Think Library: Blog

Think Library - News, Staff Picks, Book Reviews, More!

For Everyone     

For Adults     

For Teens     

For Kids     

Robert Klausmeier photo

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.

Think Library, Adults, VITAL - Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners , Library News, Lifelong Learning, Literacy, VITAL
September 18, 2020

One of the earliest international zine cultures was born out of science fiction fandom. Starting in the 1930s, science fiction fans began to publish what they called fanzines. These were usually collections of fan content and a community dialog. Many sci-fi writers got their start writing for and publishing fan zines. These zines usually consisted of content like reviews, trip reports, and letters to the editors.

Zines , Connect, Sci-Fi
September 16, 2020
Mask Drive Station

The Downtown Library is home to a community mask station provided by Bloomington Mask Drive! Located in the parking lot entryway, the self-serve station is stocked with free masks for adults and children and can be accessed during open Library hours.

Think Library, Adults , Connect, Local Interest
September 16, 2020
book cover

A list of contemporary Hispanic authors to add to your to be read (TBR) pile. This list includes fiction and nonfiction titles, as well as titles in multiple formats, including digital.

Even More Staff Picks
September 16, 2020
Grier Carson, Associate Director

The Library is excited to announce Grier Carson as its new Associate Director!

Think Library, Adults , Connect, Local Interest
September 16, 2020
Celebrate Hispanic Voices
book cover

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with these books for children.

Celebrate Identities
September 8, 2020
book cover

Reviewed by Paul D., Senior Information Assistant

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia is also available as an ebook through Hoopla.

Think Library, Kids , Adventure, African American, Diversity, Fantasy, Fiction, Finding Value, Folklore, Inclusiveness, Integrity, Respect, Staff Picks
September 4, 2020
VITAL Services Online

The global pandemic has closed classroom doors around the world, but adult literacy and language services remain essential during this time of health crisis and uncertainty. According to Proliteracy, over 36 million adults in the United States cannot read, write, or do basic math above a third grade level.

VITAL - Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners , Connect, Learn, Read, VITAL
September 3, 2020
YA National Hispanic Heritage Month
book cover

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by reading books by contemporary Hispanic authors!

 

Special Topics and Award Books
September 3, 2020
book cover

Everyone needs books that can act as mirrors, allowing them to see themselves, or windows, allowing them to see the world through someone else’s point of view. Whether these books featuring characters with neurodiversity are mirrors or windows for you, they are sure to deepen your understanding of others.

Celebrate Identities
September 2, 2020
Fantasy Escape Room

Do you enjoy puzzles and fantasy games? Try our fantasy escape room! With themes reminiscent of a Dungeons and Dragons game, you can attempt to escape the Wizard Tower. You don't have to complete all of the puzzles to finish the game, but completing different puzzles makes for different endings. 

Think Library, Adults, Teens, Kids , Connect, Fantasy, Gaming
September 1, 2020
Quaranzine Vol. 4

Welcome to the fourth edition of MCPL’s community Quaranzine!

There are two different versions––one is for reading on a screen, and the other has been imposed so it can be printed at home, folded, stapled, and read in that fashion. Select short-side binding on most printers to print correctly.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this zine. Please consider contributing to the next issue, coming Oct 1!

Think Library, Adults, Teens, Zines , Create, DIY
September 1, 2020
book cover

The Parent - Teacher resource collection at Monroe County Public Library includes a variety of materials adults can use to support the education of children in their care. Library staff can help identify materials that meet the needs of children at various stages of growth and development, and help children explore the world around them.

Special Collections
August 28, 2020
book cover

Did you know you can stream comedy through the library for free? While most stand-up comedy is physically located under the call number 792.76 (in the Books-on-CD and DVDs), you can access much more through Freegal and Hoopla online.

Digital Picks
August 20, 2020
book cover

There have been a lot of wars in history, so there are, of course, a lot of war movies. Some say that every war movie is an anti-war movie, while others see them as a celebration of those who serve. Here's a collection of some based, however loosely, on or within real-life events. For online streaming options, check out the selections on Kanopy and Hoopla.

Movies & Music
August 17, 2020