Learn about poetry, books, severe weather and the environment at the library

Monroe County Public Library provides opportunities for local residents to read, learn, connect and create. The downtown library is at 303 E. Kirkwood Ave. and the Ellettsville branch is at 600 W. Temperance St. All events are free of charge. Event funding is provided by the Friends of the Library Foundation.

American Sign Language storytime

Learn targeted vocabulary in American Sign Language through stories, songs and games. For ages 3-6 and caregivers, but all are welcome. It’s 10:30-11 a.m. Friday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.

Meet a scientist: Earth Day edition

Join four graduate students from Indiana University's biology department on Earth Day for hands-on activities and Q&A. Learn about their unique work and what motivated them to become scientists. This event is geared to ages 9-16, but younger siblings and caregivers are welcome. It’s 4:30-5:30 p.m. Friday in meeting room 1B & 1C combo at the downtown library. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.

All-Ages Day at the Ellettsville Teen Space

Curious about the Ellettsville Teen Space, but you aren’t a teen? Patrons of all ages are invited to check it out on the fourth Saturday of the month –– there's a DIY design studio, video games, virtual reality and more! Drop in noon-6 p.m. Saturday at the Ellettsville branch.

Yoga for adults

Discover why yoga is such a powerful tool for keeping you healthy in body, mind and spirit! In this all-level class, beginners safely learn the basics, while more experienced students take their practice to a deeper level. This event is suitable for people of all ages and most physical abilities. Ages 16 and older. It’s 12-1 p.m. Saturday in Ellettsville meeting room B. Drop in.

Poetry in the Plaza

Join local poets for an outdoor performance celebrating National Poetry Month. It’s 4-6 p.m. Saturday in the downtown library plaza on East Kirkwood Avenue. Drop in.

Coffee with Friends with Rachel Berenson Perry

Join the Friends of the Library for a conversation with Rachel Berenson Perry, author of "Painter of the Dunes: A Life of Frank Virgil Dudley." Once his photographer brother introduced him to the sand dunes of Indiana in 1911, Frank Virgil Dudley devoted the rest of his creative life to painting landscapes of the area’s stunning scenery and unique diversity, becoming one of the state’s preeminent artists. His well-earned titles of “Seer of the Dunes” and “Painter of the Dunes” allude to his almost obsessive subject matter as well as his activism to save the dunes. The desire to protect the lakeshore from industrial construction and to preserve it for recreation and scientific research unified preservationists, artists, outdoor enthusiasts and scientists. It’s 2-3 p.m. Sunday in meeting room 1B at the downtown library. Drop in.

Super Smash Bros. tournament

Think you have what it takes to be a Super Smash Bros. champion? Drop in and find out! Ages 12-19. It’s 2-5 p.m. Sunday in The Ground Floor teen space.

Movers and Shakers @ the Banneker Community Center

Stay fit and active at this silly dance party! You’ll sing and dance with scarves and shakers and play with parachutes at this monthly event. Enjoy free play before and after the structured activities where littles and grownups can socialize. It’s 10-11 a.m. Monday at the Banneker Community Center, 930 W. Seventh St. Ages 2-6. Siblings are always welcome. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.

Books on Tap, Virtual Edition: BYOB

Books on Tap is the book club with a twist! Enjoy fantastic drinks, a comfortable atmosphere and a great discussion on a variety of compelling books. This month is BYOB. Read a book that takes place in a library or bookstore, then make a drink that relates. Try “Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist” by Tim Federle, or any other book. Age 21 and older. It’s 6:30-8 p.m. Monday on Zoom. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.

Weekly math homework help for teens

Drop in for free one-on-one help with math and science-related assignments ––arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, physics, chemistry and ISTEP and SAT review. For middle school and high school students only. It’s 7-8:45 p.m. Mondays in program room 2B at the downtown library.

Preschool math and science

Science begins with curiosity and wonder! Strengthen your child's independent learning skills as you engage in scientific processes and practices together in these hands-on math and science activities. For ages 3-6 and caregivers. It’s 10-11:15 a.m. Tuesday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Drop in.

Talking Tacos

Come to chat about relationships, dating, and other tough topics, stay for the tacos! Ages 12-19. It’s 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday in Ellettsville meeting room A. Drop in.

Poetry Workshop with Saami Ghaus

Celebrate National Poetry Month by digging into the magic of crafting stories and poems with local poet Saami Ghaus. No prior experience is necessary. It’s 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday in The Ground Floor teen space at the downtown library. Drop in. Ages 12-19.

Virtual Evening Storytime

Listen to stories, sing songs and do some stretching and mindfulness exercises to practice early literacy skills and wind down before bedtime. Feel free to enjoy your pajamas at this virtual evening storytime from the comfort of your home. For infants to age 6. It’s 6:30-7:15 p.m. Wednesday on Zoom. Register at mcpl.info/calendar for the Zoom link.

Stuff you should know: Weather safety with meteorologist Sam Lashley

Indiana can get severe weather any day of the year, but the spring season brings more opportunities for severe thunderstorms. National Weather Service meteorologist Sam Lashley will discuss weather education, safety and online weather resources. It’s 1-2 p.m. Thursday, April 28, in meeting room A/B combo. Ages 18 and older. Drop in.

Native and invasive plant identification walk

Learn how important a native habitat is to wildlife, birds, and pollinators in an urban setting! Meet at the library, then join Cathy Meyer, a retired naturalist and MC-IRIS member, on a walk downtown. All ages. It’s 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, in meeting room 2A at the downtown library. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.

Celebrate National Poetry Month with Ross Gay

Celebrate the power of poetry with a virtual reading from famed poet Ross Gay. Hosted by Bartholomew, Brown, Monroe and Jackson County public libraries, this event will take place virtually on Zoom. Ages 16 and older. It’s 6-7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, on Zoom. Please register through the Bartholomew library at mybcpl.org/event/6033689.

More events online

This is a sampling of this week’s library events. For the full calendar, visit mcpl.info/events.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: At the library: Learn about poetry, books, severe weather and the environment