There may not be much to do outside right now, but have you seen what's happening at the library? We have events scheduled almost every day for the next week, and we're busy planning out our upcoming spring schedule of activities for you.

We're still looking for people interested in a book club, too. Please fill out this online form or call 715-476-2366 and we'll keep you updated.

I'll get right to it... Check out our events calendar or read on for a summary of what's coming soon, and plan to join us for fun things at the library!

Teresa Schmidt

director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | 715-476-2366

Love Your Library Month

Library Lovers' Month is still going on! Here are some fun ways you can share the library love at MPL:

• Tell us why you love your library and you'll be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card! Use this Google Form to share your story, or visit the library for a paper entry form.
• Take our Love Your Library Month Bingo Challenge! Anyone who completes a Bingo will get a Mercer Library magnetic bookmark and be entered to win a library prize package. Download a Bingo card or stop in to pick one up.
• Take a blind date with a book: Stop by to see our display of books with Tinder profiles... you might just find your next literary love.
• Join us for a Love Your Library movie afternoon on Thursday, February 29, when the Friends of the Library invite you to a free screening of "Robot & Frank."

Grown Up Story Hour this weekend

Join us for Grown Up Story Hour this weekend: Sunday, February 18 at 1:00 p.m. at Liberty Way Tap House in Mercer. 

Sit back and relax while you listen to short stories, poetry, and essays. There’s no cost to attend, and food and beverages are available for purchase at Liberty Way and Home Slice Pizza. All are welcome!

Bath Salt Bar with The Sunflower Project

February 9 was National Read in the Bathtub Day. Make your next bathtub reading session a little nicer with a free bath salt bar from The Sunflower Project. Kaitlin will be here on Monday, February 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Drop in and create your own moisturizing bath salts with a selection of essential oils and floral elements to create a blend that’s just right for you.

All are welcome to this free event thanks to support from the Friends of the Mercer Public Library for Love Your Library Month.

Earth Day T-Shirt orders due today!

The library will be sponsoring our annual Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 20th. As part of that event, the Friends of the Library often order Earth Day T-Shirts. We’re trying something a little different in 2024: This year, anyone can order their own shirt online and it will be delivered to the library for pickup.

We're ordering this blackberry-colored "Be Kind to the Earth" t-shirt, which will have our library name printed on the sleeve.

DON'T DELAY: The deadline is TODAY, February 15th! Place your order here: sharedorder.com/EH51316

Tech Classes

Our staff is always happy to provide technology help through drop-in questions or by appointment. Here are the next technology events on our calendar:

• Fri, Feb. 23 at 10:30 a.m. - Facebook Marketplace & other online sales with Julia
• Fri, Mar. 8 at 10:30 a.m. - Tech Lingo 101 with Teresa

10 Years of Fe University

Fe University is celebrating 10 years of classes! FeU began in 2014 as a way for older adults to engage in college-level short courses and lectures and to discover the joy of lifelong learning. Join FeU for a free winter social to kick off their new series, "Still Learning After All These Years." The gathering will be held at the Mercer Library on Tuesday, February 20 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Hors d'oeuvres and libations will be served.

More events coming soon

Intro to Pysanky

Learn to make Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs) with artist Nico Duncanson on Monday, March 18 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Space is very limited, so you must register in advance by calling the library at 715-476-2366. The class is free to attend thanks to support from the Friends of the Library, but we suggest a $15 donation to cover the cost of materials.

Meet Local Candidates

Be an informed voter when you go to the polls on April 2nd for Wisconsin's local elections! The Mercer Library will host a Meet the Candidates event on Tuesday, March 19th from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Candidates for Mercer Town Board, Mercer representatives to the Iron County Board, and Mercer School Board have been invited for an informal meet-and-greet event. Mercer School officials will also be in attendance to share information about the upcoming referendum. Refreshments will be served.

Learn to make Sourdough

Learn to make sourdough breads, rolls, and more in a Sourdough Beginner Class with Gabbie LaCount of "Breads by Gabbie" on Saturday, May 4th. The class is free to observe thanks to support from the Friends of the Library, but if you'd like to participate in the hands-on class we suggest a donation of $11 to help cover the cost of the materials. Space is limited, so call 715-476-2366 to sign up.

Mercer Public Library | 715-476-2366 | mercerpubliclibrary.org

Winter hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9-5 -- Tue, Thu 9-6 -- Sat 9-12