Learn

Coronavirus Updates

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Library Closed

All Library locations are closed until further notice, including the Main Library, Ellettsville Branch, Bookmobile, Van, and Homebound Services. The Library will determine a reopening date based on the advice and directive of state and local officials in conjunction with the health and safety of staff and the public.

All materials return slots are closed. Please keep your materials until the Library reopens. All materials due dates have been extended to May 1 and the Library does not charge overdue fines. Please disregard any late notices received.

All items currently on hold will continue to be held for you when the Library reopens. At this time, you cannot place additional holds.

All Library programs and public meeting room reservations are canceled through at least April 30.

Posted by Paula G.O. on March 10, 2020
Learn
Read, Learn, Connect & Create

Library Receives Wahl Grant to Support STEAM Objectives

woman and child using an ipad

A grant from the Wahl Family Charitable Trust will fund the purchase of iPad minis for dedicated use at the Ellettsville Branch, expanding access to STEAM tools for school-age children and increasing the opportunity for related programs at the Library.

“In recent years, local schools have made it a priority to provide learning opportunities in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM),” said Lisa Champelli, Children’s Strategist. “The Library’s strategic plan aligns with these school-based learning opportunities and will further expand upon them. We are thankful for this grant.”

The new iPads will support gaming and storytelling at Ellettsville, allowing young people to express their imagination using digital technology and design, and to build in a collaborative environment using digital equipment.

Posted by Paula G.O. on January 30, 2020
Create
Learn
Read, Learn, Connect & Create

Library Receives Grant for Future Southwest Branch Teaching Kitchen

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC) awarded the Library a grant for equipment, appliances, and supplies to establish a 600-square foot teaching kitchen as part of the construction of the forthcoming Southwest Branch Library. Scheduled to open in 2022, the kitchen will provide free, hands-on cooking and nutrition programs for all ages, increasing food security and advancing literacy, math, and science. The Library has hired an architect for the new branch and is currently investigating site options.

Posted by Mandy H. on December 16, 2019
Learn
Reviews
Read, Learn, Connect & Create

Library Receives Grants for Seed Library and Gardening Initiatives

Seed Library

According to the National Gardening Association, 35% of households in the US grow food either at home or in a community garden, up 200% in the last ten years. In keeping with the trend, the Library recently applied for and received two generous gardening grants.

The Main Library received a grant from the George E. Archer Foundation to support a series of gardening programs for preschool and school-aged children, the purchase of a bench in the Children’s Garden, and the start of a seed library. The George E. Archer Foundation strives to help boys and girls learn about gardening in South Central Indiana, providing grants that support gardening education initiatives for youth.

Posted by Paula G.O. on October 24, 2019
Create
Gardening
Learn
Read, Learn, Connect & Create

Fix-It Fair

Fix-It Fair Video

fix-it-fair_square_08-18.jpgThe Library, in partnership with the City of Bloomington Department of Economic and Sustainable Development, invites community members age 18 and up to bring in an item for repair free of charge at the second annual Fix-It Fair, Saturday, September 21 from 11 AM–4 PM at the Main Library!

Local professionals and volunteers will provide repairs and be available to coach attendees interested in learning how to make their own fixes. Limit one item per person, please.

Posted by Mandy H. on August 21, 2019
Learn
Read, Learn, Connect & Create

Fitness at the Library

Booking It: Summer Running Program

When you think “Library,” do you think physical and mental fitness? Well, if you don’t, you should! Throughout the year, the Library offers free programs all about staying healthy and improving fitness. Now that summer is upon us, the Library is offering even more ways to exercise.

Every Monday evening, drop by for Yoga for the Community. Robin Halpin Young of Maxwell House Yoga teaches why the joyful practice of yoga is so powerful for keeping you healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

Speaking of mind and spirit health, have you heard of Being Bloomington: Being Peace? During this program, enjoy periods of silence accompanied by soothing, live, meditative music. Kat Forgacs leads participants through seated meditation, Tai Chi, and more.

Posted by Paula G.O. on June 11, 2019
Connect
Exercise
Learn
Read, Learn, Connect & Create

United Nations World Population Day

world-population.pngPHOTO: ANDERS SANDBERG

July 11 is UN World Population Day, harkening back to 1987’s “Day of Five Billion,” when the United Nations sought to highlight population growth and development issues. The response worldwide was massive, so the UN decided to make the date a yearly reminder that issues of family, human rights, poverty, health, environment, and development are problems with deep roots needing deep commitment.

Posted by Bill W. on July 7, 2017
Learn
Read, Learn, Connect & Create
Subscribe to RSS - Learn