Here are some outstanding titles that the Library's Children's Department staff members read in 2025!
Think Library: Blog
They might not have won the big prize, but these books were all finalists in their respective genres for some of fiction's biggest awards. Together, they create a list of books that didn't quite win, but are still worth picking up (and maybe even easier to find on the shelves).
December 8, 2025
Get lost in the mysterious hallways of these books set at elite schools where everyone is hiding a dark secret.
December 4, 2025
Whatever variety of romance you're looking for—funny, magical, dark, or even none at all—this list has something for you. Browse by the pre-sorted romance types or take our quiz to find your ideal romance read!
December 2, 2025
The temperature is dropping, but don't let the weather keep you from immersing yourself in a good book, movie, music album, or video game. Why not all of the above? These bundles offer recommendations of complementary materials in different formats, so you can not only enjoy a story, but possibly experience one in a whole new way!
November 20, 2025
Thank you to everyone who entered our Two-Sentence Horror Story Contest! We’re thrilled to announce the winners, who will receive gift cards to a bookstore of their choice, plus a horror book from the Friends of the Library Bookstore! Your creepy contributions made it a spine-tingling experience, and we loved reading each one! It was so hard to pick just three winners, so we’re including 20 more of our favorites. Happy hauntings!
October 30, 2025
Learn about the many cultures and lived experiences of the Indigenous peoples of North America.
October 17, 2025
Check out this list of books and graphic novels that highlight a variety of perspectives and voices which portray and celebrate teen characters with multiracial and multicultural identities.
October 14, 2025
Kerry Thomson, Mayor of the city of Bloomington, has declared October 19–25, 2025, Friends of Libraries Week in support of the Monroe County Public Library Foundation. Also known as the Friends of the Library, the Foundation advocates on behalf of the Monroe County Public Library’s (MCPL) collections, services, programs, and staff development.
October 13, 2025
Dip your toes into the romance genre with these low stakes and lovable picks that will make you swoon.
While the books on this list have been selected for teens ages 12–19, the titles span a broad range of reading and maturity levels. We encourage adult caregivers to take an active role in helping individual teens choose books that are the best fit for them and their families.
October 11, 2025
Discover and celebrate poetry in various formats, including collections of poems, memoirs, novels in verse, anthologies, mixed media, and more.
While the books on this list have been selected for teens ages 12–19, the titles span a broad range of reading and maturity levels. We encourage adult caregivers to take an active role in helping individual teens choose books that are the best fit for them and their families.
October 11, 2025
Looking to add a little magic to your TBR list? Is it the time of year when you're ready to celebrate spells, familiars, and potions? Check out these witchy reads!
September 18, 2025
Curated by the founder of our very own Bad Movie Club, this list consists of Jo's top bad movie picks that you can stream for free through the Library's eResources.
September 4, 2025
MCPL, together with Monroe County GIS and the Monroe County History Center, are building Hoosier Character, a digital map of 19th century Indiana. Starting with Monroe County, we use oral history and traditional sources to see where they lived—the common and the bold.
August 27, 2025