Monroe County Public Library

Have you any idea how good our public library is?
If you are a reader you probably do. I have lived with some fine libraries (e.g. Cincinnati) and in places without good libraries (e.g. Zimbabwe) and I cherish ours. They have excellent online tools. They have efficient transfers out to the Ellettsville branch. Staff are unfailingly pleasant. Code cards make for quick and easy check out. Their drive through drop off (or pick up reserves) is a breeze. The outside is beautiful and contributes positively to the street. The inside is spacious, open and pleasant with meeting rooms and amenities and nice places to sit and read. The location is so central it astounds. Their parking lot is small but with the whole of the downtown for parking or (heaven forfend) one could walk a little ways to reach it. And the collection very seldom disappoints me. Yes, they may not have every single book by some author I am reading (or listening) through but it is a fine collection. My failures are usually something obscure or of small general interest to the wide reading world. (I am not being snobby, sometimes one gets into a very narrow private rabbit hole.) We should all be dancing for joy that we have such a fine library.

I love the sense of community in the public library. It is refreshing to see people from all walks of life gather together in one place. For that reason, I prefer it over the university libraries.
The collection is incredibly well-​stocked. My friend, who works for the animation industry, was particularly impressed with the graphic novel section. I was able to re-​read many of my childhood books, and am able to keep up-​to-​date with what is popular for kids now. The movies and cd collection are likewise impressive, with many foreign titles in addition to western ones. I was able to garner a lot of life advice to various questions and problems from the extensive nonfiction section.
The Friends of the Library bookstore offers amazing deals on gently-​used books, cds, vhs tapes, LPs, and sheet music. I highly recommend a visit if you are looking for new reading material.
Lastly, the staff is very helpful and courteous whenever I interact with them. When I had a library fee for water and mold damage on a book that had had that damage before I checked it out, the worker I spoke with was very understanding of my situation.
Whenever I am away from Bloomington for an extended period of time, I always miss the Monroe County Public Library and its welcoming atmosphere.

Best library ever. I have never been unable to find what I’m looking for here. Very nice selection of horticulture books:-)

Over all, I love the library. Tons of selection in books, movies, CDs, (although the older CDs and DVDS are scratched to the point of unplayability) etc. and you can place requests that they get titles they currently don’t have. Lots of soft seating and desks and a room dedicated to quiet study/​reading. They also host many lectures, films, etc. and staff are, for the most part, very friendly and helpful.
My only complaints stem from my time spent in the computer area. There are signs posted to «keep noise at a minimum,» but I’ve yet to see this enforced in any way. Kids and adults are often talking loudly and no one bats an eye. Similarly, there’s at least one desk worker who practically shouts everything she says, especially if it’s over the phone.
I’d like to see a variation in height of the computer desks as well. As a tall person, the keyboards on the desks are so low it causes physical pain to use them. But you get what you pay for, I guess.

MCPL has an amazing selection of books, movies, and CDs! I was surprised moving to Bloomington from a larger city how extensive their collection is. They’ve acquired several books that I’ve suggested for purchase. Their online hold/​reserve/​renewal system is helpful and easy to use. They have a nice reading room area where I sometimes just grab a magazine and read while looking out onto Kirkwood Ave. If you’re into bestsellers, the bestseller express is a great way to read one without waiting months to get it on reserve. The library is a Bloomington treasure!

With time to kill while visiting Bloomington and two children on Spring Break, this library was quickly found. It made two hours on a rainy day pass with ease. Lots of natural light, imaginative games and toys, a well planned toddler area, clean facilities, free parking and BOOKS! Free, fabulous and appreciated.