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We want to hear from you!
Share your vision for the future of your Library.
The Library is developing a new strategic plan and is inviting the community’s input. The strategic plan will direct an ambitious course for the future of Library services for Monroe County.
In August and September, Library staff are conducting community conversations with local civic and community organizations. These community stakeholders will share their vision for the future of the Library through facilitated community conversation sessions.
Everyone in Monroe County is invited to participate through a brief, four question survey online. You can share your goals for the community and how the Library strengthens your vision on our website. Your input will help guide the Library’s strategic direction for the future.
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Ready for a STEAM-Powered Future
We’re building up STEAM for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics at the Library. As they continue to play a bigger role in our lives—and the job market—these subjects are also getting more prominent in the Library’s collections and program offerings.
Along with our local public school partners, the Library is a proud recipient of recent grants from the Wahl Charitable Trust and Bloomington Tri Kappa that allow us to highlight STEAM topics in our offerings to children. We’ve added tools like iPads, Bloxels, and even robots to the STEAM-themed programs already so popular at the Library.
And as always, the Ground Floor and Level Up, the Library’s digital creativity spaces, are great places for teens and adults to build a better world in their own unique way. From 3D printing to virtual reality to audio and video production, there’s plenty of STEAM power generated here every day.
Of course, there’s also lots in our physical and digital collections for all ages to explore STEAM subjects further. Borrow books, magazines, and videos that make you a better maker, programmer, or artist—and help you build a better world.
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Learn Something New
Learning something new is always great—it’s fitting self-improvement into your schedule (and budget) that can be tough. And it’s true that the internet makes it easier than ever to learn at your own pace, but how do you know where the best instruction online is found?
Lynda.com and Mango Languages, two great free online learning platforms available through the Library, are the answer. Both tools offer top-quality instruction by professionals, tailored to different learning styles and delivered on demand. And best of all: they’re free to use any time. Just visit Lynda.com or Mango Languages online, set up your account using your Library card, and start learning.
One of the pioneers in online learning, Lynda.com allows you to choose a learning track—or just an individual course—from an ever-expanding list of topics, from software development to business to video and audio production. Each course breaks down into a series of short video clips, and features downloadable exercise files and transcripts you can use as you study. Lynda.com keeps track of your progress, and issues certificates when you’ve completed each course.
For learning a language online—or 60 of them—Mango Languages is the fun and easy way to go. Through Mango’s interactive video and audio modules, you read, speak, and listen to a new language to build vocabulary and confidence.
Improving your own skills or training a whole staff, Lynda.com and Mango Languages are your go-to places for online learning. Through the Library’s online resources, you can start today.
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What's Happening
Here are some highlights of what’s happening at your Library this month. For a complete list of Library programs and community events for all ages, see the Library’s online calendar.
Jump to: Children's Programs | Teen Programs | Adult Programs
Makevention
10 AM–4 PM, Saturday, August 26
Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Center
302 S. College Ave., Bloomington
Craftspeople, inventors, tinkerers, builders, designers, gadgeteers, artists, engineers, scientists, DIYers all show off their creations at Makevention. Join the Library and Bloominglabs for a day celebrating our local makers! For all ages.
Children's Programs:
Sensory Storytime
10:30–11:15 AM, Thursday, August 10
Children's Program Room, Main Library
A small, interactive setting especially for children on the autism spectrum or with sensory integration challenges. All preschoolers welcome. For ages 3–6.
Stop-Motion Animation
6:30–7:30 PM, Thursday, August 17
Children's Program Room, Main Library
Make your own animated movie using iPads and LEGOs! For ages 8–12.
Find dozens more Children's programs and storytimes on the Library's Calendar of Events.
Teen Programs:
Know Your Glow! Dance Party
7–10 PM, Saturday, August 12
Meeting Room 1B/C, Main Library
Glow sticks, black lights, great music and dancing—seen through Prism. For ages 12–20.
Insert-Name-Here Anime Club
6:30–8:30 PM, Tuesday, August 15
The Ground Floor, Main Library
Join fans of Fairy Tail, Attack on Titan, and more obscure anime for a night of fun. Expect snacks, crafts, discussion, and watching anime. For ages 12–19.
Find many more teen programs using the Library's online calendar.
Adult Programs:
The Life and Times of Jason Molina: Erin Osmon Author Talk
3:30–5 PM, Friday, August 04
Auditorium, Main Library
Author Erin Osmon discusses her new book Jason Molina: Riding with the Ghost, chronicling the life of world-renowned songwriter—and former Bloomington resident—Jason Molina (Songs: Ohia, Magnolia Elec. Co.).
Join the NEA Big Read
5:30–7:30 PM, Tuesday, August 08
Meeting Room 2A, Main Library
Join the Friends and Monroe County Public Library in broadening our understanding of our world, our community, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. Our community reads & discusses Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng. Drop in to learn how you can organize a book discussion, present or host a program, become a sponsor, and other ways to get involved at this informal open house.
Find many more adult programs using the Library's online calendar.
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