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Think Library: For Kids

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Ash is a middle schooler who loves music, is a synesthete who can see sounds, and is figuring out their gender identity after being bullied at their last school for being a “flip flop freak.” It doesn’t help that Ash’s dad is putting more and more pressure on them to just choose a gender and “stick with it.” Then Ash meets Daniel at their new school. Daniel is a photography fan, kind, in-tune with his emotions, scared his parents are going to get a divorce, and mourning the loss of his dog.

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Tween , Animals, Bullying, Coming of Age, Diversity, Fiction, Inclusiveness, LGBTQIA+, Read, Realistic, Staff Picks
July 25, 2022
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Livy is starting at a new school and that's just the tip of the iceberg for her! She's growing anxious about making friends and fitting in when she feels different because of her culture as well as family expectations for her to achieve great things. Then there's Viola. The little voice in her head that tells her she's not good enough and that no one likes her. Sometimes Viola's voice is so loud that Livy has trouble expressing her own. She has to find some way to live with Viola.

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Tween , Biography & Memoir, Diversity, Family, Fiction, Graphic Novels & Manga, Humor, Read, Staff Picks
July 11, 2022
Banned Books for Kids
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Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. Below are some children’s books that have all been targeted for removal or restriction, including at least one of the reasons why.

Special Collections
July 5, 2022
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This children's picture book contains simple, poetic words but it expresses powerful emotion. The beautiful illustrations depict diverse characters experiencing the joys and security that unconditional love offers. I recommend reading this book with someone you love just because you love them.

Reviewed by Christa S., Senior Information Assistant

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Infant/Toddler, Preschool , Family, Read, Relationships
July 2, 2022
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Jamila has to find a way to avoid going to boring old Science Camp and spend more time shooting hoops! So when oddball Shirley Bones offers a deal that will keep Jamila out of camp, Jamila jumps at the offer. There is only one problem - Shirley is weird. But soon, Jamilia realizes that Shirley isn't just weird, she's a detective! The two girls set out to solve the case of the missing gecko and save their summer!

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Tween , Friendship, Graphic Novels & Manga, Mystery, Read
June 28, 2022

Have you heard of our Tween Space? The Tween Space at the Downtown Library is a place where kids ages 7–12 can hang out, explore crafts and other activities, enjoy pop-up programs, work on homework, or play!

Think Library, Kids , Tween , Create, Library Events, Library News
May 25, 2022
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Mary, born into slavery in 1868, loved watching the birds fly free in the sky while she worked in the fields. She wanted to be free too! But she had to keep working. No time for rest. No time to learn. Even when Mary and her family were freed from slavery she still had to work hard.

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Tween , African American, Biography & Memoir, Civil Rights, Diversity, History, Lifelong Learning, Literacy, Nonfiction, Read, Staff Picks
May 16, 2022
IU Engineering Kit Summer STEM Challenge

Note: Are you already registered for one of the IU Engineering Kits? The following videos and booklists will help you take part in the IU Engineering Kit Summer STEM Challenge.

Think Library, Kids , Tween , Create, Learn, Library Events, Science, Tween Tech
May 2, 2022
Oceans of Possibilities Youth Art Contest Winners

In March we asked children to create original artwork using the theme of our summer reading games––Oceans of Possibilities! As usual, you did not disappoint, submitting over 70 pieces of artwork to the contest!

Our staff members were pleased to receive so many creative and imaginative entries.

“It certainly made the decision tough––we ended up choosing six winners!” said Ginny Hosler, a librarian, and the contest’s programmer.

Think Library, Adults, Teens, Kids , Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Tween , Create, Friends of the Library, Library Events, Library News, Read, Summer Reading Games
April 26, 2022
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This first-chapter book stars an adorable tuxedo cat who loves living the outdoor life! It can hang out with its friends (other animals in the neighborhood), has lots of great places to eat, and doesn't have to worry about any pesky humans. All of the cat's animal friends have human pets with the weirdest habits and flaws––one human stays in their room all day and another's group of mini-humans jumps all over it.

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Tween , Animals, Friendship, Read
April 21, 2022
Level Up

There are now more ways to get creative in Level Up, our digital creativity space! 3D printing and memory preservation have joined our existing services, which include video and audio recording, Adobe Creative Cloud-equipped workstations, and more!

Think Library, Adults, Teens, Kids, Level Up , 3D Printing, Connect, Create, Learn, Library News, Lifelong Learning, Local & Family History, Local Interest, Meeting Rooms & Study Spaces
April 15, 2022
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Deep in the desert, not too far from infamous Area 51, is a government facility called the Playroom. In this secret facility are a group of six kids, who are not-quite-human. While the Playroom is a refuge for them, it is also an enclosure.

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Tween , Adventure, Diversity, Graphic Novels & Manga, LGBTQIA+, Read, Sci-Fi
April 4, 2022
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Damien hasn't had many positive experiences in his past. His mother was killed when he was just a baby, his brother and aunts and uncles don't understand his hobbies and passions, and he's not even sure he understands himself. So he's starting over in a new school after being bullied harshly at his last. This time around, Damien vows to stay silent and give the kids at his new school absolutely nothing to go on if they want to bully him.

Think Library, Kids, Reviews , Tween , Biography & Memoir, Bullying, Diversity, Graphic Novels & Manga, LGBTQIA+, Read
March 31, 2022
Poetry Month

Every April, the world celebrates poetry! The month is a reminder that poets play an integral role in our culture and that poetry matters. To celebrate, we have a lot of opportunities to read, listen, connect, and create with poetry in a variety of ways.

Think Library, Adults, Teens, Kids , Tween , Connect, Create, Learn, Library News, Poetry
March 31, 2022
The Tween Space at the Downtown Library

In 2020, shortly before the pandemic began, we opened a Tween Space in the children’s area of the Downtown Library. This dedicated space offers kids ages 7–12 a place to hang out, explore crafts and other activities, enjoy pop-up programs, work on homework, and play.

Think Library, Kids , Tween , Connect, Create, Grants, Library News
March 29, 2022