On Saturday, February 5 from 7–8:15 PM, The Friends of the Library and Monroe County Public Library will host award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater as part of the biennial “Power of Words: Changing Our World One Author at a Time” programming series. The talk is free and open to the public. 

Listen to the internationally acclaimed author, who gives voice to African American life through more than 30 books, ranging from children’s picture books to young adult literature to adult novels. Woodson is a National Book Award Winner for Young People’s Literature for her New York Times bestselling memoir “Brown Girl Dreaming”, among many other awards. The doors will open at 6:30 PM and tickets are not required. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test is required per the Buskirk-Chumley Theater’s policy. Read more about Celebrating Black Voices: Jacqueline Woodson & Coretta Scott King Awards Exhibit

We are excited to announce Josh Wolf as our inaugural Assistant Director of Public Services! We sat down with Josh to talk about the new role and his history at the Library.

Q. How long have you worked at the Library?

A. I've worked here for over 14 years, first as the Children's Services Manager from 2007 until 2015, then as the Community and Customer Engagement Manager, supervising a variety of public services staff. Before coming here, I was in children's services at Bartholomew County Public Library and Johnson County Public Library in Indiana, and at Fairfax County Public Library in Virginia. I've been working in public libraries since 1999!

Q. This position is new to our Library. Can you tell us more about the role of Assistant Director of Public Services? Read more about Library Announces New Assistant Director of Public Services

November is National Family Literacy Month––an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the important role that families play in the education of their children. This month we encourage you to explore our literacy resources and visit the Library with your family!

Family Literacy Month Giveaway

One of our favorite sets of children’s book characters is the timeless Frog and Toad. Arnold Lobel wrote and illustrated countless children’s books and received several awards for his work, including a Caldecott Medal, two Caldecott Honors, and a Newbery Honor.

In support of Family Literacy Month, we’re giving away 40 copies of the classic early reader, Frog and Toad are Friends. We are also giving away two gift cards for a pair of one adult and one child tickets to Cardinal Stage's upcoming production of A Year with Frog and Toad! Read more about Family Literacy Month

Energy Assistance Program

South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) is once again providing financial assistance with winter fuel/heating bills for households in Monroe County for the upcoming 2021–22 season.

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is an annual program that assists members of our community who have household incomes at or below 60% of the State Median Income. This program is available to Hoosiers renting and for those who own their home. You do not need to have fallen behind on your heating or electric bills to qualify.

The EAP offers a direct-pay benefit to a household's utility company, or a benefit in the form of a check from the State for those households whose utilities are included in rent.

Eligibility for the program is based on total household income. For program year 2021–22, income limits by family size are as follows: Read more about Energy and Water Assistance for Hoosiers

"Tails and Tales" summer reading games may be over, but we'll love that narwhal mascot for life! If you’re not ready for the end and want to learn more about narwhals, we can help!

Did you know that you have access to World Book Online with your library card? World Book Online helps you find answers and learn at any reading level––both at school and at home! You can find info on narwhals here! Did you know that the narwhal’s tusk is actually a long tooth?! You can also find resources for early literacy, student research, beginner’s Spanish language tools, eBooks, and more! Read more about Narwhal Appreciation Post