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Adults

Staff Picks: Between the Lines

Cover art illustration of movie characters

Reviewed by Craig J. C., Senior Materials Handler

Between the Lines, directed by Joan Micklin Silver is available to stream on Kanopy. Read more about Staff Picks: Between the Lines

Posted by Aubrey D. on January 14, 2021

Celebrating Diverse Voices

A Note from the Director

Our community is passionate about our Library. You see us as a catalyst for growth and well-being, envisioning the Library as a public space that invites and embraces community support. Our 2021–23 strategic plan centers around diversity, inclusion, and respect. In support of this, we plan to facilitate discussions and provide resources that enrich our community.

Traditionally, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day on at the Library. Each year we invite you and our local partners to join us in honoring the tremendous life and accomplishments of Dr. King. It is also an opportunity to address racial inequities and become a more compassionate and inclusive community.

While we can’t gather in person this year, we hope you’ll join us virtually on MLK Day and beyond as we expand our focus on diversity. Read more about Celebrating Diverse Voices

Posted by Paula G.O. on January 13, 2021

Two Grants Fund Hotspots, iPads, and Diverse Books

A tween girl uses an iPad during a children's program.

We are pleased to share that the Library is the recipient of two grants to support access to digital resources in Monroe County. The City of Bloomington Information & Technology Services Department has awarded the Library a Digital Equity Grant of $10,500, and the Wahl Family Charitable Trust has gifted the Library $5,300.

“Providing equitable access to information is one of the Library’s most important goals and is reflective of our core mission to provide opportunities to read, learn, connect and create,” said Grier Carson, Associate Director. “One of the greatest challenges posed by the current public health crisis is our inability to reach each and every Library patron when physical access to the Library carries with it a number of health considerations. These grants will help us improve upon that.” Read more about Two Grants Fund Hotspots, iPads, and Diverse Books

Posted by Aubrey D. on December 18, 2020

Accessibility

Computers & Technology Help

Bicentennial Highlights!

A photo of Bicentennial Art Contest winner Rebecca Mueller's drawing held in front of the Friends of the Library bears.

In 2020 we turned 200! Although our year-long birthday bash didn’t go exactly as planned, we still have many achievements to celebrate. Read more about Bicentennial Highlights!

Posted by Aubrey D. on December 15, 2020

Bicentennial

Connect

Create

Friends of the Library

D&D Library Talk: An MCPL Podcast

D&D Library Talk is our podcast on the ins and outs of RPG systems, like Dungeons and Dragons! We talk about how to make sure everyone enjoys the game, whether as a player or game master.

The podcast features Teen Librarian Sam Ott, Senior Information Assistant Laura Wise, and library volunteer and game designer Scott Murray. It is edited and with music by Andrew Slater.

Posted by Sam O. on December 7, 2020

The Coiled Crown: A Fantasy-Themed Digital Escape Room

Journey into a ruined fantasy world in search of an ancient queen's crown. Inspired by games like Dark Souls, Mortal Shell, and Metroid, you'll need to unearth the forgotten lore of haunted places like the Netherworld Forest, Scorched Keep, and Lost Catacombs in order to solve the adventure's puzzles.

You can attempt this escape room by yourself or as a group. Make sure to read the instructions on the first page of the escape room since it explains how the game is set up. This escape room is intended for teens, but adults can test out their mettle too! Good luck!

Created for the Library by Sersa Victory.

Start your adventure

Posted by Paula G.O. on December 3, 2020

Get to Know Your Family!

For many of us, connecting with friends and family has been especially challenging this year. If you’re unable to spend time with loved ones in person this holiday season, here are some tools to help you connect with them online!

To access these resources you’ll need your library card number and password. If you’re not sure where to find that information, visit our eLibrary access guide to get started.

Ancestry.com Read more about Get to Know Your Family!

Posted by Aubrey D. on December 1, 2020

Holidays & Cultural Celebrations

Learn

Lifelong Learning

Local & Family History

Local Interest

Think Library

Adults

Other Community Quaranzines

During quarantine, many people either created, or submitted creations to, a Quaranzine! The Library and our community created our own quaranzine, and thank you all so much for your lovely contributions. We wanted to take the time and create some space to highlight other Quaranzines made by people from elsewhere in the world. Here are some of our favorites. We hope you enjoy them! Read more about Other Community Quaranzines

Posted by Edwin F. on October 14, 2020

Podcasting 101

Have you ever had an idea for a podcast and not known exactly where to begin? Looking for answers online turns up a variety of resources, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you see extensive lists of gear, software, and production techniques.

Fortunately, the Library is a great first step to learning the tools of the trade! The Library’s Digital Media Expert’s recommendation for anyone who asks about audio editing or making a podcast is Audacity, a free open-source audio-editing application. Read more about Podcasting 101

Posted by Josh C. on October 5, 2020

Computers & Technology Help