An Introduction to Gentle Fiction

An Introduction to Gentle Fiction

All About Genres

If you stop by any MCPL location and ask for our help finding a book, one of the first things we’ll probably ask you is what kind of genres you like to read. For some people, that question is easy, and for others, it’s a little more complicated. So, read on for a list of common genres, as well as some new ones that have cropped up over the years! This post will be the first in a brand-new series.

Our Favorite Reads in 2024 So Far

Our Favorite Reads in 2024 So Far

There are two truths about working in a library that are equally true: we love to read around here and we never read as much (or as quickly) as we want! Sometimes, our favorite reads are books that are months, years, or decades old, but we've just discovered them. Sometimes, we read a current best-seller and fall in love with it. Either way, we wanted to share some of our staff's favorite reads they've encountered in 2024 so far. Have your favorites made this list?

 

Nine Tips to Break Your Reading Slump

Nine Tips to Break Your Reading Slump

It happens to all of us at one time or another, your Library staff included! No matter how much you love to read, or how invested in a series or author you may be, there comes a time when nothing is appealing to you. You start and stop the same book over and over. You check out materials and return them because they just aren’t keeping your attention. You find yourself staring at the shelves without really knowing what you’re looking for, but the last few books you’ve tried just aren’t working out.

Celebrate Intellectual Freedom and the Right to Read

Banned Books Week 2024

Banned Books Week 2024
September 22–28

Books unite us. They reach across boundaries and build connections between readers. Censorship, on the other hand, divides us and creates barriers. One of our most important goals here at the Library is to provide free and equitable access to information and resources. Among the many implications of that word—access—is the notion of freedom: you are free to read, watch, play, or listen to whatever interests you.

…Ready for it? Extend Your Own Eras Tour with These Taylor Swift-Inspired Ideas

Text reads 'Taylor Swift The Eras Tour (mcpl's version). Above the text are two hands forming a heart around the MCPL logo. There is also a friendship bracelet with beads that spell MCPL.

Her Eras Tour broke worldwide record ticket sales, and more recently, her documentary broke the box office. That’s right; we’re talking about the pop culture phenomenon herself, Taylor Swift. Lately, it seems like you can’t look at a single screen without seeing Taylor’s face. And until she makes her way to Indianapolis in fall of 2024, screens are all local Taylor fans are going to get. Luckily, she’s been all over the news with her record-breaking album sales and sold-out arena tours.

2023 Be More Awards Recognize Library Volunteers

2023 Be More Awards Recognize Library Volunteers Ann Bunger and Sylvia McNair. Photos of the two women are shown in circles on an orange background.

We are so fortunate to have volunteers who contribute their time, talent, and energy to the Library! Today, we celebrate two volunteers who go above and beyond—Ann Bunger and Sylvia McNair, 2023 recipients of the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network Be More Awards! 

Slash Subscriptions in 2024

Slash Subscriptions in 2024

With so many entertainment platforms, it’s easy to stack subscriptions and blow your budget. We’re here to help you save your hard earned cash! Put away your credit card, pull out your library card, and try some of our Library services.

Instead of Netflix, plan your movie nights with Kanopy, a high-quality video streaming service with over 30,000 films. Don’t miss Kanopy’s selection of brand-new titles from BBC Film!

Button Pusher

Tyler was the kind of kid who couldn't sit still at school and couldn't explain why he was acting the way he did. But when he started a new medicine called Ritalin, he was able to pay attention in class and focus. At the time, he hadn't heard the term "Attention Hyperactivity Deficit Disorder" (it was actually called Attention Deficit Disorder when he was growing up), but that's what he was experiencing.

Great MCPL Kid’s Bake Off

A cake decorated with blue candy waves, a lightning bolt, a trident, and icing writing Percy Jackson.

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.

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