MCPL Board of Trustees Welcomes Nichelle Whitney Wash

Nichelle Whitney Wash

We are excited to welcome the newest member of the Board of Trustees, Nichelle Whitney Wash to the MCPL community! Appointed by the County Council, Nichelle will serve on the Board for a four-year term. We sat down for a Q&A with Nichelle and here’s what we discovered. 

 

Tell us a little bit about your education and work history?

I attended Indiana University and studied Human Biology with a concentration in Human Health & Disease. I identify as a STEM nerd in many ways, and during my academic journey fell in love with teaching people about the history of social identities in America. This new love led me to become a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultant. I’ve worked in a number of different roles including in higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. 

 

You’re the founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Guarden, which offers diversity education training for institutions, corporations, and organizations. Can you tell us more about The Guarden and how it came about?

The Guarden is an approach to training. Technically, I have to call it a company, but really it’s my heart for DEI work. The Guarden focuses on education, accountability, and grace in all of its work and centers the responsibility of creating equitable solutions and inclusive places. 

 

What is your favorite genre and/or book and why?

Well…according to my audiobooks profile, my top genre is documentary. I’m currently reading “Will” by Will Smith, and I must say I AM OBSESSED. There are so many nuggets of wisdom in his book, and it feels deeply personal – almost like he knew my life story. 

 

What is your favorite resource and/or thing about our Library?

My favorite resource without a doubt is the digital creation studio, Level Up. In fact, it was where I learned how to record my first podcast about three years ago.

 

Why did you choose to join the board?

I love MCPL. Its role in serving the community is so valuable, and MCPL has done such a wonderful job of stretching itself. From professional development to diversifying the catalogs, MCPL is certainly a leading community-based organization for Monroe County. I hope to continue to support these efforts and bring more people to the Library.

 

Are you involved in the community in other ways?

Yes, I currently serve as Chair of the Monroe County Women’s Commission and am on the Board of Directors of Tandem Community Birth Center and Postpartum House.

 

What do you like to do for fun?

I love chocolate cake. (That’s not what I love to do for fun, but it has to be mentioned.) In my free time, I enjoy traveling to sunny places with beaches, and I enjoy playing and watching basketball.
 

Affordable Internet Program

Struggling to pay for internet service? The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal benefit program designed to help you afford the broadband access you need for work, school, healthcare, and more.

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

If your household is eligible, you can receive:

  • A monthly discount on your internet bill (up to a $30 per month)
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer through a participating provider

This new long-term program will replace the previous temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit. Most households currently enrolled in that program will not have to take any action to continue receiving the $30 monthly benefit after the transition period ends on March 1, 2022. Learn more about the transition.

In related news, did you know that the Library checks out iPads? If you’re considering purchasing a tablet as part of the ACP discount, consider checking out one of our iPads for a trial run. It’s cellular-enabled and pre-loaded with apps and programs.

New to computer use? Frustrated with email and online forms? The Library offers free, self-paced virtual computer courses via Northstar Online Learning. You’ll receive step-by-step instruction, practice, and review for internet basics, email, and Microsoft Word. Sign up online, or call 812-349-3173 for help.

Endling: The Last

The Queen, Katherine Applegate, has done it again.

Endling: The Last is the first book in a fantasy-adventure trilogy. Applegate does a brilliant job of introducing us intimately to a lovable cast of characters, including the series' heroine Byx, believed to be the last dairne (a race of sentient anthropomorphic dog) in the land of Nedarra. Byx is joined by a motley crew of companions in her quest to find the legendary ancient home of the dairnes and survive the pursuit of the land's power-mad ruler.

The characters' plights and small-scale drama are expertly woven into the backdrop of a fully realized fantasy world, with tantalizing hints toward mysteries to be unraveled and secrets to be revealed. In classic Applegate fashion, the book is full of truly heart-pounding action sequences coupled with thought-provoking parallels between this fantasy setting and our own world.

This book could generate some excellent family discussions touching on the ethics of animal rights, corruption in human political structures, and themes of truth, family, and home. It is recommended for ages 9–12, but could be read with younger kids.

This title is available in print, large print, as a book-on-cd, and as an eBook.

Reviewed by Paul D., Senior Information Assistant

We're a Star Library!

America's Star Libraries 2021

The 2021 Library Journal (LJ) Index of Public Library Service, a national rating system that measures library service relative to peer libraries, named Monroe County Public Library a Three-Star Library! MCPL was one of just five Indiana libraries to receive a star designation.

“We are excited to be among peers that share our deep commitment to serving all of our community,” said Marilyn Wood, Library Director. “Not only does this highlight our distinction among Indiana libraries but also on a national level related to the level of service delivery we provide.”

5,608 U.S. public libraries qualified to be rated, with just 262 receiving designations, putting us in the top 5% of qualifying libraries!

 

The Criteria

Index scores are based on statistics compiled by the Institute of Museum and Library Services in the following areas:

  • Library visits
  • Total circulation
  • Circulation of electronic materials
  • Retrievals of electronic information
  • Public internet computer use
  • WiFi sessions
  • Program attendance

 

Community Input

Analysis of the statistics used in the LJ Index is just one way to assess service. We will continue to communicate directly with our patrons and stakeholders to identify the best ways to serve everyone in our community. You can learn more about our future plans in our strategic direction report.

While we are thrilled to be named a Star Library, the patron comments we regularly receive from our community are also gratifying.

“The Monroe County Public Library is the most value-creating asset our community has,” shared patron Peter. “It is a magnet drawing in people of all walks, interests, and intellects to a center for information and exchange. The staff is an incredible resource of how to find and put to use all of the library's assets.”

Is MCPL your star library? Share your Library story!

Top Circulating Items of 2021

Top Circulating Items of 2021

2021 is in the books! We’re taking a look back at the media that kept you entertained and educated last year. We tallied the numbers and here are our top circulating items of 2021!

Planning your 2022 reading list? There are some great options here, including Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. The internationally acclaimed and award-winning author will speak at our February 5 Power of Words event!

 

Books

Adult Fiction
  1. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
  2. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
  3. Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Young Adult Fiction
  1. Shadow And Bone: The Grisha Trilogy, Book 1 by Leigh Bardugo
  2. Throne Of Glass: Throne Of Glass Series, Book 1 by Sarah J. Maas
  3. Midnight Sun: Twilight Series, Book 5 by Stephenie Meyer
Juvenile Fiction
  1. The Pigeon Has To Go To School! by Mo Willems
  2. The Deep End (Diary Of A Wimpy Kid Book 15) by Jeff Kinney
  3. The Pigeon Finds A Hot Dog! by Mo Willems
Adult Nonfiction
  1. Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
  2. A Promised Land by Barack Obama (this was also our most circulated audiobook of the year!)
  3. Educated by Tara Westover
Juvenile Nonfiction
  1. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson 
  2. LEGO Star Wars character encyclopedia
  3. Pokemon : classic collector's handbook

 

Graphic Novels & Manga

Adult
  1. Swing series by Matt Hawkins
  2. Attack on Titan series by Masashi Kishimoto
  3. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
Teen
  1. My Hero Academia series by Kohei Horikoshi
  2. Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman
  3. Naruto series
Juvenile
  1. Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey
  2. Guts: Smile Series, Book 3 by Raina Telgemeier
  3. Claudia And The New Girl: The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix Series, Book 9 by Ann M. Martin

 

Audiovisual

Music
  1. Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
  2. Sour by Olivia Rodrigo
  3. The Greatest Showman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Adult Movies
  1. Spider-Man : Far From Home
  2. Once Upon A Time In... Hollywood
  3. Knives Out
Juvenile Movies
  1. Frozen II
  2. Dolittle
  3. The Lion King
Video Games
  1. Hyrule Warriors : Age Of Calamity
  2. Super Mario Party
  3. Paper Mario : The Origami King

 

Library of Things

Our top item from the Library of Things collection this year was our mobile hotspots! We circulated over 500 to the community! Mobile hotspots provide free, unrestricted internet access at home or on the go. They check out for 14 days at a time.

Which of these items have you enjoyed? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! We get new books, movies, and music every day. Be the first in line for new items by signing up to receive emails featuring recently-ordered Library items!

MLK Day Celebration

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Events

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we’re celebrating Black lives and remembering the tremendous life and accomplishments of Dr. King with a day full of events and opportunities to serve our community. 

 

MLK Day Activities at the Downtown Library

We’ll start the day at 9:30 AM with a storytime featuring "Hands Up" by Brianna J. McDaniel and "Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race" by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli, followed by crafts to celebrate Black lives and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Following storytime, at 11 AM, the Bloomington Peace Choir, a community choir that sings to uplift their spirits and the world, will join us for a short all-ages performance in the atrium.

Journey forward with local author, Carol-Anne Hughes Hossler at 1 PM as she talks about her book, Dr. King, The Rabbi, And Me, what she's learned, and leads activities and discussion to get tweens ages 7–12 thinking. Special activities will also be available in the Tween Space throughout the day.

At 3 PM and 4 PM, the IU African American Dance Company presents “Good Dancing – Good People!” This interactive, high-spirited 30-minute lecture/performance combines the energizing dances of the legendary IU African American Dance Company with ideas about service in African and African American cultures. Please choose one time to attend to allow for space for others. 

Also, between 4–5 PM, teens ages 12–19 are invited to drop in at The Ground Floor to help assemble dignity kits with personal hygiene items including socks, toothbrushes, and more. The kits will be distributed to Beacon’s Shalom Center for community members experiencing homelessness. 

All MLK Day events are on a drop-in basis and do not require registration. View the full lineup event details here.

 

Backpack Buddies

Help fight hunger in our community by supporting the Community Kitchen of Monroe County's Backpack Buddies program! The program provides qualifying children with a backpack of food to take home from school each weekend to help with their food needs. Beginning on MLK Day and continuing through the week, we’ll accept food donations at the Downtown Library and Ellettsville Branch. Visit the Community Kitchen’s website to view their donation wish list. There are currently over 300 children from 21 Monroe County schools enrolled.

 

Rube Goldberg Science Machine

Free WonderLab Science Kits

Dr. King understood the importance of science. During his 1964 Nobel Prize acceptance speech, he noted the many achievements that humanity had reached through science and technology, “Modern man … has produced machines that think and instruments that peer into the unfathomable ranges of interstellar space. He has built gigantic bridges to span the seas and gargantuan buildings to kiss the skies. His airplanes and spaceships have dwarfed distance, placed time in chains, and carved highways through the stratosphere. This is a dazzling picture of modern man’s scientific and technological progress.”

Drop by the Downtown Library or Ellettsville Branch and get one of 100 free Rube Goldberg Science Kits while supplies last, courtesy of WonderLab, packed with everything you need to create your own machine! Post your creation to Instagram with the tag @wonderlabmuseum and #RubeGoldbergMachine by Saturday, January 22 and you may be selected to win a WonderLab WonderPass for a free visit. Learn more.

 

Celebrating Black Voices

Celebrating Black Voices Reading Challenge

Our Celebrating Black Voices reading challenge kicks off on MLK Day! Available January 17–March 31, the all-ages game challenges you to learn about books that received the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award and attend related Library events. Participants who complete the challenge will earn $2 bear bucks to spend in the Friends of the Library Bookstore!

 

"Our Voice" Exhibit

The reading challenge ties into Our Voice: Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards––A Marian Armstrong Exhibit. Presented by The Friends of the Library, the exhibit features 34 prints of Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrations. The award-winning illustrations and children’s books highlight stories and figures from Black history, honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout time.

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards are presented annually by the American Library Association to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. The award commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and honors his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood.

The exhibit will run February 1–March 20. Learn more about the exhibit and related events, including The Power of Words: Changing Our World One Author at a Time with award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson on February 5.

Glitter Gets Everywhere

Kitty, her sister Imogen, and her father all have different ways of coping with the loss of their mother and wife. When her father takes a new job opportunity, the family moves to New York. Though you may think that moving to a different city would stop Kitty from constantly being reminded of her mom, the opposite seems to hold true, and Kitty is reminded of her mom everywhere she goes.

Glitter Gets Everywhere is a great book because provides a heartwarming way to approach the very difficult topic of the loss of a parent. The book would also be helpful if you are coping with the loss of any loved one. Additionally, it contains strong themes of family, connections, and holding onto memories. Recommended for readers ages 8–12.

Reviewed by Kim B., Children’s Librarian

Create-a-Comic Challenge Entries

In November, we challenged you to create an original one-page comic to share with the community and enter to win a gift card to Vintage Phoenix Comic Books! Categories were available for kids ages 7–11 and teens ages 12–19. The winners were randomly selected.

We received 38 original, fun, and imaginative pieces that we've included here. Thanks so much for sharing your creativity with us. You make our work at the Library so enjoyable!

 

Very Peri Books Throughout History

Very Peri Pantone

After a year colored mainly by color-coded COVID maps, “Very Peri,” Pantone 17-3938, was just announced as the 2022 Pantone color of the year! Very Peri is described as a first time ever brand new Pantone color of their creation “whose courageous presence encourages personal inventiveness and creativity.”

The Pantone Color of the Year selection process requires thoughtful consideration and trend analysis. To arrive at the selection each year, Pantone’s color experts comb the world looking for new color influences. These can include entertainment, art, travel, lifestyles, sports, socio-economic conditions, new technologies, social media, and much more.

“Creating a new color for the first time in the history of our Pantone Color of the Year educational color program reflects the global innovation and transformation taking place,” said Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.

But is Very Peri really new? We think not...

 

 
 

 

 

MCPL Chopped Challenge

MCPL Chopped Challenge winning dish: kidney bean and spelt toast with paprika whipped feta and rosemary pickled beets.

‘Tis the season for cooking and creativity! In November, we held the first MCPL Chopped Challenge! Participants received a take-home kit with three mystery ingredients and three cookbooks to borrow. They were tasked with preparing a dish using all three ingredients, plus their choice of additional ingredients.

We received many amazing, inspired entries. Thank you to all of the participants and congratulations to the winner, Emmi! They were so creative with the mystery ingredients, making a kidney bean and spelt toast with paprika whipped feta and rosemary pickled beets. Browse this photo album to view all of the submitted dishes!

Now that the official prize challenge is over, we’re revealing the mystery ingredients for anyone to try their hand! The mystery ingredients are…

  • Canned kidney beans
  • Canned whole beets
  • Paprika

Want to play along? We would love to see what you dish up! Tag @MCPLIndiana and use the hashtag #MCPLChopped on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter to share your creations.

Looking for culinary inspiration? Join us virtually on Monday, December 27 for Books on Tap, our book club with a twist! Bring any fiction or nonfiction food- or cooking-themed book to share with the group. Make your own drink and try to relate it to your book choice in some way! Sign up here.

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