Wisconsin Valley Library Service

Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) is a member of Wisconsin Valley Library Service (WVLS), a library system that serves public libraries throughout north-central Wisconsin. View a map of WVLS.

WVLS facilitates the shared library catalog (V-Cat) used by public libraries across the system and provides technical, logistical, and financial support to member libraries.

WVLS contact information:

• Director: Katie Zimmermann
• Website: wvls.org
• Address: 300 N. First St., Wausau, WI 54403 (inside MCPL Wausau)
• Phone: 715-261-7251
• Staff: For the most current information, visit wvls.org/contact-hours.

WVLS statistics:

• Founded: August 1961
• Area served: 7,360 square miles across the north-central Wisconsin counties of Clark, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, and Taylor.
• Population served: 291,293 (total member county service population in 2025)
• Libraries served: WVLS provides service to 25 public libraries, as well as multiple school, academic, and special libraries, across seven counties.
• Governance: WVLS operates under Chapter 43 of the Wisconsin Statutes and is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees. Each participating county has at least one member on the board, with additional seats allocated by population. County Board chairs appoint trustees to the WVLS Board.
• Budget and funding: For current budget and funding information, visit wvls.org/budget-resources.
• Major services: Online library catalog administration, collective purchasing, internet access, technical expertise and support, website development and marketing support, online resources/databases, makerspace and literacy kits, courier service, consultant service, continuing education and training for library personnel and trustees.
• State view: WVLS is one of 15 library systems in Wisconsin. Systems range in size from one to 10 counties.