Storytimes near MARATHON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Lions Park, 105 South Park Street, Spencer, WI, 54479, United States

Join us at Lions Park for an exciting and interactive performance by singer and entertainer, Tom Pease! Tom Pease has an infectious sense of fun and community building. With movement, sign language, humor, and joy, he creates concerts that leave audiences laughing and singing! The free event is open to children and their caregivers, with no registration required. For more information, please contact us at 715-659-3996.

Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States

Children age 5 and younger, along with their caregivers, are invited to join us every Thursday this summer for lively and engaging family story times at MCPL Wausau! Each session features a delightful mix of stories, songs, and activities that foster early literacy, creativity, and a love of reading. This free event is open to young children and their caregivers. We’ll meet in the Aquarium Room from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. For more information, please contact us at 715-261-7220.

Marathon County Public Library—Marathon City Branch, 515 Washington Street, Marathon City, 54448, United States

Children age 5 and younger, along with their caregivers, are invited to join us for lively and engaging family story times at MCPL Marathon City! Each session features a delightful mix of stories, songs, and activities that foster early literacy, creativity, and a love of reading. This free event is open to young children and their caregivers. We’ll meet every Thursday this summer from 10:30 to 11:00 starting June 4. For more information, please contact us at 715-443-2775.

Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States

Join us this summer for field trips to the Mead Wildlife Area and experience unforgettable outdoor activities for all ages! Everyone is invited to join us on July 9 to explore Wisconsin’s fascinating mammals! We’ll make a clay model of an animal track, discuss animal fur and skull identification, and learn about certain mammal behaviors. Meet at MCPL Wausau in the lower library parking lot on West Washington Street and hop on our bus for free transportation departing promptly at 12:15 pm. After our activities, we’ll take the bus back to MCPL Wausau and arrive by 3:45 p.m. This free event is open to all ages, but please note that minors MUST be accompanied by an adult on all field trips.  Registration is required for this event by registering online or by calling. Registration for each event opens one month prior, so check back here to register if registering online. These events happen rain or shine! See below for important information regarding library parking. For more information about the event or to register, call 715-261-7230. For Mead-specific questions, call 715-457-6771. Larger groups are asked to please contact Mead Wildlife Area directly to better accommodate your group. Parking: Parking in the upper library lot on North First Street is free, however, space is limited. Parking in the lower lot is managed by the city. You must register your car at the booth or via the Passport app. It is free for the first two hours, and it’s $1.00 per additional hour.

Marathon County Public Library—Stratford Branch, 213201 Scholar Street, Stratford, WI, 54484, United States

Children are invited to craft their own fossil necklace! Participants will shape air-dry clay into an oval, then use stencils to create a fossil design. Stencils include shells, plants, and more! Once your design is complete, paint your fossil, thread the necklace cord through it, and add beads to personalize your necklace. Stop in on July 9 from 1:00-7:00 p.m. and materials and instructions will be provided. This free event is open to children and their caregivers, with no registration required. For more information, contact 715-687-4420.

Marathon County Public Library—Edgar Branch, 224 South 3rd Avenue, Edgar, WI, 54426, United States

Children are invited to craft their own fossil necklace! Participants will shape air-dry clay into an oval, then use stencils to create a fossil design. Stencils include shells, plants, and more! Once your design is complete, paint your fossil, thread the necklace cord through it, and add beads to personalize your necklace. Stop in on July 9 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. and materials and instructions will be provided. This free event is open to children and their caregivers, with no registration required. For more information, contact 715-352-3155.

Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States

Calling all adventurers! Join us for a fantasy-themed craft and make your own papercraft spell boxes. These spell boxes are perfect to hold spell cards, trinkets, or even mini-figures! All supplies will be provided. We’ll meet in the Conference Room from 2:30-4:30 p.m. This free event is open to teens only, with registration required to secure your spot and supplies. Registration will open one month prior on June 9. Walk-ins are welcome as supplies last. For more information, contact 715-261-7220.

Marathon County Public Library—Marathon City Branch, 515 Washington Street, Marathon City, 54448, United States

Get ready to build, create, and have fun at our Minecraft® Party! Participate in various pixelated activities, a building challenge, a STEM competition, and join our scavenger hunt! Whether you’re a mining expert or just love to be creative, come join in on the fun. This event is open to children ages 6-11 and their caregivers, with no registration required. Stop by from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Contact us at 715-443-2775 for more information.

Marathon County Public Library—Spencer Branch, 105 South Park Street, Spencer, WI, 54479, United States

Fiber artists are invited to the library each month for crafting and conversation. Whether you knit, crochet, or embroider, all are welcome! Bring your current project to work on, and meet with others to swap ideas, learn new skills, or simply enjoy some social time. This event is open to adults and no registration is required. This summer, we’ll continue meeting on the first Friday of each month. Drop in anytime from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Please note that we are closed July 3, so our July event will be held on July 10 instead. For more information, contact us at 715-659-3996.

Marathon County Public Library—Rothschild Branch, 211 Grand Avenue, Rothschild, 54474, United States

If you enjoy working on jigsaw puzzles, drop by for our puzzle social! Grab a seat, meet some fellow puzzle lovers, and enjoy collaborative puzzling and conversation. Beginners and puzzle pros are welcome! We’ll meet this summer on June 13, July 11, and August 8 from 10:00-12:00 p.m. and puzzles will be provided. This free event is open to adults, with no registration required. For more information, call 715-359-6208.

Marathon County Public Library—Spencer Branch, 105 South Park Street, Spencer, WI, 54479, United States

Looking for some weekend fun? Every Saturday this summer, you’re invited to come hang out and play a variety of card and board games! Bring your friends, family, or come solo and play with others in the community. We’ve got a great selection of games ready to play, but you’re also welcome to bring your favorites and teach others. Stop by anytime from 10:00-2:00 p.m. and join the fun! All ages are welcome and no registration is required. Please note that we are closed on July 4. For more information, please contact us at 715-659-3996.

Marathon County Public Library—Spencer Branch, 105 South Park Street, Spencer, WI, 54479, United States

Decorate your windows with a colorful dinosaur suncatcher! Using a dinosaur template, children will layer small pieces of tissue paper to stick on clear contact paper. Once your design is complete, layer another piece of contact paper to secure your design and carefully cut to reveal your dinosaur! Stop by during open hours the week of July 13-18 and materials will be set up along with instructions. This free event is open to children and their caregivers, with no registration required. For more information, contact 715-659-3996.

Marathon County Public Library—Athens Branch, 203 Alfred Street, Athens, WI, 54411, United States

Teens and tweens are invited to create seed mosaics at the library! Participants will use air-dry clay and an assortment of dried seeds to design their own decorative tile. Pattern ideas will be provided, such as a butterfly and a snail, or create a design of your own! Stop by during open hours the week of July 13-18. Take them home right away, or leave them at the library to pick up later after we let them dry and spray them with an acrylic sealer to display outside. This free event is open to teens & children ages 6-11 and their caregivers. No registration required. For more information, call 715-257-7292.

Marathon County Public Library—Marathon City Branch, 515 Washington Street, Marathon City, 54448, United States

Children are invited to craft their own geode look-alike at the library! Staff will pre-cut cardboard egg cartons into individual cups. Participants will then coat the inside of their cups with glue and sprinkle on dyed Epsom salt. The final product will reveal a unique geode! Drop in the week of July 13-18 during open hours and materials and instructions will be provided. This free event is open to children and their caregivers, with no registration required. For more information, contact 715-443-2775.

Sylvan Hill Park, 1329 Sylvan St, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States

Children age 5 and younger, along with their caregivers, are invited to join us for special story times at local Marathon County parks this summer! Each session features a delightful mix of stories, songs, and activities that foster early literacy, creativity, and a love of reading. Join us on July 13 at Sylvan Hill Park from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., just look for our MCPL signage. These free events are open to young children and their caregivers. In case of rain, story time will continue in the Aquarium Room at MCPL Wausau. For more information, contact 715-261-7220.

Marathon County Public Library—Mosinee Branch, 123 Main Street, Mosinee, WI, 54455, United States

Join us for a story, music, crafts, and more—led by Children’s Wisconsin! Staff from Children’s Wisconsin will also be available to speak with parents and caregivers about parenting and developmental questions, and to recommend community services you may not be aware of! This event is free and open to young children and their caregivers, and no registration is required. Join us this summer on June 15, July 13, and August 17 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, please contact us at 715-693-2144.

Marathon County Public Library—Hatley Branch, 435 Curtis Avenue, Hatley, WI, 54440, United States

Join us as we welcome certified therapy dog and golden doodle, Levi, to MCPL Hatley! Young readers may bring their favorite books from home to read or pull some off the shelves. This is a great opportunity for kids to improve their literacy skills and spend time with a nice, furry friend. Join us this summer on June 15, July 13, and August 17 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. This free event is open to children and their caregivers, with no registration required. For more information, call 715-446-3537.

Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States

Are you interested in learning about your family history? Have you done some genealogy searching, but don’t know where to look next? Genealogy enthusiasts and beginners are invited to join us each month to learn more about our genealogical resources. Each session will begin with a short presentation on a particular genealogy resource led by our Adult Reference Librarian. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and have independent exploration time using our resources with assistance provided. These sessions are appropriate for beginners and beyond! This event is open to adults and young adults, with no registration required. We’ll meet on the second Monday of each month from 1:00-2:00 p.m. in the Community Room. For more information, call 715-261-7230.

Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States

Adults and teens are invited to join us for evening genealogy sessions to learn more about our library’s genealogical resources, both physical and online. Join us on July 13 for a special virtual visit from Eleanor Brinsko, lead genealogist at Carlon Genealogical Services. At this presentation, Eleanor will share how to put her phrase, “Every time I find an artifact, I ask it 10 questions,” into practice by digging for genealogy clues and asking thoughtful questions as you interact with people and artifacts in your research. Join us as she explores a personal, primary example involving the discovery of information about a relative in a 1904 St. Paul newspaper. Eleanor will also discuss effective techniques for interviewing people to help support family research. This free event is open to young adults and adults only, and no registration is required. We’ll meet in the Community Room on the second floor at 5:30. For more information, call 715-261-7230.

Marathon County Public Library—Marathon City Branch, 515 Washington Street, Marathon City, 54448, United States

Join us and other book lovers for a discussion of a variety of books—new and old, fiction and nonfiction! This July, the group will discuss “The Names” by Florence Knapp. Can a name shape the course of a life? In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register the birth of her son. Her husband, Gordon, respected in the community but a controlling presence at home, intends for her to follow a long-standing family tradition and name the baby after him. But when faced with the decision, Cora hesitates… Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of their lives, shaped by Cora’s last-minute choice of name. Full of hope, this is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark. It is the story of one family and love’s endless capacity to endure, no matter what fate has in store. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion. Stop by the library to check out a copy of the book. For more information, call 715-443-2775.

Marathon County Public Library—Edgar Branch, 224 South 3rd Avenue, Edgar, WI, 54426, United States

Come and celebrate the USA’s 250th anniversary at MCPL with a game that will take you back to when it all started! You’ve been recruited as a time traveler, and we need you to go back in time to the founding of America. Solve clues about our nation’s history at each stop along the way to get transported closer and closer to the present day. Will you make it back or will you be lost in time forever? This free event is open to all ages and is perfect for the whole family. No registration is required, just drop in during open hours from July 14-18 and we’ll have everything set up. For more information, contact 715-352-3155.

Marathon Area Elementary School, 100 Spring Valley Drive, Marathon City, WI, 54448, United States

Get ready to be captivated at this high energy juggling performance! Dan Kirk, The Juggler with the Yellow Shoes, combines dazzling juggling feats with humor and storytelling. Watch in amazement as he weaves stories and themes from books into the act, allowing the audience to make connections with the joy of juggling and the magic of reading. This free event is open to children and their caregivers, with no registration. We’ll meet at the Marathon Elementary School multipurpose room from 10:00-11:00 a.m. For more information, contact 715-443-2775.

Marathon County Public Library—Hatley Branch, 435 Curtis Avenue, Hatley, WI, 54440, United States

Children age 5 and younger, along with their caregivers, are invited to join us for lively and engaging family story times at MCPL Hatley! Each session features a delightful mix of stories, songs, and activities that foster early literacy, creativity, and a love of reading. This free event is open to young children and their caregivers. We’ll meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month this summer starting June 9. For more information, please contact us at 715-446-3537.

Marathon County Public Library—Edgar Branch, 224 South 3rd Avenue, Edgar, WI, 54426, United States

Join library staff and other book lovers for engaging discussions of books each month! This July, we will discuss “French Braid” by Anne Tyler. The Garretts take their first and last family vacation in the summer of 1959. They hardly ever venture beyond Baltimore, but in some ways they have never been farther apart. Mercy has trouble resisting the siren call of her aspirations to be a painter, which means less time keeping house for her husband Robin. Their teenage daughters, steady Alice and boy-crazy Lily, could not have less in common. Their youngest, David, is already intent on escaping his family’s orbit, for reasons none of them understands. Yet as these lives advance across decades, the Garretts’ influence on one another ripples unmistakably through each generation, much like French-braided hair keeps its waves even after it is undone. No registration is required, and all are welcome! Stop by the library to check out a copy of the book. For more information, please contact us at 715-352-3155.

Marathon County Public Library—Rothschild Branch, 211 Grand Avenue, Rothschild, 54474, United States

Get ready to be captivated at this high energy juggling performance! Dan Kirk, The Juggler with the Yellow Shoes, combines dazzling juggling feats with humor and storytelling. Watch in amazement as he weaves stories and themes from books into the act, allowing the audience to make connections with the joy of juggling and the magic of reading. This free event is open to children and their caregivers, with no registration. We’ll meet in the Community Room of the Village Hall. For more information, contact 715-359-6208.

Marathon County Public Library—Hatley Branch, 435 Curtis Avenue, Hatley, WI, 54440, United States

Join library staff and other book lovers for engaging discussions of books each month! This July, we will discuss “Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn. Fresh off a brief stay at a psych hospital, reporter Camille Preaker faces a troubling assignment: she must return to her tiny hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls. For years, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed in her old bedroom in her family’s Victorian mansion, Camille finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Dogged by her own demons, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story—and survive this homecoming. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion. No registration is required. Stop by the library for a copy of the book to check out! For more information, please contact us at 715-446-3537.

Marathon County Public Library—Spencer Branch, 105 South Park Street, Spencer, WI, 54479, United States

Adults are welcome to join us for relaxed, self-led cribbage games at the library. Whether you’re a seasoned player or are new to this Midwestern staple, all are welcome! Playing cards and cribbage boards will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own. We’ll meet on the second Tuesday of each month this summer. This event is open to adults only, and no registration is required. For more information, please contact us at 715-659-3996.

Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States

Calling all adventurers! MCPL Wausau is hosting our 4th annual Teen D&D Summer Adventure and we’re recruiting you! Teens ages 13-18 are invited to join us weekly for exciting Dungeons & Dragons games run by our staff Dungeon Masters. Are you up for task? New adventurers are STRONGLY recommended to attend our D&D Character Building for Beginners event on Monday, June 8 from 2:30-4:30 p.m., the day before our Summer Adventure begins. This adventure is open to teens ages 13-18 only, and registration is required below.This summer, we’ll meet every Tuesday from 1:30-4:00 p.m., starting June 9. Our last session will be held on August 25. For more information, contact 715-261-7220. Register

Marathon County Public Library—Athens Branch, 203 Alfred Street, Athens, WI, 54411, United States

Join library staff and other book lovers for engaging discussions of books each month! This July, the group will discuss “The Boxcar Librarian” by Brianna Labuskes. When Works Progress Administration (WPA) editor Millie Lang finds herself on the wrong end of a potential political scandal, she’s shipped off to Montana to work on the state’s American Guide Series—travel books intended to put the nation’s destitute writers to work. Millie arrives to an eclectic staff claiming their missed deadlines are due to sabotage, possibly from the state’s powerful Copper Kings who don’t want their long and bloody history with union organizers aired for the rest of the country to read. But Millie begins to suspect that the answer might instead lie with the town’s mysterious librarian, Alice Monroe. More than a decade earlier, Alice Monroe created the Boxcar Library in order to deliver books to isolated mining towns where men longed for entertainment and connection. Alice thought she found the perfect librarian to staff the train car in Colette Durand, a miner’s daughter with a shotgun and too many secrets behind her eyes. Now, no one in Missoula will tell Millie why both Alice and Colette went out on the inaugural journey of the Boxcar Library, but only Alice returned. The three women’s stories dramatically converge in the search to uncover what someone is so desperately trying to hide: what happened to Colette Durand. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion. Stop by the library to check out a copy of the book. For more information, call 715-257-7292.

Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters, 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, 54403, United States

Calling all Pokémon Trainers! Come connect with fellow fans as we continue our monthly meetup this summer. Trade cards and dive into exciting discussions about all things Pokémon! We’ll meet in the Aquarium Room on the second Tuesday of each month. Don’t miss your chance to catch ’em all with us! This free event is open to children and their families. For more information, contact 715-261-7220.