After finishing a trip to the Mathers Museum of World Culture, my wife and I selected a doorway…read morethat leads to the museum portion of the IU Archaeology department. They share the same building and although there is a separate entrance from the outside, we found it easiest to simply go through the doorway. Note that we didn't see anyone monitoring the museum during our visit, so we just browsed on our own. The museum is part of a larger area which includes a research library and even more exhibits in the central lobby area of the upstairs portion. (Note we did not explore the lower floor which looked off limits.) During our visit, we saw a lot of informational window booths with facts and artifacts that have been gathered from our state. There is a strong connection between this facility and the Angel Mounds in Evansville. There are several displays with information about the Angel Mounds and other mounds which were shaped like snakes, or marching bears. There are also windows with info on artwork inspired by animals, stands showing tribal shields with info, and science facts about animals that have lived in our state. The museum is unique in what it offers, but I understand that it won't appeal to everyone. But considering it is free and puts things into understandable relationships, it does offer value to those who may be interested in local history and/or nature. Review #2205

When they call your name and you get to the window they are always on the ball to get the answers…read morethat you want. At least that's how they've always been with me and from what I've seen and heard around the office I believe that they treat everybody else like they do with me.

Not very helpful or friendly. Have to have appointment. Can't recommend. Security guard has…read moreattitude.

This is a stunning law library. We have been going around looking at law schools with our daughter…read more Visited Indiana University Maurer Law School and ran across their library...WOW. When you walk in the law school in Baier Hall, the law library is on the right...everything else (classrooms, faculty, administrative offices, etc.) is on the left. The library is five stories tall and wrapped around an atrium of the same height. There are soaring windows on the first two levels (mostly looking out onto peaceful Dunn Meadow), loads of various seating on all the floors (carrels, large tables, soft cushy lounge seats, etc.), small breakout rooms seemingly everywhere, and, of course, ranks and ranks of shelved books. The whole place is wired for easy connectivity and when added to their computer room, this library has everything the budding lawyers need. This law library is an attraction all by itself. Exceptional.

Gorgeous. Seriously beautiful campus/building. Helpful staff. Near Starbucks, if you like your…read morecaffeine. As is the case on most campuses, parking is tricky.

The MCPL definitely deserves 5 stars and has always served as a B-town staple. I love that there's…read morea drive through during normal times. It makes navigating multiple kids, nap time, and everyday chaos so much easier. Currently the drive through is closed bc our COVID numbers are dangerous. The MCPL has found an easy way to protect their staff and customers by creating an appointment based pickup system. It's easy - 1) you place your items on hold 2) you'll get an email when your hold requests become available 3) you book an appointment at a day/time of your convenience 4) park your car in the lot and enter the lobby through there. The holds are placed alphabetically and you take your items only (they ask you not to touch anything that's not for you). Masks are required and they have disposable ones in ziplock baggies if you need. I love that they've found a way to keep books and other library items accessible through it all. They have some of the best selection I've seen (for kids and adults alike), along with always stellar customer service. They even have crafting kits you can request! And toys you can get on loan (not sure if that one's possible during COVID but it sure is great during normal times). Super love this library and very thankful for it.

I Love That Library It Has All Kinds Of Books, Movies,…read moreGames, And Music! I Would Love Go To Back Sometimes And Borrow More 9/10

Big disclaimer. Libraries are for people, and university libraries are really for students, and I…read morewandered in with no intention of studying or getting information -- only to gawk and admire a showy display of botanical books as I kicked around campus. Given that the Lilly Library is set aside for rare books and special collections, it's probably not the favorite of most students. But this little place is a beaut, and we waltzed in, were greeted with nothing but smiles, and I just stumbled right across the room and there was that Gutenberg Bible staring right back at me, flanked by John Ford's Oscars and lovely Audubon prints and plenty of other nice items set out to tickle my fancy. Libraries should be publicly funded, not propped up by endowments from pharmaceutical companies, and that includes showy little libraries. But there are worse things you can do with a big pile of pharma money than to build a little palace for the people.

What an incredible collection! Free, and a true campus gem.read more

I don't often review 'non restaurant' locations, but my experience at the Southwest branch of the…read moreBloomington library today left me needing to give rave reviews. It's been forever since I've been in one of the local libraries because I'm such a Kindle reader. But in order to use Libby, I needed to get a new library card and signed up online. The process was simple, and ultimately it led me to the point of needing to visit the Southwest Branch (close to my house) and show proof that I am indeed me, and that I live in Bloomington. A utility bill did the trick. First and foremost, it's a beautiful facility. I didn't spend much time there, and probably won't be there often simply because I'm a digital reader. BUT let me say I may use it as a quiet space and place to read. The woman at the desk (Cathy or Cathi sorry I can't remember) was amazing. She was super helpful, friendly, and not only made my card but laughed at one of my jokes. She went above and beyond to tell me about how to use the library, explain policies and pointed out both Libby and Hoopla. She was great. I used to work part time in a library, and hold them near and dear to my heart and she's exactly what I love about libraries in general. If you're on the south side of town, stop using the downtown branch and move your library activity to this location. They have a great facility, will take anything you reserve from other branches straight to the branch, and you can pick it up there. Kudos to our town for believing in the value of these types of spaces.

Awesome Library space, friendly staff. And there's a beautiful Labyrinth and sacred space to walk…read moreoutside.

I'll admit that I just saw the pin and figured I would check this out but as I do my research to…read morewrite the review, these aren't just pretty gates. The concept of a gateway to mark the entrance to the campus dates back to 1932 but they didn't actually get installed until 1987. And ever since, they are the most iconic spot on campus. IU grads know what I'm talking about. So I'll just respectfully stop here and tell you that if you're visiting or perhaps you're an alumni, get your selfie or portrait right here. Every IU graduate know of here. [Review 20571 overall - 108 in Indiana - 1552 of 2023.]

I don't get down to Bloomington nearly as often as I used to, though when I do I nearly always find…read moremyself near the area of the iconic Sample Gates. Sample Gates mark the entrance to Indiana University in Bloomington, an already beautiful campus. I spent one lovely semester here and I spent quite a bit of time here back in those days because even after I left I continued dating an IU student. The Sample Gates were donated by Edson Sample, who was named director of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships while still an IU graduate student back in 1968. He obtained his M.S. in 1971. The gates are named for his parents, Louise Waite Sample and Kimsey Ownbey Sample Sr. Both were present at the dedication ceremony on June 13, 1987. He received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the School of Education in 2017; in 2020, Sample received one of IU's most prestigious honors--the Bicentennial Medal--in recognition of his service and longstanding support of the university. The gates are always open. They are constructed of Indiana Limestone. The two pillars are at the edge of Old Crescent - the historic site of IU's first campus buildings built between1884-1908. If you visit IU, you'll see Sample Gates. Still beautiful. Still iconic. And, I must say, super amazing at night with a light rain in the area.

we stop in on our way to to Bedford. The postmaster here - Tayloran (I'm spelling thst wrong I'm…read moresure) was very kind and patient. If you're nearby, stop in! 10/10. Would recommend.