Create literacy opportunities for children in memory of Max!

We are raising funds for the children's spaces at the new Southwest branch of Monroe County Public Library in memory of a wonderful father, husband, and educator Max Woodliff.

For nearly a decade, Max worked in elementary education, including as a Kindergarten teacher at University Elementary in Bloomington from 2016-2019.

Max knew from a very young age that he wanted to work with children. He struggled with reading in elementary school and benefitted from tremendous teachers and educators. These experiences played a pivotal role in his pursuit of an impactful career in elementary education. Max adored his work, especially the pure magic of helping children learn how to read. Empowering children by playing a role in their literacy journey was one of Max’s biggest passions in life.

We want to honor Max and his passion, and we need your help.

Our community desired more convenient access to library services in the southwest area of the county which is currently under served. Construction of the new branch has begun with an anticipated opening date in early 2023. The new 21,000-square-foot Library will sit on approximately five acres of property on the southwest corner of the Batchelor Middle School grounds.

You can help bring the Children's Room and Learn and Play spaces to life filling them with the furniture, imaginative play spaces, youth-centered technology, digital and analog creativity, games, and supplies to make our new library a true community treasure to enrich the lives of children and families. Donate today to honor Max and be a part of creating an engaging and inviting space for children to read, learn, connect, and create.

Here is what you can make possible with your donation! Everyone pitching in makes possible expanded opportunities for children to learn and play to encourage skills for lifelong literacy and fulfillment. You can make a one-time donation, or set up a recurring gift.

• Early Learning Touch Table: A collaborative play technology solution that fosters social-emotional development and introduces new vocabulary words as 2-4 children play and learn together.
• Interactive Touch Table: brings all ages together to enjoy multi-player, multi-touch, collaborative games
• Constructive Playthings Activity Table along with Knex sets, Legos, Magna Tiles, Keva Planks, and more that develop lateral thinking in a fun environment. Playing with building materials teaches children to think in three dimensions. It improves literacy as kids work with instructions. It develops problem-solving, organization, and planning by construction.
  
• Dramatic Imaginary Play: doll house, train table, kitchen, dolls and accessories
  
• Storytime and Early Literacy Materials: Puppets, Big Books, Flannelboards, Puzzles
• Music and Movement: Parachute, Scarves, Egg Shakers, Ribbons, Bean Bags
• Arts and Crafts for Preschool-Tweens: Markers, Crayons, Colored Pencils, Construction Paper, Scissors, Rulers, Staplers, Colored Tape, Glue Sticks, Popsicle Sticks, Colored Tissue Paper, Stencils, Hole Punches, Rubber Stamps and Ink Pads, Yarn
• Math and Science Exploration: Magnifying Glasses, Scales, Magnets, Light Table, Snap Circuits
• Technology: AWE Computers, iPads, Cubelets, Lego WeDo Set
• Environmental Furnishings: Learning rugs, Benches with book storage, Bench with Mirrors, Vinyl cushions to support crawlers and toddlers
• Toys and Games for Infants-Tweens: Sorting Cube, Stacking Rings, Board Games, Chess Sets

If you prefer to write a check, please make payable and send to Friends of the Library, 303 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington IN 47408. Thank you!