We pass through Land O'Lakes every year as we visit nearby Eagle River to the south, but for the…read morefirst time ever, we decided to explore the tiny town. We passed a building that looked like a real fancy log cabin... maybe upscale restaurant...no, wait, it's a library! We came out to see it and saw a sign promoting a nature presentation about native turtles in the state of Wisconsin coming up the following week. Since my 6 year old's favorite animal is the turtle we couldn't miss this. We came back 4 days later for the 10 AM session - held outdoors on the beautifully maintained lawn and garden in front. A person from a wildlife shelter in Minocqua presented the 45-minute lesson, targeted at school-aged kids, who gathered round on carpet squares on the lawn in front of the library. It was a wonderful and informative lesson about turtles and a beautiful day for it. I walked away thoroughly impressed with the library, right down to a stray frog that hopped across their lawn during the presentation, only to be chased and picked up by a librarian who took it to a better spot. The presentation was immediately followed by yet another speaker who taled about invasive species in Wisconsin. We didn't stick around for it, but I was impressed with the number of programs the library had posted on its bulletin board. The library is clearly a community hub in a small town like this. And even when they are closed, there's a water fountain and public bathroom accessible from the side of the building. So if you're traveling up north and your kids miss seeing their local library, check this one out. It's a truly nice place.

A small yet lovely little gem for the residents and visitors to the Plum Lake/Sayner/Star Lake…read morearea. Conveniently situated on the Main Street fo Sayner and connected to the Northern Waters Library system of 29 libraries so also able to order books not on the shelves. Quiet, friendly place and a very helpful staff. Five computers for public use whether you have a library card or need temporary access. A very involved children's story hour on Wed. a.m. open to all ages 2-5, large collection of current magazines and plenty of mysteries and current fiction. What a pleasant find.

While on vacation in the UP for a week, we took the kids to this library on 4 separate occasions…read morewhile we were in Iron River for shopping or lunch/ice cream. It's a pretty cozy library that reminds me of the old Chicago branch libraries. Right as you come in, there's the kids section with an abundant selection of books. There's also a well-worn truck/train table and a separate, carpeted story room and play area with some plush animals and dollhouses. The kids also have a decent selection of jigsaw puzzles and games to choose from. They too are well-worn in many cases. I also saw some nice books for older kids, written by local authors, featuring history of the copper mining in the 1800s and living in the frontier days on the Upper Peninsula. We enjoyed going there, even though we're not locals or members. It could use a bit of a refreshing look, but the library does have plenty of computers and audio books in adjoining rooms. One comment I have to make: where are all the kids from Iron River? In our 4 visits, seemed there was only one time where my kids got to meet someone from town. I can tell you in Park Ridge or around Chicago, the library would've been packed on a weekday afternoon. Makes me wonder about whether parents take their kids to the library often out here in the UP, or do they prefer ORV riding on dirt roads and fishing all summer long...

This is by far the best small town library you could ever look to visit. The staff are warm, kind,…read moreand ever so patient. They have by far the best childrens programs available, from infants to teens they always have SOMETHING going on. Whether you're a resident using the local library and a daily resource or a tourist looking to get out of the weather for a spell. It's a great place.