Mark your calendars for upcoming events!

We've had a few updates here that I wanted to highlight this week. We are beginning to plan our Earth Day Fair for 2025, so make sure you order a shirt to celebrate and mark your calendars to not miss all the opportunities to participate and enjoy the day.

As you heard in my last newsletter, we rescheduled the tamale class with Martha Kelly Catering to Saturday March 1. If you were interested in attending, there's still time to adjust your plans and free up your day.

Because Love Your Library Month is so important to us and we want to hear all of your amazing stories, please take a few minutes to complete this form to share your thoughts with us. We love hearing from you every day, but this is a chance for us to gather those stories to help explain the impact of the Library on your lives and in our community.

Julia Pusateri

director@mercerpubliclibrary.org | 715-476-2366

Construction and Renovation Update (2/12/2025)

We anxiously continue to wait for the grant agreement; unfortunately we cannot take any action on grant projects until this agreement is in place. We are continuing to prepare ourselves as best as possible so we're ready to hit the ground running as soon as we can.

We are planning on some other building renovations that are not a part of the grant, but are needed updates. We don't expect these projects to impact the library's operations. Thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library, we will be moving forward with some improvements to Miss Marge's Room (the kids' room) and repairs to the wood flooring in the office, meeting, and kids rooms.

If you stop in over the next few weeks, you'll begin to see some other changes in preparation for the renovation. Our collection is moving around and we're planning on moving furniture to begin clearing space ahead of any closure. If you come in and you're having trouble locating items, let us know and we can get you to the right place.

Please know that as soon as I have any updates, I will be sharing the news with everyone through newsletters, social media, and press releases. I am as anxious as all of you to start this process and get things underway.

Order your Earth Day T-shirt!

In years past, we've set up orders for Earth Day themed shirts. This year is no different! Order your "Hold on to Our Planet" shirt from Earth Day Shirts to celebrate Earth Day in 2025.

Orders must be submitted by February 20 so make sure you don't miss your change to join the group order. If we receive a minimum of 12 orders, the shirts will be customize for the Mercer Public Library!

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.

Save the Date for Earth Day Fair 2025

Mark your calendar for the 2025 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 March 10 and April 14 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