Friends of Marathon County Public Library
Friends of Marathon County Public Library is a nonprofit volunteer organization with the goal of promoting and improving library services in Marathon County, Wisconsin. These goals are funded via donations, membership fees, book sales and special fundraising events. The Friends carry out their mission through:
- Grants — Annually, the Friends solicit and award grants to fund projects for library branches and divisions.
- Material & equipment purchases — Friends purchase and donate equipment and materials needed throughout the library system.
- Art purchases — During the annual Festival of the Arts, Friends take advantage of Festival of the Arts matching grants to purchase artworks for patrons to check out.
- Sponsoring special programs, such as the Summer Library Program, Central Wisconsin Book Festival and other events.
- Advocacy — The Friends attend community meetings and other events to show support for the library.
To join the Friends:
Complete a Friends Membership Application to join the Friends. Applications also are available at all MCPL locations and at every book sale.
Membership is on a calendar basis, with dues payable annually by the first day of each calendar year. Membership renewals are accepted at the fall book sale.
To contact the Friends:
Use the library’s contact us webpage to send a message to Friends members via the library.
You also may send mail to “Friends of MCPL, 300 N. First St., Wausau, WI 54403.”
Donations:
Donations to the Friends may be sent to “Friends of MCPL, 300 N. First St., Wausau, WI 54403.”
Online donation options are not available at this time.
Activities and Events Sponsored by the Friends of Marathon County Public Library
Book Sales
Periodically throughout the year, Friends of MCPL hosts book sales in the basement at MCPL Wausau.
A smaller “mini book sale” is available year-round in the main lobby at MCPL Wausau whenever the library is open.
Items for sale include discarded library materials and donations from the public, including books, movies, music CDs, audio books, artworks and more. All sale proceeds go to support library programs.
Donations for the next book sale may be made at any MCPL location according to the library’s donation policies.
Art Collection
A variety of artworks are on display and — AVAILABLE FOR CHECKOUT — at the library!
Many artworks were purchased by Friends of MCPL at Wausau’s annual Festival of the Arts. They include original creations and prints from Wisconsin artists, as well as from artists elsewhere in the world.
The majority of items in this collection are held at MCPL Wausau, but selected works are held at other MCPL locations as well.
Summer Library Program
The library’s Summer Library Program (SLP) and Summer Reading Club (SRC) aims to inspire a passion for reading and learning in individuals of all ages!
With a wide array of interactive activities and events at all nine MCPL locations, this program offers unique opportunities for community members to engage with literature and expand their knowledge during the summer season.
Sponsored in part by Friends of MCPL, this program exemplifies the collaborative spirit of our community and the shared commitment to promoting literacy and lifelong learning.
MCPL Newsletter
The MCPL Newsletter is a bimonthly publication sponsored by Friends of MCPL.
Inside you will find updates, information on upcoming events, reading recommendations, new services, special features and more!
The most recent newsletter is available in print at all MCPL locations. Newsletter articles are also published on the MCPL Blog and shared on social media.
You may also subscribe to our email newsletter.
Marathon County Public Library (MCPL)
- Phone: 715-261-7200
- Fax: 715-261-7204
- Email: [email protected]
- 24/7 account status: 715-261-7209
