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!
Think Library: Blog
May 25, 2022
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.
Connect, Create, Gardening, Grants, Learn, Library Events, Library News, Lifelong Learning, Local Interest, Outreach
May 19, 2022
Dive on in! The water is fine! Celebrate Adult Summer Reading with a list based on this year's theme- Oceans of Possibilities. This list includes fiction books set on or near the water and non-fiction titles exploring everything from the ocean itself to the wide variety of creatures who call it home. Check out a book from this list and hit the beach.
May 18, 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.
African American, Biography & Memoir, Civil Rights, Diversity, History, Lifelong Learning, Literacy, Nonfiction, Read, Staff Picks
May 16, 2022
Be an engineer! Find books about engineering in the nonfiction section with call number 620. Try designing a new, cool-looking tennis shoe at home, then check out these titles to explore more about fashion, design, and biomechanics.
May 11, 2022
Be an engineer! Find books about engineering in the nonfiction section with call number 620. Check out these titles that supplement your exploration of physics and mechanical engineering.
May 11, 2022
Be an engineer! Find books about engineering in the nonfiction section with call number 620. For more titles about electricity and circuits, please check our juvenile nonfiction in the J 537s and J 621s, and for more on sculpture and clay modeling, go to the J 730s and the J 731.42s.
May 11, 2022
Be an engineer! Find books about engineering in the nonfiction section with call number 620 and take a look at these titles related to robotics, and painting. (For more on robotics, please check our juvenile nonfiction at J 629.892, and for more on painting, go the J 750s.)
May 10, 2022
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.”
May 2, 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
Enjoy these children's books that celebrate Oceans of Possibilities, which just happens to be the theme of our 2022 Summer Reading Game!
April 29, 2022
Winners from left to right include: Ben McClary, Zoa Barker, Emilee Allsop, Mackenzie Wood (top), Remy Niederman (bottom), and Lola Burkson
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
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.
April 21, 2022
Ready for May flowers, sprouting gardens, and budding trees? Try this list of fiction recommendations featuring plant life!
April 19, 2022
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.”
April 19, 2022