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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.

  • Marathon City: Pirate Week

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

    Enjoy pirate-themed crafts, stories, a treasure hunt, and more!

  • Athens: Family Story Time

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

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

  • Stratford: A Mammoth Story Time

    Family Story Time
    Marathon County Public Library—Stratford Branch 213201 Scholar Street, Stratford, WI, United States

    Learn interesting facts about these Ice Age giants and create an adorable mammoth craft to take home!

  • Wausau: Creative Writers Collective

    Creative Writers Collective
    Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters 300 First Street, Wausau, WI, United States

    Writers of all levels are encouraged to join us for a collaborate space to write & have the opportunity to share their writing with others.

  • 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!

  • Wausau: Pompeii Mosaics

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

    Using clay and glass pieces, create a beautiful Pompeii-inspired mosaic paver.

  • 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.

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.

lighthouse painting

Art Collection

A variety of artworks are on display — and available for checkout! They include original creations and prints from Wisconsin artists, as well as from artists elsewhere in the world.

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!

Academic Search Premier text with a lecture hall image and EBSCO logo.

Academic Search Premier

For college-level and adult researchers, this database offers access to ~3,000 full-text journals in the fields of biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, religion, psychology and more.

E-newsletter

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