of revising Mercer's plan this year.

The Mercer Public Library will post notices of these meetings in the library and on our website. Visit mercerpubliclibrary.org/category/mercercomprehensiveplan for a copy of all of the documents we have received from the Planning Commission, or contact the Town of Mercer for more information.

Tax forms now arriving

The library has started receiving forms for the 2024 tax season. We've received Wisconsin forms and are expecting federal forms soon. Stop in to pick up copies of what you need, or ask for assistance in downloading less-common forms. (Please note: library staff cannot give tax advice or tell you what form you need. We can only help you download forms if you already know what you need.)

Elder Benefits office hours

Jerri Sokol, Elder Benefit Specialist with the ADRC of the North, will continue holding monthly outreach hours at the Mercer Public Library on the first Wednesday of the month at 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. She can help with questions on Medicare and supplemental insurance, SSI, housing, Food Share, Medicaid, and more. Drop in during her office hours or call for an appointment at 715-561-2108 ext. 5.

Mercer Public Library | 715-476-2366 | director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | mercerpubliclibrary.org

Winter hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9-5 -- Tue, Thu 9-6 -- Sat 9-12