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Marathon County Public Library Home Page

Three illustrated figures inspired by the "Unearth a Story" Writing Prompt.

2026 Illustration Contest Winners

See this year’s winning Illustration Contest submissions, and let them inspire your creativity! Creative writers who submit a short story inspired by one of these images could win a special prize.

Events Schedule

  • Summer Library Program (SLP)

    All MCPL Locations Marathon County, WI, United States +9 more

    We are celebrating the “Unearth a Story” theme through our activity book, summer performances, craft activities, book displays and more! Our summer programming has something for all ages, but it is especially geared towards school-age children, tweens and teens. 

  • All MCPL Locations: Summer Community Journal

    All MCPL Locations Marathon County, WI, United States

    Pick up a journal page to write about a summer adventure! These entries will be combined to make a unique community journal.

  • Athens: Clay & Seed Mosaic

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

    Create a handmade mosaic tile using air-dry clay and an assortment of dried seeds.

  • Edgar: USA Time Travelers

    America 250
    Marathon County Public Library—Edgar Branch 224 South 3rd Avenue, Edgar, WI, United States

    Go back in time to the founding of America and solve clues about our nation’s history to get back to present day.

  • Wausau: Family Story Time

    Family Story Time
    Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, United States

    Children and their caregivers are invited for a mix of stories, songs, and activities!

  • Marathon City: Family Story Time

    Family Story Time
    Marathon County Public Library—Marathon City Branch 515 Washington Street, Marathon City, United States

    Children and their caregivers are invited for a mix of stories, songs, and activities!

  • Athens: Jurassic Party

    Athens Park 5991 State Hwy 97, Athens, United States

    *6/10/26 Update: This event has been canceled. Enjoy dino-mite stories, crafts, a scavenger hunt, and more!

  • Wausau: Summer at Mead: Geology

    Summer at Mead
    Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, United States

    Learn about Wisconsin's geology and participate in mineral and rock testing.

  • Wausau: Neurographic Art

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

    Create artwork that combines abstract drawing with mindfulness and free the pressure of achieving perfection.

  • Wausau: Teen D&D Club

    Dungeons & Dragons
    Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, United States

    Meet with others to talk about all things D&D and participate in RPG-themed activities.

  • Wausau: LEGO® Club

    LEGO® Club
    Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, United States

    Get creative with LEGO® and other blocks at the library!

Featured event #1

A group of people, including children, viewing a dinosaur skeleton exhibit in a well-lit room.

Group Visits

The library welcomes school groups! We’ve had many schools and grades visit for guided tours, story times, and more. At our Wausau location, groups also get aquarium lessons and an introduction to “Thunderfoot”—our life-size triceratops skeleton!

closeup of hands holding a pencil completing an exam form

Proctoring

Take your proctored exams at the library! Proctoring services are offered at all MCPL locations to anyone engaged in distance learning and online courses, as well as professional development and certifications.

microfilm scanner

Microfilm Archives / Scanner

MCPL offers microfilm archives of local newspapers dating back to the 1800s. Use digital viewers at our Wausau or Mosinee locations, or request additional microfilm through Interlibrary Loan.

MCPL library cards

Apply for a Library Card

Apply for an account at the Marathon County Public Library! A library card grants you access to the physical collections of all MCPL locations and other public libraries in the Wisconsin Valley Library Service, plus access to Wisconsin’s Digital Library, Interlibrary Loan, online resources, library computers and more!

Udemy screenshot

Gale Presents: Udemy

Free online courses for adults! Curated from Udemy.com, this resource includes thousands of video-based lessons in business, technology, leadership, and personal development. It is highly recommended for adults who want to upskill for a new job, advance in their current profession, or deepen personal interests.

E-newsletter

Sign up to receive the library’s newsletter by email, including upcoming events, book reviews and other library news!