Just about wrapping up our summer!

I said it before and I'll say it again, wow this summer has been amazing! Combining June and July, we've had over 2,800 visitors to the Library! We're able to do so much for our community because of our year-round and seasonal residents and visitors to Mercer; thank you for the support.

It's been a bit warm the last few weeks, but I personally have enjoyed the extra sun, blue skies, and time out on the lake (raise your hand if you have too!) We all know this beautiful weather won't be around for long, so make sure you take advantage while you can.

In other news, don't miss the Friends of the Library Used Book Sale on Tuesday, August 6 from 8:00am - 2:00pm! I also want to encourage everyone to complete the Town of Mercer and Iron County Community Survey. Your responses will help guide our town, county, and the Library in planning for our next 20 years!

Before I go, the Library will be closed on Loon Day (Wednesday, August 7), but we wish everyone a fun and safe day! And if you see me out shopping, make sure to say hi!

Julia Pusateri

director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | 715-476-2366

Final Summer Programs

We've had an amazing summer at the Library. Across the 10 programs we've had so far, we've served 440 people! There are still two more events before we officially wrap up this year's Summer Reading Program!

• Thursday, August 15 at 10:30pm - We're celebrating Smokey Bear's 80th Birthday! If he's not too busy fighting wildfires, we may even get a special appearance from Smokey himself!
• Sunday, August 18 at 2:00pm - Author Lauren Fox will appear in a conversation with the Mercer Public Library and the Winchester Public Library. See below for more details.

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! Turn in your reading logs by Saturday, August 17 to be entered to win some amazing prizes!

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

Welcome our 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!

• 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
• Thursday, September 26 at 4:30 - Closing Reception

Space in the classes 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.

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.

Our August "Taste Test" is curry!

This month's Taste Test kit features curry powder, an ingredient found in many Indian dishes. Ask at the front desk for a sample of curry 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, and they're free thanks to support from the Friends of the Mercer Public Library.

Friends of Mercer Public Library- Annual Fall Celebration

On Saturday, September 14 from 2:00pm - 5:00pm, the Friends of the Library are hosting their annual Fall Celebration. This popular event is free and open to the public. Enjoy hors d’ oeuvres; beer, wine, and soft drinks; desserts; and live music with Chris Skinner.

• Starting Monday, August 12, raffle tickets will go on sale for the book baskets! Tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10. Winners will be drawn on September 20 and need not be present to win.
• Back by popular demand, an online auction will open from Saturday, September 14th to Friday, September 20 at 5:00pm. Check out this year's auction items and start planning your bids!
• The popular Dine Around gift cards will be available again at the Fall Celebration. Last year, Dine Around sold out in about one hour so get here early if you want to join!

Thank you our many sponsors and donors for making the Fall Celebration possible and supporting the Friends of the Library. All proceeds go to the Friends of Mercer Public Library, who fund programming, equipment, and special events throughout the year!

Ongoing Programs

Grab your acoustic instrument and join the Turtle River Pickers for a casual jam session of old time, bluegrass, and folk songs! All skills levels are welcome to join and bring sheet music to play with the group.

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! All entries are due by Saturday, August 31 so there's no time to lose!

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