Announcing 2025 Summer Programs!

It's finally time and we're ready to announce our 2025 summer programs! Details can be found below or on our website here. This year we're excited to invite back some previous performers as well as introduce you to some new faces. There are so many amazing events this summer, but I want to highlight a few so you make sure to mark your calendars now.

Our annual Tie-Dye Party will be on Tuesday July 1 from 10am to noon. Supplies will be provided, but t-shirts are only available on a first come, first served basis. The event page lists our recommendations if you want to bring your own item to dye. We've timed this again so you'll be able to sport your own custom tie-dye during the 4th of July Celebrations just a few days later!

On August 8, we'll have a screening of Lake Michigan Monster, a film by Ryland Brickson Cole Tews and Mike Cheslik. Described as being in the style of the 1950s/60 B-rated horror films, Lake Michigan Monster tells the story of Captain Seafield's fight to slay the hellish sea monster lurking in the depths of Lake Michigan. Speakers (announcements coming soon) will kick off the Monster Madness and the screening will follow. Lake Michigan Monster is co-written by the same two individuals who created last summer's film sensation Hundreds of Beavers.

The theme this year, "Color Our World", challenges us to thinking about how we can change and color our world through small and large acts of kindness. I'm thrilled to finally be able to share our upcoming program line-up and cannot wait to see you at our events this summer! I also want to thank the Friends of the Mercer Library who have sponsored all of our programs; this sponsorship ensures that we are able to offer these events at no cost to you and open for anyone who wishes to attend.

Julia Pusateri

director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | 715-476-2366

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.

Join us and 'Color Our World' this summer at the Mercer Library!

It's finally time to announce the 2025 schedule for summer programs! We have some amazing programmers and presenters coming to the Library this summer for all ages to enjoy!

Weekly summer programming for kids will begin on June 19 and continue through August 14. This summer will feature crafts run by our library staff, Martha Kelly Catering, Spoons for the People, Tracy Chipman, Northwoods Wildlife Center, Discovery Center, and Magic Morgan & Liliana! 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. In June, Martha Kelly Catering will be leading a charcuterie class; July will bring author Sara Rath to the Mercer community; and in August, we'll have a screening of Lake Michigan Monster, a film by Ryland Brickson Cole Tews and Mike Cheslik (who also co-wrote Hundreds of Beavers which we screened last summer).

All of our summer programs are FREE and open to the public thanks to the support and sponsorship of the Friends of the Mercer Library. For more information, check out our website or call the Library at 715-476-2366.

Final classes and closing reception with Artist-in-Residence, Terry Hudson!

Terry will be hosting the final in a series of sculpting classes on June 7 and June 12 from 12:00pm-2:00pm. These classes will complete the one of a kind sculptures attendees have already begun of two kids finding joy in their love of reading.

Mark your calendar now for our Closing Reception with Terry on Friday, June 20 at 12:00pm. The completed sculptures will be placed at 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.

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

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 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.

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

Summer hours (beginning after Memorial Day): Mon-Thurs 9-7 | Fri 9-5 | Sat 9-12