A blog to highlight what's new, what's cool, and what's forthcoming at the Mukwonago Community Library, in southern Waukesha County, Wisconsin.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Construction Photos: Eight
Monday, June 27, 2011
Happy Independence Day!
Though we won't be open that day, doesn't mean we can't help you celebrate!
We have music to play at your BBQ, some suggested CDs you may find are Now that's What I Call the USA: The Patriotic Country Collection, God Bless America, America: A Tribute to Heroes, and more! We also have some great cooking magazines that could help you whip up the prize winning dish at your get together, may I suggest reading Midwest Living they had some sweet corn recipes with pictures that are making my mouth water. We also have lots of other great material.
If you miss the fireworks, don't fret, relive the experience through this free little online game...it takes a few minutes to load, but it is fun and pretty!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Edible Book Contest

We have an Edible Book Contest coming up on Wednesday, July 13th at 6:00 pm. You should come and check it out, or enter to win prizes. The details are below!
Mukwonago Community Library
Edible Book Contest Rules
1. All entries must be turned in between Friday, July 8th at 9 am and Wednesday, July 13th at 10 am. (We do not accept earlier drop offs because of the chances of entries spoiling).
2. Entries do not have to look like a book. They just have to be a food creation that is based off of a book title, cover or character.
3. Items that need to be refrigerated should be no larger than 1’ by 1’.
4. Items that do not need to be refrigerated may be any size.
5. To be eligible to win the contestant must turn in the entry with a completely filled out entry form.
6. Participation in this contest is giving your permission to publish images of the entry and contestant’s name for library promotion. You also understand that your entry will be eaten.
7. Grand prize winner receives:
• 10 free entries for SLP grand prizes
• A SLP cooking apron
• 5 free books from the SLP collection
All contestants will received:
• 1 free entry for the SLP grand prize
• 1 free book from SLP collection (up to first 10 contestants)
8. The prize will be judged by library staff and the winner announced at 6 pm on Wednesday, July 13th. The winner does not have to be present to participate.
9. All entries will then be offered to library staff and patrons to eat during the book contest party on Wednesday, July 13th 6pm-8:30 pm.
10. Any dishes/plates or other devices used to transport the entry must have you name and phone number clearly labeled on it. (We want to make sure you get your items back.)
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Contestant Name: ______________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: _________________________ Email: ________________________________________
This portion will get displayed with your entry. Please write clearly.
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Book/Character Entry is Based On:
Description of Entry/Ingredients:
Entry Contains: Eggs Milk Nuts Gluten Low Sodium
Thursday, June 23, 2011
22nd Annual Energy Fair

22ND ANNUAL ENERGY FAIR JUNE 17-19, 2011
Each year the MREA Energy Fair transforms rural Central Wisconsin into the global hot spot for renewable energy education. The Energy Fair brings over 20,000 people from nearly every state in the U.S. and several countries around the world to learn, connect with others and ready them for action at home. The Energy Fair is the nation's longest running energy education event of its kind.
The Energy Fair features:
- Over 275 exhibitors - featuring sustainable living and clean energy products
- Over 200 workshops - including introductory level to advanced hands-on education: solar, wind, green building, local sustainable food, and more
- Clean Energy Car Show - featuring demonstration vehicles and exhibitors
- Green Home Pavilion - emphasizing building and remodeling in a sustainable way
- Green Building Demos - displaying sustainable building techniques in action
- Sustainable Tables - including workshops, chef demos, and a farmers' market to bring sustainability to your dinner table
- Inspirational keynotes, lively entertainment, great food, and local beer
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Local Author Visits...and a Mystery!
Jerry's book Early's Fall takes place in the 1940s is Riley County Kansas. Sheriff James Early's job becomes personal when some locals turn up butchered. The Sheriff does his share of sleuthing with his great sidekicks while trying to solve the mystery. Great dialog and intelligently written. If you want a taste of Jerry's writing you can read the first three chapters of his book on his website, or check the book out from the library.
Maddy Hunter writes a series called Passport to Peril. This hilarious series follows a troupe of senior citizens while they vacation all over the world. While on these vacations they become the center of wild murders, crimes, and other antics. Laugh along with these cozy mysteries and get your copy from the library, or check them out at her website.
Now you great people who read the blog. I am going to clue you on a little mystery of my own. Maddy Hunter left us a few "mystery items" to give to our valued patrons. If you want to know what she left, and how you may get one...check out the Adult Services Facebook Page...and good luck!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wonderful Wednesdays!
SERIES PROGRAMS:
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS
For families of all ages. No registration necessary.
These events will be held in the lower level at the Mukwonago Village Hall, 440 River Crest Court.
June 15, 10:00 AM
Doug the Jug: "Juggling Extravanganza."
June 22, 10:00 AM
Jerry Falkenstein, Storyteller: "Circle the Globe with Storytelling."
June 29, 10:00 AM
Fox & Branch, Musicians: "Family Folk Music"
July 6, 10:00 AM
David HB Drake, Musician: "What a Wonderful World"
July 13, 10:00 AM
Jim Mitchell, Magician: "One World, Many Stories"
July 20, 10:00 AM
Nature in the Parks: "One Butterfly, Three Countries"
July 27, 10:00 AM
Tom Kastle, Musician: "Maritime Music"
August 3, 10:00 AM
Puppet Story Theater: "Puppet Travels"
Monday, June 13, 2011
Wednesday Come Get Free Sundaes and Chat with Authors!


Wednesday, June 15th 6:30 pm - Ice Cream Social with Local Authors
Share a sundae with local authors Jerry Peterson and Maddy Hunter as you listen to them speak about their books and the process of writing. Even ask questions and get your copy of the book signed. Jerry Peterson is known for his novel Early's Fall and Maddy Hunter is the author of the series Passport to Peril.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Construction Photos: Seven
Friday, June 3, 2011
Come Sign up for the Summer Library Program
The best part...participation is FREE! We all need that price these days. Or if you can't make it to the library and still want to know how to participate give us a call at (262) 363-6411, or check out our website or Adults Facebook, Teen Facebook.
Thank you volunteers! We couldn't do this without you!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Pathfinder: Learning About Dogs

Events:
We have Paws to Read, which is a reading activity geared for our younger readers. Visit the library and read a poem, picture book, or book chapter to our Therapy Dogs. This is a drop in event with no registration necessary. The intent of this program is to help youth connect with reading, it is also an opportunity for them to connect with dogs. We have Navarre the Samoyed, Zeus the American Bulldog mix, B.J. the Rottweiller, and a new welcome to Marcie the Border Collie. If you don't feel like reading you can always come visit these friendly dogs, or give your younger family members a memorable experience with dogs first hand! For more information about these events check the Youth Services Page.
Dog Exercise Areas
Dog are welcome in any Waukesha County park, given they are properly licenced and leashed. If you want to let your dog off leash and exercise them Waukesha County has two areas. It is a nice perk because there is no extra charge for using these areas (Milwaukee County charges). For more information check out the Waukesha County Park System website.
Speciality Business
There are a lot of local businesses dedicated to dogs. End of the Leash is one such business that offers a ton of services, products, and events. I will let their blog do the talking for them.
Here are some of our newer book on:
Cesar's Rules: Your Way to Train a Well-Behaved Dog (2010)
Careers
Careers with Dogs: The Comprehensive Guide to Finding Your Dream Job, by Kim Thorton (2010)
Movies:
Dogs 101 (2010)
Caution! Show Dogs! A Dogumentary (2010)
Home School. Children and dogs. Volume 1 (2009)
Dog Tails: History, Genealogy, Traits (2010)
Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan. Season 4, Volume 2 (2010)
Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan. Season 4, Volume 1 (2010)
Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan. Completed Third Season (2008)
Dogs for Dummies (2004)
Those are only some of our selection? Do you have any resources or websites that you would suggest?
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Come Sign Up for the Summer Library Program
2011 SUMMER LIBRARY PROGRAM:
June 13th-August 3rd
Children's Programs
SPECIAL EVENTS:
ONE WORLD, MANY STORIES
Summer Reading Challenge
June 13-August 6
Open to newborn-grade 6
Children are invited to "Read to Feed" and help provide animals to families around the world. These animals will include a flock of chicks, a flock of ducks and geese, a hive of honeybees, a trio of rabbits, and even a water buffalo.
Part of the Heifer International summer reading program. Sponsored and funded by the Friends of the Mukwonago Community Library.
CAMP RUN-A-MUK
Thursday, June 16 at 2:00 PM
Grades 4-6
Share ghastly ghost stories, sing silly camp songs, play goofy games, adn stuff your face with marshmallows.
THE TROUBLE WITH TROLLS
Thursday, June 23 at 2:00 PM
Grades 1-3
Enjoy the classic story of the Three Biily Goats Gruff and one of its twisted variations, re-enact the story in a Reader's Theater, and test your skill at a Troll Toss.
LULLABIES FOR LITTLE ONES:
an Evening Lapsit Storytime
Tuesday, June 28 at 6:30 PM
This program is designed for children and their caregivers to enjoy together. It features Mother Goose, books, songs, bouncy rhymes, fingerplays, and lots of fun for little ones and their caregivers. (Older children are invited to attend Bedtime Buddies.) Recommended for families with children ages newborn-36 months.
BEDTIME BUDDIES
Tuesday, July 12 at 6:30 PM
Wear your pajamas, bring a "bedtime buddy," and come to the library for an evening filled with books and fun. Recommended for families with children ages 3-8.
POETRY ALIVE! Poetry Performance Like Nothing Else!
Tuesday, July 17, 7:00 PM
Enjoy poetry performances of many of your favorite poetry classics. Shows have lots of audience participantion so get ready to join Poetry Alive! on stage. Yoy'll never see poetry in the same way again. Sponsored by the Waukesha County Federated Library System.
FAMILY FILM NIGHT
Stay tuned.
Wear your jammies and bring a pillow and blanket to snuggle into. Popcorn will be served. Call the Library for titles. For families of all ages.
CONTESTS:
SSSNAKE STORY WRITING CONTEST
Open to grades K-12
In 100 words or less, write a story about an explorer, a tiara, and a giant snake. The story must include all three elements! One winner will be chosen in each of three age categories: grades K-3, 4-6, and 7-12. The winners will each receive a trophy plush giant snake. Contest ends Saturday, August 6. Pick up your official entry form at the Library beginning Monday, June 13.
MAGICAL RIDE DRAWING EVENT
Open to children of all ages.
Imagine you are taking a magical ride around the world. Show us how you would get there. All entries will receive a coupon for a cool, custardy treat. Contest ends Saturday, August 6. Pick up your official entry form at the Library beginning Monday, June 13.
GUESS HOW MANY FEATHERS!
Open to grades K-12.
Guess how many many are in our container and you could win a plush blue Macaw. To be eligible, be the closets without going over. Contest ends Saturday, August 6.
SKATEBOARD DESIGN CONTEST
Open to grades 7-12.
Create the artwork for a skateboard deck and earn a chance to win a skateboard from Won-A-Go Biking. Your design should be two-dimentional and approximately 8 x 32 inches. Contest ends Saturday, August 6.
SERIES PROGRAMS:
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS
For families of all ages. No registration necessary.
These events will be held in the lower level at the Mukwonago Village Hall, 440 River Crest Court.
June 15, 10:00 AM
Doug the Jug: "Juggling Extravanganza."
June 22, 10:00 AM
Jerry Falkenstein, Storyteller: "Circle the Globe with Storytelling."
June 29, 10:00 AM
Fox & Branch, Musicians: "Family Folk Music"
July 6, 10:00 AM
David HB Drake, Musician: "What a Wonderful World"
July 13, 10:00 AM
Jim Mitchell, Magician: "One World, Many Stories"
July 20, 10:00 AM
Nature in the Parks: "One Butterfly, Three Countries"
July 27, 10:00 AM
Tom Kastle, Musician: "Maritime Music"
August 3, 10:00 AM
Puppet Story Theater: "Puppet Travels"
LAPSIT STORYTIME
For ages newborn to 36 months
Thursdays at 10:00 AM
June 16-August 4
This program is designed for children and their caregivers to enjoy together. It features Mother Goose, books, songs, bouncy rhymes, fingerplays, and lots of fun for little ones and their caregivers. (Older children are invited to attend our Wonderful Wednesdays Series.) No registration is necessary.
PAWS TO READ
For readers of all ages
Visit the library and read a poem, picture book, or book chapter to Navarre, B.J., or Zeus the Therapy Dogs. Drop in; no registration necessary.
Navarre the Samoyed
Tuesdays, 1:30 PM
June 14
July 5, 12, 19, 23
Zeus the American Bulldog mix
Wednesdays, 7:00 PM
June 15, 22, 29
July 6, 13, 20
B.J. the Rottweiller
Fridays, 10:00 AM
June 17, 24
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
August 5
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Here it Comes.... the Summer Library Program!!

The Summer Library Program is gearing up to start soon. We are ready to tell you all about the Adult Summer Library Program.
The program officially begins on Monday, June 13th. But you can start signing up for events on Tuesday, May 31st. The theme is "A Novel Destination". We want you to travel on your mind's edge through the Antartic expanse, dwell on riveting tales of Appalachian storyteller, and meet local mystery authors! Check out our Facebook Page to see the events or to RSVP for them.
We have brochures with all this good information available at the Mukwonago Community Library too.
Soon we will be announcing all the details for the Children and YA SLP too. Watch out!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Pathfinder: Locavore...what?!
Locavore is defined as a person who typically eats food grown or produced within a certain radius of their home, or within a certain region. The Library Journal had a article in their April 2011 edition discussing the rise of the Locavore movement and discussing some excellent titles and resources if you are interested in the topic. I was impressed with the amount of titles we had available within our system that the article mentioned. Here is what we have availble:Cooking
Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating Eating with More than 75 Recipes By Mark Bittman (2008)
American Terroir: Savoring the Flavors of Our Woods, Waters, and Fields
Farm to Fork: Cooking Local, Cooking Fresh By Emeril Lagasse (2010)
Cooks' House: The Art and Soul of Local, Sustainable Cuisine By Eric Patterson and Jennifer Blakeslee (2010)
In the Green Kitchen: Techniques to Learn By Heart By Alice Waters (2010)
The Conscious Kitchen: The New Way To Buy and Cook Food - To Protect the Earth, Improve Your Health, and Eat Deliciously By Alexandra Zissu (2010)
Food Politics
Eating Animals By Jonathan Safran Foer (2009)
In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto By Michael Pollan (2008)
The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals By Michael Pollan (2006)
Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal By Eric Schlosser (2001)
How To
The Joy of Keeping Farm Animals: Raising Chickens, Goats, Pigs, Sheep, and Cows By Laura Childs (2010)
The Locavore Way: Discover and Enjoy the Pleasures of Locally Grown Food By Amy Cotler (2009)
The Urban Homestead: Your Guide to Sel-Sufficient Living in the Heart of the City By Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen (2010)
Homemade Living: Canning & Preserving with Ashley English: All You Need To Know To Make Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Chutneys, & More By Ashley English (2010)
Homemade Living: Kepping Chickens with Ashley English: All You Need To Know To Care for a Happy Healthy Flock By Ahsley English (2010)
Homesteading: A Backyard Guide to Growing Your Own Food, Canning, Keeping Chickens, Generating Your Own Energey, Crafting, Herbal Medicine, and More. By Norton (2009)
Food Rules: An Eater's Manual By Michael Pollan (2009)
Ripe From Around Here: A Vegan Guide to Local and Sustainable Eating (No Matter Where You Live) By Jae Steele (2010)
There was also a video not listed by Library Journal that we have in the system:
Locavore: local diet, healthy planet (2009)
Websites
Eating Well Guide - Find farms, markets, resaurants, and more in the US and Canada.
Eco-Friendly Guide - A guide to green living and green companies for a variety of products.
Sustainable Table - An excellent resource for educating yourself about the benefits of eating local, sustainable food.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Be BIG Contest
Anyone can enter by June 17, 2011 and the grand prize winner will receive a $25,000 community grant to put towards their BIG IDEA. First prize honorees will get a $2,500 community grant, and second prize honorees will get $1,315.79. So what can you change?
My BIG IDEA was special funding for local children who are in foster care, hospitalization, or other circumstance. I want them to be able to have a selection of books available that they can keep. I believe that reading is a way for people to escape problems and to help identify themselves. So what is your BIG IDEA?
Mmmmm...I love New Documentaries!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Construction Photos: Six
The outline of the new library is taking shape! I just hope these guys are as good at putting things together as they have been at taking things apart.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Angry Birds
It's Raining It's Pouring
1. Listen for warnings and alarms!
If the weather looks questionable turn on a local radio station and listen for warnings. You can also sign up for e-mail warnings and Facebook updates for emergencies at the Emergency and E-mail and Wireless Network. (Click the link to sign up for alerts for Waukesha County.)
2. For severe weather and emergencies seek shelter!
Anytime there is severe weather or emergencies there are shelter and services available to those in need in Waukesha County. Those seeking shelter should dial 2-1-1. This service will provide local information on available lodging. Your call to 2-1-1 is free and confidential, and is available throughout Wisconsin. 2-1-1 service is available 24 hours 7 days per week. If your cellular provider does not allow calls to 2-1-1, please call (877) 947-2211 or (262) 547-3388.
Program it in your phones right now.
3. Have a plan!
It has been said that the Japanese suffered less fatalities during the earthquake disasters because they were prepared. Take their example and talk to your family. If phones are down how will you find each other? Locate a shelter or safe place near your home as a designated meeting area. Or just talk to them about what to do in case of an emergency.
The best plan of all...is to have one! Stay safe...and if you need more ideas please stop by the Mukwonago Community Library and we can help you find some planning materials!
Monday, May 9, 2011
National Salvation Army Week
Come over to the library to read up on World War I and the history of the Salvation Army. We also have a great collection of educational World War I DVDs. Otherwise donate or volunteer at your local Salvation Army.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Construction Photos: Five
In the following photos you can see the foundations being prepared for the pouring of the concrete: