Monroe Branch Library
The Monroe Branch Library is an important part of the neighborhood. Inside you will find tons of resources, programs, murals and a staff of helpful librarians!
Click here to see upcoming events at the Monroe Branch Library.
The gray limestone building, considered a showplace in 1930, is a blend of antique charm and modern technology. Located between the YMCA and Interstate 490, Monroe Branch continues to be the cultural hub of its southeast neighborhood. The renovations that were completed in 2005 included an elevator connecting the adult and children’s floor, handicapped accessible bathrooms and ramp access to the adult floor which makes the entire library accessible to all patrons.
A beautiful mural, entitled Onon:ta (The Hill), leads you down the stairwell from the adult floor to the children’s room. This work was lovingly painted by UMNA neighbor and notable local artist, Jim Barbero (now deceased). As part of the cultural hub of this neighborhood, the Monroe Branch Library provides musical performances and offer local artists a venue to display their art work. The children’s room provides the youngest patrons with an interactive play area and a large puppet theater. Here they can play with puzzles, use their imagination and create puppet shows, prepare meals in a little “kitchen” or simply cuddle up and enjoy listening to a story.
A stately giraffe, “Artichokie” keeps watch over all the fun activities happening in the children’s room.
When you visit this branch, you will notice a few special collections:
Adult Floor: language kits and a local history collection
Children’s room: Braille collection (includes books for toddlers through young adults); Science Kits for ages 4 – 8; and Social Studies Kits for primary grades.
Last updated