MCPL Digital Collection Launches

Text says "MCPL Digital" on a peach colored background with illustrations of an open yearbook and an owl with a graduation cap. MCPL Digital is a growing repository of high-resolution digital photograph collections of Monroe County Yearbooks and other local historical records. Our mission is to bring digital versions of the community's historical records to a broader audience!   Library Director, Grier Carson, says the digitization program has been in full force since early 2020. The first items to be digit

MCPL Digital is a growing repository of high-resolution digital photograph collections of Monroe County Yearbooks and other local historical records. Our mission is to bring digital versions of the community's historical records to a broader audience!

Library Director, Grier Carson, says the digitization program has been in full force since early 2020. The first items to be digitized were the Library’s collection of area school yearbooks.

“We’re excited to make some of the Library’s most unique physical materials, particularly those which represent and/or reflect Monroe County, more accessible,” Carson said.

MCPL Digital currently includes over 230 yearbooks from local high schools, scanned from physical copies housed in our Indiana Room. Spanning 114 years, the archive begins with Bloomington High School, The Gothic, from 1908!

Before they could be digitized, Patron Account & ILS Coordinator Christine Sneed prepared each yearbook by pulling it from the shelf, counting its pages, then packing and shipping the book to be scanned. The process was lengthy, but Sneed enjoyed the experience.

"Going over every page of the yearbooks during this process gave me time to really appreciate just how much the hair and fashion choices have drastically changed over the years!" Sneed said.

Community Engagement Librarian, Christine Friesel, says the experience of holding and flipping through a yearbook provides a lens to view a community for that year.

“Think of the music at your high school prom. Do you remember it? Will you remember it more–and other things that year–if you see a photo of it, conveniently on your tablet? Probably,” Friesel said.

Whether the viewer is working on genealogical research or wants to relive their high school years, the yearbooks can now be accessed freely by anyone with access to the internet.

In addition to yearbooks, Carson says the Library plans to digitize other historical records from the Indiana Room. This includes a unique collection of local “oral histories”–audio recordings of residents telling their own stories and sharing their own lived experiences dating back to the mid-1970s.

“These recordings are a treasure not currently accessible due to their native format,” Carson said. “Digitization would be both beneficial and necessary for their preservation.”

MCPL Digital resides on a platform known as CONTENTdm. The platform provides reliable digital access and sophisticated search functionality. Explore the collection now at digital.mcpl.info!

Tween Space Mural Contest

Have you heard of our Tween Space? The Tween Space at the Downtown Library is a place where kids ages 7–12 can hang out, explore crafts and other activities, enjoy pop-up programs, work on homework, or play!

Later this summer, a local artist will be revamping the Tween Space walls with a cosmic mural. We’re calling on kids ages 7–12 to help with the design! Draw the dots of your own imaginary stars (no more than 10), the lines between them, and an outline of the figure or object the group of stars represents. Your constellation might be selected to be included in the new Tween Space mural! 

A constellation is a grouping of stars that forms the base of a recognizable shape, usually an animal, mythological character, or object. Well-known constellations include the Big Dipper, Orion the Hunter, and the constellations of the Zodiac.

From June 1–30, you can find and print the submission form here, or pick one up in the Tween Space. Completed forms can be dropped off at the children’s information desk at the Downtown Library by July 1. For questions or more information, contact Kate Duneman at kduneman [at] mcpl.info.

Celebrate Pride Month at the Library

Text says "Pride Month Giveaway" over a rainbow background with a photo of a Pride-themed giveaway items including a "Shelf Love" tote bag, pin, socks, and mug

Each 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. Communities often celebrate with festivals, performances, rallies, parades, family events, film screenings, and other events to honor the history of the LGBTQIA+ social movement.

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.

Pride Giveaway

This month we’re celebrating Pride by giving away a bundle of pride-themed merchandise from our Friends of the Library Bookstore! Want to win? To enter, read a book by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community, then share a selfie of you with your rainbow read on social media! Make sure your post is public and that you tag us @mcplindiana with the hashtag #MCPLPride so we can enter you into the contest! Scroll down to find some recommended reads!

Pride Month Events for Teens

On June 3, we’re partnering with Kaleidoscope Youth Community for Know Your Glow––a fun after-hours glow stick and blacklight dance extravaganza for teens ages 12–20. Drop by the Downtown Library from 7–10 PM to join in!

This month, our regular D&D Club is Pride-themed! The sessions of Dungeons and Dragons are designed to be short, fun, and evolving adventures that anyone can play and all skill levels are welcome! Ages 12–19. Drop in Wednesday, June 1 at 4 PM at the Downtown Library or Friday, June 3 at 3:30 PM at the Ellettsville Branch.

You can also celebrate your identity by painting your very own Pride flag onto a wooden pennant! Acrylic paints in a rainbow of colors will be provided. Ages 12–19. Drop in to the Ellettsville Teen Space on Tuesday, June 7 from 3–4 PM.

Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Reads

Chat about your favorite reads with LGBTQIA+ characters at Rainbow Reads for Teens on Thursday, June 23. We'll provide snacks, you bring the discussion! Ages 12–19. Drop in from 4–5 PM in the Ellettsville Teen Space.

Talk and learn about social and emotional issues such as acceptance, being yourself, and loving who you are at Rainbow Reads Storytime! We will explore these topics with you and your child in an LGBTQIA+ inclusive and fun environment by sharing stories that discuss gender identity, positive relationships, and by leading the group in songs, rhymes, and other fun activities surrounding Pride month. Ages 3–6. It’s 10:30-11:30 AM Saturday, June 18, in the Children’s Program Room at the Downtown Library. Drop in!

Join us for Books on Tap, the book club with a twist! Enjoy fantastic drinks, a comfortable atmosphere, and a great discussion on The Magic Fish, a folk tale-inspired graphic novel by Trung Le Nguyen. In this gorgeous debut graphic novel, fairy tales are the only way one boy can communicate with his Vietnamese immigrant parents. But how will he find the words to tell them that he’s gay? A powerful read about family, identity, and the enduring magic of stories. Ages 18 & up. It’s 6:30–8 PM Monday, June 27 at Morgenstern’s Bookstore & Cafe at 849 S. Automall Road, Bloomington. Please register.

Looking for book recommendations? Drop by the Library this month to browse our physical displays stocked with rainbow reads for all ages or scroll through our online booklists for even more staff picks! Like these award-winning titles for adults, recommended YA books, and #OwnVoice stories for children.

Adults: Rainbow Reads for Adults

Adults: Pride Pictures

Teens: YA LGBTQIA+

Kids: LGBTQIA+ Experiences

 

Ellettsville Branch Awarded Gardening Grant

A photo of four raised garden beds outside of the Ellettsville Branch.

The Ellettsville Branch was recently awarded a Growing Together mini grant of $1,500 in association with Purdue Extension–Monroe County!

 

Ellettsville Branch Garden

The garden was created as part of the Branch’s 2019 renovation. The garden was funded in part by a grant from the Smithville Charitable Foundation to install raised garden beds and a bench and provide resources to begin gardening programming.

In the first growing season of 2019, four raised beds and a grow tower produced tomatoes, basil, squash, green peppers, and various micro greens! The produce was donated to Pantry 279, a local food pantry serving the Ellettsville community.

The garden was closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, but reopened in 2021 to produce a harvest of tomatoes and basil!

 

Growing Together Project

In April of 2022, the Ellettsville Branch Library and Master Gardeners of Monroe County received a Growing Together grant from Purdue Extension.

Growing Together is a collaborative project facilitated in Indiana by Purdue Extension’s Nutrition Education Program (SNAP-Ed) and Master Gardener Program. The project aims to increase access to fruits and vegetables in food pantries by building and maintaining community donation gardens.

Community Engagement Librarian, Stacey Terhune, worked with Annie Eakin, Purdue Extension Community Wellness Coordinator on the grant proposal. Terhune said Eakin approached the Library with the grant opportunity after their previous conversations on food security in Ellettsville and the surrounding areas.

“Annie reached out to us because she knew that it was something we were interested in,” Terhune said. “Our garden got started right before COVID. It needed a lot of love and we were talking about what we could do to fix it up. This just gave us a nice push.”

Terhune said that 2020 census statistics show that food availability is challenging in the Ellettsville area, where it can be difficult for some residents to access affordable and nutritious food. The Library and its garden are situated in a location to serve a population area with a high level of limited resources.

“Our goal and the goal of the grant is to show people in the community that they can grow their own food. That it’s economical and within their grasp in terms of skills,” Terhune said. With funds from the new grant, two additional raised beds were added to the garden. Plans are currently underway to add soaker hoses to the beds, purchase a produce processing station, and add a trellis for climbing produce.

The produce harvested from the garden will be donated to Pantry 279 and available free to the community. “We’ve talked with Pantry 279, they’ve told us what their needs are, and what they could use the most,” Terhune said. “As a result, this year's crops will include green beans, snow peas, onions, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, and peppers!”

 

Gardening Events and Volunteer Opportunities

In addition to producing food directly through the garden, as part of the grant, the Library will work with Purdue University Extension–Monroe County and the Master Gardeners to offer free programs on food safety, soil additives, composting, and harvesting.

Learn more about upcoming related events.

Terhune says the Library hopes to have volunteers help with garden maintenance and harvesting. Volunteer opportunities for all ages will be available beginning in late May. If you are interested, please contact the Chris Hosler, Ellettsville Branch Manager, at 812-349-3210 or chosler [at] mcpl.info.

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

Mary, born into slavery in 1868, loved watching the birds fly free in the sky while she worked in the fields. She wanted to be free too! But she had to keep working. No time for rest. No time to learn. Even when Mary and her family were freed from slavery she still had to work hard.

One day, Mary was given a Bible, but all she could see were squiggly lines! Mary became determined to learn to read but there was always work to be done and a family to raise. Late in life, Mary said, "No more waiting! Time to learn!" You'll be amazed to learn Mary's age when she finally learned to read and became truly free.

This true story definitely shows that you are never too old to learn. I love how this book is full of hope and the vibrant collage illustrations by Coretta Scott King award winner, Oge Mara, really help tell the story in this amazing picture book biography. There are even real photos of Mary on the front and back covers.

Recommended for ages 4–8 but all ages will love this story of resilience and determination.

Reviewed by Tressa R.

Grier Carson Named Library Director

Grier Carson

The Monroe County Public Library Board of Trustees confirmed the appointment of Grier Carson as Director of the Library, effective May 6, replacing Marilyn Wood upon her retirement. 

“I’m honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead this great library at such a unique and transformative time,” Carson said. “I’m also grateful for the chance to learn so much from Marilyn over the past several years.”

Carson began his path to librarianship here in Bloomington. As an undergraduate at Indiana University, he studied English literature and art history and received his Master of Library Science degree in 2006. His career led him to Lake Forest Academy, a boarding school in Illinois where he worked his way from librarian to Director of Libraries and Academic Technology.

Carson moved back to Bloomington in 2013 when he became the Director of Putnam County Public Library, overseeing important renovations and expansions and increasing outreach efforts. In 2018, seeking library work closer to home, he became Access and Content Manager at MCPL, and in 2020, Associate Director, working alongside Wood to navigate the Library through the pandemic and plan for the future.

“I love Bloomington by bike,” Carson said. “I’ve been pretty much everywhere that’s even remotely accessible via bike and I get to bike to and from work every day––which is something of a lifelong dream.”

In discussing the future of the Library, Carson acknowledges the many facets of any public library in this day and age, including new collections and experiences, community partnerships, the evolving concept of literacy, and equity.

“Developing collections that represent diverse backgrounds and experiences will continue to be a priority for us, despite the increasing challenges to intellectual freedom in libraries posed by numerous campaigns to either impose restrictions on what we can select or remove items from our collections entirely,” Carson said. “I believe that the way we support and facilitate intellectual freedom will continually be redefined by digital technologies––and at greater speeds and with ever-greater implications for the average citizen.

Carson acknowledges that diversity is a broad and complex idea. “As a Library, we directly serve and support individuals. Our true ‘product,’ if we want to call it that, is a process of discovery that can contribute to enlightenment on the part of library users. Whatever that might look like, one of its greatest manifestations is a desire to strengthen community.”

Carson’s primary Library belief is that everyone has both the ability and the responsibility to think for themselves and that public libraries, through responsive collection development, programs, and services, have a responsibility to facilitate that independence of thought.

“Personally, I’m interested in how new technologies transform the human experience, and I’m fascinated by the disruptive impact technology continues to have on our shared sense of meaning and beauty, particularly the aesthetic and narrative experiences of art, music, and literature.”

Carson’s family has a small home library of their own––somewhere around 3,000 books. “Apart from being an incredibly successful piece of technology itself, the book is a physical manifestation of memory––and that’s probably why it feels so good to work at a library and then go home to be surrounded by more books.”

Some favorites of his collection include The Age of Spiritual Machines (Ray Kurzweil), In Search of a Concrete Music (Pierre Schaeffer), The Glass Bead Game (Herman Hesse), and Mortal Questions (Thomas Nagel).

Carson also enjoys video games, including Elder Scrolls 5 “Skyrim”, Horizon Zero Dawn, Portal 2, and Little Big Planet. “I grew up playing video games, and we introduced them to our own kids at a very early age and have been exploring this exciting art form with them ever since.” 

Carson will continue with the planning and construction of the forthcoming Southwest Branch Library, which is scheduled to open in early 2023. Learn more about Carson’s future opportunities for the Library by watching his presentation to the Monroe County Public Library Board of Trustees on Community Access Television Services.

Help Children Develop a Growth Mindset with IU Engineering Kits

IU Engineering Kit Summer STEM Challenge

Note: Are you already registered for one of the IU Engineering Kits? The following videos and booklists will help you take part in the IU Engineering Kit Summer STEM Challenge.

Videos

 

Booklists

 

Help Children Develop a Growth Mindset with IU Engineering Kits

Children face a multitude of challenges during their lives: from learning to read, to how to shoot a basketball into a net, or how to make a sandwich. For some children, the challenges may appear to be mastered easily, and it’s tempting to praise a child’s innate talent or intellect. But all children, no matter their skill level, can develop a growth mindset when they understand their abilities can grow with practice and effort. 

Professor and researcher Carol Dweck found that when we praise children for the process they engage in––the hard work they invest in solving a problem or practicing a skill––they learn to value persistence. And when children experience a setback or frustration with their abilities, we can help them build resiliency by regarding this experience as a “not yet” opportunity to pause and reflect and try again. 

As Dweck explains: “not yet” gives you a path into the future. It helps you see yourself on a learning curve and capable of improvement. “I haven’t learned how to do this yet.”

Developing a growth mindset is something that researchers at Indiana University also encourage as they invite children and their caregivers to consider different ways they might make or design something to achieve a particular outcome. As part of their Home Engineering Project and Summer STEM Challenge, IU researchers are making four different engineering kits available to children ages 7–12 and their caregivers to borrow from the Library.

Caregivers can register online through the Library’s event calendar for one or more of the kits:

  • Squishy Circuits
  • Watercolor Bot
  • Trendy Tennies
  • Paper Rollercoaster

Register Now

 

Pick up your kit in the children’s area at the Downtown Library to use at home. The kit includes a booklet to help your children learn about engineers and what they do, and suggestions for ways to guide your child in their making. When you register for a kit, you’ll also receive book recommendations to enhance your child’s learning, an optional online workshop, and an invitation from scientists at Indiana University to take part in their research about how to help children develop the ability to solve problems creatively, through experimentation and making, and by developing a growth mindset.

To learn more about the “growth mindset” concept, watch this YouTube video on "Developing a Growth Mindset" with Carol Dweck, or read Key Takeaways, Analysis & Review of Mindset by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D as an eBook, instantly available with your library card on Hoopla Digital.

Youth Art Month Contest

Oceans of Possibilities Youth Art Contest Winners

In March we asked children to create original artwork using the theme of our summer reading games––Oceans of Possibilities! As usual, you did not disappoint, submitting over 70 pieces of artwork to the contest!

Our staff members were pleased to receive so many creative and imaginative entries.

“It certainly made the decision tough––we ended up choosing six winners!” said Ginny Hosler, a librarian, and the contest’s programmer.

The six winning pieces will be made into collectible summer reading prize bookmarks. Children who participate in the games will receive a bookmark as their 10-point prize.

But we’re not stopping there! “There were so many great submissions that we decided to showcase all of the entries at the Downtown Library this summer. We hope everyone will come and see just how creative our community is!” Hosler said.

You can check out the submissions in person when the free all-ages summer reading games begin on May 23! Pick up a game board at the Downtown Library, Ellettsville Branch, or on the Bookmobile! Then, read for fun, complete activities, and attend events to earn prizes! Learn more about the all-ages games.

The summer reading games are generously supported by the Friends of the Library Foundation. This year, the Friends will donate $1,000 to the Community Kitchen of Monroe County when we meet our registration goal of 1,000 people.

 

Image caption: Winners from left to right include: Ben McClary, Zoa Barker, Emilee Allsop, Mackenzie Wood (top), Remy Niederman (bottom), and Lola Burkson 

My Pet Human

This first-chapter book stars an adorable tuxedo cat who loves living the outdoor life! It can hang out with its friends (other animals in the neighborhood), has lots of great places to eat, and doesn't have to worry about any pesky humans. All of the cat's animal friends have human pets with the weirdest habits and flaws––one human stays in their room all day and another's group of mini-humans jumps all over it. When a new human, a nice one, moves into an abandoned house and gives the cat some yummy tuna mac-and-cheese, the cat tries to train it to make its own "human pet."

This book is so cute and the pictures are really delightful. I love that the story is told from the cat's point of view! It is so funny. If you love cats or stories about animals this would be a good book for you! Recommended for ages 6–10.

Reviewed by Kim B., Children's Librarian

Retiring Director Remembers Ten Years of MCPL

Marilyn Wood is pictured holding an award

In her ten years at MCPL, Director Marilyn Wood led Library staff through many changes, accomplishments, and awards, but nothing quite as challenging as a global pandemic.

“The past two years were challenging and scary, but rewarding,” she said. “It was humbling to watch the community in their own personal struggles, as we worked to meet their needs in new ways. Our staff were ultimately very creative and dedicated and I’m really proud of how we pulled through.”

Marilyn is set to retire on May 6. At the top of her list of achievements is the planning and construction of the forthcoming Southwest Branch Library. Marilyn has led every step of the planning process from gathering initial community input to site acquisition and the building’s design.

The Branch is scheduled to open in early 2023. Although she’s sad that she won’t be present in an official capacity when the branch opens, Marilyn said “Planning for a new branch is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and that’s a legacy I’m really privileged to be a part of.”

Marilyn was born and raised in Brown County and holds a BA and MLS degree from Indiana University. She began her career at the Indiana University Libraries, then worked at Harvard University for 17 years, before returning home and beginning her tenure at Monroe County Public Library as Associate Director in 2012. In 2015, Marilyn was promoted to Library Director.

Marilyn named the Power of Words with John Lewis author talk as another highlight of her career. In 2015, United States Representative John Lewis and local graphic illustrator Nate Powell spoke on their award-winning graphic novel series, March, as part of the Friends of the Library’s annual Power of Words author visit series. Marilyn recalled how special it was to support the event.

“Listening to John Lewis and his story of voting rights was an unforgettable experience,” she said. “It gives me chills just thinking about it.” The event was recorded by Community Access Television Services. You can view it here.

Marilyn also singled out the elimination of overdue fines from her list of accomplishments. In March 2020, at the onset of the pandemic, the Library waived all unpaid overdue fines and collection agency fees, and eliminated fines for all late returns moving forward. “It was exciting to reintroduce people who had lost access to the Library while reducing barriers for future users.”

Upon Marilyn’s retirement, the Library’s current associate director, Grier Carson, will take on the role of director. “I am delighted and confident to pass the baton to Grier,” said Marilyn. “His outstanding knowledge and fondness for our community, the Library's mission, and our staff will serve the Library very well into the future.”

Marilyn hasn’t made many specific plans for retirement life. In the immediate future, she’s excited to spend the summer with her grandkids and mess around in the garden. She said she’ll miss her friends and colleagues, “but most of all, I’ll miss the engagement with the community that is so much a part of what and why we do what we do.”

Stay tuned for a blog on incoming Director Grier Carson.

Pages