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Youth Art Month Contest
Friday, March 01, 2024
Sunday, March 31, 2024
All Branches
Calling all youth artists! For Youth Art Month, we're challenging you to create and submit an original 2D work of art based on the theme of our upcoming Summer Reading Program: space! For this theme, draw your favorite planet or space-themed item—you can even make up your own.
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The winning artwork will be made into a collectible summer reading prize bookmark. Entries should be 3x7 inches. Starting March 1, you can stop by any MCPL location to grab a template. When you're finished, drop your entry off at any MCPL location by March 31 to enter.
Make sure your entry has the following information written legibly on the back: name, age, title of your artwork, MCPL location that you regularly visit, and contact information (including email address and/or telephone number). Ages birth–12.
Registration is open
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MCPL Chopped Challenge
Monday, April 01, 2024
Friday, April 05, 2024
Other
Tap into your creative side in this cooking challenge! Select your preferred MCPL location to receive a take-home kit with three mystery ingredients and two cookbooks to borrow. Make a dish using all three ingredients (plus any others you want to use), then post a picture and description on social media by Tuesday, April 30. Make sure to tag @MCPLIndiana and use the hashtag #MCPLChopped. The winner will win a gift card to a local restaurant!
Registration begins 4/4/2024 at 9:00 AM
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The Great MCPL Kids Bake Off: National Poetry Month Edition
Thursday, April 04, 2024
Tuesday, April 09, 2024
Virtual
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
It's time to bake
Something brand new!
The Great MCPL Kids Bake Off returns! Bakers will create a show-stopping treat with a special mystery ingredient that tastes very sweet! Registration is limited to the first 30 participants. Select your preferred MCPL location to pick up your baking kit. One entry per household. Share a picture and description of your dish to jstevens@mcpl.info by April 25. The baker with the most scrumptious-looking and creative dish will win a gift card to a local bakery.
Need some baking equipment? Try one of the baking kits from our Library of Things. Searching for inspiration? Check out some of our kid-friendly cookbooks and ebooks.
Please note that we are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions, as all participants will receive the same ingredients. If you are unable to eat one of the ingredients, you are welcome to substitute something similar. Ages 7–12. Please register.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Join in the fun with stories, songs, puppets, and more that encourage the development of early literacy skills. Ages 3–6.
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Tiny to Two
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
VITAL English Language Group: Book Club with Neil Klein
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
New English speakers will practice everyday language skills in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. The Book Club is reading Refugee by Alan Gratz this session. This book is available in print, audio, or eBook in the MCPL catalog. Please contact VITAL if you need help accessing this title.
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Intermediate English skills are suggested. If you do not speak English, please fill out the VITAL Services form to learn about programs for beginners.
If you have not attended a VITAL program before, please stop by the office for more information (Downtown Library, second floor).
Little Makers
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Explore your creativity with different materials and techniques at this fun, open-ended art experience. Dress to mess. Ages 3–6.
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Registration is closed
Crochet Creations: Cornelius the Bee
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Celebrate the first day of spring by making your own cuddly crocheted bee! All materials will be provided. Ages 12–19. Please register.
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Registration is open
Growing Gardeners: Garden Planning
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
If you’re interested in learning about gardening and helping the Ellettsville Branch garden, join us for Growing Gardeners, a kid's gardening club. This month, we'll be making plans for our garden and starting nature journals. Ages 7–12. Please register.
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Math Homework Help
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Drop by The Ground Floor Study Room to get some homework help during these free, in-person sessions. Ages 12–19.
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Registration is open
Tween D&D
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
5:30 PM - 6:45 PM
New to Dungeons & Dragons? Already a seasoned adventurer? Drop in for an ongoing D&D game at the Downtown Library. We'll make characters and go on new adventures every two weeks. Ages 9–12. Please register for each session you'd like to attend, but please only register for one session per week.
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VITAL English Language Group: Conversation with Diana Nicholson
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
New English speakers will practice everyday language skills in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Learners will enjoy friendly conversation, learn about daily life in the U.S., gain confidence, and meet new people from around the world.
If you have not attended a VITAL program before, please stop by the office for more information (Downtown Library, second floor).
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Intermediate English skills are suggested. If you do not speak English, please fill out the VITAL Services form to learn about programs for beginners. Conversation Groups are drop-in and no registration is needed.
If you have not attended a VITAL program before, please stop by the office for more information (Downtown Library, second floor).
VITAL Tutor Meet-Up
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
A VITAL Tutor Meet-Up is an informal gathering to discuss teaching resources, get help with lesson planning, and connect with other volunteers. All levels of experience are welcome; new and experienced volunteers are encouraged to attend. A Zoom link is available upon request. Age 18 and up.
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Interested in becoming a VITAL tutor? Fill out an MCPL volunteer application.
Board Game Night
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Other
It's game night! Join us to chat and play a fun selection of board games out in the community at Hopscotch Kitchen (235 W. Dodds Street, Bloomington). All ages.
This program is in partnership with Hopscotch Coffee and The Game Preserve.
Wonderful Ones
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Families with newborns to 18 months play, sing, read, and talk together—then enjoy toy time.
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VITAL English Language Group: Conversation with Tom Bitters
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
New English speakers will practice everyday language skills in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Learners will enjoy friendly conversation, learn about daily life in the U.S., gain confidence, and meet new people from around the world.
If you have not attended a VITAL program before, please stop by the office for more information (Downtown Library, second floor).
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Intermediate English skills are suggested. If you do not speak English, please fill out the VITAL Services form to learn about programs for beginners. Conversation Groups are drop-in and no registration is needed.
If you have not attended a VITAL program before, please stop by the office for more information (Downtown Library, second floor).
Preschool Storytime
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Join in the fun with stories, songs, puppets, and more that encourage the development of early literacy skills. Activities will be followed by a craft, so dress to mess! Ages 3–6.
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Terrific Twos
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Families with babies ages 18 months to 3 years play, sing, read, and talk together—then enjoy toy time.
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Homeschool Hangout Hour
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Calling all homeschool teens! Drop by The Ground Floor for a chance to hangout with other homeschoolers, do some crafts, play some games, or get some homework done. Ages 12–19.
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Miniature Painting 101
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Come try your hand at miniature painting—we've got the minis, paints, brushes, and know-how. All skill levels are welcome. Ages 12–19.
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Monsters & Mayhem
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Ready to test your mettle against monsters and mayhem in a new RPG? These drop-in sessions will give players a chance to experience a different gameplay style than Dungeons & Dragons and face new challenges. All skill levels are welcome. Ages 12–19.
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