Explore all area libraries have to offer with the Taylor County Winter Library Tour

A library is a truly magical thing. Once you walk in you are immediately transported to a setting that exists beyond the typical boundaries of any other building. Like Mary Poppins’ handbag, they all hold so much more than can be contained by their walls alone. On each row of shelving sits a door to another world, another century, or another universe, and on each of those rows sits dozens, hundreds, even thousands of these unopened possibilities. Books seem to feel as if they can slow or speed up time; they have the power to evoke strong emotions and can open your mind to new ideas that you never thought possible. And they’re all waiting just for you.

The five area libraries have passport booklets available to you, and from now to March 20, you are invited to make your way to each of the county libraries to get your passport book stamped. Once you have it stamped at each of the Taylor County libraries, plus three outside Taylor County, you can enter it in a drawing at your home library.

Westboro has put together a basket of cozy items for their patrons. At the Jean M. Thomsen Library in Stetsonville, you’ll find that the crew has spring in mind, since their basket is full of gardening supplies. The Frances L. Simek library in Medford has a multitude of baskets available to choose from, some specializing in self-care. Gilman and Rib Lake libraries are creating baskets stuffed with items from local vendors.

While you’re visiting each library, take a moment to soak in the magic and wonder that each building holds. Head to the Frances L. Simek Memorial Library in Medford, where currently you’ll find yourself submerged in the magic of Willy Wonka as lollipops and hard candies drip down the shelves. Make your way to the Jean M. Thomsen Memorial Library in Stetsonville where you’ll be greeted by Finn, the official four-legged door minder, and admire the tiny snow-covered village. Venture to Gilman and the Western Taylor County Public Library and learn that the secret ingredient to any dish is always love. At the Westboro Public Library, you’ll discover an unexpected rustic elegance in the library converted from an old church. Travel then to the Rib Lake Public Library and find a bespectacled owl who is waiting to read you a story.

Libraries do so much more than just house books. You’ll also find an assortment of magazines, audiobooks, DVD’s and CD’s, computers and internet, study stations, puzzles, and games. At some places you can even check out Tonie boxes, which are screenfree audio systems that tell stories, play music, and provide some educational content for kids. Others have kits for activities like birding. On top of the more tangible services, libraries have become a hub where people can go to socialize and relax.

“We’re more like community centers now,” said Rib Lake librarian Tammie Blomberg.

Local libraries find that people are coming in for multiple hours at a time, with Frances L. Simek Memorial librarian Maxx Handel stating that she has observed parents and their children coming in for a half a day or more.

“Libraries are a safe place for everyone,” said Westboro librarian Melissa Highfill. “You’re not going to be pushed out if you’re not looking at books.”

You can even slow down and watch the fish swim in their tank in Rib Lake, or visit with canine ambassador Finn in Stetsonville, or have a very squeaky chat with the guinea pigs in Medford. No matter where you go, there’s something for everyone.

Our libraries are able to offer all of this despite only receiving funding for book circulation even though they have evolved far beyond their original purpose. All the libraries in the county are independently run with local library boards in each community deciding on library operations. Funding is from the local communities as well as through the circulation-based formulas used by the county for financial support of the libraries. This means that every time you check something out, you’re providing the library with much-needed resources. Your home library can access anything in the Wisconsin Valley Library Service (WVLS) system, so if you’re looking for something specific but can’t find it in your usual location, your librarian can probably find it elsewhere and have it sent to your favorite library. Likewise, you can return items from one library at another.

Your WVLS card can also be used at all of the county library locations and then some. On top of the local county libraries, you’re able to check out books in Abbotsford, Antigo, Athens, Colby, Crandon, Dorchester, Edgar, Granton, Greenwood, Hatley, Laona, Loyal, Marathon City, Merrill, Minocqua, Mosinee, Neillsville, Owen, Rhinelander, Rothschild, Spencer, Stratford, Thorp, Three Lakes, Tomahawk, Wabeno, Wausau, White Lake, and Withee. Get stamps at any of these three libraries in addition and get yourself an extra entry for the prize drawing at your home library.

As you make your journey across the county to each of these local gems, spend time wandering the aisles and enjoying all the similarities and differences of every library. Check out some books or movies at each one and explore all the unique activities that the system has to offer. Make new friends and get reacquainted with old ones. Most importantly, remember that there is a place out there waiting for you with a warm environment, a comfortable chair, and an endless supply of possibilities.

Photos & Story by Mandee Ellis | Layout by Janna Johnson