It's gonna be May...
eventually, right? I mean, it says May on the calendar but it still looks like November outside my window.

The weather did give me a great excuse to stay inside and read this weekend, though. I just finished Still True by Wisconsin author Maggie Ginsberg, who I was lucky enough to hear speak at the Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries conference last week. The book takes an unflinching look at small-town Wisconsin life and what it means to trust the people around you. I highly recommend it.

This snow is also giving a little twist to our "When Will It Melt" contest, which shows few signs of coming to an end anytime soon. There were 30 library patrons who guessed dates in May for the end of our snow pile and 5 pessimistic souls who guessed dates in June. The snow pile *has* melted quite a bit, but it's not going to disappear this week.

So, on to more optimistic topics... like all the interesting things we have planned at the library this month! The events start this Wednesday, when we host the Discovery Center for a Knowledge at Noon program AND an artist reception for Mercer School artists. Read on for details, and remember, you can always check our website for the latest info and event schedule.

Happy reading!

Teresa Schmidt
Library director
Salamanders: a free Discovery Center program

Let’s look under some logs and find out about the different species of salamanders that call Wisconsin home!

Join North Lakeland Discovery Center Naturalist Hannah Gargrave and her two pet tiger salamanders on Wednesday, May 3 at 12:00 p.m. as we learn about these neat amphibians, their adaptations, and the habitats in which they live. This program is part of the Discovery Center’s Knowledge at Noon series, which brings naturalists to public libraries around the Center’s service area. All are welcome to this free program, with donations to the Discovery Center gratefully accepted.
Mercer School Artist Reception

The artists of Mercer School will display their work in the Mercer Public Library during the month of May. The community is invited to join us for for an Artists’ Reception on Wednesday, May 3rd at 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. You’ll have a chance to see the work on display and chat with students and their art teacher. Refreshments and homemade ice cream will be served by Mercer School Culinary Arts. The event is free and open to everyone.
My Kids Don't Want It -- Now What?

Are you struggling to deal with a lifetime's worth of belongings that your kids don't want? We've invited downsizing expert & author Mike Ivankovich for a free virtual program on Monday, May 8 at 12:30 p.m. You’ll hear 15 tips & strategies designed not only to help you deal with your “stuff,” but help you make some good money when selling it.

This virtual program is free and open to everyone. You can attend the Zoom meeting from anywhere, or you can visit the library and watch a stream of the program with us. Please register in advance if you plan to attend by Zoom. The registration link is on our website. (If you plan to attend at the library, there’s no need to register.)
More Scandinavian Loop Weaving

Due to continued interest, Deb Patton will host another Scandinavian Loop Weaving class on Tuesday, May 16 at 12:30 p.m. Those who came to the first class are welcome to attend and work on their projects, and there is limited space for others who would like to learn as well. Please call the library at 715-476-2366 to register in advance if you are new to the craft. (Those who attended Deb's first class do not need to register.)
Chess Club for all ages

Would you like to learn to play chess? Are you already a player, but looking for new opponents or maybe even a chance to participate in a local tournament? Anyone from beginner to expert, child to senior, is welcome at our new chess club!

Drop in for a game or two, stop by after school, or stay all afternoon. We will have a few sets available for play, or you are welcome to bring your own. Area resident Lon Newman will host Chess Club on select Tuesdays at 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. beginning on May 16. Lon is a long-time chess player and is certified as a local tournament director for US Chess Federation events. There’s no cost to attend and all are welcome. Stay tuned for future club dates.
Conservation Through Land Trusts

Are you interested in helping to permanently protect shorelands, woodlands, and other natural resources, now and into the future? Learn how a land trust can be an important tool for conservation in this presentation with three board members from the Northwoods Land Trust (NWLT). Join us on Monday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Mercer Community Center.

NWLT has helped protect over 15,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife habitat and 81 miles of water frontage in Iron, Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Florence, Price, and Langlade Counties in northern Wisconsin. Presenters at this program include Ron Eckstein, retired DNR wildlife manager; Cathy Techtmann, Environmental Outreach State Specialist and Professor, Community Resource Development UW Madison-Division of Extension; and John Bates, naturalist, guide, and author of ten books on the Northwoods and Upper Midwest.
May Technology programs

  • Saturday, May 13 at 10:30 a.m. - Fun with Photos with Bug Tussel University: Learn how to manage photos on your smartphone, including how to upload photos to social media, send pictures to friends and family, and save and edit your photos. Bring your smartphone with you for some hands-on practice.
  • Monday, May 24 at 12:00 p.m. - Scanning Your Photos, Documents, and Slides in the Memory Lab: Library Assistant Blaze Burton will present a free class on using the Memory Lab's tools for scanning your photos, documents, and slides. You'll learn tips on selecting file formats and resolutions, saving and backing up your files, and getting quality scans of your items.

One-on-one tech help is also available by chance or by appointment. Drop in with your quick questions, or give us a call to set up an appointment for more in-depth questions. Call 715-476-2366 for more info.
Digital Spotlight: Libby

Have you checked out Libby? Libby is the easiest way to access our digital collection of books, audiobooks, and magazines. The collection is full of popular titles, current magazine issues with no waiting, classics, kids' books, audiobooks, and more. Library patrons downloaded over seven million items in Wisconsin's Digital Collection in 2022!

Download the free app for your phone or tablet (iOS | Android | Fire OS), or use the online Libby interface at libbyapp.com. Log in with your library card to start reading or listening.

For our longtime digital collection users: the OverDrive app will not be supported after May 1, 2023, so if you haven't yet made the switch to Libby... it's time! If you need assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. We're happy to help!
Mercer Public Library | 715-476-2366 | director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | mercerpubliclibrary.org
Winter hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9-5 -- Tues, Thurs 9-6 -- Sat 9-12