Help at children's book picture exhibit, with injured animals or join 40 Days of Peace
The Friends of the Library is delighted to bring Matthew Cordell's Neighborhood to Monroe County, an exhibit curated by the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature. This exhibit, at the Downtown Branch of Monroe County Public Library, is made possible thanks to a generous bequest to the Friends from Marian Armstrong. This special exhibit features 88 original illustrations created by Matthew Cordell featured in children's picture books written by him and other authors. Volunteers 16 years and up are needed between Feb. 3 to March 23: Monday-Thursday 3-7 p.m., Friday-Sunday 1-5 p.m. Volunteers are needed as greeters, to answer questions, and to provide directional guidance to visitors. Individuals or group volunteers are welcome. Volunteer schedules will be for two-hour time periods, but volunteers are welcome to work as many hours and days as they would like during the exhibit. Volunteers must attend one of the following in-person orientation sessions: Option 1: Jan. 31, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Option 2: Feb. 2, 1-2:30 p.m. Learn more and find registration links at tinyurl.com/guest-services-volunteer. For questions, contact volunteer@mcpl.info or 812-349-3060.
Want to help a mom opossum create a cozy den to raise her babies as she recovers from being hit by a car? Or feed a watermelon to capybaras rescued from neglect and abuse? Help shave a guinea pig before they get surgery, or take a giant turtle for a walk? Animals at the Pipsqueakery were all rescued from one sad story or another. Volunteers 18 years and up are what give these lives a happy middle and ending. No day is the same, and volunteers will care for a wide range of animals and do various tasks — volunteering is customized to your wants and abilities. Daily tasks can be summarized as feeding, cleaning and medicating as necessary. No previous experience is needed! Scheduling is extremely flexible; average shifts are about 4 hours long, 1 time weekly; however, as long as you have eight hours each month, you're considered an active volunteer. New volunteers start in the afternoons and evenings as that best fits other team members' availability, but once you're more independent, morning times are also an option. Find the application link and learn more at tinyurl.com/animal-care-volunteer. Contact wildlife@thepipsqueakery.org or 574-993-2235 for additional assistance.
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., many local nonprofits are offering service opportunities during the 40 Days of Peace, which runs through the end of February. Community service is a meaningful way to celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. King. To find a listing of Bloomington Volunteer Network (BVN) organization's MLK service opportunities, visit tinyurl.com/2025-MLK-opportunities. For additional ongoing opportunities, volunteers can visit www.bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org/need. Questions? Contact getconnected@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3433.
Bloomington Volunteer Network Community Wish List
Consider fulfilling a wish for one of the organizations that make up the Bloomington Volunteer Network Community Wish List. Nonprofits are gearing up for their winter programs and services, making it a great time to support their wish list needs.
To make a wish list donation:
Visit tinyurl.com/community-wish-list to view current wish lists.
Choose a wish list you would like to support.
Make your donation.
You can find current in-kind material needs on the year-round Community Wish List at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org/communitywishlist.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Help with Kids picture book exhibit, rescued animals, 40 Days of Peace
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