1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a program encouraging you to read 1,000 books with your child before they start kindergarten. The program is self-paced and you decide how often and how long you will read to your child. It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. When you register for the program, you can come pick up a welcome packet, including a finger puppet and physical reading logs to color in! There will also be occasional surprises throughout the game, like stickers, a halfway-there certificate, and more (you can even earn a happy dance with a librarian)! When you finish the program, you’ll receive a graduation certificate, an invite to a quarterly themed storytime, a free book, and a farm friend adoption kit (just a stuffie, not a real one). Sign up online.
Create an original one-page comic to share with the community and enter to win one of 20 gift cards to Vintage Phoenix Comic Books! Categories are available for kids ages 7–11 and teens ages 12–19. Upload your comic to mcpl.info/comic by November 30 to enter the contest! Please note: All comics must be appropriate for all ages––comics that do not meet this guideline will not be shared.
D&D Library Talk is our podcast on the ins and outs of RPG systems, like Dungeons and Dragons! We talk about how to make sure everyone enjoys the game, whether as a player or game master. In Episode Ten, we record another play session as we continue our exploration of the dungeon, searching for the Book of the Dead, facing down new enemies, and hoping luck is on our side!
Age 12 and up. Access archived and future podcasts and resources on our D&D Library Talk webpage.
Join the Monroe County History Center and the Library as four experts walk us through challenges of house history, church records, DNA results for the beginner, and more. Age 18 and up. This event will take place at the Monroe County History Center (202 E. Sixth St, Bloomington). Please register with the History Center.
A partnership between Monroe County History Center, City of Bloomington Housing and Neighborhood Development, and the Library.
Learn to make inexpensive giftable crafts that people will actually use and love! You'll leave each class with a finished sample, instruction sheet, and supply list to recreate these awesome gifts at home. Age 18 and up. Please register individually for each session.
Do you love cute Kawaii characters? So do we! Gather your drawing supplies and join us on Zoom for step-by-step instruction on creating some cozy-themed critters! Ages 7–12. Please register to receive the Zoom link for this program.
Learn Arabic language and culture through interactive games, songs, and activities that help children develop general literacy skills, too! Lessons are presented by certified instructors with Bridges, a project of the IU School of Global and International Studies and the IU School of Education. Class will not meet on October 9. For children in kindergarten–sixth grade. Masks are required. Please register.
A partnership between the IU Bridges Project, IU School of Education, and the Library.