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Hurray! It's Love your Library Month!

Update: Due to a supply shortage, the Tamale Class with Martha Kelly Catering has been rescheduled to Saturday March 1 from noon-3:00pm.

For me and many of you, every month is Love Your Library month (yes, that's corny and I stand by it) but someone somewhere decided that we'd specifically celebrate it February. How rude they gave us all the least number of days to spend celebrating.


Blaze and I get to hear everyday from y'all the many ways you love the Library, but we can't keep track of them all. So I'm asking that you share those memories and stories with us here and as a bonus you'll have a chance to win a $50 gift card. Please take a few minutes to let us know what memories, programs, or events make the Mercer Library so special. All that we're able to do is because of the love and support we receive from the community and this gives us just one way to understand this.


This month has several fun programs coming up. Martha Kelly Catering is coming to the Library to offer a tamale party, Blaze's Memory Mondays are still going strong, and we're still preparing for upcoming renovations. We will be open for limited hours from 9:00am-3:00pm on Thursday, February 6 and Friday, February 7 so make sure to plan your library visits on those days.


Julia Pusateri

director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | 715-476-2366

Construction and Renovation Update


Given the many questions we're asked, I decided to add a section on the construction update to this month's newsletter to keep everyone informed on what's going on. Here's where we are as of today.


Right now, we are waiting for the grant agreement before any plans and action can take place. As of today, we have not received an indication of when the grant agreement will be completed and ready for signature. In an abundance of preparation, Trustees from the Library Board and the Town Board met in late-January to review a draft copy and the Town Board approved for Eric Snow to sign the agreement once received (assuming there are no changes from the draft).


We are currently working to put plans in place so once the grant agreement is received and signed we can hit the ground running. I am constantly working to see what contracts need to be put in place first so that we can schedule construction and minimize how long we will need to close to the public (and preparing for the little details like how many boxes we'll need and where to store the collection).


Please know that as soon as I have any updates, I will be sending updates to everyone through newsletters, social media, and press releases. I am as anxious as all of you to start this process and get things underway. If you're interested in hearing more about the upcoming renovations, please join me tomorrow (February 5) at 10am at the Mercer Senior Center for their Midweek Mingle & Listen where I'll talk about the planned renovations and much more!

February StoryWalk®


The February StoryWalk is A Library Book for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. In the story, Bear is convinced he has all the books he needs, but Mouse brings him to a Library to see if they can find some other books to enjoy.


If you enjoy the StoryWalk® program, please consider sponsoring the signs for 2025. Sponsorships are available on a 3-month or 6-month basis, please contact the Library at 715-476-2366 or by email at director@mercerpubliclibrary.org

Tamale Class with Martha Kelly Catering


Join us on Saturday March 1 from noon-3pm for a Tamale Class with Martha Kelly Catering! Learn about some of the varieties of tamales around Mexico and the Caribbean Islands and watch the process of making authentic tamales.


Thanks to a sponsorship by the Friends of the Mercer Library, this event is free and open to the public. For more information or questions, contact the Mercer Public Library or visit marthakellycatering.com.

Ongoing Programs


Grab your acoustic instrument and join the Turtle River Pickers for a casual jam session of old time, bluegrass, and folk songs! On the first Wednesday of the month, the Pickers will meet at the Minocqua Library from 5:00-6:50pm. Every other week will be at the Mercer Public Library from 6:00-7:00pm. All skills levels are welcome to join and bring sheet music to play with the group.


C.L.I.C.K. Digital Navigator Tech Help with Jay Seppanen. This new program provides access to laptop lending and some tech help every Thursday from 9:00-11:30am for those interested in participating.


Share Mercer's history on Memory Mondays with Library Assistant Blaze! Join us on February 10 and March 10 to meet with history buffs and learn more our about local history. You can also come by the Library anytime to enjoy the Memory Lab and the equipment we offer to help digitize many forms of media.



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

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

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