July 25, 2022
Livy is starting at a new school and that's just the tip of the iceberg for her! She's growing anxious about making friends and fitting in when she feels different because of her culture as well as family expectations for her to achieve great things. Then there's Viola. The little voice in her head that tells her she's not good enough and that no one likes her. Sometimes Viola's voice is so loud that Livy has trouble expressing her own. She has to find some way to live with Viola.
July 11, 2022
Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. Below are some children’s books that have all been targeted for removal or restriction, including at least one of the reasons why.
July 5, 2022
This children's picture book contains simple, poetic words but it expresses powerful emotion. The beautiful illustrations depict diverse characters experiencing the joys and security that unconditional love offers. I recommend reading this book with someone you love just because you love them.
Reviewed by Christa S., Senior Information Assistant
July 2, 2022
Jamila has to find a way to avoid going to boring old Science Camp and spend more time shooting hoops! So when oddball Shirley Bones offers a deal that will keep Jamila out of camp, Jamila jumps at the offer. There is only one problem - Shirley is weird. But soon, Jamilia realizes that Shirley isn't just weird, she's a detective! The two girls set out to solve the case of the missing gecko and save their summer!
June 28, 2022
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!
May 25, 2022
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.
May 16, 2022
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.
May 2, 2022
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.
April 26, 2022
There are now more ways to get creative in Level Up, our digital creativity space! 3D printing and memory preservation have joined our existing services, which include video and audio recording, Adobe Creative Cloud-equipped workstations, and more!
April 15, 2022
April 4, 2022
March 31, 2022
Every April, the world celebrates poetry! The month is a reminder that poets play an integral role in our culture and that poetry matters. To celebrate, we have a lot of opportunities to read, listen, connect, and create with poetry in a variety of ways.
March 31, 2022
In 2020, shortly before the pandemic began, we opened a Tween Space in the children’s area of the Downtown Library. This dedicated space offers kids ages 7–12 a place to hang out, explore crafts and other activities, enjoy pop-up programs, work on homework, and play.
March 29, 2022