Summer Library Program (SLP)

Get ready to dig into a summer of discovery! In 2026, libraries across the country will invite readers of all ages to “Unearth a Story,” a theme inspired by the wonder of dinosaurs, paleontology, and archaeology. These fascinating subjects tap into a natural sense of curiosity and imagination, encouraging kids and families to ask questions, explore the past, and uncover something new. It’s also an invitation to dive into great books, discover hidden stories, and explore the ideas and experiences that shape our world.

Our summer programming has something for all ages, but it is especially geared towards school-age children, tweens and teens.

Financial support for this program comes from Friends of MCPL and Wisconsin Valley Library Service.

Summer Events

June 2026
Summer Library Program (SLP)

Mon., June 1–Mon., August 31

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.
Mosinee: USA Time Travelers

Mon., June 1–Wed., June 3 America 250

Marathon County Public Library—Mosinee Branch 123 Main Street, Mosinee, 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: Community Plant Swap

Featured Mon., June 1–Sat., June 6 Plant Swap

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

Drop off a plant or cutting and pick up another in exchange!
Edgar: Community Plant Swap

Mon., June 1–Sat., June 6 Plant Swap

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

Drop off a plant or cutting and pick up another in exchange!
Wausau: School Supply Swap

Mon., June 1–Sat., June 6

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

Drop off gently used school supplies from June 1-5. Stop back on June 6 to pick up supplies for yourself or your kids!
Stratford: Dinosaur Suncatchers

Mon., June 1–Sat., June 6 Dinosaur Suncatchers

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

Decorate your windows with a colorful dinosaur suncatcher!
All MCPL Locations: Illustration Contest

Mon., June 1–Tue., June 30

All MCPL Locations Marathon County, WI, United States

Design a cover, illustrate a scene, or create a piece of art inspired by our summer library theme, “Unearthing a Story."
All MCPL Locations: Summer Community Journal

Mon., June 1–Mon., August 31

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.
Edgar: Family Story Time

Tue., June 2 @ 11:00 am–11:30 am Family Story Time

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

Children and their caregivers are invited for a mix of stories, songs, and activities!
Mosinee: Cribbage at the Library

Tue., June 2 @ 1:00 pm–3:00 pm Cribbage

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

Adults are welcome to play cribbage with others at the library.
Athens: Amber Fossil & Dinosaur Eye Magnets

Tue., June 2 @ 1:00 pm–7:00 pm Amber Fossil & Dinosaur Eye Magnets

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

Design magnets that resemble fossils trapped in amber or a fierce dinosaur eye!
Wausau: Play & Learn

Wed., June 3 @ 9:30 am–10:30 am Play & Learn

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

Join us for a story, music, crafts and much more led by Children’s Wisconsin!
Rothschild: Family Story Time

Wed., June 3 @ 10:30 am–11:30 am Family Story Time

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

Children and their caregivers are invited for a mix of stories, songs, and activities!
Wausau: Tech Time: Free Help with Technology

Wed., June 3 @ 11:00 am–12:00 pm Tech Time

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

Make an appointment to receive basic tech help from library staff.
Wausau: Blockbuster Bingo: “The Mummy”

Wed., June 3 @ 5:00 pm–7:30 pm Movie Showings

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

Create a unique bingo card with movie-specific events before we press play and watch this hit nostalgic film.
Wausau: Family Story Time

Thu., June 4 @ 10:00 am–10:30 am 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

Thu., June 4 @ 10:30 am–11:00 am 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!
Spencer: Fiber Artists Meetup

Fri., June 5 @ 1:00 pm–3:00 pm Fiber Artists Meetup

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

Bring your current project to work on and meet with others for crafting and conversation.
Rib Mountain: State Park Story Time

Sat., June 6 @ 10:00 am–10:30 am Rib Mountain: State Park Story Time

Rib Mountain State Park 149801 State Park Rd, Wausau, WI, United States

Enjoy story times in the picnic area of Rib Mountain State Park over the Free Fun Weekend!
Spencer: Ready, Set, Game!

Sat., June 6 @ 10:00 am–2:00 pm Ready, Set, Game!

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

Play games with friends, family, and community members every Saturday!
Rib Mountain: State Park Story Time

Sat., June 6 @ 11:00 am–11:30 am Rib Mountain: State Park Story Time

Rib Mountain State Park 149801 State Park Rd, Wausau, WI, United States

Enjoy story times in the picnic area of Rib Mountain State Park over the Free Fun Weekend!
Kronenwetter: Story Time at the Farmer’s Market

Sun., June 7 @ 9:00 am–2:00 pm Family Story Time

Buska Park 2390 Terrebonne Drive, Kronenwetter, WI, United States

Enjoy stories and crafts with us at the farmer's market!
Spencer: USA Time Travelers

Mon., June 8–Sat., June 13 America 250

Marathon County Public Library—Spencer Branch 105 South Park Street, Spencer, 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.
Stratford: Dino Days of Summer

Mon., June 8–Sat., June 13

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

Find hidden dinosaur eggs around the library to get matched with a mini dinosaur, create its habitat, and pick up our SLP activity book!
Wausau: Summer Kickoff Party

Featured Mon., June 8 @ 10:00 am–12:00 pm

Oak Island Park 500 River Drive, Wausau, WI, United States

Celebrate the start of our summer library program with a petting zoo, a make-and-take flower planting station, and more!
Rothschild: Egg Carton Geodes

Mon., June 8 @ 10:30 am–12:30 pm Egg Carton Geodes

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

Craft your own geode using an egg carton cup, glue, and dyed Epsom salt.
Wausau: Genealogy Meetup

Mon., June 8 @ 1:00 pm–2:00 pm Genealogy

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

Join us for a special genealogy meetup as we are joined by the Register of Deeds!
Wausau: D&D Character Building for Beginners

Mon., June 8 @ 2:30 pm–4:30 pm Dungeons & Dragons

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

Teens can get started with Dungeons & Dragons to prepare for our Teen D&D Summer Adventure!
Wausau: Tech Time: Free Help with Technology

Mon., June 8 @ 4:00 pm–5:00 pm Tech Time

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

Make an appointment to receive basic tech help from library staff.
Marathon City: Book Club: “Be Ready When the Luck Happens” by Ina Garten

Mon., June 8 @ 5:45 pm–6:45 pm Book Club

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

Discuss the inspiring and remarkable journey of Ina Garten in her entertaining memoir.
Marathon City: Raptor Education Group, Inc.: Night Moves

Tue., June 9 @ 10:00 am–11:00 am Raptor Education Group, Inc.

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

Discover features unique to owls & get to see them up close!
Hatley: Family Story Time

Tue., June 9 @ 10:30 am–11:00 am Family Story Time

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

Children and their caregivers are invited for a mix of stories, songs, and activities!
Edgar: Book Club: “The Summer Pact” by Emily Giffin

Tue., June 9 @ 12:00 pm–1:00 pm Book Club

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

When things fall apart, who will be at our sides to help pick up the pieces? Discuss this novel of love, grief, and hope with us this summer.
Hatley: Book Club: “Dear Edward” by Ann Napolitano

Tue., June 9 @ 1:00 pm–2:00 pm Book Club

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

Discuss this coming-of-age story about a boy trying to find his place in the world.
Rothschild: Raptor Education Group, Inc.: Night Moves

Tue., June 9 @ 1:00 pm–2:00 pm Raptor Education Group, Inc.

George Street Park 707 George Street, Rothschild, WI, United States

Discover features unique to owls & get to see them up close!
Mosinee: Escape the Library

Tue., June 9 @ 1:00 pm–7:00 pm Escape Room

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

Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test at our escape rooms!
Spencer: Cribbage at the Library

Tue., June 9 @ 1:30 pm–3:00 pm Cribbage

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

Adults are welcome to play cribbage at the library!
Wausau: Teen D&D Summer Adventure

Tue., June 9 @ 1:30 pm–4:00 pm Dungeons & Dragons

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

Teen adventurers are invited to join us for exciting Dungeons & Dragons games each week!
Athens: Book Club: “Jefferson’s Daughters” by Catherine Kerrison

Tue., June 9 @ 2:00 pm–3:00 pm Book Club

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

Discuss the eventful lives of Thomas Jefferson's daughters and the fight to shape their own destinies.
Mosinee: Clay Fossil Necklaces

Tue., June 9 @ 2:00 pm–6:00 pm Fossil Necklace

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

Use air-dry clay, stencils, paint, and more to create a one-of-a-kind fossil necklace!
Wausau: Pokémon Club

Tue., June 9 @ 4:00 pm–5:00 pm Pokémon Club

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

Meet with others to trade cards and discuss all things Pokémon!
Wausau: Play & Learn

Wed., June 10 @ 9:30 am–10:30 am Play & Learn

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

Join us for a story, music, crafts and much more led by Children’s Wisconsin!
Mosinee: Escape the Library

Wed., June 10 @ 10:00 am–4:00 pm Escape Room

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

Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test at our escape rooms!
Athens: Family Story Time

Wed., June 10 @ 10:30 am–11:00 am 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!
Athens: Jurassic Party

Wed., June 10 @ 10:30 am–11:30 am

Athens Park 5991 State Hwy 97, Athens, United States

Enjoy dino-mite stories, crafts, a scavenger hunt, and more!
Stratford: Stomp into Summer Story Time

Wed., June 10 @ 10:30 am–11:30 am Family Story Time

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

Join us for a larger-than-life dinosaur story time featuring a dance party!
Rothschild: Mini Makers

Wed., June 10 @ 10:30 am–12:30 pm Mini Makers

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

Young children are invited to create child-led process art each month!
Rothschild: Fiber Artists Meetup

Wed., June 10 @ 4:30 pm–6:30 pm Fiber Artists Meetup

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

Bring your current project to work on and meet with others for crafting and conversation.
Wausau: Fiber Artists Meetup

Wed., June 10 @ 6:00 pm–7:30 pm Fiber Artists Meetup

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

Bring your current project to work on and meet with others for crafting and conversation.
Wausau: Family Story Time

Thu., June 11 @ 10:00 am–10:30 am 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

Thu., June 11 @ 10:30 am–11:00 am 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!
Wausau: Summer at Mead: Sssnakes!

Thu., June 11 @ 12:15 pm–3:45 pm Summer at Mead

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

Learn how to identify snakes and all about their interesting and unique behavior.
Wausau: A Closer Look at Aquatic Invasive Species

Thu., June 11 @ 2:30 pm–3:30 pm Aquatic Invasive Species

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

Learn more about aquatic invasive species and practical ways you can help protect native species.
Wausau: Wander Journals

Thu., June 11 @ 2:30 pm–4:30 pm

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

Create your own small hand-sewn notebook to detail your summer thoughts and adventures.
Wausau: A Closer Look at Aquatic Invasive Species

Thu., June 11 @ 5:30 pm–6:30 pm Aquatic Invasive Species

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

Learn more about aquatic invasive species and practical ways you can help protect native species.
Spencer: Red, White, & Blue Chalk Fest

Fri., June 12 @ 10:00 am–4:00 pm America 250

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

Celebrate Spencerama Days and decorate the sidewalks outside the library with your red, white, and blue chalk masterpieces!
Rothschild: Puzzle Social

Featured Sat., June 13 @ 10:00 am–12:00 pm Puzzles

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

Meet with others to enjoy puzzles and conversation.
Spencer: Ready, Set, Game!

Sat., June 13 @ 10:00 am–2:00 pm Ready, Set, Game!

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

Play games with friends, family, and community members every Saturday!
Spencer: Red, White, & Blue Chalk Fest

Sat., June 13 @ 10:00 am–2:00 pm America 250

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

Celebrate Spencerama Days and decorate the sidewalks outside the library with your red, white, and blue chalk masterpieces!
Edgar: Flower Pot Painting

Sat., June 13 @ 11:00 am–1:00 pm

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

Paint a terracotta pot with a design of your own or use a template provided!
Marathon City: Dinosaur Suncatchers

Mon., June 15–Sat., June 20 Dinosaur Suncatchers

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

Decorate your windows with a colorful dinosaur suncatcher!
Athens: Prehistoric Rock Art

Mon., June 15–Sat., June 20

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

Dig into the past and create your own prehistoric rock art!
Edgar: Egg Carton Geodes

Mon., June 15–Sat., June 20 Egg Carton Geodes

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

Craft your own geode using an egg carton cup, glue, and dyed Epsom salt.
Wausau: Story Time at the Parks: Oak Island

Mon., June 15 @ 10:00 am–10:30 am Story Time at the Parks

Oak Island Park 500 River Drive, Wausau, WI, United States

Join us in the fresh air for story times at local parks this summer!
Mosinee: Play & Learn

Mon., June 15 @ 10:30 am–11:30 am Play & Learn

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

Join us for a story, music, crafts and much more led by Children’s Wisconsin!
Stratford: ADRC: Brain Health Basics

Mon., June 15 @ 10:30 am–11:30 am Aging & Disability Resource Center

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

Learn how to take better care of your brain to decrease your risk of dementia at this presentation led by the ADRC.
Hatley: Read to a Therapy Dog

Mon., June 15 @ 1:00 pm–2:00 pm Read to a Therapy Dog

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

Read to a friendly, furry listener at the library!
Mosinee: Book Club: “The Only Woman in the Room” by Marie Benedict

Mon., June 15 @ 2:00 pm–3:00 pm Book Club

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

Discuss this novel based on the incredible true story of the glamour icon and scientist whose groundbreaking invention revolutionized modern communication.
Spencer: Dig into Summer Story Time

Tue., June 16 @ 10:30 am–11:00 am Family Story Time

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

Join us for lively and engaging story times centered around our "Unearth a Story" summer theme!
Edgar: Family Story Time

Tue., June 16 @ 11:00 am–11:30 am Family Story Time

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

Children and their caregivers are invited for a mix of stories, songs, and activities!
Mosinee: Cribbage at the Library

Tue., June 16 @ 1:00 pm–3:00 pm Cribbage

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

Adults are welcome to play cribbage with others at the library.
Marathon City: Amber Fossil & Dinosaur Eye Magnets

Tue., June 16 @ 1:00 pm–3:00 pm Amber Fossil & Dinosaur Eye Magnets

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

Design magnets that resemble fossils trapped in amber or a fierce dinosaur eye!
Wausau: Teen D&D Summer Adventure

Tue., June 16 @ 1:30 pm–4:00 pm Dungeons & Dragons

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

Teen adventurers are invited to join us for exciting Dungeons & Dragons games each week!
Stratford: Patriotic Wall Décor

Tue., June 16 @ 3:30 pm–6:30 pm America 250

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

Craft a colorful wooden patriotic flag to add to your space!
Wausau: Beginning Genealogy for Families

Featured Tue., June 16 @ 5:30 pm–6:30 pm

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

Children and their families are invited explore family records and learn about the people and stories that came before them. Then, create a family tree together!