Read to Feed Harrison County 2024

Reading Program / By /

This New Year, make a resolution to give back to the community.  Monday, January 1 is the first day of #WinterRead2024 – READ TO FEED HARRISON COUNTY! The challenge is open to all ages, January 1 – 31.  The goal is to read 10,000 books as a community. If the goal is reached, Harrison County Community Services will receive $1,000 from Duke Energy, $1,000 from Lucas Oil, $250 from Eckart Supply, and $200 from REMC. Canned food will be collected at all library branches.

During the Winter Reading Challenge, everything counts! Books, eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines can be used from any source, both library and personal. Check out free books and audiobooks from Overdrive or the Libby app, and enjoy digital materials without wait times on Hoopla. Track your reading with Beanstack to earn badges and explore activities inspired by the book Where We Come From by Diane Wilson. You are challenged to read at least 10 books in the month of January to unlock the badges.

If you have participated in a reading challenge with us before, you already have a Beanstack account. The library will assist you if you have any difficulties logging on. If you do not want a Beanstack account, the library will be happy to log your reading for you. Just stop in at any library branch to pick up a Winter Read bookmark. HELP READ TO FEED HARRISON COUNTY!

An HCPL space to bring out the maker in you!

Adult Activities, Makerspace, Notices / By /
Foreground L-R: Sharon Mathes, HCPL Board Vice-president; Kathy Crimans, HCPL Board President; Pamela Bennett Martin, HCPL Board member at large; Kelly Powell, Business Manager; Barbara Smith, HCPL Board Secretary; Alisa Burch, Library Director; Jessica Stroud, Head of Information Technology; Trevor Smith, Systems Administrator; Heather Wyss, Makerspace Specialist

Make | Learn | Explore | Share

The Harrison County Public Library Makerspace Ribbon Cutting took place at the Lanesville branch on Friday, December 1, 2023, and an Open House was held on Saturday, December 2. According to Alisa Burch, HCPL Director: “Our vision as a public library is that all residents will have access to a library with free resources to increase their knowledge and with space for recreational and educational programming. A makerspace is a place where people in our community can come together to create with technology.”

The makerspace will be open during the same hours as the Lanesville branch, but appointments are required for training and operating the equipment. Please click here to request an appointment and to reserve equipment, and please note that staff must confirm the appointment/reservation. Click here to download the HCPL makerspace policy and liability waiver. We ask that users please note the age restrictions and that a copy of the printed waiver must be signed and handed to a makerspace staff member before operating equipment.

Use of all equipment is free–the only costs associated with makerspace projects are the supplies used. A fee schedule is available in the HCPL makerspace policy.

Makerspace Specialist Heather Wyss said that she is excited to help users with their creative projects and to share new techniques.

HCPL’s Makerspace hosts a variety of equipment [click here for full descriptions]:

  • Epilog Laser Engraver/Cutter
  • Brother 680W 6-Needle Embroidery Machine
  • Brother CS5055 Sewing Machine
  • Brother 1034D Serger
  • Roland SG3-300 Large Format Printer
  • Elegoo Saturn 8K SLA Printer
  • BambuLabs X1 Carbon FDM 3D Printer
  • Cricut Explore Air 2
  • Elgato VHS Digitizer
  • ION Tape Express Tape-to-MP3 Converter
  • Eyesen 8mm / Super8 Film Digitizer

 

Who’s Awesome! Kelly Powell – November 2023

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Kelly Powell, business manager, is HCPL’s November winner for Who’s Awesome!  Kelly was one of 19 nominations for the honor this month.

Diana Lasky, administrative assistant to the director, nominated Kelly stating, “Kelly has a magic touch with decorating. The front of the building looks awesome for Christmas and when she sets her hand to food items for library receptions or an open house, everything looks polished and professional. Being able to see the inner workings of the library, I can appreciate her work on making sure payroll is on time and bills are paid. Thanks for being awesome!”

An anonymous nominator added, “Kelly is the library’s go-to person for outdoor decorations. Each year she comes up with a new way to bring the magic of Christmas to HCPL. This year she added Grinch elements. She also helped demolish the old coffee bar in the library and helped with that area’s new furniture arrangement. She is a hard worker and gives 100 percent to the projects she takes on. Kelly is awesome!”

Kelly received two other nominations this month. Savannah Wallace, youth services, wrote, “Kelly did a fantastic job decorating the front of the library! I especially love all the Grinch decorations she used. Great job, Kelly!” And JoBeth Mathes, reference, said, “She is always ready to lend a helping hand. She also decorates for Christmas outside of our library branch.”

Kelly joined the HCPL staff as business manager in January of 2005. For more than 18 years she has handled payroll, insurance, accounts receivable and payable and HR functions for the library. In 2021, after the Pandemic she came up with the idea to form a “Fun Committee” to boost employee camaraderie and morale.

Diana Lasky also nominated Kelly in May stating, “Kelly is very patient. She is positive, helpful and willing to stop and answer questions or help me resolve an issue, no matter how busy she is. I recently overheard that she is the “go-to” person in certain situations because she intuitively knows how to approach people in a non-threatening, positive manner. This is so important in human resources, which falls under her umbrella, even though she is really the business manager. Thanks, Kelly for all of your help and positivity.”

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in November include Ann Allen, Amanda Applegate, Amanda Embrey, Connie Gresham, John Kunsman, Diana Lasky, Debbie McClanahan, Pam Nemeth, Donna Seewer, Jessica Stroud, Kaitlyn Taylor, Savannah Wallace, Kelli Witsman, and Heather Wyss.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Veterans Day honoring all who served

Veterans Honored at the Library

1 Comment / eBooks and audio books, exhibit, Latest, Tell Your Story / By /

Hero Tree featuring veteransHero Tree 2 honoring veteransWith respect, honor and gratitude the Harrison County Public Library celebrates veterans this November 11. The library thanks all veterans for their service and shows gratitude by displaying two Hero Trees at the Elizabeth Branch. Sara Deatrick, the Elizabeth lead circulation associate, stated, “There are more than 150 ornaments of past and present Harrison County veterans on our trees.” Sara invites the community to bring in a photo to be scanned and placed on the Hero Tree. Photo ornaments are saved and used on future trees.

veteran JuliaThe library has two staff members who are veterans. The first is reference assistant Julia Phipps. Phipps is a 6-year veteran and was stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California from 1989 to 1995. She served as an Air Force security police officer for the base during her first three years and trained to become a base paralegal for her last three years of service.

veteran RobertOur second veteran is circulation associate Robert Ohlrich. Ohlrich enlisted in the Navy in 1972 and was a gunner’s mate during his 4-year service on the U.S.S. Guadalcanal. The helicopter carrier housed 2,500 Marines along with a Navy crew of 307 and was stationed in the Mediterranean Sea during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Ohlrich was trained on surface-to-air missile systems. In 1976 he helped evacuate civilians from Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War. Ohlrich returned to service for one year in 1986 as a Navy chaplain on the U.S.S. Forrestal.

Thank you Julie, Bob and all veterans! You are honored with gratitude for your service to keep our lands safe and our country free.

Veterans Day book display

The public is invited to celebrate Veterans Day by visiting the Frederick Porter Griffin Genealogy branch to research veterans and family history, viewing the Hero Trees at the Elizabeth branch or exercising your freedom to read by checking out a book of your choice from any of the HCPL locations or downloading an eBook with the library app from your favorite app store.

                                                    

Who's Awesome October winner Amanda Applegate

Who’s Awesome! Amanda Applegate – October 2023

Notices, Who's Awesome! / By /

Amanda Applegate, patron services, is HCPL’s October winner for Who’s Awesome! Amanda was one of seven nominations for the honor this month.

Tiffany Thieneman, public services manager, nominated Amanda stating, “Amanda is always willing to help in any way she can! From carrying chairs and tables up and down stairs, to helping with programs, to answering any questions I may have – she always offers to help in whatever capacity is needed. I appreciate how she offers assistance to other employees and patrons regardless of the situation. Thank you for being awesome!”

An anonymous nominator added, “Amanda has been very active with the Fun, Staff Training Day and Employee Appreciation Luncheon committees. She is always positive and friendly with all staff and public.”

Amanda has been with the library for 24 years joining the youth services and circulation staffs in January of 1999. She then transitioned to patron services where she works handling the recovery of overdue and damaged materials. Now she also co-hosts the adult programs—Just Desserts and Cookbook Club.

Amanda has received multiple nominations over the months. In July another anonymous nominator wrote, “Amanda Applegate went above and beyond to make sure everyone at HCPL had a great Shark Week. She made shark-shaped blue-tinted Rice Krispie Treats for all staff and secured gummy sharks for a combo celebration of Shark Week/National Gummy Worm Day. Amanda always gives her all to Fun Committee activities, keeping the snack boxes filled and counting the money. She has a great attitude greeting all staff every morning and pitching in at public service desks when needed. She has taken on additional responsibilities helping with adult programming. Amanda is a team player and is eager to help anyone. Amanda is awesome!”

In May, Amanda was nominated by Kelly Powell, business manager, and Eden Ransdell, youth services manager, Kelly wrote, “Amanda does a great job with the fun committee. She always makes things look special when they are put out for staff, and she goes around to tell people what fun things are happening for the day.”  Eden said, “Amanda is always super nice and positive! I love seeing her every morning!”

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in October include Julia Phipps, Nikki Esarey, Bob Ohlrich, Alisa Burch and Eden Ransdell.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Certificate of Appreciation presented to Suetta Tingler

THANK YOU, SUETTA, FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Notices / By /

Long-time library board member Suetta Tingler’s term ends October 31.  A reception was held on Thursday, October 19 at Kent Java to honor Harrison County Public Library Board of Trustee Suetta Tingler as this was her last day of service as a trustee.  Tingler was given a plaque recognizing her active service and a Zimmerman glass bowl.

The plaque stated, “The Harrison County Public Library Board of Trustees and staff wish to express our sincere gratitude to Suetta Tingler for her years of dedicated and active service to the Harrison County Public Library as a member of the Board of Trustees.”

Suetta Tingler was appointed to the HCPL Board of Trustees by the Harrison County Commissioners and has served two full terms. A term on the library board lasts for four years and the board meets monthly. Since her first board member meeting in February 2016, Suetta has held positions of vice president, secretary and assistant treasurer. Tingler stated, “Every time I sat at the board table, I felt it a privilege to be a part of such a special group of dedicated, talented and hardworking individuals who love their library.”

Director Alisa Bruch said, “She (Tingler) was integral in decisions made to replace the windows at the Main branch and selecting fabrics to recover the computer chairs at Main and the chairs in genealogy.”

When asked about her accomplishments on the board she was proudest of her work on the “windows of all things!” She responded, “I first began educating myself about seals, tilt, grills, reflective value, UR blockage, warranties, installation, costs and more. I researched and visited vendors locally as well as across Louisville.” After research, she brought two companies before the board for selection approval. Tingler’s time investment in the project ensured that the library received quality window replacements.

When asked if there was anything that she would like to share, Tingler stated, “The Harrison County Public Library is truly a community “hub” for welcoming all people as it works to provide information, education, entertainment and general hospitality.”  She continued, “Great things have come to the Harrison County Public Library and will continue to do so. It’s a library to be proud of as it works to keep up with the changing times that have included going “fine free”, working to improve the arts/cultural climate of the county, providing “hotspots”, programs tailored to all ages, the Storywalk along the trail, the upcoming Makerspace and much, much more.”

Burch added, “Suetta invested her time for the benefit of the library including attending Trustee training in Indianapolis and the Board of Governance training at the Harrison County Community Foundation. Suetta has been a very active and devoted member of the library board of trustees and will be missed. The library wishes her good health, happiness and continued success.”

OCTOBER IS FAMILY HISTORY MONTH

Adult Activities, Adult Program / By /

Within the walls of the Frederick Porter Griffin Center for Local History and Genealogy family history is celebrated all year long, but during October, it gets highlighted. Visit the FPGC each Saturday of the month for special programming focused on Family History topics. Researchers of all levels are welcome!  Any and all of the resources at the Genealogy Library, including microfilm, books, family files, Community News collection, as well as the library editions of Ancestry, Fold3, and Newspapers.com. (and much more!) will be available.

The public is invited to drop in and join the head of genealogy Kathy Fisher to uncover some of the family legends hidden within our collection. Kathy stated, “Helping people discover their stories is our bread and butter. October is the perfect time to get more people interested in their own personal history. I hope we can aid in taking someone’s research beyond just names and dates. You can get creative with it, too.”

As an “extra special surprise” during Glasstoberfest, the FPGC will be featuring a video on the Zimmerman Family and Glassblowing History. Originally presented in 2013 as a Historical Society program, the Genealogy Library will be offering two showings on October 21 at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

If Saturdays don’t work for you, the FPGC staff is always on hand during regular hours throughout the year to answer questions and to give suggestions for getting past those brick walls.

The Frederick Porter Griffin Center for Local History and Genealogy is located in the county’s original Carnegie Library building directly behind the Corydon branch of HCPL at 117 West Beaver Street, Corydon. For more information, call 812-738-5412.

Article by Kathy Fisher, Head of Genealogy

POE-THEMED PROGRAMS for the 2024 SoIN BIG READ

Notices / By /

Poe Escape Room

Poe Escape Room

The 2024 SoIN Big Read library programs have been a big success. Poe journals, raven paintings, card making and a Poe escape room have been a part of the creative fun. It’s not too late to register to make a Poe-inspired raven wreath, grab your camera/phone and bring it to Poe-tography or join a book discussion.  The Poe-tography group will venture through downtown Corydon to take Poe-inspired pictures and/or macabre photos. If you missed the Escape Room, it will return to the Corydon Branch in December. Visit the library calendar and choose adult or youth events to register for programs.

Don’t forget to pick up a FREE copy of Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe at a local library branch.

Poe Cards
Raven Painting
Poe Journal

Remaining scheduled Poe events:

6 p.m. Tuesday, October 17 – Palmyra Branch – POE PAINTING. Create a Poe-inspired gothic painting
of a raven. Register online at hcpl.lib.in.us or call 812-364-6425. (Adult)
5:30 p.m. Thursday, October 26 – Corydon Branch – POE-INSPIRED RAVEN WREATH. Make a wreath
inspired by the Poe poem The Raven. Register online at hcpl.lib.in.us or call 812-738-4110. (Adult)
6 p.m. Monday, October 30 – Corydon Branch – POE-TOGRAPHY. Bring your camera (or phone) to take
some Poe-inspired photos. Participants will meet at the Corydon Branch to discuss ideas and then walk
around downtown Corydon to take Poe-inspired and/or macabre photos. Register online
at hcpl.lib.in.us or call 812-738-4110. (Adult)
6 p.m. Thursday, November 16 – Corydon branch – BOOK DISCUSSION of Great Tales and Poems of
Edgar Allan Poe. An open book club style gathering will focus on the discussion questions from the
book.  Registration not required, bring a food item or snack to share. Contact Diana at 812-738-4110
with questions. (Adult)
November 17 – Elizabeth Branch Cooking Academy Take & Make – PUMPKIN “POE”-NUTS. Make
purple pumpkin donut holes to celebrate Edgar Allan Poe and the SoIN Big Read.  Call the Elizabeth
branch to pre-register at 812-969-2899. (Youth)
November 18 – Lanesville Branch Cooking Academy Take & Make – PUMPKIN “POE”-NUTS. Make
purple pumpkin donut holes to celebrate Edgar Allan Poe and the SoIN Big Read.  Call the Elizabeth
branch to pre-register at 812-952-3759. (Youth)
Tuesday, December 19 through Saturday, January 6 – Corydon Branch – ESCAPE THE HOUSE OF POE.
Follow clues and spine-chilling puzzles to escape the House of Poe before time runs out, or you’ll
nevermore be seen again. Contact the youth services department at the Corydon Branch 812-738-4110
to schedule your time slot. (Family)

Who’s Awesome! – Ann Allen – September 2023

Notices / By /

Congratulations, Ann Allen!

Ann Allen, youth services assistant, is HCPL’s September winner for Who’s Awesome!  Ann was one of 22 nominations for the honor this month. An anonymous nominator wrote this about Ann, “They did a Great Job on the Bluey Bash. They are the Best!!!”

Ann was also nominated earlier this summer by fellow youth services assistant Savannah Wallace. Savannah stated, “Ann did a great job making all the props for our mouse scavenger hunt this summer. She even sewed him a pair of adorable swim trunks! Ann always goes the extra mile to make things fun for the kids.”

Ann’s supervisor, Eden Ransdell, nominated her in May stating, “Ann is great at programming and decorating and always comes up with cute ideas. She is really good at working with kids and we are really lucky to have her. “

Debi Strubler wrote this in her May nomination, “Ann Allen has a gift working with children. I worked in the children’s department for six years before transferring downstairs to circulation. I witnessed Ann’s interaction with children. She is a natural. She is very engaging, welcoming, and inspiring when leading her programs. People have told me on multiple occasions what a blessing she is to be one of our great presenters of youth programs. Last Thursday, I was at the YMCA in Corydon and had a conversation with a patron who has had many children attend Ann’s programs throughout the years. This patron spoke for many minutes showing her deep gratitude for Ann’s efforts and presentations. I know that Ann takes work home with her in order to ensure her programs have successful outcomes. Thank you, Ann, for your hard work!!”

Ann has been with the library for almost 14 years joining the youth services staff in December of 2009. From the beginning, she handled daycare outreach programs, toddler times and Mother Goose on the Loose. She came to HCPL with years of experience working with youth at OCUM preschool and the Louisville Science Center. She still visits daycares and preschools for the library, offers a weekly Library Little Ones session, and helps with special library programs and decorating.

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in September include Debbie McClanahan, Alisa Burch, Leo Stiner, Corinne Burton, Lisa Mason, Vee Colantonio, Savannah Wallace, Connie Gresham, Donna Seewer, Jessica Stroud, Kelli Witsman, Heather Wyss, Trevor Smith, Shawnda Mosson, Liz Dennis, Diana Lasky and Teresa Douglass.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

 

Teen Volunteers conduct Water Quality Testing, September 2023.

Teen Volunteers Conduct Water Quality Testing

Teen Activities, Youth Activities / By /

Eleven Teen Volunteers visited Indian Creek last Tuesday to test water quality for the Hoosier Riverwatch program.  The teens used a dip net and kick seine to collect macroinvertebrates (insect larvae and other tiny aquatic animals) that cling to rocks and plants in the creek’s riffles.  The species found included damselfly nymphs, stoneflies, riffle beetles, and water pennies, all of which can only survive in clean water.  Despite murky conditions caused by a recent drought, this diversity of insects scored a Pollution Tolerance Index of 25, which is considered Excellent Water Quality.

The teens also conducted a range of chemical tests.  Here are the results:

Dissolved Oxygen: The amount of oxygen available in the water for fish and other animals to breathe.  DO is reduced by excessive algae growth, which is in turn caused by fertilizer pollution.  Indian Creek scored 11.5 mg/liter.  The state average is only 9.6 mg/liter (higher=better).

5-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand: The amount of oxygen used up by algae and bacteria over five days.  Indian Creek scored 4.5 mg/liter due to excessive algae.  The Indiana average is 2 mg/liter (lower=better).

pH: The acidity of the water.  Indian Creek scored excellent at 7.25 pH (the state standard is 6-9).

Orthophosphates: A type of fertilizer pollution.  The teens found no trace of orthophosphates in the water.

Nitrate: Another fertilizer pollutant.  Indian Creek scored 2.2 mg/liter.  The Indiana average is over 12 (lower=better).

Turbidity: The murkiness of the water.  Indian Creek scored 17 NTUs.  The state average is 15 (lower=better), but the EPA recommends a limit of 10.4.  Indian Creek is usually much clearer than this.

Although the drought caused poorer conditions than are typical, Indian Creek still earned a Water Quality Index of 80/100,  a rating of Good.  These results have been submitted to Hoosier Riverwatch, where the data will be freely available to scientists and the public.  Thanks to our Teen Volunteers for helping protect Indiana’s precious waterways!

Teen Volunteers meet most Tuesdays at 5 p.m. at the Corydon Branch.  Call the library at 812-738-4110 for more information or to learn how you can participate.

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