Monroe County Public Library - Downtown — Attraction in Bloomington

Holy smokes... this library is outstanding! The programming here is so engaging and always trying to meet the needs of the community. "Build Your Own Synth" for teens, "Saturday Morning Cereal and 90's Cartoons" for the 80's and 90's kids, "Adulting 101," Spanish classes, Yoga, Books & Brews in the community, mobile library and homebound services..... The Level-Up equipment is impressive. As a large university faculty & student, I have free access to more advanced technology to use here at my public library than at my university!!

Additionally, the staff are wonderful, caring, and supportive. For example, a few weeks ago I was checking-out a handful of NPO grant-writing books, and the attendant helping me asked if I was aware of their Nonprofit Central services. When I said no, they offered to walk me over to this resource area in the library and provided me with a direct number to a staff who is available to make one-on-one consultations for NPO assistance. I mean, what more can...

The library itself is great! Very friendly and helpful staff, clean, and a lot for people of all ages. I wish they were at a different location though. In the past few weeks, myself and my 10 year old daughter park a bit away (because parking is not convenient AT the library since there are so many blocked roads and detours downtown) and walk to the library. It does not feel safe with people all around outside of the library or downtown for that matter who are unstable, yelling, waving around potential weapons, etc. My daughter cried when we finally got back to the car because the anxiety of walking amongst said unstable people. Anytime we have came downtown, it's nice to go to the little boutiques, stop to get a smoothie, etc. but with how bad everything has gotten, we won't be coming anymore to this location or come downtown at all..will go to Ellettsville...

Wonderful facilities and particularly helpful staff make this a top-notch institution! My family recently moved to Bloomington from northern Virginia, and we were astounded to find how amazing the book collections and children's programs were. The AV department carries many new releases (the same titles you'll find in Redbox), as well as classics and foreign films. The Children's Department is incredible! I can't say enough good things about it. In addition to current and past favorites (Curious George, Dr. Seuss, etc), you can find toys, and DVDs for lending!

The only drawback is the large number of patrons at the second floor computers who pass the time looking at inappropriate content. The library security tries to keep an eye on them, but it remains a problem.

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