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.
Preschool storytime and discovery
At preschool storytime, stories, songs and rhymes get your preschooler talking, singing and playing with books and words, followed by Preschool Discovery — fun, open-ended art experiences, STEAM adventures and letter exploration. It’s 10-10:25 a.m. and 10:30-11:15 a.m. Thursday in Ellettsville meeting rooms A and B. For ages 3-6 and caregivers. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
ASL sign language storytime
Learn targeted vocabulary in American Sign Language through stories, songs and games. For preschoolers ages 3-6 and their caregivers. It’s 10-10:30 a.m. Friday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Saturday movie marathon
Saturdays are the perfect day to hang out and watch movies with friends! For ages 12-19. It’s noon-6 p.m. Saturday in The Ground Floor teen space. Drop in.
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. For ages 16 and older. It’s 12-1 p.m. Saturday in Ellettsville meeting room B. Drop in.
Glittery snowflake slime
Make wintery snowflake slime and talk about the chemistry behind it — what is happening to the molecules in the glue that turn it into slime? For ages 7-12. It’s 2-3 p.m. Saturday in Ellettsville meeting room A. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
All-Ages Day at The Ground Floor
Curious about The Ground Floor teen space, but you aren’t a teen? Patrons of all ages are invited to check it out on the second Sunday of the month — there’s a DIY design studio, video games, virtual reality and more! It’s noon-6 p.m. Sunday in The Ground Floor teen space at the downtown library.
Teen Artist Club: Needle-felted frogs
Are you a teen artist looking to hang with others? Drop in to make fun stuff, show off your work and relax. This time, you’ll make needle-felted frogs! For ages 12-19. It’s 3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday in meeting room 1C at the downtown library and 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Ellettsville Teen Space.
QueerTalk Book Club, virtual edition
Join library staff as they create a safe space to discuss books written by and for LGBTQ+ individuals. In January and February, the group will discuss “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It’s 6-7:30 p.m. Monday on Zoom. For ages 16 and older. Please register for the Zoom link and book by emailing [email protected].
Night owl storytime
Listen to stories, sing songs and do some yoga and mindfulness exercises to practice early literacy skills and wind down before bedtime! Feel free to come in pajamas. For infants-age 6. It’s 6:30-7:15 p.m. Monday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Drop in.
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.
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.
Preserving memories
Are you interested in converting your old home movie recordings, printed photographs or slides into a digital format you can share online? Preserving your memories, archiving, and sharing them can be a powerful way to connect with friends and family. In this open house, you’ll learn how to create digital files using the library’s new memory preservation station in the Level Up digital creativity center. For ages 18 and older. It’s 2-4 p.m. Tuesday in The Commons at the downtown library. Drop in. Please email [email protected] with any specific questions.
Green screen basics: A level up workshop
Join the library to learn how to create unbelievable movies and effects using their reservable green screen and camera. For ages 12 and older. It’s 7-8 p.m. Tuesday in the Level Up digital creativity center at the downtown library. Drop in.
Teen 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 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday in the Ellettsville teen space.
Podcraft Club
Discover and discuss a new podcast each month while doing crafts in this fun spin on book clubs! January’s podcast is “Throughline” and the craft is arm knitting. For ages 12 and older. It’s 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday at Cup & Kettle Tea Co., 208 N. Walnut St. #100, Bloomington. Drop in.
More events online
This is a sampling of this week’s library events. For the full calendar, visit mcpl.info/events.
