Cub

Seventh grader, Cindy Copeland does not fit in with the other kids in her class. Several kids bully her because her clothes are old fashioned and unlike the other kids, she loves school! Cindy’s favorite thing to do is writing, so when her teacher offers to pair her with a local newspaper journalist, she jumps at the chance to become a cub reporter! As Cindy experiences life as a young reporter, she makes new friends and learns that she is in charge of writing her own story!

Cub is a graphic novel memoir, telling the true story of author Cynthia Copeland’s as she discovered how to be herself and own her story. I loved seeing Cindy’s writing grow as she gained new experiences and seeing the elements of life in the early-mid 1970s! While so many elements are different (fashion, slang, etc), there are other things that remain similar to our life today (struggles growing up, making friends, and dealing with bullies).

This graphic novel is perfect for fans of other graphic novel memoirs like Raina Telgemeier’s Smile series, Vera Brogsol’s Be Prepared, Shannon Hales Real Friends, or anyone interested in writing or becoming a journalist. Recommended for ages 8+

Reviewed by Kim B.

All Spaces and Services Open and Available

Marilyn Wood

Dear Patrons,

It’s been a long 16 months, and I’m very excited to announce that our safe and incremental approach to service has been a success. As of July 19, all pre-pandemic spaces and services are open and available to you.

Our community has seen several changes since the onset of the pandemic, many of which were addressed in our 2020 strategic plan.

While some things have changed, many remain the same––particularly, staying true to our mission to strengthen our community and enrich lives by providing equitable and impartial access to information and opportunities to read, learn, connect, and create.

We’ve appreciated your feedback along the way. Patron comments like the following really lifted our spirits during tough times.

“Call it poor timing. We sold our house in a distant community and officially moved to Bloomington on February 28, 2020. Then society shut down about a week later. As we were trying to settle permanently in our new community, we were trying to find our bearings. Libraries are great sources for community stability. But the library was forced to shut down too. How could the Monroe County Public Library help us when they couldn't even open their doors to us? Fortunately, the library team had a plan. Even though we couldn't touch the service desk, we could get service. We were able to secure library cards through email. Then, you let us know how to check out eBooks. Within a short time, the library had a contactless way to check out physical books. As we had questions about either the eBooks or the contactless system, your team was always able to help. As the world has been reopening, we have been able to walk into the library to check out material. The library has been one thing we can count on, despite social modifications. Thank you for helping our new community feel like our home community.”

We are currently offering many outdoor in-person programming events and are excited to share that indoor events will return on September 1.

Safety has been at the forefront of all of our decisions and we will continue to follow government orders and recommendations from the CDC, as well as provide COVID-related resources for patrons.

As always, we are here to serve and assist you. Thank you for being a part of our library community. We value and trust your loyalty.

––Marilyn Wood, Director

 

A Boy Called Bat

Bixby Alexander Tam (Bat, for short) loves all kinds of animals. When Bat's veterinarian mom brings home an orphaned newborn skunk, his focus and goal is to convince her that a skunk might just be a perfect pet. The only trouble is, she insists that the skunk can only stay with them for one short month, just long enough for the baby skunk to grow up enough to transition to a wildlife rehab center. Can Bat convince her to change her mind?  

A sweet and understanding portrayal of a boy on the spectrum, Bat's supportive family and teacher bring to life how it can be difficult to communicate with someone whose mind works differently, and yet, the story never mentions autism at all. When it comes to making friends, and making eye contact, Bat isn't made fun of or judged, and his full focus on his interests is as appreciated as he is. Recommended for ages 8+

Reviewed by Claire C.

Black Brother, Black Brother

Donte and his brother Trey go to a private middle school where most of their classmates are white. They are biracial; their mother is black and their father is white. Trey is very light-skinned and can pass as white whereas Donte has darker skin and is known as “Black Brother.” Because of Donte’s skin color, he is bullied at his middle school by a white kid named Alan. Alan sets Donte up and gets him in trouble involving the police.

Donte eventually finds the sport of fencing, which is Alan’s sport too, and this brings him to a place of understanding of where he fits in the world. By the time Donte faces off with Alan in a fencing match, Donte is confident in who he is and where he is going in his life.

This book deals with racism and bullying in middle school in a real and relatable way. Readers will learn a lot about fencing and how sports can give people confidence in who they are.

Fans of The Crossover by Kwame Alexander or Ghost by Jason Reynolds will love this book! Recommended for readers 8-12 years old.

Reviewed by Stacy J., Children's Services Intern

Friends of the Library Pledge $650,000 to New Branch

A rendered image of the Library's atrium shows small meeting spaces on the left and stairs leading to the main floor. In the background, bookshelves and computer workstations are visible behind a large glass wall. Patrons are scattered through the spaces.

On Sunday, June 27, The Friends of the Monroe County Public Library Foundation pledged to donate $650,000 to the Library to equip a new branch on the south side of Monroe County. 

“We are excited to partner with the MCPL in funding the Southwest Branch as just one more way the Friends support the vision and values of the Library,” said Emily Bedwell, Friends of the Library Board President. “We believe that the strength of the community lies in our public libraries and their unique positioning to be centers of growth, learning, and civil engagement.”

“We are incredibly grateful for our long and supportive relationship with the Friends of the Library. This generous financial pledge helps to ensure we can better serve our community,” said Marilyn Wood, Library Director. 

Wood said that the donation will support furnishings and equipment in the new spaces and will allow the Library to be flexible with other funds, giving it the latitude to do things it might not be able to do otherwise. 

Learn how you can contribute to the Friends’ fund drive for the Southwest Branch Library.

The Friends’ gift will supplement a $6 million bond recently approved by the Monroe County Council, which roughly matches the funds the Library has saved for the new branch. With funding secured, the Library is just a few steps away from breaking ground. Construction is tentatively set to begin in Fall 2021 with the Branch opening in late 2022. 

The new 21,000-square-foot Library will sit on approximately five acres of property on the Southwest corner of the Batchelor Middle School grounds at 890 W. Gordon Pike, west of the South Rogers Street and West Gordon Pike roundabout. 

Although details are still being finalized, planning for the future branch has been underway for quite some time. In 2018, feedback was solicited through community conversations to determine the branch’s general location. The Southwest portion of the county was identified as an ideal location due to it’s residential and population growth. Wood says the destination will provide enhanced and expanded access to library services to a part of Monroe County that has been underserved. 

Monroe County residents were also invited to provide input on future Library services and programming during the Library’s strategic planning process in 2020. “Guided by the community's expressions of need, the Southwest Branch will include welcoming spaces that embrace children's services, teen engagement, and traditional collections and services.” Wood said.

In addition to meeting rooms, a quiet reading room, and dedicated spaces for teens and children, the new Library will feature an all-ages collaborative space and a teaching kitchen. 

Future Southwest Branch Renderings

Funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, the kitchen will provide free, hands-on cooking and nutrition programs for all ages, increasing food security and advancing literacy, math, and science. A teaching kitchen and cooking classes were regularly requested in community conversations. This was a desire not only from adults, but from teens, as the 371 teens surveyed at Batchelor Middle School selected cooking classes as their second most desired new library feature, just behind gaming options.

The branch site was purchased this spring and Matheu Architects, PC is currently finalizing the building’s interior finishes and design development. Construction documents are now in progress. With most of the pieces in place, the final picture is coming into focus. 

New renderings show the potential of the future spaces, showing off the bright, modern design and envisioning the hustle and bustle of daily life at the Library. 

After a lengthy planning process, Wood says she is eager to get started on construction. “The beautiful new spaces will be a destination of choice. With the new Library, we are thrilled to expand services to a large and growing part of our community.” 

Bedwell said the Friends are also excited. "We know this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to leave a legacy in our community. Our commitment to the MCPL is unwavering, and we are excited to support this new branch––now and in the future.” 

To follow the progress of the Southwest Branch, visit mcpl.info/branchplan and subscribe to our newsletter.

 

Brood X

Hoopla Cicada Titles

 

Brood X, the Great Eastern Brood of cicadas, has made the summer of 2021 a very loud and interesting season in Indiana. Dogs and birds alike have loved these natural protein snacks, but there is more to these weird insects than meets the eye (or ear).

According to National Geographic Kids, there are over 3,000 species of cicadas (Shaw, 2021). These 3,000 species are divided into 2 distinct groupings: annual and perennial. Only 7 species of cicadas fall into the perennial category, meaning they emerge en masse like Brood X (Shaw, 2021).

The perennial group of cicadas take a big, long nap of 13 to 17 years. So technically, the cicadas that you have observed this summer are considered teenagers by human years, and probably older than some of those reading this blog. These insects are harmless (other than the overwhelming sound) and do not bite. Cicadas can be somewhat intimidating however when you have hundreds swarming at your head, which people may find happening when they mow their lawn. Cicadas are naturally attracted to loud noises--like their clicking sounds and loud lawnmowers.

To find more interesting facts about these noisy insects, try out our wonderful eLibrary resource Hoopla. There are several titles available instantly, that are all about cicadas! Including the ones pictured in this blog posting.

With Hoopla, you can borrow and stream thousands of movies, music, audiobooks, eBooks, graphic novels, and TV shows with your library card! Enjoy up to 12 titles per month on your computer, tablet, phone, or TV. With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately or downloaded for offline enjoyment later.

Resources
Shaw, Allyson. "Cicada". National Geographic Kids, 2021, https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/cicada.

 

While I was Away

When 12 year-old Waka's parents think she needs to brush up on her Japanese, they send her to Japan to live with her Obaasama, her grandmother, who lives in Tokyo. Five long months in a Japanese only school, giving up her summer vacation and her best friends back home in Kansas! In addition to dealing with the pressure of reading and writing in only Japanese, and making friends at school as a gaijin, an "outsider," Waka also learns how to connect with her complicated and distant grandmother.

A memoir of her time in a Japanese school, Waka T. Brown's story of growing up in two worlds and sometimes feeling like an outsider in both, is a compelling glimpse into life in Japan in the 80s. I loved learning right along with Waka, and her insights in how the past can sometimes haunt those we love, and knowing that can help us know them better.

Reviewed by Senior Information Assistant, Claire C.

June is Pride Month

Illustration of raised hands with rainbow bracelets holding Pride flags and a sign that says "Love is Love"..

In June we celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning Pride! Many Pride events in the United States are held in June to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion on June 28, 1969. Celebrations often include festivals, performances, rallies, parades, family events, film screenings, and other events. These events honor the history of the LGBTQIA+ social movement and celebrate progress made by the community.

Supporting a diverse and inclusive community is at the heart of our mission to serve Monroe County. While we strive to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community all year long, June offers an opportunity to highlight the contributions of LGBTQIA+ creators and to provide a safe and welcoming space.

 

Read the Rainbow

Talk and learn about social and emotional issues such as acceptance, being yourself, and loving who you are! We will explore these topics in an LGBTQIA+ inclusive and fun environment by sharing stories that discuss gender identity and positive relationships, and by leading the group in songs, rhymes, and other fun activities surrounding Pride Month. Register here.

Join us on our teen Discord to talk about your favorite reads with LGBTQIA+ characters! RPG lovers can drop in for two Rainbow D&D sessions on Discord, all skill levels are welcome. To participate in Discord events, sign up for a server invite link at mcpl.info/discord, if you haven't already, then drop in.

 

Get Crafty

Show your Pride or allyship with these Pride-themed crafts! Learn how to make a borax rainbow with children’s librarian Kim, or paint your own Pride flag alongside teen librarian Macklin as they share some fun facts about queer identities and histories.

During June, look out for Pride-themed Take and Make activity kits. We’ll have grab-and-go kits featuring rainbow friendship bracelets for teens and scrap rainbows for children! Kits are first come, first served and will be available at the Downtown Library, Ellettsville Branch Library, and on the Bookmobile. Learn more about our Take and Make activity kits and programs.

 

Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Voices

As part of our annual summer reading game, we challenge readers of all ages to explore the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community with stories by and about LGBTQIA+ people! Sign up, then log your reading and activities to earn badges and prizes. To get you started, you’ll find Pride displays stocked with staff picks throughout the Library. We also encourage you to check out the lists below for more great books and movies by LGBTQIA+ creators!

Adults: Rainbow Reads for Adults

Adults: Pride Pictures

Teens: YA LGBTQIA+

Kids: LGBTQIA+ Experiences

 

 

 

 

Low-Cost, High-Speed Internet Access

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a federal program providing increased access to broadband internet and connected devices for qualifying income-eligible households.

If your household is eligible, you can receive:

  • A monthly discount on your internet bill (up to a $50 per month)
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer through a participating provider

Visit getemergencybroadband.org to check if you qualify, apply, and find a provider near you.

The internet has been a lifeline for many families throughout the pandemic, offering opportunities to connect while meeting the challenges of physical distancing. Digital equity as an essential component for participating in daily life activities––the internet is not optional for job seekers, those in need of telehealth services, or distance learners.

According to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, 18 million US households do not have broadband access of any kind, including mobile or satellite. Some are in areas where broadband hasn’t been built, but the majority just don’t have the income to afford it.

Supporting affordable internet access is just one of our initiatives to support digital equity. We also offer circulating mobile hotspots and iPads in our Library of Things and the opportunity to build your computer skills through our Northstar Digital Literacy program.   

 

The Last Last-Day-of-Summer

The small town of Fry in Logan County is a weird place. Strange, unexplainable, dangerous stuff happens all the time, threatening the townsfolk. Thankfully, the town is also home to cousins Otto and Sheed - the Legendary Alston Boys. They've solved mysteries and saved the day countless times, but when they encounter an unusual man with a magical camera on the last day of summer, they embark on what may be their toughest challenge yet... The setting is reminiscent of Gravity Falls or Stranger Things (but more kid-friendly of course) - Logan County is full of supernatural surprises. Otto and Sheed are extremely likable characters, and the story is filled with humor, action, imagination, and delivers a heartwarming and inspiring message on top. Recommended for ages 9-12, but could be enjoyed by younger kids as well.

Reviewed by Paul D.

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