The first Great MCPL Kid’s Bake Off is a wrap! We challenged 17 children to make their best book-inspired dessert. The catch? They had to include a mystery ingredient–beet root powder!
Each participant received a kit that included measuring spoons, beet root powder, some suggestions for baking books, and a copy of The Complete Cookbook for Young Scientists: Good Science Makes Great Food: 70+ Recipes, Experiments, & Activities to keep.
Sue (Suyapa) does not want to have a quinceañera where she'd be required to wear a poofy dress and dance around, so when her mom surprises her by having planned one and invited guests during a family trip to Honduras, Sue isn't happy. That is, until she makes a deal with her mom: 1 quinceañera for 1 overnight sleep camp with her friends. However, preparing for the celebration takes a tragic turn when Sue's beloved grandmother passes away suddenly.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
A list of books and graphic novels that portray and celebrate teen characters with disabilities.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
