Library Services

Check out our Northern Waters Library Network (NWLN) catalog, where you can search our collection of materials and request items for pickup from our library or any of our 30 network libraries; you can also manage your library account here!

Didn’t find exactly what you’re looking for? Let us know and we can search for the item through WISCAT, Wisconsin’s statewide interlibrary lending service. Please bear in mind that newer items are not available through this system for several months.

Is there an item not available through NWLN that you think would make an excellent addition to our collection? You may make a suggestion for purchase here.

Thanks to a generous grant from Bader Philanthropies, Inc., OML was able to establish a specialized collection of resources for people with memory loss and their caregivers.  This collection contains books, DVDs, kits, games, and resources from the Vilas County ADRC.

The Library provides computers and 24/7 Wi-fi for public use.  We also offer a number of devices that are available for checkout, including Wi-Fi hotspots, chromebook laptops, tablets, and remote meeting accessories.

Need something we don’t own? We’ll try to borrow it!

OML belongs to a network of more than 25 libraries with shared lending.  If there is an item we don’t have on our shelves, we are happy to request it for you from another library in Northern Waters Library Service.  You an also place your own holds through the catalog.

For harder to find items, we can also request materials through the statewide WISCAT interlibrary loan system.  Please bear in mind that newer items are usually not available for several months.

JobPod is our workforce development workspace, available by reservation and as available for walk-in use.  The space is equipped with a laptop and stocked with JobPod program resources. Staff are available to answer technology questions and assist you in utilizing the Library’s resources.

JobPod facilitates easy and reliable access to job search resources for job seekers by merging community library spaces with existing workforce development services. JobPod enables community members across Wisconsin to access a full range of existing job services regardless of where they live.

In addition to books and movies, you can check out things like cake pans, puzzles, games, ukuleles, sewing machines, cameras, and more!

The Northern Waters Library Service Mail-A-Book program is a county-funded library service for people of all ages who cannot use a public library because of disability or travel limitation or living in areas without a local public library. This service is available to residents of Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Sawyer, Vilas, and Washburn Counties. Eligibility for the Mail-A-Book service is outlined on the Mail-A-Book Card Application

The Walter E. Olson Memorial Library (OML) strives to provide welcoming public spaces, including making several of our rooms available for use by reservation.  

Rooms can be reserved in person, by phone, or you can submit a request by using the “Requestd a Room” button.

Senior Planet programming affords older adults the opportunity to engage with a dynamic mix of offerings to achieve measurable change in one or more areas of their lives: financial security, social engagement, creative expression, health and wellness, and civic participation.

Access live online classes, on-demand learning opportunities, 1-on-1 technology assistance, tech tips, community-building opportunities, and everything that Senior Planet has to offer!

The Walter E Olson Memorial Library has proudly participated in Senior Planet’s licensing program since 2025, bringing a robust offering of in-person technology & digital literacy learning opportunities to Eagle River. 

Is there an item you’d like to recommend for the Library collection?  Let us know!

You can submit a suggestion through the catalog by logging in with your library card or by contacting the Library by email.  Even if we don’t purchase your suggestion, we can help you find it through interlibrary loan!

The Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) provides audiobooks and Braille materials to persons, living in Wisconsin, who cannot read or use regular print materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations. In addition, WTBBL also circulates audiobooks and braille materials about Wisconsin or by Wisconsin authors, as well as audio-described DVDs.

WTBBL patrons receive and return books and equipment, postage-free through the U.S. Postal Service.

The Library carries some of the basic tax forms for the
current year. These are available for the public to stop in and pick up each January through mid-April.

We can also assist you in printing any other tax forms you may needs.  We suggest that people know which tax forms they need before they come in.

OML staff can assist you with technology needs.  For simple issues, walk-in help is available as staff time permits.  If your issue requires additional time, please make a Technology Assistance appointment by contacting the Library.

• Devices we can assist with: portable personal devices such as laptops, Chromebooks, smartphones, & tablets
• Topics we can assist with: device basics, Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, device/notification settings, cyber security basics, creating an email account, social media basics.
• We cannot assist with the following:
  o Performing technology tasks on your behalf
  o Repairing broken or infected devices/apps
  o Keyboarding/typing
  o Proofreading documents
  o Filling out legal, medical, financial, or other sensitive information/documentation or  providing related advice
  o Personal printers or other devices that are difficult to transport to/set-up at the Library