Enjoy the March StoryWalk and start preparing for the Earth Day Fair!

We've had some incredibly good news in the last few weeks about the upcoming renovation (keep reading below to get all the updates that have happened)! We're making progress on several upcoming events including the Earth Day Fair and preparing for summer reading programming. And I've changed out the StoryWalk signs at Carow Park for our March book to celebrate the start of spring! There's never a dull moment in the library.

I'm also overjoyed to welcome our new Library Assistant, Jackie, to the Mercer Public Library. Jackie has some amazing experience from her work in Hurley and is already becoming an essential part of the staff here. If you haven't already, please stop in to meet her and welcome her to the incredible community that surrounds and supports the library.

I usually try to add a funny story or mishap that's happened recently, but things have been far too busy and are mostly running far too smoothly at the library right now for any of that (I've probably just jinxed myself by saying that...whoops!). Here's to hoping that things stay relatively calm here, that spring comes soon, and that you're all doing well! I hope to see you all at the Library or one of our upcoming events!

Julia Pusateri

director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | 715-476-2366

Construction and Renovation Update (3/20/2025)

We've made some big progress since the last update that I want to share! The grant agreement was signed by the Town of Mercer and is now in place for portions of the Library's renovation to begin. We've been working to complete the reshelving of the non-fiction and audiobook sections of the library and we're almost finished. If you've stopped in over the last few weeks, you've seen us working on this and moving items around to make space for later projects.

We are now accepting bids for portions of the overall renovations. The bid advertisement, project specs, and terms of grant funding are on our website under the Library Renovations Update. Sealed bids will be accepted until Thursday April 10, 2025 at 5:30pm and will be opened at the April regular meeting of the Town Board on April 10. The Library Board will review the bids at their regular meeting on April 14.

While all of that is going on, we're also expecting other changes to start happening. In Miss Marge's Room, new furniture has arrived and is getting set up for our kids to enjoy when they're visiting. A mural by Art by Natalie Watland is set to begin on April 7th and should be completed by April 18th. The mural will bring the outside indoors by highlighting our native flora and fauna and draw on the beautiful gardens that sit just outside the kids room window. New soft seating and chairs from Northwoods Accents should be delivered in April that will help to connect the feeling of the historic library to the newer renovations.

This renovation has also given the library a chance to find other ways to benefit the community. Two chairs we planned on replacing went to the Senior Center to help bring comfort seating to their new coffee area and some weeded items were able to help start their little library. Surplus library shelving is making its way to the Town's Ambulance Hall to help increase storage in the building for supplies and equipment.

I might sound cheesy, but I stand by the mindset that it takes a village (or in our case a town) to be successful. Communities are built when we all show up and support each other. We try to live that at the Library and this renovation has given us some incredible opportunities to support local businesses, artists, and our town partners.

Stay tuned for additional updates coming through press releases, on social media, and on our dedicated page for the renovation.

March StoryWalk®

The March StoryWalk is The Snow Thief by Alice Hemming and Nicola Slater. In the follow-up to The Leaf Thief, Squirrel is worried about who stole his hazelnuts and where this white fluffy stuff comes from. Bird introduces Squirrel to snowball fights and other winter fun.

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

Save the Date for Earth Day Fair 2025

Mark your calendar for the 7th annual Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 19 from 10:00am-12:00pm in the Community Center. Stop in to meet the many community organizations who help protect the beautiful wildlife and wilderness we all enjoy, take advantage of the recycling opportunities we'll have ready, and have a chance to win some of our fabulous door prizes!

We're now taking registrations for 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. Contact Library Director Julia Pusateri at director@mercerpubliclibrary.org to register.

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 at 715-476-2366.

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 10:00am-12:00pm for those interested in participating.

Share Mercer's history on Memory Mondays with Library Assistant Blaze! Join us on April 14 and May 12 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