NOVEMBER 10, 2009
Happy Anniversary, Mrs. P!
You may know Stevens Point native Kathy Kinney best for her role as the flamboyant Mimi on the Drew Carey Show.
Kinney’s latest venture is a storytelling website,
www.mrsp.com, which is celebrating its first anniversary today.
In her role as Mrs. P, Kinney sits in an armchair in a cozy room, filled with items to click on for interactive fun. Clicking on the bookcase causes the bookcase to roll out into the room. Each shelf contains a different category of classic stories—bedtime stories, stories about girls, scary stories, “knee huggers,” and more.
Children can click on a shelf to see the titles, and pull out individual books to see a description and a rating system to help children and parents choose the stories that are most appropriate for their age. When a story is selected by clicking on “play,” the viewer is transported back to Mrs. P, who tells the story as if she is presenting it to a group of children gathered at her feet.
This award-winning site features classic children’s literature that has stood the test of time, as well as some story-related games to play.
Check out this virtual story time at
www.mrsp.com, and remember that your library offers real, live story times, too! Click
here to see the full story time schedule.
| |
posted by Diane@Children's |
Categories: Children,
Programs,
Websites
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OCTOBER 28, 2009
Job Seekers...Find Job Postings Faster on the Internet Using Aggregators!
Finding out what job openings are available can be a frustrating experience. Many openings never end up in the local newspaper Classifieds. Likewise searching the Internet for job listings can be time-consuming. Now, there's a handy new type of website that will quickly produce comprehensive listings of openings... Job Aggregators!
What is an Aggregator site? It is a website that is narrowly focused on one subject. In this case, it is job listings. Job Aggregator sites collect job postings from other websites such as Yahoo.com, CareerBuilder.com, Monster.com, HotJobs.com...AND employer websites!
Since Aggregator sites combine information from many, many sources into one database, they save you time. Search results can also be rearranged to meet your own needs. For example, searches can be sorted by employer, posting date, part-time/full-time jobs, etc.
The top five Job Aggregator websites are:
So, check out Aggregators...They may be just what you need to land the job you are looking for!
| |
posted by Mike@ Reference |
Category: Jobs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OCTOBER 19, 2009
Free Deer Hunting Program
Looking for some deer hunting tips and techniques? If you are, you won’t want to miss Jeffrey Foytek’s free program on whitetail deer hunting at the Library in Wausau this Thursday night (10/22) at 6:30pm. Foytek, who has never missed an opening day, will share some of the wisdom that he has acquired during over 40 years experience successfully hunting deer. He will be talking about his deer hunting strategies and tracking techniques, demonstrating hunting aids, and sharing some hunting stories.
Please join us in welcoming Jeffrey Foytek to Wausau this Thursday night, October 22 at 6:30 at the Wausau headquarters of the Marathon County Public Library. See you here. If you have any questions or want more information please contact the Library.
| |
posted by Sharyn Heili, LIbrarian |
Categories: Programs,
Hunting
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OCTOBER 13, 2009
Passport Event at Mosinee Branch Library
This Saturday, October 17th 10:00 am to 2:00pm, the Library is holding a Passport Event at the Mosinee Branch Library (Joseph Dessert Memorial Library).
New and renewal applications will be available. Several of the Library’s Passport Acceptance Agents will be able to assist you with your passport applications and answer your questions.
How much does a passport book cost? For an individual 16 years old and older: $75.00 (payable to the U.S. Department of State) plus an execution fee of $25.00. Fees for children under the age of 16 are: $60.00 (payable to the U.S. Department of State) plus an execution fee of $25.00. A check or money order will be needed to pay the U.S. Department of State fees.
Less costly wallet-sized passport cards are another option if they meet your travel needs. They can only be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel.
Please bring a certified birth certificate from the state or county in which you were born and a photo ID (driver’s license). Children under the age of 16 will need to appear in person with both parents. Parents will need to bring along their photo ID’s (driver’s license) and sign their child’s passport application in the presence of a passport acceptance agent.
Passport pictures (2) will also be taken at this event for $10.00. Passport books and cards are valid for 10 years for individuals 16 and over, and 5 years for minors under the age of 16.
Please join us this Saturday, October 17, 10:00am-2:00pm at the Mosinee Branch Library (Joseph Dessert Memorial Library) for this Passport Event. Questions? Please visit the Library’s passport page, the U.S. Department of State’s Passport website, or call the Library’s Reference Desk at 715- 261-7235.
| |
posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Category: Passports
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OCTOBER 7, 2009
Mark Your Calendar - Get Help Finding a Job!
Marathon County jobseekers will soon have an opportunity to get some expert advice on finding a job. On October 27th Susan Guarneri, a Career Consultant, will be presenting a free program on JOB SEARCH INSIDER SECRETS at the Wausau Library.
Guarneri will be presenting information on Job Search Strategies. There are some basic keys to a successful job search and Guraneri will be sharing those keys with the audience. Likewise there are some common job search mistakes and Susan will discuss them as well.
Guarneri will also talk about Personal Branding and Resume Strategies that maximize your job search efforts.
JOB SEARCH INSIDER SECRETS is free to the public. No registration is needed. The program starts at 6:30 on the 27th.
So, mark your calendars...and stop in for some free, expert advice that might help you land a job!
| |
posted by Mike@ Reference |
Category: Jobs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
One Million Readers!
Read for the Record is a campaign sponsored by Jumpstart and the Pearson Foundation. Last year, 688,000 people gathered at locations around the world to read and listen to the same book on the same day. This year, they hope to break that record--and you can help them reach their goal of one million readers and listeners by participating in programs at four libraries in Marathon County.
This year's featured book is Eric Carle's classic picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Read for the Record programs will be held Thursday, October 8 at these MCPL locations and times:
- Edgar Library: Preschool Storytime at 9:30 am and a special Family Storytime at 7:00 pm
- Spencer Library: Special readings at 4:00 & 6:00 pm
- Stratford Library: Special readings at 1:30 & 3:30 pm
- Wausau Library: Everyone invited to join the end of Preschool Storytime at 10:55 am to share the book!
Each year, one third of America's children arrive at their first day of school without the skills necessary to succeed at grade level. Children who miss out on key cognitive, social and emotional experiences have more difficulty keeping pace with their peers. Jumpstart sponsors Read for the Record to raise public awareness and encourage people to read aloud and introduce children to literature at an early age. Please join us and become part of a million readers!
| |
posted by Diane@Children's |
Categories: Children,
Programs,
Reading
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SEPTEMBER 28, 2009
Marathon County Reads 2009!
Marathon County Public Library is pleased to announce this year’s title for Marathon County Reads is Marley and Me by John Grogan. This touching story about a typical American family and their a-typical dog has touched millions of readers across the country. Join us in celebrating this great book by reading it along with us in October and attending some of the great events we’ve planned.
We have events planned at many of our locations:
Training - How it prevents dogs from going to the shelter presented by: Heidi Drengler-Goethel
Thu., 10/1, 6:30pm @ MCPL Spencer
Tue., 10/6, 6pm @ MCPL Wausau
Thu., 10/8, 6pm @ MCPL Wausau
Thu., 10/15, 4pm @ MCPL Edgar
Tue., 10/20, 6:30pm @ MCPL Stratford
Thu., 10/29, 1pm @ MCPL Rothschild
Human Society Showcase, October 3rd 1-3pm
Wausau Headquarters
Crafts with Sparky the Firedog! October 5th 1-3pm
Wausau Headquarters
Therapy Dogs, October 11, 1:30pm
Wausau Headquarters
Marley & Me Storytimes Mon.-Sat., 10/12-17
@ All MCPL Locations-- During this week, all of our regularly scheduled children’s storytimes will be
Marley & Me themed storytimes, with songs and activities for all ages! Plus, we will be giving away copies of the book
Meet Marley by Natalie Engel! (Supplies are limited, so come early!)
Pet First Aid, October 13, 6pm
Wausau Headquarters
Bite Prevention with Paper Cities Kennel Club, October 17 1pm
Wausau Headquarters
Grooming Tips and Tricks, October 20 6pm
Wausau Headquarters
Marley Movie! October 24- 10am, 1pm, October 25- 1:30pm, October 29, 6pm
Wausau Headquarters
School’s Out Dog Movie Day! October 29, 11am-3pm
Wausau Headquarters
Marathon County Reads (MCR) is a county wide program promoting literacy throughout our communities. We hope everyone in Marathon County will join us in reading
Marley and Me and coming to our various events and programs during September/October 2009. Visit
www.mcpl.us/reads for more information about these events and other programs going on for Marathon County Reads!
| |
posted by Rachel, Library Customer Services |
Categories: Programs,
Marathon County Reads
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SEPTEMBER 22, 2009
Auto Repair Reference Center
Getting the information that you need to help you repair your vehicle just became a whole lot easier.
The Auto Repair Reference Center is a new online resource that is now available to you to use free of charge. This resource gives you ready access to auto repair information in the comfort of your home, school, workshop, or garage.
Repair information is currently available for foreign and domestic cars, trucks, vans, and SUV’s, 1950—2009.
Enter the model, make, and year of your vehicle and get care and repair tips and troubleshooting information. Repair topics include repair procedures, wiring diagrams, service bulletins and recalls, maintenance intervals, and specifications.
All you need to use it is a computer and your library card. If you don’t have a computer available to you, the library has free computers for you to use.
Access the Auto Repair Reference Center from the Library’s homepage; go to Research, Online Resources, and select Auto Repair Reference Center from the alphabetical list.
| |
posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Category: electronic databases
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SEPTEMBER 14, 2009
Upcoming Job-Seeking Programs!
Marathon County jobseekers will have several opportunities to get expert advice on job search success in the coming weeks! Career Consultant Susan Guarneri will be presenting her "Job Search Insider Secrets" program at three MCPL locations in September and October.
On Monday September 21st at 6:00pm, Susan will give her program on the secrets to job search success and common job search mistakes at the Athens Branch Library. Call 257-7292 for details.
On Tuesday September 22nd at 6:00pm, Susan will be presenting her program at the Rothschild Branch Library. Call 359-6208 for details.
Lastly, on Tuesday October 27th, Susan will give her program at the Wausau Headquarters. Starting time is 6:30.
People who have attended previous "Job Search Insider Secrets" programs have given it high ratings. The programs are free. No registration is required. So, mark your calendars and take the opportunity to get some helpful job search advice from an expert!
| |
posted by Mike@ Reference |
Category: Jobs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SEPTEMBER 8, 2009
Storytimes Provide Fun AND Learning!
Kids are back in school, the leaves are starting to turn, and that means it’s time for storytimes to kick into high gear again at all Marathon County Public Library locations.
Storytimes are a fun way for your child to develop several vital early literacy skills*:
- Print Motivation: Excitement for books and reading.
- Phonological Awareness: Having fun with the sounds that words make.
- Enriched Vocabulary: Learning the specific names for lots of things, as well as an increased vocabulary of descriptive adjectives and adverbs.
- Narrative Skills: The ability to tell a story in their own words.
- Letter Knowledge: Recognition of letter shapes and the sounds that the letters represent.
- Print Awareness: Knowing how to hold a book, and understanding that print flows from left to right, and that print works the same whereever is is seen. Print is everywhere—on signs, on the sides of trucks, on cereal boxes—all waiting to be read!
Bringing your preschool children to storytime will enhance their brain development so that they are better prepared to learn, listen, and participate in group activities. Besides all of that, storytimes are lots of fun!
Wausau’s programs for babies, toddlers and preschoolers run continuously throughout the year. Family Storytime in Wausau will begin again September 26.
Check out the schedule for storytimes at Wausau and all the branches at the storytimes page on our website—and come join the fun and learning!
* From: Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library, Public Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children
| |
posted by Diane@Children's |
Categories: Children,
Programs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
AUGUST 29, 2009
New Online Resource--Learning Express Library
If you want to brush up your skills or take a practice test for a new or current job or school, improve your basic math, reading and writing skills, or just continue your life-long learning, check out the Learning Express Library, the new online resource that is available to you for free through a Wisconsin Valley Library Services LSTA “Bridge to Job Hunting Success” grant.
You will discover many review tests and exercises to improve basic skills to help you with your daily life and help you get a better job. There are over 800 online courses, tests, and e-books to assist you.
- Basic math, reading, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and writing skills improvement for all levels and ages, elementary school through adult
- GED practice exams and skills improvement, including a Spanish language GED preparation
- U.S. Citizenship practice exams
- College preparation tests such as the SAT, ACT,CLEP, AP
- Graduate School entrance exams; GRE, GMAT, MCAT,LSAT
- Licensing, certification, job, and aptitude practice tests for all kinds of careers—real estate, plumbing, military (ASVAB), nursing, EMT, electrician, police officer, postal worker, firefighter tests and more
- Job search and workplace skills such as business writing, creating resumes and cover letters, and interview tips
Access this resource from the library’s homepage; go to Resources, Online Resources and select Learning Express Library from the alphabetical list. New users will need to register and set up a free account. When you set up your account, use your library card number as your user name so that you will be able to access it again outside of the library building. When registering, when it asks for which library you belong to, select Wisconsin Valley Library Service (the library system that the Marathon County Public Library is a member of). You will then have the option to print and save your registration confirmation information to refer to later if needed. If you have any questions, please contact the Library’s Reference Desk.
| |
posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Category: electronic databases
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
AUGUST 26, 2009
County Job Listings!
One of the websites available on the Library's Career Connection computers is CW JOBS. Any job seekers looking for employment in Marathon County will want to check out this online resource.
CW JOBS is a free service offered by the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce. It is free to job seekers and members of the Chamber.
CW JOBS aims at linking job seekers with employers. Job seekers can create their own personal profile, upload a resume and then search/apply for a position. Employers can likewise create a profile, post jobs and view uploaded resumes.
CW JOBS is one of the many job-seeking materials the Headquarters Library has available to help Marathon County jobseekers. Stop in and check out our Career Connection on the 2nd Floor!
| |
posted by Mike@ Reference |
Category: Jobs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
AUGUST 19, 2009
Our Library Talent Show Featured Some Creative Kids!
We had a wonderful talent show to conclude our "Be Creative" programs at the library this summer. David (pictured here) had feet tapping and heads bobbing all over the library as he performed his drum solo. Who says the library has to be quiet all the time?
Our Talent Extravaganza also featured karate, keyboards, singing and dancing. You can see other pictures of our creative performers on the library's Facebook photo album..
Thanks to all the performers for a great show--and thanks to our enthusiastic audience who cheered them on!
Saturday, August 22 is the last day to turn in your reading tickets--it's not too late to get that first ticket in and have a chance to win some fun prizes.
So--what was your favorite part of the summer program? The reading club? The "Who Am I" game? The performers? Which summer program performers did you like the best?
Next summer's theme will be "Make a Splash @ Your Library!" What would you like to see for performers, etc. next year?
I would love to see your comments and suggestions.
| |
posted by Diane @ Children's |
Categories: Children,
Summer Reading Program,
Programs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
AUGUST 10, 2009
Language Learning
Looking for some Internet sites to help you learn another language? Here are a few sites that may help you get started.
Annenberg Media Programs—Language Learning
Free video language courses for learning English, Spanish, French, and German
BBC Languages
Audio and video courses for French, German, Spanish, and Italian languages. Some resources for Welsh, Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese and other languages.
FSI Language Courses Free online language learning courses for more than 25 languages. Developed by the Foreign Service Institute.
La Mansión del Inglés Curso de inglés multimedia online gratis. Free English courses for Spanish speakers.
Livemocha Free social online language learning tool that uses audio-visual lessons for ten languages. Connect with a foreign language learning partner worldwide.
*Please Note: These sites are not maintained or sponsored by MCPL. They are offered here without guarantee, and you may choose to use them at your own discretion.
| |
posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Category: Languages
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
AUGUST 8, 2009
Mosinee Branch Library at Little Bull Falls Log Jam Festival
Next weekend you will have the opportunity to journey back in time to the time period 1850-1920 during the Little Bull Falls Log Jam Festival in Mosinee. The festival starts on Friday August 14 and continues through Sunday August 16 from 10-4pm each day at River Park in Mosinee.
The Mosinee Branch Library will have a display featuring the history of Little Bull Falls and surrounding area at the Log Jam Festival . Come and see the pictures, tools, Indian artifacts and many other items that have been donated to the Mosinee Library from the Marathon County Historical Museum and people in the community.
There will be lots of great entertainment, music, food, and activities for children and adults. Admission is free to the public. See more information about the Little Bull Falls Log Jam Festival here.
Please join us, August 14--16 at the 4th annual Little Bull Falls Log Jam Festival in Mosinee.
| |
posted by Nancy Dahlke, Mosinee Branch |
Category: Mosinee Branch
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
AUGUST 5, 2009
Auralog's Tell Me More Subscription Ending
.jpg)
The Marathon County Public Library's subscription to the Auralog "Tell Me More" online language learning product expires this Saturday August 8, so it will no longer be available to library card holders after this date. We apologize for the short notice and for any inconvenience that this may cause to our users.
The library is currently looking at other online language products that will be helpful and user friendly for the language learners in our community.
| |
posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Categories: Electronic Databases,
Languages
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
JULY 29, 2009
"Mom I'm Bored"
Are your kids and teens looking for something to do? Join us for these upcoming events in Wausau!
Read to a Dog! for Young Readers. Thurdsay, July 30th from 1-3 pm at the Wausau Library. Practice your reading with the most adorable friends. Certified Therapy Dogs from Therapy Dogs International will be on hand to listen to young readers.
Hip-Hop and Modern Dance for Teens with professional choreographer and dancer Brenton Wildman. Tuesday, August 4th from 6-8 pm at the Wausau Library. Join us to learn some new moves. Afterwards, challenge your friends on DDR.
Read to a Dog! for Young Readers. Thurdsay, August 6th from 1-3 pm at the Wausau Library. Practice your reading with the most adorable friends. Certified Therapy Dogs from Therapy Dogs International will be on hand to listen to young readers.
Join MCPL at the Wisconsin Valley Fair’s Family Fun Day! Saturday, August 8th Join us for crafts, games and activities for everyone. The fun starts at 10am and goes until 2pm. We’ll have a special craft for you! Come find us near the Garfield Ave. entrance, between the Field House and the Youth Building. Admission to the fair is free for kids 12 and under. On Saturday, adults can get $1 off admission when they bring two non-perishable food items.
Pool Party! At Memorial Park in Wausau. Tuesday August 11th from 1-5pm Admission is free with a library card or a ticket from your Summer Library Program Goodie Bag. Enjoy some water fun and crafts too!
Wire and Junk Sculpture for Teens with Joel Pataconi, art teacher from Wausau East. Tuesday, August 11th from 6-8pm at the Wausau Library. Turn wire and junk into something cool! Bring a sketch or picture that inspires you.
Read to a Dog! for Young Readers. Thurdsay, August 13th from 1-3 pm at the Wausau Library. Practice your reading with the most adorable friends. Certified Therapy Dogs from Therapy Dogs International will be on hand to listen to young readers.
Game Night for Teens with Johnny Cee Cards Tuesday, August 18th from 6-8 pm at the Wausau Library. Join us for Magic: The Gathering™, board games, videogames and snacks!
Teen Book Club Tuesday, August 25th at 8 pm at the Wausau Library. Join us to talk about a romance book with zombies: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. Get recommendations of other books you may enjoy, and be the first to get your hands on some of our newest teen books.
| |
posted by Katie Zimmermann / MCPL Customer Services |
Categories: Children,
Teen Zone,
Book Clubs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
JULY 22, 2009
Randy Peterson at MCPL
Randy Peterson brought smiles to kids and adults alike as he performed at the free program at the library. His program is part of the many activities planned for the Summer Library Program.
He sang many funny songs. "Don't squash that bug' was my favorite, and everyone participated by singing and moving along with him. The songs were infectious; I left the performance singing to anyone and everyone "I'm Gonna Read a Book Today" and "whatcha gonna do today?---READ"!
There are still lots more programs and lots more summer to participate in the Summer Library Program. Participation is free and open to everyone. Express Yourself is the summer library program for teens with special events for teens on Tuesday nights.
We would love to see your face and your smile at any of our 9 locations. Come and "Be Creative" at your library. Check out the other free happenings here.
| |
posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Category: Summer Reading Program
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
JULY 21, 2009
Watch for Road Construction in Mosinee
If you are planning a future trip to the Mosinee Branch Library, and of course we hope that you are, we want you to be aware of bridge maintenance and road construction that may affect your journey.
The Wisconsin River Bridge, which is the main bridge in Mosinee, will be closed Friday July 31 through Tuesday August 4 weather and construction progress permitting. During this time traffic will be detoured via Interstate-39, Wisconsin State Highway 34, Marathon County C and Marathon County O.
Water Street to Pine Street will also be closed for repairs to the pavement. This road runs in front of the Mosinee Branch Library.
Before you go to Mosinee be sure to check for current road conditions and possible bridge closings at the the city of Mosinee’s site here.
| |
posted by Nancy Dahlke, Mosinee Branch Library |
Category: Mosinee Branch
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
JULY 15, 2009
Job Connections at the Library!
The Headquarters Library's Career Connection features links to a dozen websites of interest to job seekers. This series will highlight each of those websites in the coming weeks.
The Job Center of Wisconsin is the premier website for Wisconsin jobseekers. Created in 2008, it currently features details on over 14,000 job openings statewise; employer listings; information for laid-off workers including unemployment insurance; upcoming job fairs; job seeker tips; and related material.
Stop into the Headquarters Library and check out the Job Center of Wisconsin website. You can also access the website at www.wisconsinjobcenter.org or by calling 1-888-258-9966.
| |
posted by Mike@ Reference |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
JULY 9, 2009
Our Pig on Parade
Yes, the Marathon County Public Library has its very own pig. We are participating with other Wausau downtown businesses and Wausau Area Events in celebration of the Big Bull Falls BBQ Ribfest "Pigs on Parade", in conjuction with all the other activities this weekend. It promises to be a fun-filled weekend with the hot air balloon rally, Chalk Fest, kayak races, RibFest, and of course the Pig Parade.
Our very talented staff painted our pig and outfitted him with his very own hot air ballon so that he is ready and waiting for the hot air balloon rally. See our pig here at the library thru Saturday. On Saturday afternoon he will take his place with the other "Pigs on Parade" at the Wausau Airport.
You can make our pig (and us) squeal with delight by voting for him so that he can win "Best of Show". Vote for him (or another pig if you must) at the Wausau Area Events website here.
Your Library is your "Destination for Exploration". See you at the fun activities this weekend and at the Library!
| |
posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
