Has March come in like a lion, or a lamb? | |
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I can't decide! Today it's bright and sunny, but Sunday night we had heavy rain and thunderstorms, and yesterday we had a brief period where we saw snowflakes the size of ping pong balls. All I know for sure is that we aren't going to be able to hold our annual "When Will it Melt?" game: There's no snow pile to place our bets on!
You won't be surprised to hear me say that we have a lot going at the library on this month... because when don't we? But really, this month is filled with interesting events for everyone. You can always see the latest schedule of events on our website.
There's a new story in our StoryWalk at the Mercer School Trail, thanks to help from the Friends of the Mercer Library. Take advantage of one of our nice days to enjoy a short walk and the adorable kids' book, Niblet & Ralph by Zachariah Ohora.
Don't forget about our more traditional library offerings, too! Visit the new library materials page on our website to see what we've added to our collections recently, since we're always adding new titles. You can also check out our many digital offerings, available free with your library card. Or stop in to see our always-changing displays, pick up a copy of BookPage magazine for new book reviews, or grab a Taste Test kit for the month. (More on that last one below.)
Happy reading!
Teresa Schmidt
director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | 715-476-2366
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Free camp opportunity for one Mercer School student
Camp Jorn YMCA in Manitowish Waters has offered the Mercer Public Library one certificate for a FREE week of Discovery Camp, a $700 value! If you are a student or a parent of a student who will be between 8 and 14 years old this summer, visit the library by 5pm on Friday, March 8, 2024, to enter. More details are on our website.
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Who Let the Frogs Out?
By request, we've set up another group t-shirt order for this cute "Who Let the Frogs Out?" design. Orders are due by Thursday, March 7, so don't delay if you want one! If we place orders for more than 12 shirts, they will be personalized with our library name. Click here for the group order at EarthDayShirts.com.
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Meet the Candidates
Wisconsin local elections will be held on April 2, 2024, and the Mercer Library invites you to attend a “Meet the Candidates” open house on Tuesday, March 19th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
This informal event will give you a chance to visit with candidates that have registered for Mercer Town Supervisor, Iron County Supervisor Mercer Wards 1, 2, 3, and 4, and Mercer School Board. We've also invited Mercer School representatives to talk about the Mercer School referendum. A full list of invited attendees is on our website.
Don't forget to vote on April 2! If you're not registered yet, you must register by mail or online by March 13, at the town clerk's office by March 29, or at the polling place on April 2. The Mercer Town Clerk has a list of important dates and information on the town website, or you can visit myvote.wi.gov for more information or to register online.
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Another Great American Eclipse
Get ready for another Great American Eclipse! On April 8, the moon’s shadow will pass over the United States and Mexico, providing a total solar eclipse that will be visible to over 32 million Americans who live along the path of totality.
Jim Head of the Northwoods Explorers of Space and Astronomy will visit the Mercer Library on Tuesday, March 19th at 10:00 a.m. for a program called Another Great American Eclipse: What you need to know. Jim will talk about the sun, eclipses in general, and the path of the April 8th event. You'll learn how to safely view an eclipse using eclipse glasses, pinhole viewers, and other fun ways to observe the changes to our local star.
All attendees at this program will receive a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses. (While supplies last, although we expect to have plenty for everyone!) The program is free and open to all ages, but the information shared will be geared towards teens and adults.
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Arts and Hands-On Activities @ Your Library
If you've looked at our events calendar lately, you may have noticed several art instruction programs and other hands-on activities. Thanks to support from the Friends of the Library and the MPL Artist in Residence program, we're adding more of these popular events to our schedule.
Keep an eye out for announcements, because many of these classes have limited availability and fill up fast! Our pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs) and sourdough classes are full, but there are a couple of spaces left for the Block Printing class with artist in residence Cedar Nelson on March 30. Give us a call ASAP if you'd like to sign up!
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Earth Day Fair coming on April 20
The Mercer Public Library will host its 6th annual Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event will include activities for all ages, information tables from local organizations and businesses, a recycling station for a variety of materials, refreshments, door prizes, and more.
We're now registering exhibitors for the fair. Any businesses or organizations that support renewable energy, recycling, natural resources, silent sports, environmental education, or other sustainability topics are invited to participate. There is no cost to reserve a table and all are welcome.
This year the Friends of the Mercer Public Library are also sponsoring a children’s Earth Day poster contest. Cash prizes will be awarded in three age categories: preschool through second grade, third through sixth grade, and seventh through twelfth grade. Click here for links to entry forms and more information.
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New "Taste Test" program launches
The Mercer Library is announcing a new monthly program, Taste Test. Each month we’ll feature a different spice, seasoning, or other ingredient. You’ll receive a sample of that ingredient along with recipes and other information about how to use it in your kitchen.
Ask at the front desk for the March 2024 featured spice, cinnamon! The packet features a sample of cinnamon plus recipes for Cinnamon Chicken, Apple-Spiked Monkey Bread, a Cinnamon and Cumin Dry Rub, and more.
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Grown-Up Story Hour
We're back at the Liberty Way Tap House for another Grown-Up Story Hour on Sunday, March 24 at 1:00 p.m. Sit back, relax, purchase a beverage or food if you like, and listen while we read short stories, essays, and poetry. All are welcome and there's no cost to attend!
If you'd like to read at the event, give us a call at the library or email director@mercerpubliclibrary.org. We ask that you keep your readings to under 10-15 minutes maximum, and shorter is just fine! If you'd like to read but don't have a specific passage in mind, we'll be glad to help.
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March 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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