JUNE 14, 2013
Orwell takes "1984" vs. "Fahrenheit 451" Smackdown
In a very close victory, "1984" by George Orwell beat out Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" 56 to 53 to take the week two fiction title in the Marathon County Public Library's Literary Smackdown.
Although both books take a hard stance against censorship and personal freedom, it was Orwell's dystopian look at government spying that resonated with Marathon County readers. Still, Bradbury's tale of book burning resonated strongly with library patrons making this race almost too close to call.
Wondering who won previous weeks? Visit our Smackdown page at
http://www.mcpl.us/events/slp/literary-smackdown-voting.php. Keep filling in those brackets and don't forget to vote in our week two nonfiction contest! It's "On the Origin of Species" by Charles Darwin taking on "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson.
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posted by Amy Ryan / MCPL Library Services |
Category: Summer Reading Program
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JUNE 7, 2013
"Jane Eyre" takes Week 1 Fiction Smackdown Title
In a stunning upset, "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte schooled "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald and won the first round of fiction competition in MCPL's Literary Smackdown.
Despite the recent popularity of Fitzgerald's iconic and decadent Jazz-age novel, a plucky and intelligent young governess took the first victory in this summer-long competition to determine the most influential book in Marathon County.
Voting is now open in the first nonfiction matchup of the competition, so don't forget to vote for your favorite between "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank and "The Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan.
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posted by Amy Ryan / MCPL Customer Services |
Category: Summer Reading Program
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MAY 29, 2013
Summer packed with programs!
Marathon County Public Library locations across the county will be full of "underground"-themed activities for children, teens and adults during our 2013
Summer Library Program!
Children can "
Dig Into Reading" and do their choices of suggested activities to complete an archeological-themed reading log. Reading books is part of it, but kids also are encouraged to attend library events and work on reading-based activities.
In addition to art parties, a scavenger hunt, movie nights and a teen night at the aquarium, teenagers can take part in our "
Beneath the Surface" summer-long program. It may take a little work – read 15 books and complete five activities to receive a reward – but you get to choose the books (even graphic novels) and the activities.
As part of the "
Groundbreaking Reads" adult program, patrons around the county will decide the most influential book in Marathon County in our Literary Smackdown competition. A March Madness-style bracket pits well-known works of fiction and non-fiction against each other in a battle for supremacy. For adults, and some young adults, we also have programs on the weird and mysterious creatures allegedly roaming Wisconsin and the impact of prohibition on Marathon County, among other programs in the works.
So dig in! Check
www.mcpl.us/slp throughout the summer for program schedules, updates and new programs not listed in our SLP calendar.
(from the MCPL Newsletter, May-July, 2013)
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posted by Chad Dally / Library Services |
Categories: Summer Reading Program,
Newsletter
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MAY 23, 2013
Dig Into Reading This Summer
It’s time to get ready to “Dig Into Reading” @MCPL this summer. The Summer Library Program starts June 8 and ends August 24. We have lots of fun activities, programs, therapy dogs to listen to kids read, and a summer reading club all ready to go for children and families at all MCPL locations.
Children can register for the reading club and pick up the Excavation Site Map @ any MCPL location. For every 15 minutes children read, visit the library, attend a library program and complete a suggested activity, they cross off or color a rock. When all 7 rocks are colored, the site map can be brought to the library and children can claim their treasure. Children will need their maps to get their treasure. Children can complete as many digs as they want and claim treasure for completion of each one.
Along with the reading club, we have many great performers lined-up who will be sure to delight the whole family and sneak in some learning as well.
· Musician/storyteller, Stuart Stotts will be presenting “Dig in and Dig It: Songs and Stories to Celebrate Reading” with songs about a magical cavern, the Underground Railroad and more.
· The Truly Remarkable Loon will amaze us as he “Read(s) Books and Juggles Everything Else” including juggling spinning plates.
· Jack Zolkowski and his amazing Soda Pups Dogs will steal your heart and keep you smiling all day. His dogs are named after soft drinks—Ginger Ale, Sierra Mist, Squirt, Dr. Pepper, and RB (Root Beer). Sierra Mist even rides in a remote-controlled Hummer and you won’t want to miss the Green Bay Packer trick!
· Magician Rob Halbrook is back as Professor Marvel, but this year he will be taking us on an amazing Archeological Adventure involving Merlin and the Goblet of Fire and lots more book-related magical adventures.
· With Professor Oops we will be “Dig(ging) Into the Underground World” and exploring creatures underneath the ground as only he can present it, with lots of humor and fun.
· David Stokes and his “Creatures Under the Earth Surface” program will help us discover creatures that hug the earth.
Discover, imagine and create @your library this summer and "Dig Into Reading". Special Summer Library Programs are also available for teens (Beneath the Surface) and adults (Groundbreaking Reads). For more information and schedules: http://www.mcpl.us/events/slp/
{{2013-06-14}}
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Children's Services |
Categories: Children,
Summer Reading Program
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MAY 7, 2013
Wausau Story Time Changes for Summer
Summer is coming, and with it the Summer Library Program at MCPL!
The next couple of weeks the Wausau Headquarters children's department will be busy with school tours, so there will be no story times May 12th through June 9th at the Wausau Headquarters library.
Book Babies, Tales for Tots and Preschool Story Times will continue through summer with an adjusted schedule.
Beginning June 10th, join us for Sweet Dreams Story Time.
This story time will be offered every Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. throughout the summer. Come join the summer fun! {{2013-06-09}}
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posted by Marissa/Library Services |
Categories: Children,
Summer Reading Program,
Storytimes
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JUNE 27, 2012
Start and Keep Children Reading
- Start reading to your child early; read board and picture books to your baby, repeat nursery rhymes, and sing and talk to them often.
- Set aside some special time daily to read to your child separately and together with your family.
- Ask your child questions about books that they are reading; read the same book and discuss it with them.
- Get them hooked on books in a series; there are lots of good series books, like the Magic Tree House series, that will keep them interested and reading for a long time (48th book to be released this July)
- Discover what type of books they like and help them find similar books and authors.
- Find books and magazine articles about anything that your child is interested in—even reluctant readers or children who struggle with reading will want to read about their favorite sports star, movie character or activity.
- A love of reading and learning is contagious. When children see you reading and visiting your library often they will want to also.
- Give children free rein with their reading choices; allow them to read widely and freely.
- Place books in a special place in your home; buy books for children as a part of their holiday and birthday gifts and encourage relatives and friends to do the same.
- Make reading a fun activity; encourage your children to select books at their reading level and interest.
- Encourage your children to participate in fun reading clubs, like the Summer Library Program @your library.
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Youth Services |
Categories: Children,
Summer Reading Program
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MAY 22, 2012
Summer Greetings from Your Library!
It’s that time of year again! While we are all making our plans to enjoy a beautiful Wisconsin summer, I invite everyone to visit the library for plenty of fun learning adventures!
We will be continuing our ever-popular Summer Reading Program at all nine MCPL locations, featuring events and reading encouragement for children (through 5th grade) and teens (grades 6-12).
It’s easy to get started with summer activities such as travel, home repair and remodeling, outdoor sports and recreation, or reading a paperback novel. Just check out the resources at your local library!
Don’t forget that we have many online tools to make your life easier. For example, our OverDrive catalog provides access to free e-books, audio books, music, and videos! These files may be checked out for a limited time and downloaded to your computer, ereader, mp3 player, or other devices. Plus, thousands of public domain e-books are available for you to download and keep!
Let’s all have a safe, enjoyable summer, and please feel free to improve your quality of life at any of our libraries in Marathon County. Our staff members are always happy to help, and we welcome your patronage!
(from the MCPL Newsletter, May-July 2012)
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posted by Ralph Illick / Library Director |
Categories: Newsletter,
Summer Reading Program
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MAY 16, 2012
Dream Big--Read!
Dreams and wishes and sleepy-time kisses! It’s Dream Big-Read, the Summer Library Program @ your MCPL library. We have so much fun planned this summer for kids, teens and families that you just have to stop in, grab some good reading and go to a program or two.
Visiting a Marathon County library near you this summer are musicians/songwriters Tom Pease and Rich Baumann, juggler Bob Kann, the Raptor Education Group with large raptor birds, magician Professor Marvel a.k.a. Rob Halbrook, and more. You can also join us for a pool party at Memorial Park, meet us at the ballpark for a Woodchucks game, read to (and pet) therapy dogs, do some dreamy crafts, and bring the family (in your “jammies” if you wish) for a Sweet Dreams storytime on Monday nights 6:30pm @ MCPL Wausau (begins June 4).
If you are a teen (completed grades 6-12), we also have a special reading club and programs just for you--a scavenger hunt, art party, tie dye t-shirts, martial arts demonstration, mad science night, improv comedy and more are planned Tuesday nights at 6:00pm @MCPL Wausau.
And don’t forget to read this summer and submit reading tickets @ your local MCPL. Teens earn rewards by submitting reading tickets online or writing book reviews. Monthly drawings for prizes will be held.
The Summer Library Program begins on June 3. A complete list of Summer programs is online.
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Youth Services |
Categories: Summer Reading Program,
Children
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AUGUST 26, 2011
Summer Library Program Concludes
Congratulations Marathon County! You made reading and learning a priority this summer. Over 4,000 people in Marathon County participated in the Summer Library Program Reading Club.
Prizes have been drawn for the Summer Reading Club. Congratulations to winners of the Children's prizes: David B., Latylia R., Anna B., Mikala B., Katherine G., Ethan C., Ashley B., Brianna L., and Selena E. Teen prize winners are: Marissa H., Colton L., Jimmy D., Sarah H., and Ava G.
Thank you to all of the sponsors for the Summer Library Program. It would not have been possible without the support of our community and the Friends of the Library.
The Summer Library Program may be over again for this year, but reading and learning are lifelong. Keep on reading Marathon County, and and don't forget to read to your young children as well.
The Library will be back on Fall/Spring hours after Labor Day, so you will have more time to stop in and see us. Visit us at any one of our nine locations. See you soon!
{{2011-09-06}}
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Categories: Children,
Summer Reading Program
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JULY 15, 2011
Summertime Fun and Learning @ MCPL
There is still plenty of summer left to soar through the clouds and have adventures galore—all by visiting your library, attending programs, and reading. One World, Many Stories, the Summer Library Program, is still operating at full speed. It’s not just for kids. All ages are encouraged to participate, including babies, teens, and seniors.
Because reading and learning are important parts of the Summer Library Program, a Reading Club is part of the summer fun. After you have read ten books or 25 pages, cross off a symbol on your reading ticket and turn it in. Children 12 and under receive a small prize bag for their first ticket.
July and August are prime vacation months. Why not grab some books @MCPL, or download them for free from OverDrive, transfer them to your ebook reader or other device, and take them on vacation with you for that lazy summer day at the pool or lake.
Learn more about the Summer Library Program activities @ your MCPL location by visiting www.mcpl.us/slp
We are wishing you many wonderful summer adventures!
{{2011-07-24}}
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Categories: Summer Reading Program,
Children
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JULY 11, 2011
Randy Peterson @ Library
Join us on Tuesday, July 12 for children’s musician,
Randy Peterson @
MCPL Wausau for two shows:
2:00pm and 6:30pm. Randy will be performing @MCPL as part of the
Summer Library Program, One World, Many Stories. Please note: there will
not be a morning performance. An afternoon performance @2:00 pm and an evening performance @ 6:30pm are the correct times. There were some errors on other listings in the community.
Escape the summer heat and come and sing along with Randy. You will not want to miss these free performances, funded by the
Friends of the Library. Bring the whole family, have some fun, and learn some things too. See you there!
If you can’t come to
MCPL Wausau on Tuesday, July 12, Randy Peterson will also be performing @
MCPL Stratford on Wednesday, July 20 @1:30pm.
Keep on reading and learning. The
Summer Library Program is open to all ages.
{{2011-07-13}}
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Categories: Summer Reading Program,
Children
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JUNE 14, 2011
Discovery, Fun, and Learning @ MCPL
“There’s music, there’s music, there’s music inside of you," as today’s participant's, young and old, discovered today with Bill Kehl as our guide. In his program, One Earth, Many Sounds, kids discovered musical instruments from around the world made from found objects in nature. They learned the instrument's history, and even had the chance to play them.
Today was the kickoff for the
Summer Library Program @ Wausau. At MCPL Spencer Branch, Randy Peterson captivated an audience of 240.
If you missed Bill Kehl or Randy Peterson, there’s still time to see them. They will be at other
MCPL locations this summer. Check out the Library's Summer Library Program's events and activities @ all MCPL locations
http://www.mcpl.us/events/slp/ Remember to keep reading this summer. Kids, teens, and adults of all ages can participate in the Reading Club. Reading and learning are the main part of what the
Summer Library Program is all about. Sign up for the Reading Club today by visiting one of your
MCPL locations. You can print out reading tickets online
http://www.mcpl.us/events/slp/ Every day is a good day to read and visit your library. See you soon!
{{2011-06-22}}
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Categories: Summer Reading Program,
Children
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JUNE 2, 2011
One World, Many Stories
Stories, stories, stories; what would we be like without them? What would the world be like without them? One World, Many Stories is the theme for the 2011 Summer Library Program!
Stories from all cultures and all parts of the world help us make sense of the world, enable us to understand and relate better to each other, try on different occupations, experience different situations. Few of us will ever get a chance in our lifetime to travel around the world and immerse ourselves in all cultures. But all of us can travel through the pages of books, glimpse another’s world, imagine another universe, and escape ours for a while.
As well as improving their reading skills, children of all ages learn important social lessons from reading stories. They learn about sharing, trusting, friendship, loving, how to treat one another. They discover that there are others outside their immediate world that may not look or act like them. Children get the opportunity to see a much wider universe and experience it for a short while. They can let their imaginations soar as high and as wide as they wish.
The Library has millions of stories for young and old alike. All ages are welcome to get a library card, check-out books, participate in the Library’s Summer Reading Club and attend programs and activities. The Summer Library Program begins June 5 and continues through August 20. Check out what is happening this summer @ your library www.mcpl.us/slp Please join us for a world of fun, imagination and discovery! |
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posted by Sharyn Hieli, Librarian |
Categories: Children,
Summer Reading Program
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MAY 25, 2011
Summer Library Program 2011
There’s a little something for everyone during our Summer Library Program (SLP), including music, arts and crafts, storytimes, our Summer Reading Club, and other great events and activities for the whole family!
Summer Reading Club (5/5-8/20) — Participants of any age may submit Reading Tickets for books read during the summer, or for attending library events. Children under 12 receive a free gift bag when they turn in their first ticket! At the end of the summer, all tickets will be entered in drawings for prizes donated by local organizations!
Teen Reading Rewards (5/5-8/20) — Teens who have completed grades 6-12 may participate in their own Reading Club for cool prizes, monthly drawings, and other contests —all just for teens! Use the Summer Reading Ticket, or submit your tickets online. Rewards may also be earned by attending teen events, suggesting purchases, or writing short book reviews!
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posted by Ben Krombholz / MCPL Customer Services |
Categories: Summer Reading Program,
Newsletter
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MAY 16, 2011
Changes to Children's Storytime Schedule
Summer is coming, and with it “One World Many Stories”, the
Summer Library Program @ MCPL, and changes to the storytime schedules.
The next two weeks we will be very busy with school tours, so there will be no storytimes May 16-28. There will also be no storytimes July 4-9.
- Family Storytimes, Saturday’s @ MCPL Wausau are not held during the summer months; they will resume again in the fall, on Saturday, September 24.
- Books for Babies @MCPL Wausau will be held per the usual schedule this summer on Monday at 9:45 and 10:30.
- Tales for Twos @MCPL Wausau will be held on May 31 and the rest of the summer on Tuedays' at 9:45 and 10:30 except on the following dates: June 14 and June 21, as there will be presentations on those Tuesday mornings as part of the Summer Library Program, and Tuesday July 5.
- Preschool Storytimes @ MCPL Wausau will resume its regular schedule starting with Wednesday, June 1, but will not be held on Wednesday, July 6 or Thursday, July 7.
- Family Storytimes at MCPL Hatley will be held during the summer, except during the weeks when special Summer Library Programs are held at the branch. MCFPL Hatley’s regular storytimes are on Tuesday at 10:30.
- Preschool Storytimes @MCPL Rothschild will follow its usual schedule of Preschool Storytimes, Wednesday’s at 10:30.
- Storytimes at other MCPL Branch Library locations will be discontinued during the summer months, but be sure to check out all of the other exciting special programs during the Library’s Summer Library Program.
{{2011-05-28}}
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posted by Sahryn Heili, Librarian |
Categories: Children,
Storytimes,
Summer Reading Program
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AUGUST 30, 2010
An Aquarium for Casey!
Congratulations to Casey C., the winner of the aquarium kit donated by Ace Hardware in Weston. Casey was one of over 1300 reading club participants at the Wausau Headquarters Library. His ticket was drawn from tickets from all the library locations in Marathon County, so he is a very lucky boy!
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posted by Diane Peterson, Librarian @ Children's |
Categories: Children,
Summer Reading Program
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AUGUST 27, 2010
Where is the Bathtub?
I have had this question from many children in the last couple weeks. So--here it is--sitting in the library's garage, in the middle of a much-needed makeover. Kitty has completed the painting (look at the snazzy gold feet!), and Olson Carpet One will soon be replacing the old, worn carpet. Our thanks to Christine Bremer-Zoromski, who is funding the tub's makeover.
What's that in the tub? All the Summer Library Program reading tickets from throughout the county, waiting for the drawing of the grand prize. Wow, what a lot of reading our customers did this summer!
And the Grand Prize winner is...
...stay tuned...
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posted by Diane Peterson, Librarian @ Children's |
Categories: Children,
Summer Reading Program
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AUGUST 26, 2010
Bubbles, Bubbles for Quinn!
Congratulations to Quinn B, the winner of the Bubble Package, including a bubble flyer, a Buzz Lightyear bubble wand, and loads of bubble solution. Quinn won his prize by listening to stories and turning in tickets during our Summer Library Program. Thank you to the Friends of MCPL for donating this prize. Have fun with all the bubbles, Quinn!
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posted by Diane Peterson, Librarian @ Children's |
Categories: Children,
Summer Reading Program
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AUGUST 24, 2010
Congratulations, Ian!
Congratulations to Ian W, one of the prize winners in our Make a Splash summer reading club. Ian won the "Baby" prize, with bathtub letters, towels, and, Ian's favorite, a rubber ducky. Thank you to the Friends of the library for donating this prize!
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posted by Diane Peterson, Librarian @ Children's |
Categories: Summer Reading Program,
Children
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AUGUST 18, 2010
Time is Running Out for Reading Tickets!
It's not too late to turn in a ticket for the summer reading program--but time is running out soon! All tickets must be turned in by 1:00 this Saturday, August 21 to be included in the prize drawings.
We have had a record number of participants at the library in Wausau. Thank you for making this our best summer ever!
{{2010-08-21}}
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posted by Diane Peterson, Librarian @ Children's |
Categories: Children,
Summer Reading Program
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AUGUST 9, 2010
Pool Party!
I can't think of a better way to wrap up our "Make a Splash" summer reading program than with a pool party on one of the hottest days of the year!
The pool party will be held Tuesday, August 10 at Memorial Park pool in Wausau. Kids received a free family admission pass in their "goody bags" when they turned in their first completed reading ticket. Teens also received free admission with their first completed reading ticket. These admission passes may be used for Memorial Park Pool anytime between 1:00 and 7:50 pm Tuesday. You can also show your library card for free admission that day.
Children's craft activities will be featured from 1:00 to 3:00. I also have a few prizes to give away, so the first 50 or so children who come up to me (in my red T-shirt) and tell me the summer theme will receive a small prize.
Lawn games and other activities for teens will be featured after 6:00. Come and join the splashy fun!
{{2010-8-10}}
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posted by Diane Peterson, Librarian @ Children's |
Categories: Programs,
Children,
Summer Reading Program
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