Mercer, WI – The Mercer Public Library announces an anticipated closure to complete grant funded renovations. The Library will close on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 as planned for the Christmas holidays and will remain closed until the renovations have been completed, which is expected to take until late-February. While renovation planning is ongoing, the Library is calling all who can volunteer to help prepare, pack, and clear out the Library to sign up.
According to Library Director, Julia Pusateri, “we’re incredibly excited that the renovations are moving forward. We’re working closely with our contractor, KSW Construction of Rhinelander, to plan and prepare so the renovations can happen smoothly so we can return to serving the community quickly.” In October 2024, the Mercer Public Library was awarded over $101,000 in federal funds through the Flexible Facilities Program grant to improve their capacity to provide remote work, learning, and telehealth services.
From December 27 to January 4, the Mercer Library is calling for volunteers to help with preparing, packing, and clearing out the Library before renovations start. “In order for us to keep the closure as short as possible and reduce the impact on everyone, we’re emptying the library so the contractors can come in and get to work. It’s a big job and we’re asking any community members who have the time to consider volunteering to help out. There are so many jobs to do, from assembling boxes, to packing books, and moving furniture, that every hour of help we have will make a big impact.” Planned times can be found on the Library’s social media and website.
Library services will continue in a limited capacity during the renovations. “Our staff will be scheduled to work at multiple locations in Mercer during the week to help patrons and community members. Pusateri states, “We’re able to ensure library services are relatively uninterrupted because of our participation in the Northern Waters Library System.With this partnership, we’re able to rely on our 29 sister libraries to provide materials to our patrons even while our materials are boxed up.” In addition, staff will continue to be available for tech help, access to public laptops, and help with navigating digital resources. Some services, including printing, copying, and faxing, will not be available while the renovations are ongoing.
For all who want to stay up to date, Library Director Pusateri encourages that you follow on social media, sign up for the newsletter, and check the library website for news and updates “We’re working to keep all of our communication channels open. This is happening on a shorter timeline than we anticipated, but the end result will be a huge improvement to what services the Library can provide and help make Mercer attractive for visitors and residents who need access to broadband internet service and space to work and learn.” For more information, visit the library’s website at mercerpubliclibrary.org or call the library at 715-476-2366.