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 that are sure to delight the whole family and even 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/
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Children's Services |
Categories: Children,
Summer Reading Program
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MAY 23, 2013
Countdown to Smackdown!
In less than two weeks, Marathon County Public Library customers will be able to start casting their votes for the book they deem THE most influential book ever published.
Starting June 3, adults and teens will have the opportunity to vote, online or in person, for their favorite fiction and nonfiction books. During the first four weeks, two matchups per week will be offered. After that, there will be one matchup per week. Customers can vote online (
www.mcpl.us), on Facebook (
www.facebook.com/MCPL.Wausau) or on paper ballots available at all library locations.
Among the candidates are novels such as "The Great Gatsby," "Animal Farm," "Harry Potter," "1984" and "To Kill a Mockingbird." Nonfiction titles include "Silent Spring," "Diary of a Young Girl," "In Cold Blood" and "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."
The final smackdown will run from August 12-16 pitting the favorite fiction title against the winning nonfiction title. The grand champion title will be announced on August 18.
So, mark your calendars for June 3, send in your votes and help choose THE most influential book ever in Marathon County!
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posted by Mike@ Reference |
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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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MAY 4, 2013
May Volunteer of the Month
Congratulations to Kathy Drobnik, Marathon County Public Library’s May Volunteer of the Month! Kathy has been volunteering at the Hatley branch for about a year. She shelves books and does whatever else staff needs help with.
Kathy comes in consistently each week to help. She is dependable, and a great volunteer at the Hatley branch.
Thank you, Kathy, for all of your hard work and dedication to Marathon County Public Library.
{{2013-5-31}}
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posted by Taylor W.-MCPL Library Services |
Category: Volunteering
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MAY 2, 2013
Providing Better Service to Customers With Hearing Loss!
The Marathon County Public Library recently installed 'Hearing Loop' devices at the Main, Children's and Reference desks at the Headquarters Library in Wausau.
Hearing Loops are a type of Hearing Assistive Technology that work in conjunction with hearing aids or cochlear implants. They pick up the staff person's voice via a microphone and transmit it wirelessly to the hearing aid or implant worn by the customer. The customer thus receives a direct, clear signal that is not garbled by distance or background noise.
These devices will enable staff to better assist customers with hearing loss while maintaining customer privacy.
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posted by Mike@ Reference |
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MAY 1, 2013
Tax Forms 2012 Summary!
Every year the Headquarters and eight branches of the Marathon County Public Library provide free paper copies of common federal and state tax forms to county residents. This year, MCPL furnished over 28,000 forms at the Wausau location alone; which equates to boxes and boxes and boxes of 1040 forms, 1040-EZs, Wisconsin Form 1, rent certificates and so on!
However, both the Internal Revenue Service and Wisconsin Department of Revenue are increasingly emphasizing that tax-filers file electronically. In recent years, both agencies have limited the number and variety of tax forms MCPL can order for the public.
It is very conceivable that, in the near future, one or both agencies may stop providing tax forms to outlets like the Marathon County Public Library.
In light of this, local tax filers should be aware of other avenues of help with tax forms.
The Internal Revenue Service website offers a ‘Free File’ service (h
ttp://www.irs.gov/Filing). Alternately, all Federal forms are available for downloading at the IRS website. See the ‘Forms and Publications’ section (
http://www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs). Forms can also be ordered via telephone (800-829-3676) or by mail (Internal Revenue Service, 1201 N. Mitsubishi Motorway, Bloomington, IL 61705-6613).
All Wisconsin tax forms are available at the State's Department of Revenue website (
www.revenue.wi.gov). Forms and publications can be ordered via telephone (608-266-1961) or by mail (Forms Request Office, Wisconsin Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 8949, Madison, WI 53708-8949).
MCPL staff can help guide customers to the appropriate websites and demonstrate how to copy off needed forms. (Staff cannot help prepare actual forms).
There also are several local options in terms of tax preparation help. One source of free tax preparation help is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program provided by the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension. The VITA program is geared to taxpayers with income less than $49,000.00 without business ownership, capital gains or rental property.
Likewise, the local AARP office offers free tax prep help for middle and low income people, especially those 60 and older.
Watch for future updates on the tax forms issue.
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posted by Mike@ Reference |
Category: Taxes
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APRIL 22, 2013
Check out a Pulitzer Prize winner at MCPL
The 2013
Pulitzer Prize winners, honoring journalism and the arts, were recently announced and include many authors whose work is available in MCPL's V-Cat system.
This year's top prize in fiction was awarded to
Adam Johnson for his novel "The Orchard Master's Son," an adventurous and moving tale of a journey into the depths of totalitarian North Korea. Finalists in the fiction category include
Nathan Englander for his novel, "What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank" and
Eowyn Ivey for her novel "The Snow Child."
Fredrik Logevall's historical account of the Vietnam War, "Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America's Vietnam" took the top prize in history, while
Bernard Bailyn's book, "The Barbarous Years: The Peopling of British North America: The Conflict of Civilizations, 1600-1675" and
John Fabian Witt's book "Lincoln’s Code: The Laws of War in American History" were nominated as finalists.
In the biography/autobiography category,
Tom Reiss took the top prize for his account of Alexandre Dumas' father and the story behind the Count of Monte Cristo, "The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo. Michael Gorra's "Portrait of a Novel: Henry James and the Making of an American Masterpiece" and
David Nasaw's "The Patriarch: The Remarkable Life and Turbulent Times of Joseph P. Kennedy" were finalists for the prize.
Sharon Olds' book of poems, "Stag's Leap" received the 2013 Pulitzer for poetry, while
Jack Gilbert's "Collected Poems" and Bruce Weigl's "The Abundance of Nothing" received finalist designations.
Finally, the general non-fiction prize was awarded to
Gilbert King for his book "Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America."
Katherine Boo is a finalist for her book "Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity," as is
David George Haskell for his book, "The Forest Unseen: A Year's Watch in Nature."
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posted by Chad Dally / Library Services |
Categories: Awards,
Books,
Reading
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APRIL 15, 2013
Children's Choice Book Awards!
Kids- Vote for your Favorite in the Children’s Choice Book Awards! Who do you think should be “2013 Author of the Year?” Jeff Kinney? Rick Riordan? Which book do you think should be “2013 Book of the Year?” Pete the Cat? Bad Kitty? Dork Diaries? Celebrate Children’s Book Week, May 13-19, by choosing your favorites! From now thru May 9th kids can vote for their favorite author, illustrator and book. Your voice counts! To vote, use the link below and start by choosing your age category and vote for your favorites. Then visit the MCPL Wausau children’s department and receive your very own “I Voted” sticker. And join us on May 20th for a Children’s Book Week celebration at 10:30am!
http://www.bookweekonline.com/voting
{{05/10/2013}}
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posted by Abby Beyerl- Library Services |
Categories: Children,
Awards,
Books
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APRIL 5, 2013
MCPL launching Digital Classics Book Club
See classic literature in a new light by getting some Tolkien on your tablet, some digital Dickens or a little Kafka on your Kindle, with the Marathon County Public Library’s new Digital Classics Book Club.
Each month, the group picks a new classic available free and without wait through the library’s Overdrive system here and here. Instead of a monthly gathering, members post their thoughts on MCPL’s Goodreads page (also free) as the pages turn. Need a hand getting started? Call or stop by the Wausau Headquarters' reference desk any time.
The club begins in May with "Babbitt," Sinclair Lewis' scathing critique of the American Dream, told through the eyes of his disillusioned protagonist, George F. Babbitt.
(Still prefer books in print? You're still welcome in the classics club, and we have other clubs at each MCPL location. Or, talk to us about starting your own!)
For more information, call 715-261-7234 or email bookclub @ mcpl.us.
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posted by Chad Dally / Library Services |
Categories: e-books,
OverDrive,
Book Clubs
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APRIL 1, 2013
April Volunteer of the Month
Congratulations to Amanda Westerhaus, Marathon County Public Library’s April Volunteer of the Month! Amanda has been volunteering at the Wausau Headquarters for about 5 months and has been a great help organizing items to be shelved. Amanda has a great relationship with staff and volunteers almost every day of the week.
Besides volunteering, Amanda is also interested in American History and Agatha Christie mysteries. Amanda majored in History at St. Norbert College. “Volunteering at MCPL further contributes to my rising passion for reading,” says Amanda.
Thank you, Amanda, for all of your hard work and dedication to Marathon County Public Library.
{{2013-4-30}}
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posted by Taylor W.-MCPL Library Services |
Category: Volunteering
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MARCH 20, 2013
Spring Break at the Library
Spring Break at the Library!
Family LEGO Club
11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 26th
Families can create creative LEGO structures.
LEGOs and DUPLO blocks will be provided.
Movie Matinee
2 p.m. March 27th
Free children's movie matinee in our story time room.
DIY Crafts
11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 28th
Stop in and make your own creations. Supplies will be provided.
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posted by Children's Services |
Category: Children
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MARCH 19, 2013
Antiques Appraisal Recap!
The Antiques Appraisal Roadshow held at the Headquarters Library on March 9th was a resounding success! Over 90 library customers brought in jewelry, paintings, dinnerware, furniture, toys and assorted nick-nacks for expert appraisals from antiques expert Mark Moran.
The program was so successful and demand so great that Marathon County Public Library is bringing Moran back for a special, one-time fall program. This will be held Sunday September 22nd from 1:30 to 4:30. So, here's another opportunity to bring in that family heirloom and find out its true value.
As always, registration is required. The cost will be ten dollars per item. That cost allows for a four-minute consultation.
Publicity on the fall Antiques Appraisal program will be going out in August. So, mark your September calendar and watch this site for further details.
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posted by Mike@ Reference |
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MARCH 9, 2013
Times are a’changing on the second floor!
Library patrons may have noticed some changes on the second floor of the Wausau Headquarters. These changes reflect the library’s drive to present the most up-to-date collection possible and also offer an inviting atmosphere to library users.
The library recently began a system-wide project to reduce the number of outdated, worn-out or otherwise unneeded books. Some of those titles were sold during the Friends of the Marathon County Public Library’s book sales, while others were recycled or resold.
We’re sad to lose some items that were with us for so long, but we also want to be realistic about the current and future wants and needs of library patrons. That means offering not only the most current information in print, but also directing patrons to helpful online resources.
We also want to provide patrons with more room to read or use their own computer or tablet. Along with weeding out the older books, we’re removing empty shelves to free up space for lounge and study areas. Expect to see new tables and chairs in the near future, as well as laptop desks.
As always, we welcome your comments on these or any other changes.
(from the MCPL Newsletter, March - May, 2013)
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posted by Mike O'Connor / Library Services |
Category: Newsletter
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MARCH 9, 2013
Celebrate National Library Week April 13-20
The American Library Association this year wants to celebrate libraries’ community efforts with their National Library Week theme, "Communities Matter @ Your Library." Throughout the week, we’ll host special events at all branches, including food drives, Internet safety tips for teens, scavenger hunts and:
- Monday, April 15: The United Way will present a program entitled “Heart Smart” at 6:30pm at the Wausau Headquarters
- Tuesday, April 16: Take a tour of the Hatley Community Garden located behind the library, plant a few seeds and taste veggies you could grow at home, from 10:30-11:30am at MCPL Hatley
- Wednesday, April 17: Marathon County Historical Society librarian Gary Gisselman will present "Lost History of Marathon County" at 6:30pm at the Wausau Headquarters
- Wednesday, April 17: Master Gardener Eileen Riehle presents "Magical Miniature Gardens," featuring tips on planting and landscaping, from 6:30pm - 7:30pm at the MCPL Stratford branch
- Thursday, April 18: Learn about the history of Athens with historian Jerome Sjostrom from 6pm to 7pm at the MCPL Athens branch. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.
Visit
www.mcpl.us/nlw for more National Library Week events and updates.
(from the MCPL Newsletter, March - May, 2013) {{2013-04-18}}[[PROMO]]
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posted by Chad Dally / Library Services |
Categories: Newsletter,
Libraries
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MARCH 9, 2013
MCPL’s current, future efforts
A recent survey from the Pew Research Center found adults still love to hold a library book, but also want libraries to keep up with technology and provide a comfortable environment – all priorities for Marathon County Public Library staff as well.
The Pew study, released in January, found the overwhelming highest use of libraries – 73 percent – is borrowing print books. With more than 250,000 print books in our system, we gladly facilitate that unique feeling of cracking open a good book.
Yet we also know – and the Pew survey backs it up – that our patrons expect greater access than ever before to electronic books and audio books. In 2012, we tripled the number of e-books available to about 54,000 titles. We also provide e-readers and tablets – and help with how to use them – and last year we created an MCPL app that, among other features, allows you to scan a barcode in a bookstore and check for that item in our catalog.
A few 2012 MCPL stats: · Number of print books: 250,000
· Number of E-books: 54,000
· Audio items: 16,000
· Video items: 17,000
· Total circulation: 1.1 million items
· Registered patrons: 75,000
More than 60 percent of those surveyed also believe free library programs and events for all ages are very important. As you’ll see in the coming months, MCPL staff plan to increase the number of programs and events offered and expand the range of programmingto strengthen our role as a community resource.
Overall, 91 percent of respondents in the survey said their public library is important to their community. We hope you agree and we welcome your feedback on ways we can improve your time with us.
(from the MCPL Newsletter, March - May, 2013)
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posted by Chad Dally / Library Services |
Categories: Newsletter,
Libraries
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FEBRUARY 28, 2013
March Volunteer of the Month
Congratulations to Sue Wolslegel, Marathon County Public Library’s March Volunteer of the Month! Sue has been volunteering at Wausau for 25 years and has been an amazing help working with the homebound program. “I could not effectively do the homebound outreach program without the help of Sue,” says Paula Langenhahn, homebound program coordinator. Sue helps package items for homebound delivery, records selections, and addresses labels and envelopes.
Sue is a retired radiologic technologist and enjoys reading, gardening, and sewing projects. “The library is my absolute favorite place,” says Sue. “The staff is so helpful and friendly. I love helping make books available to everyone, especially homebound patrons.” Besides volunteering at Marathon County Public Library, Sue also volunteers at her church and Mosinee Elementary School.
Thank you, Sue, for all of your hard work and 25 years of dedication to Marathon County Public Library.
{{03/01/2013-03/31/2013}}
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posted by Taylor W.-MCPL Library Services |
Category: Volunteering
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FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Rothschild Story Time Changes
Please note: Effective the week of February 18, 2013, Family Story Time at MCPL Rothschild will meet Tuesday and Friday mornings at 10:30am. (Previously, this story time met Wednesdays and Fridays at the same time.)
{{2013-02-28}}
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posted by Ben Krombholz / Library Services |
Categories: Children,
Rothschild Branch
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FEBRUARY 6, 2013
February is Love Your Library Month!
Kids! Get into the festive book spirit and check out a "Mystery Book" found in the children's area at the Wausau Headquarters Library. The "mystery" is that you don't know what book it is until you check it out!
If you like, write a review or draw a picture about your "Mystery Book". A review sheet/drawing sheet is included. Return your book review or drawing to the children's desk at MCPL Headquarters and receive a nifty bookmark to save your place in the next book you read. Happy Reading!
{{2013-02-28}}
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posted by Marissa/Library Services |
Categories: Children,
Books
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FEBRUARY 4, 2013
Treasures in the Attic: Find Out What They're Worth!
Most everyone has some treasured trinket or artifact tucked away in a drawer or housed up in the attic. It could be a childhood toy. Or a heirloom handed down from past generations. Or a souvenir your grand-dad brought home from World War II. Ever wonder if that item might be worth big bucks? Well, here's your chance to find out!
On Saturday March 9th, the Marathon County Public Library will be hosting
What's It Worth; the Antiques Appraisal Roadshow. Antiques expert Mark Moran will be on hand once again to evaluate and appraise such items as toys, clocks, costume jewelry, vintage photographs and glassware. Certain items will not be appraised.
Moran has been senior editor of antiques and collectibles for Krause Publications and co-authored over 25 antiques-related books. He's been an appraiser for 25 years.
Moran will be available from 9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4:00. The cost is $10.00 per item. That fee entitles the person to a four-minute consultation. Each additional item is $10.00 and, in turn, an additional four minutes.
Registration is
required. Call (715) 261-7234 to register or for additional information.
If you don't have an item, you can sit in on the fun. Spectators are welcome. This is the second year the Library has presented the Antiques Appraisal program and it's been quite successful and a lot of fun!
So, dig out those family treasures and sign up for
What's It Worth; the Antiques Appraisal Roadshow with Mark Moran. It promises to be an entertaining, educational and, possibly, very profitable program. See you there!
{{2013-03-09}}
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posted by Mike@ Reference |
Category: Antiques
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FEBRUARY 1, 2013
Changes to Passport Services
Starting in 2013, the
Marathon County Public Library - Wausau Headquarters will offer U.S. Passport application acceptance services
by appointment only.
Appointments are available each month on the second and fourth Saturday, 9:00am-4:00pm, and on the first Tuesday and third Wednesday, 3:00-8:00pm.
For more information, please
contact us.
{{2013-03-01}}
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posted by Ben Krombholz / Library Services |
Category: Passports
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FEBRUARY 1, 2013
February Volunteer of the Month
Congratulations to Maura Hanicker, Marathon County Public Library’s February Volunteer of the Month! Maura started volunteering at the Rothschild branch when she was 14 years-old, and has been there for about three years now.
Maura is a senior in high school and works at the Aspirus YMCA as a lifeguard and swim instructor. Besides volunteering, Maura also spends her time sewing, beading, or doing anything crafty. She loves helping with Summer Library Program projects and shelving books.
“I like helping people,” says Maura about why she volunteers at Marathon County Public Library’s Rothschild branch. “I have also been considering going to school to become a librarian…I love books!”
Maura is a big help to the Rothschild branch and gets along great with staff. Thank you, Maura, for all of your hard work and commitment to Marathon County Public Library.
{{2013-2-28}}
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posted by Taylor W.-MCPL Library Services |
Category: Volunteering
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