Talk with an Indigenous political cartoonist, read to a dog, play games at the library

Special to the H-T
·6 min read

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.

Friends of the Library Board President Patsy Rahn presents a donation of $1,000 to Vicki Pierce, Community Kitchen of Monroe County executive director, in celebration of the library meeting its summer reading registration goal of 1,000 people!.The library’s free all-ages summer reading games continue through July 31. Read for fun, complete activities and attend events to earn prizes. Pick up a game board at the downtown library, Ellettsville Branch or on the Bookmobile. 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.

Rainbow Reads Storytime

Talk and learn about social and emotional issues such as acceptance, being yourself, and loving who you are. The library will explore these topics with you and your child in an LGBTQ+ inclusive and fun environment by sharing stories that discuss gender identity, positive relationships and by leading the group in songs, rhymes and other fun activities surrounding Pride month. Ages 3-6. It’s 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Drop in.

A Conversation with Marty Two Bulls Sr.

Marty Two Bulls Sr., acclaimed political cartoonist and illustrator, whose innovative cartoons voice a Native American perspective on contemporary political issues, will discuss his Pulitzer-nominated work with “The Lakota Times,” as well as his work illustrating many Lakota-language picture books in partnership with local educational nonprofit, The Lakota Language Consortium. After this event, Mr. Two Bulls will hold a brief interactive Q & A about his important work on Lakota culture and Lakota language reawakening. He will also host a virtual lesson in Traditional watercolors. He is a member of the Oglala Lakota, from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. All ages. It’s 1-2 p.m. Saturday in the auditorium at the downtown library. Drop in.

Read to a Dog

Registered therapy dogs listen to your child read aloud, aiding in the development of reading skills and encouraging a regular habit of reading for fun. This is great for readers of all abilities but especially helpful for reluctant or struggling readers. Ages 5-12. It’s 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Drop in.

Teen Artist Club: Under the Sea Terrariums

Are you a teen artist looking to hang with others? Drop in to make fun stuff, show off your work, chat and relax. Ages 12-19. It’s 3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday in The Ground Floor teen space at the downtown library or 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Ellettsville teen space.

Preschool Storytime

Join in the fun with stories, songs, puppets and more that encourage the development of early literacy skills. For ages 3-6 and caregivers. It’s 10-10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the auditorium at the downtown library. Drop in.

Little Makers

Explore your creativity with different materials and techniques at this fun, open-ended art experience. Dress to mess. For ages 3-6 and their families. It’s 10:30-11:15 a.m. Tuesday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Drop in.

Comics and Cookies with Kaleidoscope Youth Community: "Heartstopper”

It's a special session of Comics and Cookies. You’ll chat about the graphic novel (and Netflix show!) Heartstopper, eat cookies, and share your feels. Reading the graphic novel before the event is encouraged but not required. Ages 12-20. It’s 4-4:30 p.m. Tuesday in meeting room 1B & 1C combo at the downtown library. Please register at mcp.info/calendar.

Board game night

It's game night. Join the library to chat and play a fun selection of board games out in the community at Hopscotch Kitchen. All ages. It’s 6-9 p.m. Tuesday at Hopscotch Kitchen, at 235 W. Dodds St., Bloomington. Drop in.

Tuesday Night Music Club: “Diamond Life”

Join other music fans to discuss classic albums virtually. This week, it's Sade's “Diamond Life.” Listen before the meeting, then come share your reaction. You’ll also listen to select songs as a group. The albums are available for streaming and download on Freegal with your library card. Age 18 & up. It’s 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday on Zoom. Please register at mcpl.info/calendar for the Zoom link.

Cartoon Tuesdays

Join fans of classic cartoons like “Samurai Jack,” “The Powerpuff Girls” and “SpongeBob Squarepants” for a night of snacks, crafts and toons. Ages 12-19. It’s 7-9 p.m. Tuesday in The Ground Floor teen space at the downtown library. Drop in.

Tiny to Two @ Switchyard Park

Families with babies play, sing, read and talk together at Switchyard Park. Feel free to bring something to sit on. Ages birth–3. It’s 10-10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the Pavilion Lawn at Switchyard Park, at 1601 S. Rogers St., Bloomington. Please register at mcpl.info/calendar. Please note: The rain location for this event is the downtown library children's program room.

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 2A at the downtown library. Drop in.

Grow a happy houseplant

Learn what your houseplants need to grow strong and healthy. Sheila Brewer from Mays Greenhouse will demonstrate plant care basics and answer your questions. All attendees will be entered to win a plant. Age 18 and up. It’s 6-7 p.m. Wednesday in Ellettsville meeting room B. Please register at mcpl.info/calendar.

Rainbow Reads for Teens

Join the library to chat about your favorite reads with LGBTQ+ characters. The library will provide snacks, you bring the discussion. Ages 12-19. It’s 4-5 p.m. Thursday, June 23 in the Ellettsville teen space.

Tween Tech

Come explore different tech activities each month. The possibilities include LEGO WeDo robotics, Dash and Dot robots, green screen technology, Makey Makey, stop motion animation, light painting, paper circuitry, guest presenters and more. Ages 8-12. It’s 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 23, in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Drop in.

Adzooks Puppets Presents: “The Tortoise and the Hare”

Cheer on the classic rivals as they discover timing is almost everything in this fun puppet show! All ages. It’s 6:30-7:15 p.m. Thursday, June 23, in the auditorium at the downtown library. Please register at mcpl.info/calendar.

Plant Problem Drop-In Hour

Drop in any time during the hour for possible plant diagnoses and advice. Bring your plant samples or photos with you. Plant expert and Purdue Extension–Monroe County Director and Educator Amy Thompson will be onsite. All ages. It’s 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 23, in meeting room 1C at the downtown library. Drop in.

Tiny Art Show

Looking for something fun to explore? Come view the 3-by-3-inch painted tiny art masterpieces at the Ellettsville Branch Art Gallery, painted by local kids, teens and adults. All ages. Drop in throughout the month of June.

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: Cartoonist Marty Two Bulls Sr., local plant experts share at library