... and a warm welcome!

Wow these last few weeks have been busy! In our last newsletter, Teresa announced that she has taken a position with the Department of Public Instruction's Public Library Team. We were lucky with her 16 years of service to the Library and I know we'll have an amazing advocate in her next adventure.

In the same spirit, I want to say a very enthusiastic hello! Many of you may already know me as a Library Assistant, and I'm really excited to get to know everyone in my new role as the Interim Library Director. Thank you to everyone who passed along many congratulations through the transition. You many also notice a new face when you visit the Library; if you stop in, be sure to say "Hi!" to Jon, our new Library Assistant!

We're deep into our summer programming and we're not slowing down any time soon! On Sunday, Jessica Michna will be back at the Library in her portrayal of Molly Brown. Between weekly kids programs, welcoming our newest Artist in Residence Aline Fetter, Taste Test kits, a geology class with FE University, and so much more, the Library is quite the place to be.

Check out our upcoming events below and stay tuned for all of the excitement still to come!

Julia Pusateri

director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | 715-476-2366

Jessica Michna as Molly Brown

This Sunday, July 14 at 2:00pm, The Friends of Mercer Public Library invite you to Molly Brown: Hardscrabble to high society performed by Jessica Michna!

Remembered as “The Unsinkable” Molly Brown, the lady was more than a survivor of the Titanic disaster. Gold prospector, gambler, and card shark barely scratches the surface of this brave, dynamic woman of the early 20th century. Learn of Molly’s fascinating life and meet some of the interesting characters she met along the way.

Michna has performed at the Library as Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Katherine Wright to much amazement. Michna founded her company, "First Impressions," in 2000 and now includes over 20 historical women in her repertoire!

This program is free and open to all. For more information, call the library at 715-476-2366.

Summer Reading Series going strong

Weekly summer programs for kids are a big hit! Thanks to support from the Friends of the Mercer Public Library, kids can enjoy theater, magic, live animals, and more at the library this summer.

Friday, July 19 at 10:30am - "The Quest for the Kakapo" with the Traveling Lantern Theatre Company
Thursday, July 25 at 1:30pm - Turtles in the Northwoods with the Northwoods Wildlife Center
Thursday, August 1 at 10:30am - Camping Adventures

We're also holding our annual Summer Reading Program! Kids can set their own reading goals by number of books read or time spent reading this summer, and be entered to win some fun prizes!

Visit our online events calendar for more details and a full schedule of upcoming events.

Welcome our next Artist in Residence, Aline Fetter!

Fetter, a full-time Northwoods resident, is our next Artist in Residence. There will be a few opportunities to meet and learn from Aline's experience. Her photography will be on display through September!

Monday, July 22 at 4:30pm - Opening Reception
Tuesday, August 20 at 10:30am - Beginning Photography with your Smartphone
Friday, September 20 at 10:30am - Intermediate Photography with your Smartphone or digital camera

Space is limited, so register in advance to save your spot!

Thanks to a sponsorship by Friends of Mercer Public Library, the Artist in Residence reception and classes are free to the public.

Our June "Taste Test" is cardamom!

This month's Taste Test kit features cardamom, an ingredient found in Indian cooking, Scandinavian baking, and more. Ask at the front desk for a sample of cardamom along with recipes and other information about how to use it in your kitchen. These kits are a fun and free way to try something new in the kitchen, and they're free thanks to support from the Friends of the Mercer Public Library.

A Conversation with author Lauren Fox on Sunday, August 18 at 2:00pm!

Author Lauren Fox will appear in a conversation with the Mercer Public Library and the Winchester Public Library about her 2021 novel, Send for Me, which tells the story of a young woman in prewar Germany intertwined with the story of her granddaughter in modern day Wisconsin!

Books can be reserved by calling Lake Effect Books at 715-255-4144. Catering will be provided by Martha Kelly Catering.

The event is free and open to be public thanks to sponsorships from the Friends of Mercer Public Library and the Winchester Public Library. For more information, call the Mercer Public Library at 715-476-2366 or the Winchester Public Library at 715-686-2926.

Don't miss out...

Here's a look at some other programs that are coming up soon!

Every Monday at 7:00pm - Grab your acoustic instrument and join the Turtle River Pickers for a casual jam session of old time, bluegrass, and folk songs!
Friday, July 19 at 2:00pm - Dick Thiede will present a lecture on "The Spectacular Geology of Iron County and the Northern Highlands." The lecture is free and open to the public, and Dick will lead an optional field trip with registration through Fe University.
Tuesday, August 6 from 8:00am - 2:00pm - The Friends of Mercer Public Library are hosting their annual Used Book Sale! All proceeds support the Friends, who help enhance the programs and services of the Library.
On Saturday, September 14 from 2:00pm - 5:00pm, the Friends of the Library are hosting their annual Fall Celebration. Stay tuned for more information to follow!

Ongoing Programs

Share Mercer's history with Library Assistant Blaze at another Memory Monday on Monday, August 12 at 11:00am where local history buffs and community enthusiasts come together to share insights, stories, and ideas about our local history.

Library Passport program with Northern Waters Library Network (NWLN) Library Passport program is in full swing! Stop in at any of the 30 libraries in our network and pick up a passport. Bring your passport with you as you travel and get a stamp at each library you visit. Collect 10 stamps and you’ll be entered to win one of four Kwik Trip gas cards totaling $500!

Elder Benefit assistance with Jerri Sokol, Specialist with the ADRC. Jerri holds office hours at the Mercer Public Library on the first Wednesday of the month from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Drop in during her office hours or make an appointment by calling 715-561-2108 ext. 5.

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

Summer hours: Mon - Thurs 9-7 -- Fri 9-5 -- Sat 9-12