Staff Picks: We Were Eight Years In Power : an American Tragedy

Reviewed by Bill Koester, Materials Handler

We Were Eight Years In Power : an American Tragedy by Ta-Nehisi Coates is also available in eBook, audiobook, and large print formats.

IntegrityIn response to the ongoing protests against police brutality and the ensuing discussions about race in America, there has been a recent trend of book recommendations for White Americans to better understand the experience of Black America. As a White reader myself, some of the most eye-opening work has been that of Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Coates has moved more into fiction recently—he finished an acclaimed stint with Marvel comics and published his first novel The Water Dancer within the past year—but his most known work, the work which brought him to prominence, were his articles for The Atlantic. We Were Eight Years in Power compiles eight of his most acclaimed articles published during the Obama Administration, along with his personal commentary on events of the era and afterwards.

In these articles, Coates highlights how the United States of America is, by design, not inclusive for Black Americans. “Why Do So Few Blacks Study The Civil War?” describes how the Lost Cause myth centers the White experience of the war, and has long been used to absolve White America of the sins of slavery and racism. In “The Black Family in the Age of Mass Incarceration,” he lays out how, by design, crime and sentencing policy have disproportionately harmed and imprisoned African-Americans. And in his masterpiece, the highly acclaimed “The Case for Reparations,” he details how decades of discriminatory policies specifically targeting African-Americans have denied them the American Dream.

Several of the works are profiles of Barack Obama, and one of Michelle. Through these, Coates explores not so much the President’s policies as what he means as a symbol, one onto which Black America pinned so much. And also, the visceral hatred he received from White America and his political opposition. Coates not only posits that there’s no question that White backlash led to the election of the current President, but highlights how Whiteness is so ingrained in this country that even left-leaning politicians and intellectuals still deny that racial animus was a factor.

The book can be a heavy, dispiriting read, to say the least (the fact that it’s broken into article-sized chunks helps readers who may need to take a break). Indeed, for those who have looked on in horror at the last four years, reading arouses nearly every negative emotion. It is worth it, however, both for the essentialness of the subject matter and for Coates’ language, at once both verbose and rhythmically beautiful.

In spite of what’s in most of We Were Eight Years In Power, the epilogue finds Coates trying to find a bit of hope, or at least use the current state of things as fuel to fight for a better America. Whether or not the reader feels as determined, the work paints an astounding picture of just how much work remains to be done for this country to be truly equal.

This is review is part of the Finding Value series, inspired by the eleven core values central to the Library's 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.

Staff Picks: Flat: Reclaiming My Body From Breast Cancer

Reviewed by Sarah K., Materials Handler

Flat: Reclaiming My Body From Breast Cancer by Catherine Guthrie is also available as an Overdrive eBook.

Integrity

Catherine Guthrie was in her thirties, living in Bloomington, Indiana when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had written extensively about cancer in her work as a health journalist, but quickly learned how different the landscape looks when you are the patient.

Guthrie shares her experience navigating the healthcare system as a queer woman, which highlights the gender normative nature of breast cancer care in the United States. Notably, many medical providers assume that having breasts is essential to feeling both “whole” and feminine for women. Where does that leave individuals who want to make a different choice? Where does it leave people outside of the gender binary? Guthrie thoughtfully explores those questions and how breast cancer treatment needs to change to become inclusive of all identities. 

After much contemplation, Guthrie opts to “go flat” after her mastectomy, forgoing reconstruction. While this choice is becoming more common, it has not always been presented as an option for patients. In interviews with others in the breast cancer community, she describes the spectrum of responses people received to their decision to go flat--ranging from supportive to dismissive or baffled. In the end, what patients want is what anyone would want: for their choice--whatever it may be--to be both accepted and respected.

Flat is a moving memoir that pulls no punches as it details Guthrie’s experience with breast cancer. It is an essential read for anyone wanting to take a critical look at breast cancer care in this country and learn more about the often undiscussed choice to go flat.

*A warning to readers undergoing cancer treatment, there are significant errors made during the course of her treatment, which may be distressing to read.

This is review is part of the Finding Value series, inspired by the eleven core values central to the Library's 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.

Staff Picks: Between the Lines

Cover art illustration of movie characters

Reviewed by Craig J. C., Senior Materials Handler

Between the Lines, directed by Joan Micklin Silver is available to stream on Kanopy.

Integrity

The second feature from trailblazing independent filmmaker Joan Micklin Silver (following the immigrant drama Hester Street, which scored an Oscar nomination for lead actress Carol Kane), Between the Lines dramatizes the inner workings of a Boston alt-weekly on the verge of being bought by a media conglomerate whose plans for the paper mean things will no longer be business as usual. Not that “business as usual” is so hot since its days of counterculture rabble-rousing are long past. "We really shook things up, you know,” says chief investigative reporter Harry (John Heard), who ruefully adds they “didn't change anything.” Nowadays, Harry can barely work up the enthusiasm for a puff piece about a stripper (played by Marilu Henner in her screen debut), so he’s right to wonder whether he has it in him to resist the buyout and the easy paycheck that could go along with it. Meanwhile, his on-again off-again photographer girlfriend Abbie (Lindsay Crouse) weighs her own options, the paper's resident rock columnist Max (Jeff Goldblum, who ably steals the film out from under his co-stars) can barely afford his hedonistic lifestyle, and so on down the line (or between them). Each, in their own way, has to decide whether to stand by their principles or if they still have principles to stand by in the first place.

This is review is part of the Finding Value series, inspired by the eleven core values central to the Library's 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.

Celebrating Diverse Voices

Everyone has a Story

A Note from the Director

Our community is passionate about our Library. You see us as a catalyst for growth and well-being, envisioning the Library as a public space that invites and embraces community support. Our 2021–23 strategic plan centers around diversity, inclusion, and respect. In support of this, we plan to facilitate discussions and provide resources that enrich our community.

Traditionally, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day on at the Library. Each year we invite you and our local partners to join us in honoring the tremendous life and accomplishments of Dr. King. It is also an opportunity to address racial inequities and become a more compassionate and inclusive community.

While we can’t gather in person this year, we hope you’ll join us virtually on MLK Day and beyond as we expand our focus on diversity. 

 

“Everyone Has a Story” Reading Challenge

We’ll start with “Everyone Has a Story”, our new all-ages reading challenge! Running January 15–February 28, the game challenges you to discover stories told by and about different people, dive into what it means to be antiracist, and learn about authors and people seeking to eliminate social injustices. Learn more and register for the challenge.

 

MLK Day Special Event with Wonderlab

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Activities

Join WonderLab educators and our librarians on MLK Day for Science Storytime! We’ll share the book Martin’s Big Words then learn how light interacts with transparent, translucent, reflective, and opaque objects by exploring stained glass windows, which are beautifully illustrated in the book. Then, librarians will read the picture book Happy in Our Skin, looking at our own skin and, using Venn diagrams, the groups we are in. These activities are designed for people ages 3–6, but all are welcome. Please register on the WonderLab website to attend.

For children ages 6–12, learn how to conduct at-home chemistry experiments at MLK Day Special Event with WonderLab: Science Explorations! Use your own materials or pick up a Free Safe at Home Chemistry Kits at the library or WonderLab as supplies last. Each kit includes materials for writing secret messages and growing crystals, and an introduction to four notable Black chemists. Kits are not necessary to attend the program and all are welcome. Please register with WonderLab to attend.

You can also pick up a MLK Jr. Day Take and Make Kids Activity Kit! In each grab-and-go kit you’ll find a peace dove craft, themed coloring and other activities, tips for talking about race, and more. These are available at the Downtown Library, Ellettsville Branch Library, and on the Bookmobile beginning January 14. Learn more about our Take and Make activity kits and programs.

 

Black History Month Bingo

Black History Month Bingo

Now through February 28, children ages 5–12 can play Black History Month bingo! The game facilitates discussions on race, features acts of kindness, and offers opportunities to learn about Black visionaries, leaders, and artists. When you complete five in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally), you’ll earn a prize! Download your game board or pick up a paper copy at the Downtown Library and Ellettsville Branch.

 

Monroe County Field Notes

Monroe County Field Notes

As we address systemic racism and the role that we all play in it today, we can also work to diversify our county’s history. Monroe County Field Notes is a virtual dig to uncover stories about 19th-century landmarks and people, from 1816–1876. With Field Notes, we’ll make it easy for you to showcase local history, piecing together stories and facts––and maybe even solving the mystery of Monroe County’s connections in the Underground Railroad. Watch this video to learn more, then join the dig at fieldnotes.mcpl.info!

 

Advancing Racial Equity

Celebrate Diverse Stories

We strive to provide resources and information to help individuals seek knowledge which can lead to greater understanding and compassion. We recently received two grants in support of this mission.

Our Advancing Racial Equity Collection was made possible through a grant from Indiana Humanities with funds from Lilly Endowment Inc. The collection’s goal is to help our community think, read, and talk about racial injustice and systemic racism. It contains juvenile book club kits and juvenile storytime kits featuring books to help children understand experiences different from their own.

Building on the Advancing Racial Equity Collection, a second recent grant from The Wahl Family Charitable Trust will be used to purchase 100 ebooks, eaudiobooks, and physical books for all ages focusing on titles that promote diversity, inclusiveness, and antiracism. 

Birdie and Me

Jack and her gender fluid brother, Birdie, are siblings who have to move in with their stoic and no-nonsense uncle after their eccentric uncle proves that he is not a good caretaker after their mother's sudden death. The constant upheaval, new scenery, school, and bullying in their new life throw them through a loop. Through grieving, confronting bullies, and confronting comfort zones -- Birdie, Jack, and both their uncles learn to love and accept each other for who they are. Together, the family creates a new sense of home together. 

The overarching themes of discovering yourself and your place in the world as well as family and support aren't exactly new, but the author, Nuanez, handles them with a gentle and empathetic hand, making Jack and Birdie come to life. It also features an absolutely fantastic representation of a gender fluid child that you won't soon forget! Fans of authors such as Kate Dicamillo, Ann M. Martin and Dan Gemeinhart will find something of great value in this novel.

2020 Top Circulating Items

It’s been a long year and you’ve done a lot of reading! And watching. And listening! As we enter 2021 we thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of the media that carried us through 2020. Here are our top circulating items of the year!

 

 

2020 Top Circulating Items: Adult Fiction

Adult Fiction

  1. Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
  2. Sumer of ‘69 by Elin Hilderbrand
  3. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Adult Fiction CloudLibrary eBooks 

  1. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
  2. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
  3. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Adult Libby eBooks

  1. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
  2. Becoming by Michelle Obama
  3. White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism

Adult Nonfiction

  1. The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer
  2. The Devil In the White City by Erik Larson
  3. Japanese Home Cooking by Sonoko Sakai

Graphic Novels

  1. The Midwinter Witch by Molly Ostertag
  2. A Very Stable Genius! By Mike Luckovich
  3. Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Kinsley

 

Young Adult Fiction

Young Adult Fiction

  1. Watership Down by Richard Adams
  2. Truly, Devious by Maureen Johnson
  3. Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

Young Adult CloudLibrary eBooks

  1. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
  2. One of Us Is Next by Karen M. Mcmanus
  3. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Young Adult Libby eBooks

  1. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
  2. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
  3. Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

 

2020 Top Circulating Items: Juvenile Fiction

Juvenile Fiction

  1. 24 Hours in Nowhere by Dusti Bowling
  2. The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
  3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid 14, Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney

Juvenile Fiction Libby eBooks

  1. Guts by Raina Telgemeier
  2. Dog Man: Fetch-22 by Dav Pilkey
  3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid 14, Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney

Juvenile Graphic Novels

  1. Garfield: Search for Pooky by Jim Davis
  2. Dog Man: Unleashed by Dav Pilkey
  3. Zita the Spacegirl 2 by Ben Hatke

Juvenile Picture Books

  1. The Pout-pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
  2. Be Quiet! By Ryan T. Higgins
  3. Bruce’s Big Storm by Ryan T. Higgins

 

2020 Top Circulating Items: Movies

Adult DVDs

  1. Joker
  2. Step Brothers
  3. The Thing (1982)

Kanopy Films

  1. Stash Short Film Festival: Comedy
  2. What We Do In the Shadows
  3. Young Goethe in Love

Music CDs

  1. The 50 Darkest Pieces of Classical Music
  2. Kingdom In My Mind by The Wood Brothers
  3. Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg

 

2020 Top Circulating Items: Video Games

Adult Video Games

  1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
  2. The Witcher III: Wild Hunt
  3. Super Mario Maker 2

Juvenile Video Games

  1. Rime
  2. LEGO City Undercover
  3. Pokemon Shield

 

Which titles kept you company in 2020? Share your favorites with us on Facebook then help us create next year’s lists by exploring our catalog and checking out new materials! Want to be first in line for new books, movies, and music? Sign up to receive emails featuring recently-ordered Library items in real-time, then place holds before they hit the shelves!

 

December Teen Instagram Roundup

December Teen Social Round Up

Did you know that we have an Instagram account JUST for teens? We post fun things like craft ideas and book recommendations along with announcements for special programs. Here is a roundup of some of the topics and events from December. If you like what you see, give us a follow on Instagram @mcplindianateen so you do not miss out!


 

New RPG Podcast

D&D Library Talk

D&D Library Talk: We have a brand new podcast on the ins and outs of RPG systems, like Dungeons and Dragons! Get tips and tricks from your favorite teen Library staff. The first two episodes are now available (and are free)! We talk about how to make sure everyone enjoys the game, whether as a player or game master.

 

Digital Escape Room

The Coiled Crown: A Fantasy-Themed Digital Escape Room

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? We have a brand new fantasy escape room for you to solve! Adventure through "The Coiled Crown: A Fantasy-Themed Digital Escape Room."

Journey into a ruined fantasy world in search of an ancient queen's crown. Inspired by games like Dark Souls, Mortal Shell, and Metroid, you'll need to unearth the forgotten lore of haunted places like the Netherworld Forest, Scorched Keep, and Lost Catacombs in order to solve the adventure's puzzles.

You can attempt this escape room by yourself or as a group. Make sure to read the instructions on the first page of the escape room since it explains how the game is set up. This escape room is intended for teens, but adults can test out their mettle too! Access the escape room.

 

Programs

Comics and Cookies

Two librarians are drawn in front of the cover of the book Sleepless. The image is titled Comics and Cookies

Comics and Cookies is our virtual graphic novel book club just for teens! This month we read and discussed Sleepless Vol. 1 by Sarah Vaughn.

On January 18, we'll read and discuss Avant Guards Vol. 1 by Carly Usdin. Access a copy instantly on Hoopla with your library card!

 

D&D Online

Winter D&D Online

Twice a month we host drop-in sessions of Dungeons and Dragons on our Teen Discord server! In December our adventures were winter-themed, battling monsters through snow and ice! Sign up to join us on January 6 and/or January 20 for new cozy-themed adventures!

 

Crafts: How to Make a Lavender Sachet

Supplies Needed:

  • Dried Lavender
  • Burlap ribbon (2-3” in diameter)
  • Yarn or embroidery floss
  • Scissors
  • Needle with a large eye

Steps:

  1. Cut a 7" long piece of burlap ribbon, then fold it in half
  2. Cut a 36" long piece of yarn or embroidery floss
  3. Thread your needle with your yarn or embroidery floss
  4. Sew three of the four sides of the folded piece of burlap, leaving the fourth side open (you can use a running stitch or any stitch you are comfortable with)
  5. Stuff the burlap with lavender, but not so full that you won't be able to sew it closed
  6. Sew closed the fourth side so all of the lavender is safely enclosed
  7. Place the lavender sachet under a pillow, in a bag, in a drawer, or just hold onto it to make your things smell wonderful

 

Lavender Sachets
Dried Lavender, Burlap ribbon (2-3in in diameter), Yarn or embroidery floss, Scissors, Needle with a large eye
Cut a piece of the burlap ribbon that is 7inches long, fold it in half
Sew up three of the four sides leaving one side open. You can use a running stitch or any stitch you are comfortable with to sew up the sides
Fill up your burlap with lavender, but not too full so that you can’t close it. Sewing the last side so all of the lavender is safely enclosed
You're Done

 

Books

We Need Diverse Books

We highlighted some new December YA books by BIPOC authors to keep an eye out for:

An image titled New December YA Books by Authors with the covers of the books Finding My Voice, A Universe of Wishes, Sky Beyond the Storm, and Heiress.

 

December Mini-Reviews

Looking for a good book to read? Our staff have some that they would love to recommend to you!

Jen recommends Dungeon Critters by Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter: "An absolutely adorable graphic novel about a group of animal friends going on action-packed D&D style adventures! I loved the artwork, characters, and humorous hijinks."

Sam recommends The Oddmire: Changeling by William Ritter: "Magic, adventure, goblins, and swamps abound in this original twist on a classic fairy tale trope. A rollicking good story."

Jen recommends Dungeon Critters by Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter: An absolutely adorable graphic novel about a group of animal friends going on action-packed D&D style adventures! I loved the artwork, characters, and humorous hijinks.
Sam recommends The Oddmire: Changeling by William Ritter: Magic, adventure, goblins, and swamps abound in this original twist on a classic fairy tale trope. A rollicking good story.

 

Snowy Reads Flow Chart

Does winter have you in the mood for snow? We made this handy flowchart for finding your next snowy read to transport you into a winter wonderland!

A flow chart labeled Snow Put Me in the Mood for and gives the options for Romance, Fantasy, and Nothing. Under Romance is the subheading I love fluff with the titles My New Crush Gave to Me and Let it Snow, and the subheading Lets dive deep with the title Dash and Lilys Book of Dares and Winter Town. Under Fantasy is the subheading Wintery Hikes with the titles Winterwood and Even the Darkest Starts and the subheading snowy wonderlands with the titles Blood Heir and Echo North. Under Nothing, Snow is the Worst and the titles Afterlife of Holly Chase and Wicked Saints.

If you’d like to see a full list of our recommended snowy reads, check out this Let it Snow staff picks list.

 

Teen Discord Hours Expanded

Discord Hours Monday and Wednesday 3-5PM. Tuesday and Thursday 3-7PM.

Want to join in the fun on our Discord server, now with expanded hours?! Monroe County teens ages 13–19 can sign up for Discord here.

Extraordinary: A Story of an Ordinary Princess

We can usually see the benefit of fairy godmothers’ gifts - after all, who wouldn’t like to be graced with the gift of wisdom, beauty, or humor? But what would happen if a fairy godmother gave the gift of being ordinary?

That’s exactly what happens to Princess Basil of Florim. While her five sisters were given perfectly standard fairy godmother gifts, Basil was given the gift of being ordinary. It seemed like no matter what the King and Queen tried, nothing could make Princess Basil anything more than ordinary. Worried that her ordinary daughter would never find a fiance, the Queen carried out a scheme to have Basil captured by a dragon! After all, brave knights are always looking for a Princess to rescue and wed, right?

How will Princess Basil escape capture and prove that she's extraordinary? Read this fun and fast paced graphic novel to find out! 

Filled with friendship, adventure, and the positive message that even the most ordinary person can be extraordinary, this graphic novel is sure to delight! Excellent for fans of Alls Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson, Princess Academy by Shannon Hale and Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. Recommended ages 8+

Reviewed by Kim B., Librarian

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.”

City of Bloomington Digital Equity Grant

City of Bloomington Digital Equity Grants are funded through Mayor John Hamilton’s Recover Forward initiative to help Bloomington recover from the pandemic and economic collapse, and advance racial, economic, and climate justice. The awards are intended to support Bloomington-based nonprofit organization efforts to bridge the digital divide and increase digital resources for residents. Funds from the Digital Equity Grant will be used to purchase ten iPads and ten wireless hotspots for the Library’s circulating collection.

“Whether students, seniors, or residents experiencing homelessness, many people in Bloomington lack adequate digital access,” said Hamilton. “The City is glad to be able to partner with our community’s nonprofits in this small step toward getting more people connected with a basic twenty-first century utility.”

We have long provided access to computers and the internet at our physical locations. A collection of circulating wireless hotspots was introduced several years ago, offering patrons free access to the internet from home. Hotspots rank among our most popular “non-traditional” Library of Things collections. These portable internet access points are in such high demand that they consistently circulate from one user to the next, with a waiting list of 30–40 patrons at any given time. Additional hotspots will allow more families to bridge the digital divide.

Ten iPads will also be purchased and available for patrons to borrow. The devices will be preloaded with eLibrary resources, including ebook, audiobook, music, and movie downloading and streaming. It will also allow borrowers to install and use software per their individual needs. 

“We view this as a pilot project which, if successful, will serve to guide the development of more freely-circulating mobile technology and help us get technology and internet access out into the public to the best of our ability,” Carson said.

Wahl Family Charitable Trust Grant

An additional ten wireless hotspots will be purchased with funds from the The Wahl Family Charity Trust grant. 

Additional funds from the Wahl grant will be used to purchase 100 ebooks, eaudiobooks, and physical books focusing on titles that promote diversity, inclusiveness, and antiracism. The Library often receives requests for materials that address the many complexities surrounding these issues in our community.

The purchases will build upon our recently acquired Advancing Racial Equity Collection of storytime and juvenile book club kits (funded by a grant from Indiana Humanities with funds from Lilly Endowment Inc.), providing opportunities for patrons to think, read, and talk about racial injustice and systemic racism.

“The collections fit well with our 2021–23 strategic plan, which emphasizes enriching our community through equitable and impartial access, as well as inclusiveness, diversity, and supporting respectful discourse,” said Marilyn Wood, Library Director. “The forward-looking plan is resilient and will guide us through social, political, technological, and economic changes.”

 

Photo caption: A tween girl uses an iPad during a children's program.

Bicentennial Highlights!

A photo of Bicentennial Art Contest winner Rebecca Mueller's drawing held in front of the Friends of the Library bears.

In 2020 we turned 200! Although our year-long birthday bash didn’t go exactly as planned, we still have many achievements to celebrate. 

Bicentennial Staff Picks

To kick off our birthday celebration, we shared some of our personal favorite books. We solicited recommendations from staff working in all areas of the Library and came up with 200 of them! Though our interests are diverse, the list reflects our shared love of reading. Some staff members highlighted beloved books from their childhood, while others chose books that shaped their adult lives. From classics to comics, memoirs to picture books, there’s something for everyone on this list! 

Bicentennial Art Contest 

In early 2020 we invited you to submit original artwork with the theme “Imagine Monroe County Public Library in the Year 2220” to our bicentennial art contest! Winners were crowned from four age categories; Éowyn Eve Legler (6 and under), Quincy Morwick (7–11), Hina Zulkoaski (12–19), and Rebecca Mueller (20 and up). The winning pieces were so fun and creative! They were featured on bicentennial bookmarks and distributed throughout the year.

Bicentennial Book Bracket

Adult, teen, and childrens books faced off in our March showdown! Our Bicentennial Book Bracket was stacked with classic and new titles. Over 4,000 votes were cast on the road to choosing a winner. The final four featured heavy-hitters––Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone vs. To Kill a Mockingbird and Little Women v.s The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. No upsets here, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone took down Little Women to take the championship!

ornamentBicentennial Gifts 

Founded in 1965, the Friends of the Monroe County Public Library Foundation, Inc. has provided crucial support to our programs, collections, and resources for over fifty years. In honor of our birthday, the Friends produced two special gifts, a bicentennial mug and bicentennial ornament. Show your library love by shopping the virtual bookstore for either item––you can even pick up your purchase during curbside hours!

Bicentennial Birthday Song

How many years? 200! We dare you to listen to our Bicentennial Birthday Song and not sing along! Since 200 years is a pretty big deal, we thought a personalized birthday song was the perfect way to commemorate the achievement. The song lyrics, recording, and music video were a library-wide collaborative project, with multiple staff members contributing lyrics and participating in recording and filming.

Bicentennial History

In preparation for our big 2-0-0, we did some research into our history! Check out our timelines for the Downtown Library and Ellettsville Branch Library to learn some fun MCPL trivia. In 1830, our one-room Library housed 800 books and served around thirty families. We’ve come a long way! You can also read more about our 200th year in Bloom Magazine! In 2021, we look forward to building on this rich history as we plan for our new Southwest Branch Library

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