Spring has finally sprung! | |
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I hate to say out loud that spring is here... If you know the Northwoods, you know that it's not that unusual to have miserable weather creep back in May, and I don't want to jinx us. But in recent days and nights, the birds have been singing, the frogs have been peeping, the loons have been calling, the ramps have been growing their wild leek-y goodness, and I've even heard rumors that a few brave hummingbirds have arrived. It sure feels nice!
The arrival of May also means that it's time to join or renew your membership in the Friends of the Mercer Public Library. You hear me talk about the Friends a lot because of the key role they play in providing great library service in our community. The Town of Mercer and Iron County provide the backbone of our funding, covering the expenses of our building, staff, and core services. But the Friends help provide many of those "fun" things that make our library a hub of activity and connection: arts classes, author events, historical programs, summer children's programs, and so much more.
Read on for more information on how you can support the Friends and for details on some of the events and activities we have planned for you this month.
Happy spring!
Teresa Schmidt
director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | 715-476-2366
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Know Your Invaders: Invasive species in Iron County
Invasive species are one of the biggest threats to our natural environment. Learn more about the invasive terrestrial plants, animals, and insects that are threatening Wisconsin and what you can do to help!
Zach Wilson from the Iron County Land & Water Conservation Department will present a free program to help you Know Your Invaders on Wednesday, May 8 at 10:00am at the library. All are welcome!
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Friends of the Library Membership Drive
The Friends of the Mercer Public Library have launched their 2024/2025 membership drive. Please consider renewing your membership or joining today!
The Friends’ goal is to boost membership to 200 households this year. A donation of any amount during the membership year (May 1 through April 30) qualifies you as a member. It also demonstrates your recognition of the value of the Mercer Public Library and the important role it plays in our community.
Watch for membership renewal information arriving soon in your mailbox! You can also join or renew through our website, or stop by the library to make a contribution. Thank you!
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Legal and Elder Benefit assistance at the library
Judicare Legal Aid will be providing free brief legal assistance clinics at the Mercer Public Library on Wednesdays, May 22 and June 26, from 9:30am. to 12:30pm.
Covered topics may include: collections defense, small claims actions, housing/tenant rights, employment discrimination, benefit denials, custody/placement, wage claims, divorce, and more. Judicare Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low-income persons living in Northern Wisconsin and Native Americans statewide. Visit our website for more information.
Don't forget that ADRC Elder Benefits Specialist Jerri Sokol holds office hours at the Mercer Library on the first Wednesday of the month from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Jerri can assist you with understanding and applying for Medicare, SSI, housing, Food Share, Medicaid, Senior Care, and much more. Drop in during her office hours or make an appointment by calling 715-561-2108 ext. 5.
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Workshops with Artist in Residence McCall Hocking
Our newest Artist in Residence, McCall Hocking, will host two hands-on workshops during her residency. Both programs are free, but space is limited so you must call the library at 715-476-2366 to register in advance.
Visit the library now through the end of June to see McCall's original oil paintings and mixed media works. She describes her art as "a humorous take of the beauty and absurdity of living through this crazy current time and place." You don't want to miss this fun and unique exhibit!
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Memory Mondays: Sharing Mercer's history
The library is seeking input on how we can help preserve, document, and display our community’s history. Join us for “Memory Mondays,” an engaging gathering where local history buffs, community enthusiasts, and curious minds come together to share insights stories and ideas about our local history. Library assistant Blaze will lead an informal conversation about local history, your ideas and projects, and more.
Memory Mondays will be held on the second Monday of the month from 10:00am to 12:00pm, with the first event on May 13. All are welcome!
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Library Passport program
What’s not to love about northern Wisconsin? We’re home to the Musky Capital of the World in Boulder Junction, the world’s largest musky and walleye fish hatchery in Spooner, and the birthplace of the wearable Smokey Bear costume: Mercer. While you’re exploring northern Wisconsin this spring and summer, make sure to include public libraries on your travel itinerary for a chance to win a prize!
The 2nd annual Northern Waters Library Network (NWLN) Library Passport program invites you to stop in at any participating library and pick up a passport. Bring your passport with you as you travel and get a stamp at each library you visit. Collect 10 stamps and you’ll be entered to win one of four Kwik Trip gas cards totaling $500!
No matter where your travels take you, public libraries are the heart of the community, offering free Wi-Fi, programs and events, and much more. And remember, if you hold a card from any NWLN library, you can check out materials from any of the 30 libraries that participate in the system, including Mercer. What better excuse for a library-themed road trip this summer?
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Get a "Taste Test" of chia this month!
Launching later this week is another Taste Test kit featuring a new ingredient: chia!
Ask at the front desk for a sample of chia seeds along with recipes and other information about how to use it in your kitchen. You may be surprised at what this humble seed can do for your taste buds and your health! Taste Test kits are free thanks to support from the Friends of the Mercer Public Library.
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May Tech Classes
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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