History walks, sculpture classes, StoryWalk adventures, and more! | | |
Oh thank goodness I'm finally warm again! I don't know about you, but it seemed like spring/summer was never going to come. Personally, I'm going to take as much time as I can to get outside, get in my garden, and walk around Town before it gets too warm to enjoy.
For whatever reason yesterday, I started to think about what it was like when Teresa and I were navigating the transition, and 2024 summer programs, and Fall Celebration, and renovations. And it struck me that yesterday, May 8, marks 10 months since becoming your Director; and what a ton of fun we've had!
When I write these introductions to the newsletter, I like to share a little fun and joy and laughter to start us off right. So in that tradition, I want to recap some of the adventures I've had with my favorite library program, the StoryWalk signs (fun fact: the first StoryWalk signs were in October 2023 at MECCA Trails)! Since my first installation in October 2024, I've had fun battling the wind in a very amusing fiction coming to life moment while installing The Leaf Thief (spoiler alert, the wind is the bad guy), trudged through snow banks in single digit temps (and broke a drill bit), and today I finally got to change out the signs on a truly perfect sunshiny, not too warm day (it only took 8 months of trying). Now that I've said that, I'm sure changing the signs in June will come will a torrential downpour.
In spite (and probably in part because) of these kinds of shenanigans, the StoryWalk program has become one of my favorite things to do each month. Thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library and individual donors, I get to do something that brings me so much joy and share it with you every single month.
Julia Pusateri
director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | 715-476-2366
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Mercer History Walks with Blaze starting May 23 at 3:00pm
Library Assistant Blaze is bringing back his incredibly popular downtown history walks! Blaze is our resident historian and has a wealth of knowledge on local history, places, people, and industries.
On May 23, 2025 from 3:00pm-4:00pm starting at the Historic Depot, Blaze will be leading a talk on "Our Early Residents". The talk will cover some of Mercer's very earliest citizens including pictures and visuals gathered through photo and newspaper archives.
Additional walks are scheduled for Monday, June 30 at 5:30pm on "The Mercer Murders" and Wednesday July 30 at 3:30pm on "Where Things 'Usta' Be".
Photo: 'Big Ed' Evenson with his pet bear and other early residents and their pets.
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Construction and Renovation Update (5/9/2025)
Since our last update, we're continuing to make progress on the renovation, though it might not be at the speed that we'd hoped for originally. At a special meeting of the Library Board, a recommendation was made for the Town to move forward with granting a contract to Restored Electric for the completion of the local area network (LAN). The remaining projects will be rebid with additional specifications to ensure we are receiving the best bid options available.
Our latest addition comes in some new chairs purchased through Northwoods Accents that were delivered last week. With funding support from the Friends of the Library, we've been able to replace the majority of our soft seating while keeping the same comfortable, cozy feel we all love about the library. The Library is committed to buying local whenever possible and this project has given us a chance to support one of our Mercer businesses. We are proud and excited to have this opportunity to work with Mike at Northwoods Accents.
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We're still anticipating that the bulk of the work will occur later this year, but we will keep everyone updated as timetables are set and work is scheduled. I want to thank everyone for your continued patience as we've worked through these renovations.
If you haven't had the opportunity, please take some time to visit the library and enjoy the mural painted by Art by Natalie Watland. Our new conferencing equipment, funded by the FFP grant, in the meeting room as been working out phenomenally since install not too long ago.
There is still more work to do and furniture to move, but we're celebrating every success and completion in this project. Thank you all for your support and excitement through every phase we've moved through.
Stay tuned for additional updates coming through press releases, on social media, and on our dedicated page for the renovation.
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Welcome to our newest Artist-in-Residence, Terry Hudson!
Please give a warm welcome to our first 2025 Artist-in-Residence, sculptor Terry Hudson! Terry will be hosting a series of classes to complete one of a kind sculptures featuring two kids finding joy in their love of reading. Participants can join any of the remaining workshops on May 15, June 7, and June 12 from 12:00pm-2:00pm.
Mark your calendar now for our Closing Reception with Terry on Friday, June 20 at 12:00pm. The completed sculptures will be placed in the library and Terry will give a few comments on her background and inspiration; light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Thanks to a sponsorship by the Friends of the Mercer Library, these classes are free and open to the public. Space is limited to 12 participants; to reserve your spot, please call the Mercer Public Library at 715-476-2366.
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May StoryWalk® sponsored by Martha Pierpont and Dean Gustafson
The May StoryWalk is Spreckle's Snack Surprise by Sandra Salsbury. This adorable story tells the adventure of Spreckle the Dragon's hunt for the perfect snack. When corn kernels and slugs and ice cream aren't quite right, Spreckle almost gives up. Visit the signs at W.S. Carow Park during the month of May to see if Spreckle finds the perfect snack after all! This month's story is brought to you thanks to a sponsorship by Martha Pierpont and Dean Gustafson.
If you enjoy the StoryWalk® program, please consider sponsoring the signs on a monthly, 3-month, or 6-month basis, by contacting the Library at 715-476-2366 or by email at director@mercerpubliclibrary.org
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Updates coming soon: 2025 Summer programming
It's almost time to announce the 2025 schedule for summer programs! With just a few presenters and performers left to confirm, we're just about ready to share all of the fun and excitement coming soon.
Weekly summer programming for kids will begin on June 19 and continue through August 14. Go ahead and mark your calendars for our annual Tie-Dye Party on Tuesday, July 1 from 10:00am-12:00pm!
In addition, we'll be hosting an adult program once a month in June, July and August AND Blaze will be offering a history walk each month beginning in May.
Stay tuned for more information coming soon!
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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 May 12, June 9, and July 13 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.
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