July 29 through Aug. 4

Ongoing

Pennies for Animals (MCPL Wausau)
Kids can visit the Marathon County Public Library’s Wausau Headquarters, 300 N. First St., Wausau, to donate pennies and other monetary donations to be given to a local animal-focused nonprofit. With each donation, kids can choose which organization they’d like to see receive the money. Donations accepted through Aug. 11. Call 715-261-7220 for more info.

July 30

Summer Craft: Marching Ants (MCPL Athens)
Families can celebrate children’s music in a fun and unique way by making a special craft at the Marathon County Public Library’s Athens Branch, 221 Caroline St., Athens. Stop by anytime the branch is open July 30 through Aug. 1 to make ants out of plastic spoons, pipe cleaners and other supplies. Free. For more info, call 715-257-7292.

Harry Potter Owl Craft (MCPL Mosinee)
Patrons are invited to stop by the Marathon County Public Library’s Mosinee Branch, 123 Main St., Mosinee, any time it’s open during the week of July 30-Aug. 3 to celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday. Make your own Hedwig owl craft using a variety of provided craft supplies. Free. Call 715-693-2144 for more info.

Harry Potter Potions Class (MCPL Mosinee)
Kids can create their own Harry Potter-like potions during the Harry Potter Potions Class on July 30 from 3-4 p.m. at the Marathon County Public Library’s Mosinee, Branch, 123 Main St., Mosinee. Attendees can make fizzing potions using common household items, and even use them to make gummy worms dance. Free, with all supplies provided. Call 715-693-2144 for more info.

July 31

Let’s Make Some Noise! Story Time (MCPL Hatley)
The Marathon County Public Library will offer a special story time focusing on stories about music and musical instruments on July 31 from 10:30-11:30 am. at its Hatley Branch, 435 Curtis Ave., Hatley. After story time, attendees can make their own musical instruments out of craft supplies. Free. For more info, call 715-446-3537.

Ollivander’s Wand Shop (MCPL Mosinee)
Patrons of all ages are invited to make their very own magical wand – just like the one Harry Potter got from Ollivander’s Wand Shop – during a special craft event on July 31 from 3-4 p.m. at the Marathon County Public Library’s Mosinee Branch, 123 Main St., Mosinee. Attendees will use chopsticks, markers, glue, paint and more, with all supplies provided. Free. Call 715-693-2144 for more info.

PAWS to Read (MCPL Rothschild)
Children can read to a friendly pup during “PAWS to Read” on July 31 from 6-7 p.m. at the MCPL Rothschild Branch, 211 Grand Ave., Rothschild. Kids can practice and improve their literary skills by reading aloud to a well-behaved therapy dog, provided by Therapy Dogs of Central Wisconsin. Free, with no registration required. For more info, call 715-359-6208.

Aug. 1

Crafted Rock Photo Holder (MCPL Marathon City)
Adults and teens can visit the Marathon County Public Library for a craft project that will rock”their world on Aug. 1 at the Marathon City Branch, 515 Washington St., Marathon City. Drop in anytime between 2-6 p.m. to make a photo holder using rocks, paint, beads and wire. Free, with all supplies provided. Call 715-443-2775 for more info.

Aug. 2

Rock Your Creative Side with Rocks! (MCPL Mosinee)
Patrons of all ages are invited to decorate rocks with paint, Sharpies, oil paint markers and more on Aug. 2 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Marathon County Public Library’s Mosinee Branch, 123 Main St., Mosinee. All supplies will be provided. Call 715-693-2144 for more information.

Aug. 3

LEGO Block Party (MCPL Marathon City)
Kids and families can stop in to the Marathon County Public Library for a LEGO Block Party on July 6 from 1-3 p.m. at the Marathon City Branch, 515 Washington St., Marathon City. Children of all ages and their families can design and build creative structures using LEGOs. Free. For more information, call 715-443-2775.

Aug. 4

Sensory Story Time (MCPL Wausau)
Join the Marathon County Public Library for its monthly Sensory Story Time on Aug. 4 from 9:15-9:45 a.m. at its Wausau Headquarters, 300 N. First St., Wausau. This story time includes stories, songs and activities, such as blowing bubbles, parachute play and more. Geared toward children with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder or who have trouble sitting still, but open to kids of all abilities. No registration required. Call 715-261-7220 for more info.

Outside the Lines: A Family Coloring Party (MCPL Hatley)
Families can spend part of their Saturday morning coloring on Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Marathon County Public Library Hatley Branch, 435 Curtis Ave., Hatley. Various coloring sheets and patterns will be available for both children and adults, or families can work on projects together. Free. Call 715-446-3537 for more information.