About Mitchell Public Library
Welcome to Mitchell Community Public Library, your gateway to knowledge, inspiration, and community. As an active community organization in Mitchell, Indiana we take great pride in serving as a vibrant hub for lifelong learning and discovery.
Since our establishment in 1914, MCPL has been committed to fostering a love for reading and learning among individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Our collection of books, digital resources, and multimedia materials caters to a wide range of interests, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Our dedicated team of librarians and staff members are passionate about connecting people with information, helping them navigate our resources, and empowering them to explore new horizons. Whether you’re seeking research materials, exploring new genres, or simply looking for a quiet place to read, our welcoming environment is designed to meet your needs.
Beyond books, MCPL offers a variety of enriching programs and activities that engage and entertain our community. From engaging author talks and book clubs to stimulating workshops and interactive events for children and families, there’s always something exciting happening within our walls.
Evergreen Indiana
The Mitchell Community Public Library is part of Evergreen Indiana. This is a group of over 125 libraries who share the same circulation system and materials.
If you are a resident of a library district served by Evergreen Indiana or have purchased a non-resident library card from an Evergreen Indiana library just use your card to access our collection and the collections of all the other Evergreen Indiana Libraries.
Materials from other Evergreen Indiana libraries are delivered to Mitchell on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, excluding holidays.
Inter-Library Loan service is provided by your home library only.
Get Your Library card
Your First Card Is Free!
Any resident or property owner in Marion, Bono, or Spice Valley (S) townships in Lawrence county, IN, is eligible for a Mitchell Community Public Library Card. If you do not reside in the Mitchell Community Public Library service district please speak to an employee about library card solutions that fit your situation.
Your first card is free, but there is a $2 fee for a replacement card.
You must apply for your card in person at the library. Children under the age of 18 must have their parent or legal guardian with them to apply for a library card.
To apply, please bring the following:
- One form of Photo ID:
- Valid state driver’s license or ID card
- Valid Government issued ID
- Valid college or university ID
- One of the following as Proof of Address:
- Valid voter registration card
- Computer generated bank statement or government notification issued in applicant’s name within last 30 days
- Computer generated utility, credit card company, doctor or hospital bill, issued in applicant’s name within last 30 days
- Change-of-address confirmation from the United States Postal Service showing prior and current address of residence (A P.O. Box is not acceptable as a residence address)
- Property tax receipt issued in applicant’s name (from current tax year)
- Any postmarked piece of mail (addressed to you) that has been sent within the last 30 days
Our Mission
The Mitchell Community Public Library is a dynamic public resource with a knowledgeable and friendly staff that strives to provide needed materials, relevant services, and up-to-date information. The library strongly supports the concept of lifelong learning— that learning does not begin or cease with formal education, but enhances the quality of life at any age.
Our History
The building of the Mitchell Marion Township Public Library was paid for with a grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, dated May 8, 1914. Beginning in 1899, Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of more than 2,500 libraries in the United States and abroad. By 1919, half of the 3,500 libraries in the United States had been built with construction grants paid by Carnegie’s foundation.
The library became the Mitchell Community Public Library in July 1975 serving the residents of Marion, Bono, and Spice Valley (S) townships in Lawrence County. In 1994 the original Carnegie library added square footage in an expansion project.
To learn more about the library, stop in and view the interactive digital exhibit on the upper level of the library. The exhibit was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Indiana State Library.