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When Silas's father is taken away in the middle of the night by a group of outlaws who seem to mistaken him for someone else, Silas knows he has to do something. With his best friend, a ghost named Mittenwool, Silas heads out to rescue his pa while riding his beautiful bald-faced pony. Will Silas be able to rescue his pa? And what's so special about his pony? Read this book to find out!

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Adventure, Read
August 24, 2022
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Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by reading these titles written by Hispanic authors. The list covers a wide variety of genres–including memoir, historical romance, and contemporary fiction.

Even More Staff Picks
August 15, 2022
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Ever wanted to know more about the universe, epidemiology, or geometry but couldn't wade through the jargon? Check out these popular science books that cover fascinating topics written for people without a Ph.D in the field!

Even More Staff Picks
July 26, 2022
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Ash is a middle schooler who loves music, is a synesthete who can see sounds, and is figuring out their gender identity after being bullied at their last school for being a “flip flop freak.” It doesn’t help that Ash’s dad is putting more and more pressure on them to just choose a gender and “stick with it.” Then Ash meets Daniel at their new school. Daniel is a photography fan, kind, in-tune with his emotions, scared his parents are going to get a divorce, and mourning the loss of his dog.

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Animals, Bullying, Coming of Age, Diversity, Fiction, Inclusiveness, LGBTQIA+, Read, Realistic, Staff Picks
July 25, 2022
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Livy is starting at a new school and that's just the tip of the iceberg for her! She's growing anxious about making friends and fitting in when she feels different because of her culture as well as family expectations for her to achieve great things. Then there's Viola. The little voice in her head that tells her she's not good enough and that no one likes her. Sometimes Viola's voice is so loud that Livy has trouble expressing her own. She has to find some way to live with Viola.

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Biography & Memoir, Diversity, Family, Fiction, Graphic Novels & Manga, Humor, Read, Staff Picks
July 11, 2022
Banned Books for Kids
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Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. Below are some children’s books that have all been targeted for removal or restriction, including at least one of the reasons why.

Special Collections
July 5, 2022
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This children's picture book contains simple, poetic words but it expresses powerful emotion. The beautiful illustrations depict diverse characters experiencing the joys and security that unconditional love offers. I recommend reading this book with someone you love just because you love them.

Reviewed by Christa S., Senior Information Assistant

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Family, Read, Relationships
July 2, 2022
A collage of book covers with an illustration of multiple teens with disabilities. Text reads YA Disability Pride Month.
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A list of books and graphic novels that portray and celebrate teen characters with disabilities.

Special Topics and Award Books
July 1, 2022
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With the repeal of Roe v. Wade these titles look at the case itself, as well as the numerous issues and events surrounding it. You might also be interested in this list of Reproductive Rights Resources put together by our librarians.

Topical Guides
June 29, 2022
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Jamila has to find a way to avoid going to boring old Science Camp and spend more time shooting hoops! So when oddball Shirley Bones offers a deal that will keep Jamila out of camp, Jamila jumps at the offer. There is only one problem - Shirley is weird. But soon, Jamilia realizes that Shirley isn't just weird, she's a detective! The two girls set out to solve the case of the missing gecko and save their summer!

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Friendship, Graphic Novels & Manga, Mystery, Read
June 28, 2022
A collage of book covers with a map of indiana as the background. Text reads "Indiana History"
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When speaking about the people of Indiana, a co-worker once said, "Everything south of Martinsville is Kentucky." To this day I wonder if others think the same, noting how topography shapes a culture or experience. Do scenic hills and valleys produce a cuisine or taste in music or do we get that from family and neighbors? What must it be like to grow up along the Dunes? How different are we from the north and south but always interesting to be Hoosiers!

History
June 14, 2022
Text says "MCPL Digital" on a peach colored background with illustrations of an open yearbook and an owl with a graduation cap. MCPL Digital is a growing repository of high-resolution digital photograph collections of Monroe County Yearbooks and other local historical records. Our mission is to bring digital versions of the community's historical records to a broader audience!   Library Director, Grier Carson, says the digitization program has been in full force since early 2020. The first items to be digit

MCPL Digital is a growing repository of high-resolution digital photograph collections of Monroe County Yearbooks and other local historical records. Our mission is to bring digital versions of the community's historical records to a broader audience!

Library Director, Grier Carson, says the digitization program has been in full force since early 2020. The first items to be digitized were the Library’s collection of area school yearbooks.

Think Library, Adults , Connect, Create, eLibrary, Family, History, Learn, Library News, Lifelong Learning, Local & Family History, Local Interest, Read
June 2, 2022

Have you heard of our Tween Space? The Tween Space at the Downtown Library is a place where kids ages 7–12 can hang out, explore crafts and other activities, enjoy pop-up programs, work on homework, or play!

Think Library, Kids , Create, Library Events, Library News
May 25, 2022
Text says "Pride Month Giveaway" over a rainbow background with a photo of a Pride-themed giveaway items including a "Shelf Love" tote bag, pin, socks, and mug

Each June we celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning Pride! Many Pride events in the United States are held in June to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion on June 28, 1969. Communities often celebrate with festivals, performances, rallies, parades, family events, film screenings, and other events to honor the history of the LGBTQIA+ social movement.

Think Library , Book Clubs, Connect, Diversity, Holidays & Cultural Celebrations, Inclusiveness, LGBTQIA+, Read
May 25, 2022
A photo of four raised garden beds outside of the Ellettsville Branch.

The Ellettsville Branch was recently awarded a Growing Together mini grant of $1,500 in association with Purdue Extension–Monroe County!

 

Ellettsville Branch Garden

The garden was created as part of the Branch’s 2019 renovation. The garden was funded in part by a grant from the Smithville Charitable Foundation to install raised garden beds and a bench and provide resources to begin gardening programming.

Think Library , Connect, Create, Gardening, Grants, Learn, Library Events, Library News, Lifelong Learning, Local Interest, Outreach
May 19, 2022