The following is a press release written by Tori Lawhorn for the Monroe County Public Library.
Kerry Thomson, Mayor of the city of Bloomington, has declared October 19–25,
2025, Friends of Libraries Week in support of the Monroe County Public Library Foundation. Also known as the Friends of the Library, the Foundation advocates on behalf of the Monroe County Public Library’s (MCPL) collections, services, programs and staff development.
Since its establishment in 1965, the Friends of the Library has served as an important philanthropic partner to MCPL. Through fundraising, volunteerism, management of endowments and gifts, the Friends Bookstore, andlibrary advocacy, the Friends of the Library extends the Library’s ability to provide lifelong learning, literacy, and enrichment to the residents of Monroe County.
“Public libraries are a cornerstone of informed and engaged communities,” said Ann Bunger, Vice President of the Friends of the Library. “I truly enjoy being able to support the community through my work with the Friends, and I appreciate the citywide support that this proclamation represents.”
The efforts of the current 800 Friends members and donors continue to expand yearly, record-breaking fundraising goals achieved at the 2025 Big Spring Book Sale. Other recent Friends initiatives include providing financial support for a new StoryWalk® at RCA Community Park; organizing the Matthew Cordell’s Neighborhood exhibit; and presenting The Power of Words: Changing Our World, One Story at a Time at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.
“As the Friends of the Library celebrates its 60th anniversary, I’m reminded of its humble beginnings in 1965, sparked by the dedication of just a few passionate library supporters,” said Mary Jean Regoli, Foundation Coordinator. “From those early efforts, the Friends organization has grown remarkably—now contributing over $110,000 each year to the Library to enhance public awareness, support staff development, and fund programs for all ages.”
During Friends of Libraries Week, Friends members will have a table at the Bloomington Book Festival Community Vendor Expo on Saturday, October 25, from 11 AM to 6 PM at the Dimension Mill (642 N. Madison Street). Library patrons interested in becoming a Friends member or joining a committee can learn more at mcpl.info/membership or email fol@mcpl.info
About the Monroe County Public Library
The Monroe County Public Library (MCPL) strengthens our community and enriches lives by providing equitable and impartial access to information and opportunities to read, learn, connect, and create. MCPL serves an estimated 140,000 county residents across Bloomington and Ellettsville, Indiana. The Library also welcomes approximately 47,000 Indiana University undergraduate and graduate students throughout the academic year. MCPL strives to support a knowledgeable, inclusive, diverse, and engaged community through its three physical locations, digital resources, and suite of outreach services. For more information, visit mcpl.info.
Media Contact
Tori Lawhorn, Communications and Marketing Director
812-349-3057
tlawhorn@mcpl.info
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