2026 Summer Programs
The Mercer Public Library has a full schedule of events and reading challenges for Summer 2026!
The Mercer Public Library will host weekly programs for kids from June 18 through August 13 and monthly programs for adults from June 19 through August 20. Thanks to a sponsorship by the Friends of the Library, all events are FREE and open to the public.
Kids Programs (recommended for ages 0-12, all ages welcome)
- June 18 at 12pm: “Circus Spark – A Family Circus Show” with Madison Circus Entertainment
- June 23 at 10am: Create your own: Nature Bingo Board with Crafty Cup
- July 1 at 10am: Tie-Dye Party
- July 9 at 2pm: “All About Owls” with North Lakeland Discovery Center
- July 16 at 11am: World Snake Day with J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue
- July 23 at 10am: Adventures with Library Mouse and Friends
- July 31 at 10:30am: Dinosaur Dimensions
- August 6: Kids Yoga with Rooted Soul Yoga Studio
- August 13 at 11am: “Unearth a Story” with magician Isaiah Foster
Adult Programs
- June 10 at 12:15pm: Mid-Month Movie Matinee
- June 19 at 2pm: Jessica Michna as Abigail Adams
- June 25 at 9am: Grown Up Story Hour at the Northwoods Hub
- July 1 at 10am: Tie-Dye Party
- July 2 at 4:30pm: Opening Reception for Artist in Residence, Mietzi Bleck
- July 8 at 12:15pm: Mid-Month Movie Matinee
- July 8 at 3:30pm: Public screening of “The New Deal for Artists” narrated by Orson Welles
- July 16 at 6pm: A Conversation With author Patricia Skalka
- July 23 at 9am: Grown Up Story Hour at the Northwoods Hub
- July 23 at 3:30pm: Honoring Mietzi Bleck through blockprinting with Cedar Nelson
- August 4 from 8am-3pm: Annual Used Book Sale hosted by the Friends of the Library
- Large donations of items can be brought to the Library from Monday, July 28 through Monday, August 4 during regular library hours. A list of accepted materials can be found here.
- August 12 at 12:15pm: Mid-Month Movie Matinee
- August 12 at 3:30pm: Public screening of “Soul of a People: Writing America’s Story”
- August 20 at 6pm: A Conversation With author Marnie O. Mamminga
- August 24 at 3:30pm: Honoring Mietzi Bleck through watercolor with Lisa Krueger
- August 27 at 9am: Grown Up Story Hour at the Northwoods Hub
- September 12 from 2-5pm: Fall Celebration Open House sponsored by the Friends of the Library
2026 Summer Reading Challenge
Mercer Public Library invites all ages to join our 2026 Summer Reading Challenge from June 15-August 18. The 2026 theme, “Unearth A Story,” challenges us to think about digging into a good book, uncovering hidden mysteries, and exploring the past; overall, just the joys of discovery in reading and life. Reach your reading goals and you could win some fantastic prizes!
You’re in charge of setting your goals, whether it’s challenging yourself to read more or starting a new reading habit. Choose whether you want to read by the minute or by the book. You can pick up reading logs at the Library or download one here:
Logs must be turned in by August 18 to be entered into our prize drawings. If you reach your reading goal, you’ll earn a second entry into our drawing!
All prizes must be picked up in person. The drawing will occur on Tuesday August 19 at 10:00 am. Prizes include a Bookworm Squishmallow, Lego 3 in 1 Typewriter with Flowers kit, and a TBD (to be read) book lovers basket).
Need ideas on what to read?
Check out these summer literary program reading lists from the 2026 CSLP “Unearth a Story” program:
The fine print
Anyone can register and complete challenges online. We encourage all participants to have a valid Mercer Public Library card, but it’s not required. All prizes and rewards must be picked up by the reader in person at the library. Prizes will not be shipped and will not given to friends or family members to deliver to the reader. There will be no exceptions to this policy except in cases of extreme extenuating circumstances.