Writing, book club, anime at the library this week
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.
'Frog and Toad' giveaway
In support of Family Literacy Month, the library is giving away 40 copies of the classic early reader “Frog and Toad are Friends.” The library also is giving away two gift cards for a pair of one adult and one child tickets to Cardinal Stage's upcoming production of “A Year with Frog and Toad.” You can enter the giveaway at the Ellettsville branch library or the downtown library’s children’s information desk now through Nov. 30.
Create-a-Comic challenge
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 Nov. 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.
Prenatal yoga
Prenatal yoga is a gentle exercise that supports your changing body's needs, builds strength and deepens awareness of your mind, body and connection with your baby. It’s 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday in Ellettsville meeting room B or 7-8 p.m. Tuesday in the children’s program room at the main library. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
ASL 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.
3D drop-off days
Using 3D-modeling software (like the free and user-friendly Tinkercad), you can turn your digital designs into real-world physical objects. Bring in your STL or OBJ file for a 5-minute drop-off session, and the library will print it for you. Please note, 3D printing takes time — you will need to return to the library at a later date to pick up your creation. Visit mcpl.info/3D for tutorials and resources. For all ages. It’s 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Level Up digital creativity space at the downtown library. Drop in.
Bloomington Piano Project at the library
Students at local high schools turned pianos into magical works of art through drawing, painting, photography and sculpture via the Bloomington Piano Project. View the art and try your hand at playing. Librarian Kevin MacDowell will play favorites by Hoagy Carmichael and Scott Joplin, and his own original compositions on Saturday morning from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Pianos will remain in the downtown library’s atrium during open hours Saturday and Sunday for you to play. Drop in.
Autism 301: Adults on the Spectrum
In this virtual presentation, the Autism Society of Indiana focuses on the challenges of autism as an adult and where to find services. For ages 18 and up. It’s 11 a.m. to noon Saturday on Zoom. Register at mcpl.info/calendar. You will be emailed the Zoom link to this program upon registration.
Yoga for adults
Discover why yoga is such a powerful tool for keeping you healthy in body, mind and spirit. In this all-levels 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. For ages 16 and up. It’s noon to 1 p.m. Saturday in Ellettsville meeting room B. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook
Indiana University theater education students invite you to join Junie B. Jones as she loses her special mittens, and begins a quest full of adventure, imagination and learning. Recommended for ages 3-10, but all ages are welcome. It’s 3 p.m. Saturday at the Ellettsville branch and 3 p.m. Sunday at the downtown library. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Movers and shakers at the StoryWalk
The library’s new StoryWalk, Tidy by Emily Gravett, is out at Rev. Ernest D. Butler Park. Meet at the shelter house to explore it and enjoy group play at the new playground. For ages 2-6 and their families or caregivers but all are welcome. It’s 10-11 a.m. Monday at Butler Park, at 812 W. Ninth St. Please register at mcpl.info/calendar. Please note: This is an active program; if your child is not walking, this may not be the right choice for them.
Teen artist club
Are you a teen artist looking to hang with others? Drop in to make fun stuff, show off your work and relax. This week you’ll make DIY Sketchbooks. For ages 12-19. It’s 3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday in the Ellettsville Teen Space.
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. For ages 12-19. It’s 5:30-7 p.m. Monday in The Ground Floor Teen Space at the downtown library. Drop in.
QueerTalk book club, virtual edition
Join the library staff as they create a safe space to discuss books written by and for LGBTQ+ individuals. In November and December, you’ll discuss "We Do This 'Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice," by Mariame Kaba. It’s 6-7:30 p.m. Monday. For ages 16 and older. Register for the Zoom link and book by emailing Linds Badger at lindsey@middlewayhouse.org.
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.
Miniature Painting 101
The library provides the minis, paints, brushes and know-how — come try your hand at miniature painting. All skill levels are welcome. For ages 12–19. It’s 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesday at the downtown library. Drop in.
Dine out for the library at Bucceto's
Enjoy pizza and pasta with personality while making great things happen at your public library. Show your flyer and Bucceto's will donate 20% of your tab to the Friends. Valid for dine in or carryout at both the east and west side locations from 4-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 9 and 16. Download the flyer at mcpl.info/dineout.
“Am I the only one feeling like this?” mental health Q&A
Navigating your personal mental health can be difficult — especially during a pandemic and the holidays. Learn more about mental health, including a client therapy testimonial and mindfulness-based coping skills tips, then participate in a Q&A session. Come normalize prioritizing your mental health with Catholic Charities Counseling Services reps. For ages 18 and up. It’s 6-7 p.m. Tuesday at the downtown library in meeting room 1c. Drop in.
Wonderful 1s and Terrific 2s
Families with kids from infants to age 3 can play, sing, read and talk together with other little ones — then enjoy toy time. It’s 9:30-10:15 a.m. (birth-18 months) and 10:30-11:15 a.m. (18 months-3 years) Wednesday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Mindful movement
Join yoga instructor Lauren Volpp for some physical and mental exercises in mindfulness. You'll set intentions, talk about identity and self-reflection, learn skills for having balance in transition, and more! All abilities are welcome. Yoga mats are provided. For ages 7-12. It’s 5-5:45 p.m. Wednesday at the downtown library. Please register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Writing into the world
Join local poet Saami Ghaus for a series of creative writing workshops celebrating NaNoWriMo! You'll draw, play games and write together while diving into the magic of crafting stories and poems. No prior experience is necessary! This week you'll bring your work into the world around you by crafting your writing into beautiful physical objects to share with your communities. For ages 9-12. It’s 6-7 p.m. Wednesday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
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: Nov. 11-17
