Marathon County Public Library - Wausau Headquarters

Fantastic experience: I love the video games although the staff downstairs is a bit loud

Fantastic experience: A great library that has been around since I was a child. Bright, clean, nicely set up, friendly staff. There's some really neat extras here that you'd not expect to see at a library. A fairly large fish tank containing Nemo, Dory, and a bunch of their friends. A Triceratops. Artwork, video games, and movies that can be lent out. Apparently they have D&D nights, Studio Ghibli nights, and many other events. There's a small shaded park area out front with a huge cool bench that looks like a great place to sit and read. A great place to visit!

Positive experience: I don't come here often due to employee behavior. But the last few time I've been in, I haven't been accused of sleeping. I don't take any of their handouts and read them anymore. We also don't borrow out books from there due to some security issues. But it's gotten better. And I don't get treated like I'm constantly being belittled and faulsly accused either. Maybe new management or employees or a change in attitude towards others. But it's become easier to get something done now. And I don't get sick to my stomach walking in anymore. Much appreciated with the change.

Fantastic experience: A great place and great people, I never seen the kind people as they are , clear Environment 100 thousands great books , you can also print your paperwork and print passport photos easily.

Negative experience: Took my one year and two year old kids here yesterday to see some books because my boy loves looking at animal books. When we entered the building we feel like we are not welcome there because the way they looked at us and there's this one lady who kept staring at us. I lived in wausau over 20 years back then when this library used to fill with different kind of races and workers and friendly people. We won't be going there anymore

Fantastic experience: One of the best libraries. Love the services. Friendly staff.

Negative experience: Could not get a library card because I have a virgina ID even though I have a lease from a respectable rental company in wausau. When I asked the girl at the counter she said an ID and proff of address is required. And it can be on your phone. I said I have my Virgina ID because I haven't made it to dmv yet is that okay? She said let me check. I watched her for up to 30 seconds she did nit type nothing on computer or talk with a coworker and said nope we need a Wisconsin ID and to come back later when you get a Wisconsin ID. Did not offer a soulation or a tempary card or nothing. Just made me fell like I was not good enough to get a library card.

Fantastic experience: An excellent library for the area.

Fantastic experience: Chad from the Reference Desk provided very helpful information via email! Very impressed by the timeliness and usefulness of his response.

Positive experience: Very cozy place to read and check out books! Everything is free! They also feature a children's section where there is a small aquarium, a read-along room, and more! They also have a large-print section. That section is helpful because my Mom is low on vision. Overall, I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars!

Negative experience: I am a student in Colorado and needed a place to study and do some schoolwork while visiting home. I used to come to this library years ago and it was in much better shape. I went in twice this week to try and do schoolwork and there were no desks or tables available. If there was one, it was just a chair against a wall where I obviously won't be able to work at. All of the tables inside were filled with people who weren't doing any work. Half of them were sleeping or lying over the tables. I was able to get a spot in the teen section today where I watched two people brushing their teeth at the tables and spitting in a trash can. There was one person who kept circling me multiple times where I was sitting and studying which made me uncomfortable and I went to leave. There are multiple people loitering outside and on the stairs to go to the lower parking lot. This used to be a much nicer library to study at but I don't feel comfortable going back there anymore with the amount people loitering inside and outside.

Positive experience: I give this 3 stars only because the building is beautiful. You have to pay to park which is annoying but in fairness that is not the Libraries fault. However, the staff is beyond particular and rude. I turned off lights in a study room and got scolded by a staff. "You aren't allowed turn off the lights." I work in the dark because I get migraines. Which I explained. She said "We'll with the lights off we don't know if you are sleeping or not so you can't do it. Bring dark sunglasses next time. " I have literally been to dozens of libraries in dozens of towns and no one has ever cared that I work with the lights off. So what is the deal? If I am doing something really horrible like smoking or having sex in there sure get mad but turning the lights off really? Screams of not enough to do. Meanwhile they don't say a word to people talking full volume on cell phones. So what is really more of an issue for patrons. Loud guests in the main area or no lights in a side room? Update. I decides to try to give them a second chance. I had not been there in literally like 8 months. I walked around the facility and took a look out a window in one of the rooms. I was just staring out the window doing nothing else as I moved along trying to find where I was going to set up a station. I was by the window less than a minute and was already headed towards the door when I was again scolded by a staff "This room has to be reserved." So same issue employees without enough to do. I didn't sit any of the chairs, didn't put any of my stuff down. All of which would be indications I intend to stay. How about next time see if I actually do stay then say something. Because why say something if I am leaving the room anyway?

Fantastic experience: One of the best libraries I've been to so far. WiFi hotspots, two stories, study rooms. A major selection of DVDs and blu-rays, video games even for PS5 switch etc. Obviously a major selection of books more than the smaller cities around here like Merrill. Come to this library if you're in town! You won't regret it :))

Fantastic experience: Great library. They have a great selection of materials. The librarians were friendly and helped us get a library card. They took the time to go over where different types of materials are. Didn't have to pay to park and I didn't notice anyone loitering outside. Everyone in the library was doing their own thing and enjoying this public service. It's a great place to read, research, get entertainment. The library was quiet and very large. You can always find a corner or space without people around to read in.

Negative experience: There is too much loitering outside the library. People blocking the steps leading up and down behind the library. This really needs to be addressed.

Positive experience: It's a nice atmosphere

Positive experience: Nice place, but the downside is the very chatty, loud employees. It is a difficult place to focus, but is pretty.

Fantastic experience: I love the ease of the online book request system. They have a great selection but if they don't have what you're looking for they can typically get it within a couple of days from another library in their system. Self check out is fast & seamless. Staff is always friendly & helpful.

Positive experience: Overall, the library is a decent place. It has a nice selection of books for all ages, comes with a few hidden gems, computers open to the public, and much more. I'm giving it four stars because of a recent policy put into place. I don't often bring my library card with me because when I go there I'm usually there doing art but there have been a few occasions where I'd go to log into a computer and need it. I'd go up to the front desk to ask for help and their first response is "Do you have a photo ID?". I don't bring my photo ID with me anywhere, I don't bring my wallet period. I asked them if they could use my birthday instead but they just asked for my photo ID again. It's incredibly frustrating, especially if this happens to someone who doesn't have a photo ID but needs to use the computers. Other than that, the library is a decent place.

Negative experience: I am beyond being frustrated with this place. I DO NOT cause any problems, I DO NOT disturb anyone else, but because I'm a 51 year old female whose homeless, I also have physical & mental health issues!! These employees at the library, find anything in their power to either harass me about &/or find a reason to kick me out 2 times, both times for a week!! These employees, know damn well, I have ABSOLUTELY NO WHERE ELSE TO GO DURING THE DAY!! It's really sickening, disheartening & pathetic how cruel, insensitive, heartless our world has turned into!! People need to find God, cuz you can't go around being mean & cruel to good people & expect to live a good life!! Karma is VERY VERY real thing & she DOES NOT like Fake, Mean, Insensitive Individuals!!

Negative experience: Every time we stop there are people loitering outside the front entrance, today as I left with my kids right outside the front doors two grown men were fist fighting and screaming profanities at each other - no longer feel safe going into this library with my young children.

Fantastic experience: The interlibrary loan system affords a generous selection of books. The drive-thru is so convenient and the employees are generally very accommodating and friendly. The Wausau library has beautiful windows and my children loved the sloth fossils. But having spent time in many libraries over the years, I think there could be a better design. I know, nobody was asking me for design input, but it just seems kind of dark despite the windows - they went for the overly popular "gray" tones. My children had looked forward to visiting this library after lockdown, but they weren't as excited once they got there as I had hoped. Also, it would be nice to see more Christian homeschool materials that align with the popular curriculums such as Sonlight. Nonetheless, for being this far from larger cities, I think it is a fine library and we will continue to use it. The children also LOVE the aquarium!

Fantastic experience: Great selection, love the online and digital options. Great network. If they don’t have it, another library usually does. Beautiful building.

Fantastic experience: The service was excellent and the library is beautiful!

Fantastic experience: Always nice and welcoming. The staff is always willing to help you if needed. I enjoy going to the library.

Fantastic experience: Awesome used book selection for sale. Really cool aquarium for kids to look at and learn from! Nice and informed staff. They also put on slot of nice events aimed at engaging kids and adults.

Fantastic experience: So glad for this excellent resource in our community.

Negative experience: I took my elderly mother to the MCPL for the first time since it reopened. Very disappointed to find the adult fiction was on the 2nd floor. When we got to the second floor, again I asked where the large print books were & was told "back by the windows". People who need large print need to go the farthest location in the library, how does that make sense? Why? Was there input from the community on this?

Fantastic experience: Used Computers to print out needed papers. First 10 pages were free and anything past that was only 10 cents per sheet. I only needed 12 sheets. Staff in the Children's section was super friendly and helpful. Was in and out in about 10 minutes. Just needed to make an appointment ahead of time and have either your ID or Library card. Excellent Service.

Fantastic experience: Though we were not able to physically go IN and use the facility, a quick phone call was all we needed to find out that we could easily use the wifi in the parking lot to help my kids get their schoolwork done while we had some time between doctor appointments. A few adjustments in the car and "whala" ‍♀️mobile school!

Fantastic experience: Nice staff members and they clean right away to keep the covid-19 out of there.

Fantastic experience: Love the staff so helpful. Great selection of music, books, movies, tv shows on dvd and video games.

Negative experience: Was not helpful at all and quite rude

Fantastic experience: Wonderful place. They don't let people put their bare feet on the furniture.

Fantastic experience: Lots of community activities and programs!

Fantastic experience: Excellent to visit and not scary despite the homeless - they're polite and respectful

Fantastic experience: Our whole family enjoys this library!!

Fantastic experience: Good books, dvds to rent, very nice and clean environment. Staff is friendly. Friendly toward homeless population

Fantastic experience: A truly fantastic public library. Great programs for both kids and adults as well as wifi and computer access. Friendly and helpful staff. One of the best in the state.

Positive experience: Clean, quiet, modern, good staff. Tons of modern movies, comics, eBooks, and even some video games. Personally I wish the Theology section was more complete given that Christians are a major demographic in Wausau. But inner library loan can get you a lot. It does feel a little "crowded" but only by northern Wisconsin standards. Some shady characters looking for free internet or a warm place to stay, but not unsafe.

Fantastic experience: I love this place for all the reasons everyone should love a good library. Modern amenities in a more retro feeling shell, helpful staff, and a great selection. Not to mention some pretty good views if you pick the right window to sit by.

Positive experience: Good books, staff is very helpful, second floor is always full so finding a spot to sit and read is almost impossible, kids section is great, good location. Finding a parking spot is difficult, I would recommend walking or taking the bus to get there.

Fantastic experience: Great employees,lovely atmosphere,too bad the administration does not like books anymore.

Fantastic experience: It is a great library because it has lots of great books, movies, and CDs. IT IS AWESOME!!!

Fantastic experience: Great selection since you can order from other area libraries.