February Diaper Drive

Markesan Public Library is one of the drop off locations for the February Diaper Drive. Help families in need by donating new, disposable baby diapers sizes preemie to 7. This is a cooperative effort of Calvary Chapel Markesan, Terrace Shores Ev. Free, Markesan United Methodist, and Holy Family Parish Churches.

The group is also accepting dollars for diapers. Please make checks payable to "CCM", write "diapers" on the memo line. Mail to:

Calvary Chapel Markesan

W2176 County Road X

Markesan, WI 53946

Questions? Contact Cathy at (920) 767-1943.

Rock Painting Kits for Sale

We have rock painting kits for a Valentines-themed library fundraiser! Each kit is only $3.00, and includes a designed rock, paints, and a paintbrush. All proceeds will go to support library programming. You can find them at the checkout desk.

Play Library Bingo!

February 7th through 14th

This week, we'll have hearts hidden throughout the library! Turn in a completed bingo card to be entered into a drawing for a special prize. We have bingo cards and prizes for both kids and adults, so all ages are welcome to play!

Play & Learn

Wednesday, February 8th & 22nd

@ 9:30 am

Come in for fun games and activities focused on learning through play! Recommended for toddlers and up. Led by Miss Morgan, brought to you by Children's Wisconsin.

Play & Learn is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month.

Storytime will be taking a winter break, returning in the spring.

Book Club:

"Educated"

by Tara Westover

Wednesday, Feb.22 @ 6:00 pm

On Wednesday, February 22 @ 6:00 pm, the Markesan Book Club will meet to discuss the best-selling memoir "Educated" by Tara Westover. Copies are available in regular print, large print, and audiobook editions at the library. Click here to place a hold on a copy, or call us at (920) 398-3434, and we'll be happy to place a hold for you!

Tara Westover tells her life story in "Educated". She's born to survivalists in Idaho, and lived so isolated from society that she had no real education, or even protection when one of her brothers became violent. Inspired by another brother, who left to go to college, Tara began a quest for knowledge that eventually took her to Harvard and Cambridge University. "Only then would she wonder if she'd traveled too far, if there was still a way home."

Good luck, Nicole!

We are sad to say goodbye to our director, Nicole Overbeck. She has been here at Markesan Public Library since 2019, and has overseen the children's area refresh project, along with reorganizing the library to better match patrons' needs. Her creative problem solving was especially appreciated during 2020, keeping the library a valuable and active community resource. We'll all miss her warm, caring presence here and wish her the best in her new position.

Caldecott Medal Collection

The Caldecott Medal (officially the Randolph Caldecott Medal) is awarded annually for the preceding year's "most distinguished American picture book for children". Maybe you already know of a few of your favorites that have the shiny golden medallion on the cover! The Caldecott Medal is awarded January 30, 2023.

This year's winner is Hot Dog by Doug Salati! This beautifully illustrated picture book is about a dog who is overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells of the big city. He finds relief when his owner takes him to the beach to play. This can be a great book for young kids who can identify with the strong emotions of the dog, and the comfort from a loved one or friends who understands and helps them.

We have a special display of our Caldecott winning children's books. Stop in to check one out, or click here to place a hold on one! If you'd prefer, you can call us at (920) 398-3434 for us to place holds for you.

Wi-Fi hotspots are available for checkout at the library!

Thanks to a generous grant from the American Rescue Plan Act, the Markesan Public Library now has two new wi-fi hotspots for patrons 18 and over to checkout. These wi-fi hotspots operate through cellular data provided by US Cellular. Wherever US cellular coverage is available there too will our wi-fi hotspots work to provide our patrons with free wi-fi service. Checkouts are good for two weeks at a time.

The wi-fi hotspots are available at the checkout desk. If you have any questions, please call us at (920) 398-3434. They can be placed on hold similarly to books and movies. 

New library resource: Meeting Owl

Did you know that the meeting room in the lower level is available for public use? It has a projector, screen, and now: a meeting owl!!! This nifty device makes it easier to record and live-stream meetings. The projector and meeting owl can only be used in the meeting room, but are available for anyone using the meeting room.

We are happy to talk to you about these resources, how to reserve the meeting room, and show you how to use the projector and meeting owl. You can inquire at the library, by calling us at (920) 398-3434, or by emailing our director, Nicole, at director@markesanlibrary.org.

The Meeting Owl was purchased thanks to a grant through the American Rescue Plan Act.

The Markesan Library offers special services for the housebound, teachers, and for home-school families!

Contact the library for more information by calling (920) 398-3434, or click the link below to learn more.