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We’re Thankful You’re Here
It’s time again for Thanksgiving, when we look forward to visiting with loved ones and reflect on what we’re grateful for. In this spirit, the Library would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the most important person in our community: you.
First, thanks for making the Library a true center of community life. When you come through our doors, you’re saying “yes” to learning, discovery, and creation in a welcoming and safe place. When you attend one of the many programs and events held here, you’re celebrating the quality and diversity that makes Monroe County a great place to live and work. And when you use the Library—from the new Baby Space to Level Up to our private study rooms and Auditorium—you’re telling us we’re offering something you and your family value. That’s exciting!
Thank you for helping us keep the Library a great place to visit. Your comments and suggestions allow us to add great items to our collection and improve our services—and your courtesy and cooperative spirit make everyone feel valued and at home.
Most of all, thank you for allowing us to serve you. Our staff enjoy making your Library visit a pleasant one—whether you’re making music in our recording studios, holding club meetings in our meeting spaces, or relaxing in our Silent Reading Room. It’s truly a pleasure to see all the ways you make the Library yours.
Yes, thank you, Monroe County community, for loving and supporting your Library—we wouldn’t exist without you. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Library to the Rescue, Thanksgiving Edition
Thursday dinner and Black Friday sales. Kids off school, in-laws, and long car rides. Sound familiar? Planning for the Thanksgiving holiday is less stressful and more fun when you take advantage of the many free resources the Library offers you and your family.
Entertaining guests can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. With hundreds of cookbooks and decorating guides to choose from—on our shelves or through our eAccess platforms—you’ll find the perfect way to welcome loved ones this month. Stay in and enjoy books, movies, and music from our collection, or take a trip to the Library together for our popular programs for all ages.
If you’re hosting little ones, we’ve got you covered—keeping young minds and hands occupied is our specialty. Our Children’s Areas are home to a huge collection of books, as well as plenty of space for kids’ activities and programs. Small children can even take the fun home— borrow from the Library’s collection of great toys designed to aid in brain and motor development!
Hitting the road this month? You’ve got lots of options for a safe and relaxing trip. The Library’s auto repair resources help ensure the family car is in tip-top condition for the journey—and our travel guides reveal the highlights of your destination. Our audiobooks, ebooks, and streaming movies are great companions, and wi-fi follows you anywhere, thanks to the new mobile internet hotspots you can check out at the Library.
Of course, holiday planning also means planning your expenses. Bargains will be calling to you everywhere this month, so it’s extra-important that you’re smart with your money. The Library’s online subscription to Consumer Reports helps you make wise decisions about what to spend on, what to save for, and what to avoid. And as always, for more information on making wise financial decisions, you can stop by the It’s Your Money table at the Main Library.
As we move toward Thanksgiving, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands and distractions of the season. Make this a November to remember by including the Library in your holiday plans.
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Election Day:
What You Need to Know
We’re making big decisions on Election Day (or before—early voting is easy in Indiana). How prepared will you be when you step into the voting booth? With Be a Voter!, the Library and the League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County help you stay informed on the candidates and issues you’ll see on your ballot.
Copies of ballots in all Monroe County voting districts—as well as a map of those districts—can be found on our Be a Voter! page. Once you know who’s running for what office, check out Keys to the Candidates for their written responses to questions about the issues.
If you prefer video, you can watch any of the candidate forums hosted by the League of Women Voters, courtesy of Community Access Television Services (CATS) at the Library. CATS even offers unscripted, unedited video statements by several candidates on their Candidates on Demand page.
Someone once said that democracy is an action, not an idea. Through reliable voting, election, and government information, Be a Voter! is here as your year-round resource for acting responsibly and effectively as a citizen. Make your voice heard!
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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.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Know the 10 Signs
6:30–8 PM, Thursday, November 3
Meeting Room 2A, Main Library
Understand the difference between age-related memory loss and Alzheimer’s—and what to do if someone you know has signs of the disease. A presentation by the Alzheimer's Association.
Nutcracker Fantasy
2–3 PM, Sunday, November 13
Auditorium, Main Library
Dancers from IU Jacobs School of Music perform The Nutcracker ballet. We also make a take-home craft for retelling the story again and again. For all ages.
Adzooks: Mr. Punch and the Babysitter
Saturday, November 26
11–11:45 AM, Ellettsville Branch
2–2:45 PM, Auditorium, Main Library
Help Mr. Punch find the baby before Judy gets home! Professional puppeteers improvise with the audience’s help for a hilarious performance. For all ages. Please register.
Jump to: Children's Programs | Teen Programs | Adult Programs
Children's Programs:
Sensory Storytime
2–2:45 PM, Thursday, November 3
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. Please register.
ARF! Read to a Dog
10:30 AM–Noon, Saturday, November 5
Ellettsville Branch
10:30 AM–Noon, Saturday, November 19
Children’s Program Room, Main Library
Registered therapy dogs listen to your child read aloud. Great for readers of all abilities, but especially helpful for reluctant or struggling readers. For ages 5–12.
Party with Stripes the Tiger
2:30–3:30 PM, Sunday, November 6
Auditorium, Main Library
Join Stripes for stories, a treasure hunt, and a cookie as the kids show off all the fun things to see and do at the Library. For first graders and their families. All ages welcome. Please register.
Curious George Visits the Library
6:30–7:15 PM, Monday, November 7
Auditorium, Main Library
11–11:45 AM, Saturday, November 12
Ellettsville Branch
Celebrate Picture Book Month with Curious George through stories and a movie. Bring your camera for a photo with George. For ages 2–6 and their families. Please register.
Harry Potter Gala
1–2 PM, Tuesday, November 8
Meeting Room 1B/C, Main Library
You’re cordially invited to a Hogwarts gala celebration in honor of the film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Join us for fun & games, wizardry, and butter beer with fellow fans. For ages 8–12. Please register.
Celebrate Diwali
3:30–5 PM, Saturday, November 12
Auditorium, Main Library
Join us in celebrating the Indian festival of lights, the most important holiday on the Indian calendar. Music, dancing and activities provided by the Bloomington Kala Sangam. For all ages.
Autism-Friendly Movie: Finding Dory
2 PM, Sunday, November 20
Auditorium, Main Library
The lights are up, the sound is down, and no one minds if you talk or move around. Parental guidance suggested. For age 5 and up.
Storyhour Extravaganza
Wednesday, November 30
10–11 AM -or- 1:30–2:30 PM, Auditorium, Main Library
“Yummy” stories, songs, films, and entertainment. Groups welcome. For ages 2–6. Please register.
Find many more Children's programs and storytimes on the Library's Calendar of Events.
Teen Programs:
NaNoWriMo Ground Floor Write-In
3–5 PM, Every Tuesday in November
The Ground Floor, Main Library
November is National Novel Writing Month. Are you up to the challenge? Let us help—join us for support, snacks, and tips for fighting writer’s block. For ages 12-19. Learn more about NaNoWriMo.
Math Homework Help for Teens
7–9 PM
Mondays, Program Room 2B, Main Library
Wednesdays, Ellettsville Branch
Drop in for FREE one-on-one help with Math and Science related assignments—arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, physics, chemistry, ISTEP, and SAT review. For middle school and high school students only.
Ping Pong Palooza
4–5:30 PM, Fridays November 4 & 18
Meeting Room 1B, Main Library
Learn how to play or improve your skills in a safe, fun, and friendly environment. Not tournaments—everyone gets a chance to play. For all ages.
Maker Lab
5–6 PM, Monday, November 14
The Ground Floor, Main Library
Science, tech, crafts—drop in for a different project each month. For ages 12–19.
Insert-Name-Here Anime Club
6:30–8:30 PM, Tuesday, November 22
The Ground Floor, Main Library
Join other fans of Hetalia, Attack on Titan, and other obscure anime for a night of fun. Expect snacks, crafts, discussion, and (of course) watching anime. For ages 12–19.
Drop-In DIY
3:30–5 PM, Wednesday, November 30
Ellettsville Branch
Impress your friends and family with your do-it-yourself skills! This month: Cameo Crafting. For ages 12–19.
Find many more teen programs using the Library's online calendar.
Adult Programs:
Tech Days
4–6 PM, Thursday, November 3, Program Room 2C, Main Library
2–4 PM, Tuesdays: November 15 & 29, Program Room 2C, Main Library
2–4 PM, Monday, November 7
Ellettsville Branch
Bring your digital device for one-on-one help with accessing the Library’s free eBooks, movies, music, and more. Help with email, Facebook, and other digital tools also available.
Intro to Ableton Live
7–8:30 PM, Thursday, November 3
Level Up, Main Library
Set up a basic project in this powerful music creation tool—then delve into transforming your sound using MIDI, effects, and instruments.
Adorable Adoptables
2–4 PM, Saturday, November 5
Atrium Space, Main Library
“Paws” to meet your new best friend! Pets looking for a good home visit the Library with the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter.
Books Plus
2–3 PM, Sunday, November 6
Program Room 2B, Main Library
All are welcome at our monthly book discussions. Join the conversation—or just listen. This month we read LaRose by Louise Erdrich.
GIS Mapping for Nonprofits
10–11 AM, Wednesday, November 9
Program Room 2C, Main Library
Learn how GIS mapping can help your organization with service, research, fundraising, and more. Presented by Kurt Babcock, GIS Coordinator at Monroe County Government. Please register.
Game Design with Spine
7–8:30 PM, Thursday, November 10
Level Up, Main Library
Learn the “bare bones” of Spine, a 2D animation program especially for video games, through basic animation principles you can apply in any medium.
Memory Screenings
1–5 PM, Saturday, November 12, Ellettsville Branch
9 AM–1 PM, Thursday, November 17, Meeting Room 1B, Main Library
A simple and safe evaluation that can indicate whether it’s time to consult a qualified healthcare professional. For anyone with warning signs or a family history of dementia or Alzheimer’s—and those who just want to test their memory for future comparison. Please register for a 30-minute session.
Coffee with Friends: Scott Russell Sanders
2–3 PM, Sunday, November 13
Program Room 2B/C, Main Library
Sanders shares information about his work including readings from his new book, Dancing in Dreamtime. Coffee with Friends is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome!
Dialogue in Fiction
2–4 PM, Sunday, November 13
Meeting Room 2A, Main Library
Learn how to use dialogue to move your plot along, develop your characters, and heighten your story’s tension. Please bring an example of published dialogue you find especially good (or bad!). Presented by local author Annette Oppenlander.
Finding Funders Through the Foundation Center Database
For Nonprofits: 6–7 PM, Tuesday, November 15, Program Room 2C, Main Library
For Individuals: 6–7 PM, Wednesday, November 30, Program Room 2C, Main Library
Learn to use the Foundation Center's database of grantmakers to be sure you are exhausting all options for financial support. Please register.
VITAL Volunteer Orientation
10–11:30 AM, Wednesday, November 16
Meeting Room 2A, Main Library
Learn how VITAL makes a difference in our community—and explore opportunities to help adults better read, write, speak, and understand English. Please register.
Ellettsville Book Club
3–4 PM, Thursday, November 17
Ellettsville Branch
All are welcome at our monthly book discussions. Join the conversation—or just listen. This month we read Flying Circus by Susan Crandall.
It's Your Money: Talk to an Expert
5–7 PM, Thursday, November 17
Main Library
No matter your income level or family size, a free one-on-one conversation with an unbiased financial expert helps you get on the right track. Register for your 30-minute appointment by calling (812) 349-3263, or email money@mcpl.info.
Job Search
6–8 PM, Thursday, November 17, Main Library
11 AM–1 PM, Monday, November 28, Main Library
Free 30-minute consultation with an employment professional. Bring your resume, job listings, and tough questions. To set up an appointment: Register online, email bterry@mcpl.info, or call (812) 349-3173.
Design Your Own Website
7–8:30 PM, Thursday, November 17
Level Up, Main Library
Create your own beautiful, functional, and free website using basic design principles and wix.com.
Find many more adult programs using the Library's online calendar.
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