At the library: It's time for summer reading games, and librarians to make, eat 'horrid' food
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.
In-Person summer reading games begin May 23
The library’s free all-ages summer reading games are back in person. Read for fun, complete activities and attend events to earn prizes. Pick up a game board beginning May 23 at the downtown library, Ellettsville branch or on the Bookmobile. This year, the Friends of the Library Foundation will donate $1,000 to the Community Kitchen of Monroe County when the library meets its registration goal of 1,000 people. Learn more at mcpl.info/summerreading.
Intro to Warhammer mini painting and gaming
The library provides the minis, paints and know-how. Try your hand at miniature painting and learn how to play Warhammer! All skill levels are welcome. Ages 12-19. It’s 3:30-5 p.m. Friday in Ellettsville meeting room A. Please register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Saturday family storytime
The whole family is invited. Books, puppets, music, movement, crafts and more encourage early literacy skills. Ages birth-6. It’s 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Drop in.
Tween D&D
Interested in Dungeons & Dragons? Join the library for a special stand-alone role-playing adventure! No prior experience is necessary. Ages 9-12. It’s 2:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Please register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Cryptid Button and Sticker Making
Welcome to Cryptid Summer. The library will kick it off by making buttons and stickers featuring your favorite cryptids. There's an ocean of possibilities out there, so who knows what cryptids are waiting to be discovered? Ages 12-19. It’s 4-5 p.m. Monday in The Ground Floor teen space at the downtown library. Drop in.
Books on Tap: 'Cat's Cradle'
It's the book club with a twist. Enjoy fantastic drinks, a comfortable atmosphere and a great discussion on a variety of compelling books. In anticipation of Indiana University Arts & Humanities Council's Granfalloon, you're reading Kurt Vonnegut's “Cat's Cradle,” a satirical commentary on modern man and his madness, and an apocalyptic tale of this planet’s ultimate fate. It’s 6:30-8 p.m. Monday at Morgenstern's Bookstore & Cafe at 849 S. Auto Mall Road, Bloomington. Age 18 & older. Please register at mcpl.info/calendar.
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.
Eat What Now?!
Explore the many ways in which food should NOT go together. Library staff will mix up some truly disgusting dishes – and eat them, too. Sample the horrid concoctions if you dare. Extra waste bins will be on hand. Ages 12-19. It’s 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Ellettsville Teen Space. Drop in.
Monsters and Mayhem
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 D&D and face new challenges. All skill levels are welcome! Ages 12-19. It’s 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday in meeting room 1C at the downtown library. Drop in.
Preschool Storytime: Special Edition with Kim Howard
Join local author Kim Howard as she reads her Firefly Award-nominated picture book, “Grace and Box.” After the reading, enjoy a mystery game with the author. Ages 3-6. It’s 10-10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 26, in Ellettsville meeting room B. Please register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Tween Tech
Join Andrew Woodard, IU maker education specialist, in exploring Makey Makey invention kits. Ages 8-12. It’s 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, May 26, in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Please register at mcpl.info/calendar
Anime Watch Party
Join other fans of My Hero Academia, The Way of the House Husband, The Promised Neverland and more for a night of anime, crafts and chatter. Ages 12-19. It’s 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 26, in The Ground Floor teen space at the downtown library. Drop in.
Musical Mastery: EQ
Looking to take your music to the next level? Join us for any or all of the programs in this series to make your songs sound like the pros. In May, we'll cover equalization: what it means, how to do it, and how it can help your songs be loud enough for streaming. Age 12 & up. It’s 6-7 p.m. Thursday, May 26, in Level Up digital creativity center at the downtown library. Drop in.
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: Summer reading games begin and public librarians make, eat horrid food
