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Accessibility

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.

“Providing equitable access to information is one of the Library’s most important goals and is reflective of our core mission to provide opportunities to read, learn, connect and create,” said Grier Carson, Associate Director. “One of the greatest challenges posed by the current public health crisis is our inability to reach each and every Library patron when physical access to the Library carries with it a number of health considerations. These grants will help us improve upon that.” Read more about Two Grants Fund Hotspots, iPads, and Diverse Books

Posted by Aubrey D. on December 18, 2020

Accessibility

Computers & Technology Help

Celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Month

This October we're celebrating Dyslexia Awareness Month! Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects the way an individual processes language. It is characterized by unexpected difficulty with reading in relation to an individual's intelligence. Common characteristics of dyslexia include difficulty reading, difficulty with accurate and fluent word recognition, a deficit in the phonological components of language, difficulties with sequencing, and poor spelling.

It is important to know that dyslexia is not uncommon. 15–20% of Americans live with the condition and, while this is changing, many people aren’t familiar with the term “dyslexia” and may not know what it is or how it affects an individual. Because dyslexia affects so many Americans, chances are you know someone with dyslexia. They could be classmates, coworkers, family members, the people and staff you interact with at the Library or at the other places you visit. Read more about Celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Month

Posted by Aubrey D. on September 28, 2020

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.

Little Free Libraries are typically placed in locations where access to books is scarce. “We wanted to install the new library in a spot that would be utilized and helpful to the people who lived around it. Will Detmer Park was a great choice because it’s not near any of the Library’s branches or Bookmobile stops and is in a community park where people frequently go to play, walk, and garden,” Ginny said. Read more about Library Installs Little Free Library in Will Detmer Park

Posted by Aubrey D. on September 25, 2020

Accessibility

Create

Friends of the Library

Staff Picks: Frankie Frog and the Throaty Croakers

view in catalog

In this 60 Second Review, Librarian Kim shares the picture book Frankie Frog and the Throaty Croakers by Freya Hartas. For more video reviews subscribe to our YouTube Channel and check the Finding Value: 60 Second Reviews playlist.

This review is part of the Finding Value series, inspired by the eleven core values central to our mission. Tune in as Library staff review books and movies that highlight the values accessibility, civil discourse, inclusiveness, integrity, intellectual freedom, lifelong learning, literacy, respect, safety, service, and stewardship.

Posted by Aubrey D. on July 23, 2020

Frankie Frog and the Throaty Croakers

Phone-in Fun at the Library!

The Library is going old-school with two new phone-in programs! Add 812-349-3208 to your contact list, then call in regularly to hear Dial-A-Book stories and Laugh Line jokes shared by Library staff.

A throwback to pre-internet days when people would call their libraries to hear a recording of a story, Dial-A-Book is perfect for fans of audiobooks, podcasts, or anyone who loves storytelling. Call the line each week to hear a Library staff member read a chapter from a classic book or short story. New recordings will be added on Mondays! Books and stories are chosen with teen and adult listeners in mind. Read more about Phone-in Fun at the Library!

Posted by Aubrey D. on July 21, 2020

Pioneer Grants Fund Adventure Backpacks and Dyslexia-Friendly Library Projects

Each year the Friends of the Library invites Library employees to submit their enterprising ideas for consideration of a Pioneer Grant. Projects must be innovative and beneficial to the community and lead the way to a knowledgeable, inclusive, and engaged community empowered by the Library. This year two projects were awarded grants.

Adventure Backpacks

Community Engagement Librarians Jen Hoffman and Morning Wilder, and Edwin Fallwell, a Senior Information Assistant, proposed a collection of Adventure Backpacks. In their proposal, the team noted that the backpacks would “facilitate an interactive exploration of nature, the outdoors, and local park and trail systems.”

Adventures Backpacks contain several useful items for your outdoor adventure including identification guides (flowers, trees, birds), and outdoor tools (binoculars, compass, multi-tool, flashlight). Read more about Pioneer Grants Fund Adventure Backpacks and Dyslexia-Friendly Library Projects

Posted by Paula G.O. on June 22, 2020