Thousands of people visit Monroe County Public Library locations each week. What brings patrons through our doors—and keeps them coming back? This National Library Week, we’re taking a look back at 2025 through the numbers. Behind each statistic is a moment of discovery, creativity, or connection that helped our community find joy at the Library.

Locations and Patron Visits

Providing access to Library materials and services across Monroe County is at the heart of our mission. With three Library locations [2] and a range of Outreach Services [3], we work to reach as many members of our community as possible.

In 2025, our doors opened 629,591 times across our three locations:
Downtown Library: 443,930 visits
Ellettsville Branch: 95,205 visits
Southwest Branch: 90,456 visits

Each visit represents someone discovering a new book, attending a program, connecting with neighbors, or simply finding a welcoming place to learn and explore.

Library Card Holders

In 2025, the Library counted 58,931 patrons with library cards. While materials and programs are available to everyone, a library card unlocks even more, allowing patrons to check out items, access eLibrary resources, and reserve study rooms or studio spaces.

Library cards are free for Monroe County residents [4] of all ages, opening the door to everything the Library has to offer!

Our Collection

The Library is more than just books [5]! In 2025, our physical collection included 313,995 books and 391,513 additional items, from audiobooks and video games to music, DVDs, toys, games, musical instruments, iPads, and wireless hotspots. These materials were used 1,373,620 times as patrons relaxed with a favorite author, explored new hobbies, or discovered something unexpected.

Beyond our shelves, our eLibrary offers a world of digital options [6] to download and stream. Patrons can access eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, music, newspapers, and magazines from anywhere, anytime. Hoopla [7] and Libby [8] are among our most popular eLibrary services. In 2025, patrons borrowed 281,061 eBooks and 259,815 eAudiobooks through Libby, plus another 29,964 eBooks and 86,147 eAudiobooks through Hoopla. Additional online resources support learning at every stage, from language courses and homework help to job searching and genealogy research. In 2025, our digital collection was used 1,127,742 times, bringing the Library to patrons wherever they are.

Programs

Library programs promote literacy and learning [9], while helping build community for patrons of all ages. In 2025, the Library hosted 2,748 programs, bringing 41,367 people of all ages together to learn, create, and connect. From storytimes and craft workshops to author visits and hands-on learning experiences, these programs offered countless opportunities for patrons to discover new interests, meet new people, and share in the joy of learning something new.

Outreach Services

If patrons can’t physically visit the Library, we bring the Library to them through our Outreach Services [3]. Providing equitable access to all members of our Monroe County community is a core part of our mission. Our Bookmobile—the Library on wheels [10]—circulated 57,570 items in 2025, bringing books and other materials directly to neighborhoods across the county.

For patrons who cannot visit the Library in person, our Van Service and House Calls Service [11] provide materials to assisted-living facilities and individuals facing illness, disability, or transportation challenges. Together, these services delivered 38,114 items last year.

The Library also delivers materials to readers at the Monroe County Jail, where 8,213 items were shared in 2025, helping ensure that access to reading and learning reaches every corner of our community.

VITAL

At the Library, learning happens at every stage of life. VITAL (Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners) [12] helps adults strengthen their reading, writing, and English-language skills in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The program provides tutoring, English language groups, and assistance for those preparing for the driver’s license and citizenship tests. In 2025, VITAL offered 515 programs and welcomed 289 learners. These learners were supported by 114 dedicated volunteers who contributed 3,376 hours, helping community members build skills, confidence, and new opportunities through learning. 

CATS

For more than 50 years, the Library has helped amplify community voices through Community Access Television Services (CATS) [13]. Founded in 1973, CATS operates the City of Bloomington’s five PEG access channels, recording and broadcasting local government meetings so residents can stay informed about issues affecting Monroe County. The service also supports local nonprofits through a Community Calendar and welcomes video content created by community members.

In 2025, CATS produced 657 government meetings and 176 community events. You can watch recordings anytime at catstv.net or on the CATS YouTube channel.

All-Ages Summer Reading Program

Every summer, the Library draws crowds of all ages for the fun of our annual all-ages Summer Reading Program [14]. In 2025, the theme Color Our World invited readers to enjoy books, complete activities, attend programs, and win prizes. For children, the program helps bridge the summer reading gap and keeps young minds engaged while school is out. For many members of our community, it’s also a chance to create joyful summer memories at the Library.

With support from the Friends of the Library, the 2025 program welcomed readers across all age groups: 
Children: 1,224
Tween: 1,630
Teen: 665
Adult: 2,473