American As Paneer Pie

Eleven year old Lekha is the only Indian American girl in her school and definitely feels like an outcast in the mostly-white Detroit neighborhood she calls home. Her classmates make ignorant remarks about her family’s culture, language, and tease her about her birthmark (that just so happens to be on her forehead, just like a Bindi).

Lekha has learned to suppress everything that makes her different from everyone else - she never brings her favorite Indian foods to lunch, covers her birthmark with her hair, and stays silent when she, or anyone else, is teased. When a new Desi kid, Avantika, moves in across the street everything begins to change. Avantika speaks up about her culture and celebrates it when all Lekha has done is hide it. Lekha is impressed and embarrassed by Avantika’s ability to lean into her culture and heritage. But when a local political election spawns a hate crime against Lekha’s family, she knows she can’t stay silent and complacent any longer.

This heartfelt book is not only about the extremely important topic of racism and microaggressions, but is also funny and thought-provoking. Lekha’s character is extremely realistic and many kids will relate to her struggle of finding their footing and reaffirming their identity. As an #ownvoices title, this novel provides a really great background and insight on Indian and Indian American culture, which allows an excellent ‘windows and mirrors' opportunity for Desi children to see themselves represented and for non-Desi children to see other experiences than their own. 

Fans of this books can look for other great stories such as Front Desk by Kelly Yang, Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan, or The Best At It by Maulik Pancholy. Suggested for ages 8-12. Reviewed by Ginny H.

This title can also be found as an E-Audio title on Cloud Library and Hoopla

iPads and Mobile Video Production Kits Added to the Library of Things

iPad

Did you know the Downtown Library offers unique items for check out like mobile hotspots, energy monitors, book club kits, seeds, toys, and outdoor adventure backpacks? They’re part of our Library of Things!

A Library of Things is a collection of items for loan that expands the boundaries of traditionally defined library materials, meeting the needs of our diverse and growing community.

Beginning May 1, we’re adding two new items to this collection––iPads and Mobile Video Production Kits!

Our cellular-enabled iPads are pre-loaded with apps and programs for everyday use! WiFi access is not needed and iPads come with unlimited data. The collection offers you an opportunity to use something you might not come across otherwise, or to “try before you buy.” This collection is funded by a City of Bloomington Digital Equity Grant.

Want to capture high-quality material for your creative project? Our Mobile Video Production Kits give you access to recording equipment to use with your own smartphone anytime and anywhere. Kits include an adjustable tripod for stability, a lapel microphone for quality audio, and an adjustable light.

These items will be located in the new Library of Things physical space at the Downtown Library (next to the DVD collection) when they’re not checked out. Our other adult Library of Things items have moved to this space as well. Children’s Library of Things items, like launchpads, toys, and storytime kits, can be found in the Downtown Library Children’s Room.

All items can also be placed on hold to pick up at the Downtown Library, Ellettsville Branch, or Bookmobile. View the collection. Take borrowing to the next level!

 

Watership Down

Wow. I was blown away by this book. It is no accident that it's considered a Classic.

Adams uses lyrical, evocative language to tell of a small group of rabbits escaping the encroachment of civilization and trying to forge a place of their own in the English countryside. The world-building of the rabbits' lives is deeply realized and described with a great reverence for the natural world. This book is full of absolutely gripping adventure, suspense, and drama. Watership Down also features memorable, admirable characters who can teach us about leadership, trust, loyalty, and standing up for ourselves.

This book could make an excellent transition for fans of other animal adventures like the Warriors series. Recommended for ages 9-12 or read aloud with younger kids.

Reviewed by Paul D., Senior Information Assistant

Barb Fisher, VITAL Volunteer

Barb Fisher

Barbara “Barb” Fisher, a dear friend of the VITAL program, passed away on April 1, 2021. Barb’s love of reading led her to VITAL in 2008, when she participated in training to teach English as a New Language to Bloomington newcomers. Over the next 12 years, Barb was a regular fixture at VITAL. As a one-on-one tutor, she volunteered with nine different English language learners, helping them improve their language skills and confidence while adjusting to life in the US. As an office volunteer, she welcomed new faces at the VITAL front desk and assisted with clerical work. As a Quiz Bowl player, she matched wits with Bloomington’s finest trivia brains, competing under the titles “Infosyndics” and “VITAL Statistics” among other creative monikers. Finally, as a generous donor and supporter, she anonymously sponsored teams and encouraged many to take part in the annual fundraising and advocacy event. Barb was one of a kind, and she was certainly "vital" to us. Read her obituary to learn more.

 

April 18–24 is National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize and thank the volunteers who lend their time, talent, and voices to make a difference in our community! We are fortunate to have so many volunteers who are passionate about the Library’s mission and generously share their skills in a variety of long-term and short-term commitments.

Many of our volunteers dedicate their time to the Friends of the Library (Monroe County Public Library Foundation), advocating for the Library and helping raise funds to support programs, collections, and staff development. Volunteers are also essential to Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners (VITAL) services––so important that they’re in the name! These volunteers tutor learners in reading, writing, math, and English-language skills, helping them attain greater life success through improved literacy. Volunteer opportunities also exist in the children’s and teen spaces, digital creativity center, and much more (during non-pandemic times)!

For National Volunteer Week, we’ve highlighted seven volunteers who provide extraordinary leadership that serves to expand support for Library projects, enhance the level and quality of patron services, and provide supplemental expertise that makes the Library a beloved institution in our community. We’re inspired by their dedication and thankful that they choose us as their place of service!

Highlighted Volunteers

John Baumert (Friends of the Library)
John is a longtime advocate of the Library and member of the Friends of the Library, serving in various board and committee positions since 2010. In his current role as chair of the Bookstore committee, John helped steer the committee to think of innovative ways to operate, despite the challenges of COVID-19, by helping launch a virtual bookstore! “John's commitment to the Friends of the Library and their commitment to provide funding and advocating for the Library is critical to the Library's success,” said Library Director Marilyn Wood. “His willingness to invest his time and efforts to improve their impact exemplify the best in a volunteer.”
 
Yuxuan "Shane" Tang (VITAL)
During Shane’s eight years with VITAL, he has led 32 English as a New Language (ENL) conversation groups, providing conversational practice to hundreds of students! A learner shared their experience with us, “Although Shane is busy as an IU student, he is always passionate to open his English class and it seems that he contemplates what kind of teaching method would be good for students. Because of him, I learned many useful English words and how to speak in English with correct expressions. I really appreciate his effort for international students, including me.”
 
Elspeth Hayden (Friends of the Library)
Elspeth Hayden is Secretary of the Friends of the Library Board and manages the Friends’ Instagram account! A constant advocate for the Library, Elspeth also helped to create and starred in a video highlighting the bookstore. Emily Bedwell, Friends of the Library Board President, said “Elspeth is an amazing asset. She's willing to jump into any new project with both feet, and she keeps us all in the know and on track in her capacity as Secretary. She's an invaluable part of the Friends!”
 
Scott Murray (Teen and Digital Creativity Center)
Scott is a game developer and programmer who works on our Dungeons & Dragons activities for teens. Scott also collaborates on our D&D Library Talk podcast. “Scott is truly a phenomenal volunteer who has contributed so much to the lives of so many of our teens. I am always blown away by the quality and depth of the work he does,” said Sam Ott, Teen Librarian and volunteer supervisor. “Scott is constantly thinking of ways to provide more meaningful service and has donated his time, talent, and materials to ensure the Library's gaming programs and resources are of the highest quality.”
 
Hiromi Yoshida (VITAL)
During her five years volunteering with VITAL, Hiromi has individually tutored English-language learners and led many English-language groups, including groups on writing, poetry, short stories, and more! Hiromi also assists at special events and helps recruit new volunteers. “Hiromi is a dedicated and faithful volunteer, regularly sharing her time and talents at VITAL special events as well in the classroom,” said VITAL Coordinator Bethany Turrentine. “Also a local author, Hiromi shares her language skills to help new English-language learners improve their vocabulary, reading, and writing skills.”
 
Patsy Rahn (Friends of the Library and VITAL)
Patsy has tutored multiple learners in VITAL and is a dedicated volunteer with the Friends of the Library, acting as Vice President of the Board. Patsy has also lent her skills as an actress, recording a PSA to promote VITAL to the community and participating in our Bicentennial Birthday Song video! “Patsy heads up several committees for the Friends and does them all with energy and a positive attitude,” said Bedwell. “There are always new challenges to tackle, and she allows people to be heard and helps guide us as the Vice President this year. She is a great sounding board for me, and she helps me lead better!”
 
Bookstore Committee (Friends of the Library)
The Friends of the Library Bookstore Committee advises the Bookstore Operator on the operation of the Bookstore and sale of merchandise, and plays a large role in the organization and promotion of periodic book sales. “The Bookstore Committee is a dedicated group of volunteers that provide great care and a lot of heart in their service to the Library.” said Loraine Martin, Administrative and Volunteer Coordinator. “They are passionate and thoughtful about all they do, and have been extremely creative and innovative in adapting their planning and operations throughout the pandemic. They are part of the fabric that makes our library a wonderful place to be and appreciated by our community.” The current volunteer members are John Baumert (chair), Elspeth Hayden, Marilyn Irwin, Carol Pierce, Patrick Murray.
 

In Memory Of

Barbara “Barb” Fisher, a dear friend of the VITAL program, passed away on April 1, 2021. Learn more about Barb and her involvement with VITAL.

 

New Volunteer Database

Interested in becoming a volunteer at our Library? The pandemic has limited our current volunteer openings, however, we expect these to increase soon! Explore our new volunteer database to learn which areas of the Library offer volunteer opportunities. Apply now and we’ll contact you as opportunities arise that match your interests and availability! If you have questions about volunteering, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Loraine Martin, at 812-349-3060 or lmartin [at] mcpl.info (subject: Volunteer%20Question) .

Health Insurance Marketplace Assistance with ASPIN

person using a computer

With the passage of the American Rescue Plan individuals can enroll or change their current Federal Health Insurance Marketplace plan now through August 15, 2021. Individuals are qualifying for substantial savings in a new plan or on the same plan with lower monthly premiums.

Affiliated Service Providers of Indiana (ASPIN) uses certified Navigators who are dually trained as Community Health Workers (CHWs) to help consumers and families with the following from anywhere in the state using secure and convenient technology:

  • Enrolling and re-enrolling individuals in Federal Marketplace plans, Medicaid, Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), and Children's Health Insurance (CHIP)
  • Assisting in updating insurance profiles
  • Assisting enrollees with questions about health plan coverage
  • Providing education on utilizing health insurance benefits
  • Conducting public education and outreach activities through Zoom or Skype to raise awareness about health insurance

ASPIN navigators are working from home but you can set up an appointment by calling toll-free 877-313-7215 or visiting their website. All services are free of charge. Check out the video to get answers to frequently asked questions and to learn more about ASPIN.

The ASPIN Health Navigator Project is supported by Funding Opportunity Number CA-NAV-19-002 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Early Literacy Skills and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Babies and toddlers are like little sponges, hungrily soaking up everything around them. Curiosity to understand, explore, observe, and taste everything around them is crucial to early brain development. These natural instincts sometimes lead to exciting and embarrassing stories to tell at their high school graduation. These little people are constantly observing, listening, and emulating the world around them, especially their caregivers. You are babies' and toddlers' first (and most important!) teachers!

Many studies and research back up how truly crucial caregivers are to young children's brain-building process. Preschoolers whose caregivers read to them, tell them stories (even the same ones over and over and over again), and sing silly songs with them tend to develop larger vocabularies, become better readers, and perform better in school. As children begin to understand that the print on a page stands for something, they start developing what is known as print awareness––learning how to hold a book, understand story sequencing, and reading from left to right (Shrier, 2013). Repetition and consistency are key to early literacy skills.

Did you know that reading proficiently by the end of the third grade is considered a "make it or break it" benchmark? 83 percent of children who are not reading on grade level by the beginning of fourth grade are at risk of failing to graduate from high school on time. These stats aren't meant to scare you, but to inform you of the importance of early literacy skills. To be sure that your child is reading on grade level, it's crucial to support their emergent literacy development, those critical skills your child needs to develop before learning to read (Shrier, 2013).

These skills begin as young children learn to use non-verbal and verbal communication methods, including speech and sign language, to communicate with those around them. Speaking of sign language, did you know that the Library currently hosts a monthly virtual American Sign Language (ASL) Storytime for preschoolers to learn targeted vocabulary in ASL through stories, songs, and games? You can register online. You can also learn and practice independently with this video.

Children learn new vocabulary in various ways, including reading books, listening, and talking with older siblings and adults in their environment. Even in an environment that may seem mundane, you can still help them learn. For example, when going to a grocery store, talk about what you are getting out loud, naming various food as you put them in your cart, and explaining what you are planning to cook. At the register, talk about paying for and bagging your groceries. It may seem weird or embarrassing to talk out loud to a six-month-old about your grocery haul. Still, it is a simple exercise that strengthens and grows their network of synapses. Embrace the weird! The more vocabulary and language a child is exposed to, the quicker they will learn to read, as they will be more familiar with the words they encounter.

There are many activities you can participate in to support your children's emergent literacy skills, such as talking with them, reading to them, singing, playing games, dramatic play, singing nursery rhymes, listening to music, or taking advantage of one of our Library's story walks at local parks, which combines many of these activities! Each stop on the Story Walk offers a fun reading activity designed to build literacy skills while having fun as a family.

No pressure, right? All joking aside, the Library offers plenty of tools to help you be the best teacher possible for your child. Another one of these tools is our free early literacy challenge, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, which launched in early April. This is a self-paced reading challenge to encourage reading as part of your daily routine, setting them up for success. Along with the reading challenge, there will be esteem boosters, prizes, and more. At the end of the reading challenge, your child will get to "adopt" their own farm animal stuffie, complete with adoption papers, care instructions, and a pet carrier. To sign up, register online through the Beanstack website or app or talk to any children’s librarian!

 

References

Shrier, Carrie. "ABC'S Of Early Literacy: The Importance Of Developing Early Literacy Skills". MSU Extension, 2013.

Help Prevent Child Abuse

When children experience trauma, we encourage them to seek out the helpers in their lives. The people who work at Susie’s Place are among the helpers in our community providing support for children who have been harmed. In addition to advocating for children who have been abused, guiding them and their families through judicial processes, and connecting them to essential social services, the people who work at Susie’s Place also strive to prevent child abuse by helping children learn ways to keep themselves safe.

Susie’s Place works in partnership with schools to help children and teens learn effective methods for preventing, recognizing and responding to threatening situations. While schools have been closed to visitors, and in effort to reach children learning at home, Susie’s Place has prepared educational videos that teach children practical safety rules.

To receive one of the short videos Susie’s Place has prepared for children in grades Pre-K–2, 3–5, and 6–8, register on our events calendar with a current email address and indicate which grade-level videos you would like emailed to you.

To learn more about Susie’s Place and its advocacy and educational services, visit susiesplace.org. Upcoming programs include training for adults on how to prevent and recognize child abuse, and a free Donut Drive-Thru on Friday, April 16 from 7–9 AM at 2700 E. Covenanter Drive. Enjoy a donut and learn more about being an effective community helper and empowering children!

Measuring Up

Cici loves cooking with her A-ma (grandmother) in Taiwan; it makes her feel like she belongs. But when Cici’s family moves to America and away from A-ma, Cici suddenly feels out of place. She misses Taiwan, but especially misses her A-ma. Cici wants A-ma to visit, but A-ma cannot afford the plane ticket to America. When Cici sees a cooking contest for kids offered at a local store for a cash prize, she enters right away. But will the judges be interested in her Taiwanese cooking?

Measuring Up is a delightful graphic novel about family, friendship, and identity. The story is fast paced and compelling. There are so many beautiful and delicious looking foods prepared throughout the book – expect your tummy to grumble! This book is recommended for ages 9-12.

Measuring Up is perfect for fans of stories of realistic immigrant experiences like Kelly Yang’s Front Desk and Meg Medina’s Merci Suarez Changes Gears. If you’re looking for more books about friends who bond over cooking, check out A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan.

Reviewed by Kim B., Community Engagement Librarian

Scritch Scratch

This spooky novel follows Claire, an interested-in-science-doesn’t-believe-in-the-paranormal-thank-you-very-much middle schooler who has a pretty typical life. She doesn’t always get along with her brother and her friend group is having some growing pains since her best friend is now hanging out with a new girl. Her parents would be normal if it wasn’t for her dad’s job which is a tour guide for a Chicago Ghost bus touring company. Claire can usually ignore that, but one night she gets pulled into helping her dad on the tour and a ghost follows her home, haunting her. Claire has to figure out what the ghost wants, and quickly, before it gets angrier.

This story seamlessly blends Chicago history, an intense ghostly mystery, and a story of friendship and family into one fantastic book that you won’t be able to put down! Even better, the ghost story here is based on a true event - the 1915 Eastland Disaster. The steamship, the Eastland, capsized with a loss of nearly 850 lives on the Chicago river making it deadlier than even the Titanic.

This book gave me serious chills and anyone looking for some middle grade spooks should look no further! Fans of Lockwood & Co. by Jonathan Stroud, The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier, or The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez by Adrianna Cuevas will find something to like in this story.

Reviewed by Ginny H.

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