Library News

Free Pumpkin Spice Library Card Stickers

Text says "Pumpkin Spice Library Card Sticker Available Now" with images of a fall themed MCPL card and a pumpkin spice keychain card.

What’s sweeter than a pumpkin spice latte? Free stuff!

Want to win a fun gift set from the Friends of the Library Bookstore? Stop by the Downtown Library, Ellettsville Branch, or Bookmobile and get one of our pumpkin spice library card stickers! Then, post a pic of you and your sticker on social media, tag us @mcplindiana and use the hashtag #MCPumpkinLibrary to be entered to win!

We'll choose our favorite photos as winners––one entry per person! Each tote includes a mug, socks, notecards, pin, and Friends of the Library mask!

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Submitted by Aubrey D. on Fri, 2021-09-10 14:30

All Spaces and Services Open and Available

Dear Patrons,

It’s been a long 16 months, and I’m very excited to announce that our safe and incremental approach to service has been a success. As of July 19, all pre-pandemic spaces and services are open and available to you.

Our community has seen several changes since the onset of the pandemic, many of which were addressed in our 2020 strategic plan.

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Submitted by Paula G.O. on Fri, 2021-07-16 09:51

Friends of the Library Pledge $650,000 to New Branch

A rendered image of the Library's atrium shows small meeting spaces on the left and stairs leading to the main floor. In the background, bookshelves and computer workstations are visible behind a large glass wall. Patrons are scattered through the spaces.

On Sunday, June 27, The Friends of the Monroe County Public Library Foundation pledged to donate $650,000 to the Library to equip a new branch on the south side of Monroe County.

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Submitted by Aubrey D. on Thu, 2021-06-24 11:24

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iPads and Mobile Video Production Kits Added to the Library of Things

Did you know the Downtown Library offers unique items for check out like mobile hotspots, energy monitors, book club kits, seeds, toys, and outdoor adventure backpacks? They’re part of our Library of Things!

A Library of Things is a collection of items for loan that expands the boundaries of traditionally defined library materials, meeting the needs of our diverse and growing community.

Beginning May 1, we’re adding two new items to this collection––iPads and Mobile Video Production Kits!

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Submitted by Paula G.O. on Thu, 2021-04-29 14:17

Learn Basic Computer Skills with Northstar Learning

The internet is everywhere, allowing you to work, play, and complete daily life tasks wherever there is WiFi. This is especially helpful in the age of physical distancing and mask-wearing.

For those with WiFi access, barriers may still exist. Some community members experience frustration with email and online forms, and concerns about internet safety, leaving them feeling increasingly isolated from social connections and workforce opportunities.

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Submitted by Aubrey D. on Wed, 2021-01-27 13:56

Computers & Technology Help

VITAL - Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners

2020 Top Circulating Items

It’s been a long year and you’ve done a lot of reading! And watching. And listening! As we enter 2021 we thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of the media that carried us through 2020. Here are our top circulating items of the year!

2020 Top Circulating Items: Adult Fiction

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Submitted by Aubrey D. on Tue, 2021-01-05 13:35

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.

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Submitted by Aubrey D. on Fri, 2020-12-18 12:34

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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.

Bicentennial Staff Picks

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Submitted by Aubrey D. on Tue, 2020-12-15 09:29

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Library Installs Little Free Library in Will Detmer Park

A new Little Free Library has been installed in Will Detmer Park!

According to children’s librarian, Ginny Hosler, “a Little Free Library is a free-standing book-sharing box. Each Little Free Library has a steward, the person who sponsored and built the library, and each one is super unique to the neighborhood it lives in.” Find more information on the nonprofit organization behind the movement at littlefreelibrary.org.

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Submitted by Aubrey D. on Fri, 2020-09-25 12:15

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VITAL Receives $25,000 Donation from the Estate of Robert Klausmeier

Last fall, Volunteer in Tutoring Adult Learners (VITAL) said goodbye to Robert (Bob) Edward Klausmeier, a long-time VITAL tutor and advocate, who passed away at the age of 93. Over the course of 23 years, Bob worked with at least 30 learners, providing one-on-one tutoring to help adults achieve their personal literacy goals.