HCPL celebrates library volunteers
In honor of National Volunteer Month, Harrison County Public Library proudly recognizes and extends its heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated individuals who volunteer their time, skills, and passion in countless ways. Their efforts strengthen the library’s mission to provide free access to information, foster lifelong learning, and create meaningful connections across Harrison County.
HCPL has dependable and energetic volunteers who offer a variety of experiences and expertise. Harrison County Public Library values each of the 20 volunteers who serve the library and help HCPL better serve the community.
The library board of trustees is comprised of volunteers appointed by local elected officials: the county council, the county commissioners, and the school boards. HCPL’s seven board members serve four-year terms and oversee the finance, policy, and planning activities at the library.
Thank you, board members, for your dedication of time, talent, and expertise:
Sharon Mathes – President
Sharon Rothrock – Vice-president
Barbara Smith – Secretary
Members at Large – Derrick Grigsby, Pam Bennett Martin, Jo Ann Spieth-Saylor, Sharon Rothrock, and Doug Zeidler.
Behind every successful library is an active Friends of the Library group. The Friends of Harrison County Library, Inc., raises funds through book sales for programs, activities, and supplies. In addition to monetary funding, the Friends lend a hand during special events. They also sponsor the prize books given to the youth during the summer reading challenge. The Friends meet every other month, beginning in January, and host a book sale on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month at the Book Box. The Book Box is the building in the library’s back parking lot. The Friends also raise money through membership. An individual membership is $5.00.
Thank you, Friends of the Library, for your time and support:
Cyndi Voyles – President
Cindy Daily – Vice-President
Christine Pendleton – Treasurer
Susan Isbell – Secretary
Active Volunteers – Lynne Schipp, Karen Eves, Natalie Crosier, Cheryl Fisher
Although librarians provide many adult programs, others are led by volunteers who bring quality programming through their expertise in specific areas, such as book discussions, photography, and painting.
Thank you, volunteer programmers, for your dedication and expertise:
Gary Pope – Memories and Memoirs Book Club
Gabriele Williams – Through the Lens – photography
The general public may not realize that a small group of volunteers repairs and cleans library materials, as library users should not attempt to make book repairs at home. If a book’s page or binding becomes loose due to a tear or rip, library volunteers can repair it with glue or a binding machine. Inside each CD case is a paper to note issues or disc problems.
Thank you, cleaning and repair volunteers:
Christine Pendleton – Book repair
Lynne Schipp – Book repair
Walter Ryan – DVD cleaning and repair
A reception recognizing HCPL volunteers will take place on Thursday, April 30th, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Corydon branch.
The Friends of the Harrison County Library will celebrate their 40th anniversary in June!
There will be a two-hour Open House on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in the Corydon branch.
Stop in, enjoy some old photos and articles. Meet some of the Friends, and if you are not a member, take this opportunity to join us and support your local library!
Light refreshments will be served.
The Friends look forward to seeing you there!
HCPL celebrates library volunteers Read More »
Olive Griffin at the lending library in Griffin’s Dry Goods Store, ca. 1898.
This paragraph, taken from the above article, shows a deep appreciation for library supporters and their “wide-awake interest” in developing a public library that will “have reason to rejoice” over the library’s continued growth.
Pharmacist Herb Habermel (1904-1955) and his wife, Francis, opened a drugstore at 117 E. Chestnut Street in Corydon in August 1945 (this property was most recently occupied by Beckort Auctions, and is soon to be Williams Bakery). The store featured a wide variety of items, ranging from toiletries, cosmetics, and medicinal products to jewelry, clocks, toys, and household appliances. In addition, Habermel’s also sold medications for livestock, offered a laundry service, had a large soda fountain, and doubled as a Greyhound Bus station.
One of the most popular events at the festival was a large pancake breakfast, which was always well-attended despite its early start. Above, Marvin Alstott (left) and Charles Miller (right) prepare cakes for the crowd in 1959. See the 
A large Ferris wheel operated on Elm Street near the Masonic Lodge and Corydon Post Office in 1962.
Festival goers and rides on West Beaver and Elm Streets, 1968.
See more Pancake Festival images in the 
