Connecting with other other people, in a myriad of ways and through many different modes, is one of life's joys. Let's celebrate the new year with this list of books that focus on friendships, families, and loved ones.
Think Library: Blog
In November, we challenged you to create an original one-page comic to share with the community and enter to win a gift card to Vintage Phoenix Comic Books! Categories were available for kids ages 7–11 and teens ages 12–19. The winners were randomly selected.
We received 38 original, fun, and imaginative pieces that we've included here. Thanks so much for sharing your creativity with us. You make our work at the Library so enjoyable!
![Very Peri Pantone Very Peri Pantone](https://mcpl.info/files/styles/adaptive/public/pantone.jpg)
After a year colored mainly by color-coded COVID maps, “Very Peri,” Pantone 17-3938, was just announced as the 2022 Pantone color of the year! Very Peri is described as a first time ever brand new Pantone color of their creation “whose courageous presence encourages personal inventiveness and creativity.”
![MCPL Chopped Challenge winning dish: kidney bean and spelt toast with paprika whipped feta and rosemary pickled beets. MCPL Chopped Challenge winning dish: kidney bean and spelt toast with paprika whipped feta and rosemary pickled beets.](https://mcpl.info/files/styles/adaptive/public/51717600306_5e3b55e5b9_k.jpg)
‘Tis the season for cooking and creativity! In November, we held the first MCPL Chopped Challenge! Participants received a take-home kit with three mystery ingredients and three cookbooks to borrow. They were tasked with preparing a dish using all three ingredients, plus their choice of additional ingredients.
![Library Announces Josh Wolf as New Assistant Director of Public Services Library Announces Josh Wolf as New Assistant Director of Public Services](https://mcpl.info/files/styles/adaptive/public/51698063658_bd7ae8d5b3_k.jpg)
We are excited to announce Josh Wolf as our inaugural Assistant Director of Public Services! We sat down with Josh to talk about the new role and his history at the Library.
Q. How long have you worked at the Library?
![Black Friday Deals Black Friday Deals](https://mcpl.info/files/styles/adaptive/public/black-friday-deals_web-2.jpeg)
Black Friday only comes around once a year, but our deals are available every day! There’s no need to shop around––eBooks, movies, music, it's all free. Every day. All year long with your library card!
Stream Adele’s brand new album 30 on Freegal Music! Freegal offers unlimited streaming of over 16 million songs, including Sony Music's entire catalog of legendary artists. You can also download five free songs a week!
![Recover Forward Bloomington Recover Forward Bloomington](https://mcpl.info/files/styles/adaptive/public/recovering-forward-logo.jpeg)
The City of Bloomington Information & Technology Services Department (ITS) awarded $50,000 in digital equity grants to support nine Bloomington-based nonprofit organizations in their efforts to bridge the digital divide for residents.
![Big Library Read Image Five Total Strangers; Big Library Read, November 1–15, 2021; She thought being stranded was the worst thing that could happen. She was wrong. Libby, the library reading app.](https://mcpl.info/files/styles/adaptive/public/nov2021_blr_libby_1200x675.jpg)
From November 1–15, book lovers can read Five Total Strangers by New York Times-bestselling author Natalie D. Richards, as part of The Big Library Read, the world's largest digital book club!
![Family Literacy Month Raffle Giveaway Family Literacy Month Raffle Giveaway](https://mcpl.info/files/styles/adaptive/public/family-literacy-month-contest-hl_1.jpeg)
November is National Family Literacy Month––an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the important role that families play in the education of their children. This month we encourage you to explore our literacy resources and visit the Library with your family!
In the United States, adults who leave high school before graduation have another way to secure a high school equivalency credential. Through testing, you can demonstrate you have the same skills and knowledge as a high school graduate. The High School Equivalency is a high school diploma alternative aligning to current Indiana high school academics, preparing you for continuing education or employment.
![Trial of the Wolf Girls: a mini adventure gamebook Trial of the Wolf Girls: a mini adventure gamebook](https://mcpl.info/files/styles/adaptive/public/front_cover.jpeg)
Saturday, October 16 is Free RPG Day! During this nationwide event, gamers and publishers come together to celebrate adventure role-playing games by giving away free stuff. Here’s what we have to celebrate!
November is National Career Development Month. These titles offer stories of people who took remarkable and sudden turns with their trade! Looking for a change of your own? Our Library offers many resources to help you with your job search!
![Winter Utility Financial Assistance from SCCAP Winter Utility Financial Assistance from SCCAP](https://mcpl.info/files/styles/adaptive/public/winter-utility-financial-assistance_sq.jpeg)
Energy Assistance Program
South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) is once again providing financial assistance with winter fuel/heating bills for households in Monroe County for the upcoming 2021–22 season.
Spooky season is upon us and we’re here for it! This October our calendar is packed with Halloween events for all ages. Join us for a month of creepy crafts, murder mysteries, and lots of haunting stories!