Bloomington Public Library is the public library system serving Bloomington, Indiana, United States. It is the oldest library in Indiana and the third oldest public library in the United States.
The library system consists of the Main Library, located at 200 S. College Avenue, and four branches: the Bryan Park Branch, the Eastern Monroe County Branch, the Ellettsville Branch, and the Stinesville Branch. The Main Library is a Carnegie library, built in 1903 with a grant from Andrew Carnegie. The library system also operates a bookmobile that provides service to rural areas of Monroe County.
The Bloomington Public Library is a vital part of the community, providing access to books, information, and technology for people of all ages. The library offers a variety of programs and services, including storytime for children, book clubs for adults, and computer classes for seniors. The library also provides free Wi-Fi and public access computers.
Bloomington Public Library
Bloomington Public Library is a cornerstone of the community, offering a wealth of resources and opportunities for learning, growth, and connection.
- Established: 1836
- Branches: 5
- Collection: Over 500,000 items
- Services: Books, e-books, audiobooks, movies, music, computers, Wi-Fi, programs, and events
- Mission: To provide access to information, ideas, and culture for all
- Vision: To be a vibrant and welcoming community center where everyone can learn, connect, and grow
The library's vast collection includes materials in a variety of formats, ensuring that there is something for everyone. In addition to traditional books, the library also offers e-books, audiobooks, movies, and music. The library also provides computers and Wi-Fi, making it a great place to work, study, or just surf the internet.The library offers a variety of programs and events for all ages, including storytime for children, book clubs for adults, and computer classes for seniors. The library also hosts author readings, book signings, and other special events.The Bloomington Public Library is a vital part of the community, providing access to information, ideas, and culture for all. The library's commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement makes it a valuable resource for everyone.
1. Established
The Bloomington Public Library was established in 1836, making it the oldest library in Indiana and the third oldest public library in the United States. This long history is a testament to the library's importance to the community, and its commitment to providing access to information and resources for all.
- A Center for Learning and Culture
Since its founding, the Bloomington Public Library has been a center for learning and culture in the community. The library's collection of books, periodicals, and other materials has grown over the years to include over 500,000 items. The library also offers a variety of programs and services, including storytime for children, book clubs for adults, and computer classes for seniors. - A Community Gathering Place
The Bloomington Public Library is more than just a place to find books. It is also a community gathering place. The library hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including author readings, book signings, and art exhibitions. The library is also a popular place for people to meet and socialize. - A Resource for Lifelong Learning
The Bloomington Public Library is committed to lifelong learning. The library offers a variety of programs and services to help people of all ages learn new skills and explore new interests. The library also provides access to a wealth of online resources, including e-books, audiobooks, and databases. - A Vital Part of the Community
The Bloomington Public Library is a vital part of the community. The library provides access to information, resources, and opportunities for learning and growth for people of all ages. The library is also a place where people can come together to connect with others and explore their interests.
The Bloomington Public Library's long history is a testament to its importance to the community. The library has been a center for learning, culture, and community engagement for over 180 years. The library is committed to continuing to provide access to information, resources, and opportunities for learning and growth for all.
2. Branches
The Bloomington Public Library has five branches located throughout the city, making it easy for residents to access the library's resources and services. Each branch offers a variety of materials and services, including books, e-books, audiobooks, movies, music, computers, Wi-Fi, and programs.
The five branches are:
- Main Library (200 S. College Avenue)
- Bryan Park Branch (3601 S. Walnut Street)
- Eastern Monroe County Branch (12300 N. College Avenue)
- Ellettsville Branch (550 W. Temperance Street, Ellettsville)
- Stinesville Branch (119 S. College Avenue, Stinesville)
The Main Library is the largest and most comprehensive branch, with a collection of over 300,000 items. The other branches have smaller collections, but they offer a wide range of materials and services to meet the needs of their communities.
The five branches of the Bloomington Public Library play a vital role in the community. They provide access to information, resources, and opportunities for learning and growth for people of all ages.
3. Collection
The Bloomington Public Library's collection of over 500,000 items is a vast and valuable resource for the community. The library's collection includes a wide range of materials in a variety of formats, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
- Books: The library's collection includes over 300,000 books, including fiction, non-fiction, and children's books. The library also has a large collection of rare and antique books.
- E-books and audiobooks: The library offers a large collection of e-books and audiobooks, which can be accessed online or downloaded to a device.
- Movies and music: The library has a large collection of DVDs and CDs, which can be borrowed for free.
- Magazines and newspapers: The library subscribes to a wide range of magazines and newspapers, which are available to read in the library or online.
- Special collections: The library has a number of special collections, including the Indiana Collection, the Cookery Collection, and the Aviation Collection. These collections contain rare and valuable materials that are not available anywhere else.
The Bloomington Public Library's collection of over 500,000 items is a testament to the library's commitment to providing access to information and resources for all. The library's collection is a valuable resource for students, researchers, and lifelong learners of all ages.
4. Services
The Bloomington Public Library offers a wide range of services to meet the needs of its community. These services include:
- Access to a vast collection of materials: The library's collection includes over 500,000 items, including books, e-books, audiobooks, movies, and music. This collection is available to all residents of Monroe County, and it is a valuable resource for students, researchers, and lifelong learners of all ages.
- Computers and Wi-Fi: The library provides free public access to computers and Wi-Fi. This service is essential for people who need to use the internet for work, school, or personal use. The library also offers computer classes for people who need help getting started with computers and the internet.
- Programs and events: The library offers a variety of programs and events for all ages. These programs include storytime for children, book clubs for adults, and author readings. The library also hosts special events, such as concerts, art exhibitions, and film screenings.
The Bloomington Public Library's services are essential for the community. The library provides access to information, resources, and opportunities for learning and growth for people of all ages. The library is a vital part of the community, and it is committed to providing excellent service to all residents.
5. Mission
The Bloomington Public Library's mission is to provide access to information, ideas, and culture for all. This mission is reflected in everything the library does, from the materials it collects to the programs and services it offers.
The library's collection of over 500,000 items includes a wide range of materials in a variety of formats, ensuring that there is something for everyone. The library also offers a variety of programs and services, including storytime for children, book clubs for adults, and computer classes for seniors. The library's website provides access to a wealth of online resources, including e-books, audiobooks, and databases.
The library's commitment to providing access to information, ideas, and culture for all is essential to its role in the community. The library is a place where people can come to learn, grow, and connect with others. It is a vital resource for students, researchers, and lifelong learners of all ages.
6. Vision
The Bloomington Public Library's vision is to be a vibrant and welcoming community center where everyone can learn, connect, and grow. This vision is at the heart of everything the library does, from the materials it collects to the programs and services it offers.
The library's collection of over 500,000 items includes a wide range of materials in a variety of formats, ensuring that there is something for everyone. The library also offers a variety of programs and services, including storytime for children, book clubs for adults, and computer classes for seniors. The library's website provides access to a wealth of online resources, including e-books, audiobooks, and databases.
The library's commitment to providing access to information, ideas, and culture for all is essential to its role in the community. The library is a place where people can come to learn, grow, and connect with others. It is a vital resource for students, researchers, and lifelong learners of all ages.
The library's vision of being a vibrant and welcoming community center is reflected in its physical space as well. The library is a beautiful and inviting place, with comfortable seating areas, plenty of natural light, and a friendly and helpful staff. The library also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, which provide opportunities for people to connect with others and learn new things.
The Bloomington Public Library is a vital part of the community. It is a place where people can come to learn, grow, and connect with others. The library's vision of being a vibrant and welcoming community center is essential to its mission of providing access to information, ideas, and culture for all.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bloomington Public Library
This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Bloomington Public Library.
Question 1: What is the history of Bloomington Public Library?
Bloomington Public Library was established in 1836, making it the oldest library in Indiana and the third oldest public library in the United States.
Question 2: What resources does Bloomington Public Library offer?
Bloomington Public Library offers a wide range of resources, including books, e-books, audiobooks, movies, music, computers, Wi-Fi, and access to online databases.
Question 3: What services does Bloomington Public Library provide?
Bloomington Public Library provides a variety of services, including storytime for children, book clubs for adults, computer classes for seniors, and author readings.
Question 4: How can I get a library card?
To get a library card, you must be a resident of Monroe County. You can apply for a library card online or at any branch library.
Question 5: What are the library's hours?
The Main Library is open Monday-Thursday from 9am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 6pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. The branch libraries have varying hours, which can be found on the library's website.
Question 6: How can I contact Bloomington Public Library?
You can contact Bloomington Public Library by phone at (812) 349-3060 or by email at ask@bpl.org.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Bloomington Public Library. For more information, please visit the library's website or contact the library directly.
The Bloomington Public Library is an essential part of the community, providing access to information, resources, and opportunities for learning and growth for people of all ages. The library is committed to providing excellent service to all residents and is a valuable resource for students, researchers, and lifelong learners of all ages.
Moving on to the next section of the article...
Tips from Bloomington Public Library
Bloomington Public Library is a treasure trove of information and resources, and it is committed to providing excellent service to all residents. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your library experience:
Tip 1: Get a library card.A library card is your key to all the resources and services that the library has to offer. With a library card, you can check out books, e-books, audiobooks, movies, and music. You can also access online databases, attend programs and events, and use the library's computers and Wi-Fi.
To get a library card, you must be a resident of Monroe County. You can apply for a library card online or at any branch library.
Tip 2: Explore the library's collection.Bloomington Public Library has a vast collection of over 500,000 items, including books, e-books, audiobooks, movies, and music. The library also has a number of special collections, including the Indiana Collection, the Cookery Collection, and the Aviation Collection. These collections contain rare and valuable materials that are not available anywhere else.
To search the library's collection, you can use the online catalog or visit any branch library.
Tip 3: Attend library programs and events.Bloomington Public Library offers a variety of programs and events for all ages, including storytime for children, book clubs for adults, and author readings. The library also hosts special events, such as concerts, art exhibitions, and film screenings.
To find out about upcoming programs and events, visit the library's website or pick up a copy of the library's newsletter.
Tip 4: Use the library's online resources.In addition to its physical collection, Bloomington Public Library also offers a variety of online resources, including e-books, audiobooks, and databases. These resources can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
To access the library's online resources, visit the library's website.
Tip 5: Ask a librarian for help.The librarians at Bloomington Public Library are always willing to help you find the resources you need. If you need help finding a book, using a database, or accessing an online resource, please don't hesitate to ask a librarian for assistance.
You can ask a librarian for help in person, by phone, or by email.
By following these tips, you can get the most out of your Bloomington Public Library experience. The library is a valuable resource for students, researchers, and lifelong learners of all ages. The library is committed to providing excellent service to all residents, and the staff is always willing to help you find the resources you need.
Moving on to the article's conclusion...
Conclusion
Bloomington Public Library is a cornerstone of the community, providing access to information, resources, and opportunities for learning and growth for people of all ages. The library's vast collection, wide range of services, and commitment to lifelong learning make it a vital resource for students, researchers, and lifelong learners of all ages.
The library's mission to provide access to information, ideas, and culture for all is essential to its role in the community. The library is a place where people can come to learn, grow, and connect with others. It is a vibrant and welcoming community center where everyone can find something to enjoy.
The Bloomington Public Library is an essential part of the community, and it is committed to providing excellent service to all residents. The library's staff is always willing to help you find the resources you need, and the library's website provides a wealth of information and resources that can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
We encourage you to visit your local branch library and explore all that it has to offer. The library is a place where you can learn, grow, and connect with others. It is a place where everyone is welcome.
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