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First day of spring! (?)
Hello, library friends --

It's the first day of spring, according to the calendar! And that may be true... but the snow piles are still pretty tall around here. So tall after last week's snow storms, in fact, that we've decided to extend our "When Will It Melt?" contest!

Every year we ask you to guess when the giant snow pile across the street will melt, and the person who guesses the closest without going over wins a cash prize. You now have until March 31 to place your guess... and if you already have your guess in but want to change it, just stop by and you can do that.

We're thinking ahead to spring in other ways, including by hosting Darrin Kimbler from the Extension Iron County office for a program series about landscaping with native plants beginning next week. We're also planning our annual Earth Day Fair for April 22. Read on for more details about all the things happening at your library!

Teresa Schmidt
Library director
Landscaping with Native Plants
Darrin Kimbler, UW-Madison Extension Iron County Agriculture Educator is presenting a four-part series on landscaping with native plants every Friday from March 31 to April 21. These presentations will provide valuable information and practical tips on how to create stunning and sustainable landscapes using native plant species that are well suited to the region.

  • Introduction to Landscaping with Native Plants – March 31 at 10AM at the Mercer Library
  • Landscaping in Shaded Environments – April 7 at 10AM at the Hurley Library
  • Landscaping in Dry Environments – April 14 at 10AM at the Mercer Library
  • Landscaping in Wet Environments – April 21 at 10AM at the Hurley Library

No registration is required to attend the events in person. To attend on Zoom, visit our website to register for the first class and receive the link.
March Tech Classes

We have two more tech classes to help you build your skills this week:

  • Tuesday, March 21 at 11:00 a.m. -- Online Security: What's two-factor authentication, anyway? What can I do to keep my accounts secure online? Do I really need all these passwords? Yeah, I know you don't want to know about security, but I also know that you need to know more about security. Let's see if we can make it a little easier for you.
  • Saturday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m. - Smartphone Basics with Bug Tussel University: Smartphones allow you to make calls, send texts, send and receive emails, browse the web, download apps, and organize your personal life! Learn what your smartphone can do for you in this free class. Android and iPhone users are welcome.

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 about your smartphone, tablet, eReader, laptop, or other tech device. Call 715-476-2366 for more info.
Earth Day Fair - April 22

Save the date! The Mercer Public Library will host its annual Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 22.

We already have several groups signed up to participate, and the event will include door prizes and free recycling for electronics and other items. The Fair will also include Mercer Bird City activities and information with local birders Bruce Bacon and John Bates.

Area individuals, organizations, and businesses who support environmentally-friendly practices are invited to participate, and there’s no cost to have a table at the event. If you or your organization would like to participate, please call the library at 715-476-2366.
Grown-Up Story Hour

The next edition of Grown-Up Story Hour will be on Monday, March 27 at 6:00 p.m. at the Mercer Senior Center. Sit back and relax while we read short stories, poetry, and essays to you! You are welcome to bring your own beverages and snacks or something to share if you wish. Attendees are always invited to read, too, so feel free to bring a favorite short piece of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry to share.
Scandinavian Loop Weaving Class

Local resident Deb Patton will introduce you to Scandinavian Loop Weaving, a simple technique that requires no machines or looms and can turn old fabric into new treasures. Register in advance to attend the free class on Tuesday, April 18 at 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Space is limited, so call the library to reserve your spot!
Save the Date for a Midsummer Tea

Here's another "save the date" announcement: The Friends of the Mercer Public Library are excited to announce their upcoming fundraising event, A Midsummer Tea at the Library, on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The event will include a three-course traditional afternoon tea, live music with harpist Callie Bates, drawings for tea-themed baskets, and other surprises. Tickets are $35/person and will go on sale on May 1.
Did you know...

That you can place holds on the latest books, movies, and more using our online catalog? The catalog home page includes all the recent additions to our collection, including new fiction, nonfiction, movies and TV series, and books for kids and teens. It's automatically updated whenever we add a new item to our collection, so it's a great way to stay up-to-date with new releases.

Visit our website and click on the links to our Library Catalog, or visit the catalog directly at mercer.northernwaters.org. Log in with your library card to place holds, renew items you have checked out, and more.
New Digital Services @ Your Library

We've added a great selection of new digital services to your library card! Your card gives you access to digital books, audiobooks, magazines, language learning, craft instruction lessons, movies and TV, the New York Times and NYT Cooking, and more.

See the complete list and instructions at mercerpubliclibrary.org/digital
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