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.

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)

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

Harrison County Public Library (HCPL) partners with the Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana for the 2023 SoIN Big Read for Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe.  Free copies of the book will be available at each branch location for the public.  Find a multitude of Poe offerings in book, eBook, audiobook and movie format through the Harrison County Public Library app and online catalog.

So why read Poe? Simon & Schuster states on their website, “Edgar Allan Poe (1809 – 1849) was an American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic. Poe is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre. He is also generally considered the inventor of the detective fiction genre and is further credited with contributing to the emerging genre of science fiction.”

HCPL is providing many fun-“chilled” activities for adults, families and youth to encourage participation in the Big Read. Beginning in October programs include painting a Poe-inspired raven picture, solving the way out of the “House of Poe” escape room, designing/making a Poe-themed journal cover and crafting a Poe-inspired fall wreath and notecards.  The month will end with a “Poe”-tography class.  A book discussion and a youth take-and-make cooking activity will take place in November followed in December with another opportunity to try the escape room.

The following is a list of dates, times, contact information and intended audience:

OCTOBER

• 6 p.m. Thursday, October 5 – Elizabeth Branch – PAINTING WITH JAMIE. Create a Poe-inspired fall painting with a raven. Register online at hcpl.lib.in.us or contact the Elizabeth branch at 812-969-2899 to schedule. (Adult)
• Tuesday, October 10 through Saturday, October 14 – Palmyra 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 Palmyra branch at 812-364-6425 to schedule your time slot. (Family)
• 11 a.m. Thursday, October 12 – Palmyra Branch – CREATIVE CARDS. Make a Poe-inspired card, a fall card and a Thanksgiving card. Register online at hcpl.lib.in.us or call 812-364-6425. (Adult)
• 6 p.m. Thursday, October 12 – Elizabeth Branch – POE JOURNAL. Make a junk journal with a Poe-themed cover. Register online at hcpl.lib.in.us or call 812-969-2899. (Adult)
• 1 p.m. Monday, October 16 – Corydon Branch – POE PAINTING. Create a Poe-inspired gothic painting of a raven. Register online at hcpl.lib.in.us or call 812-738-4110. (Adult)
• 5 p.m. Monday, October 16 – Lanesville Branch – CREATIVE CARDS. Make a Poe-inspired card, a fall card and a Thanksgiving card. Register online at www.hcpl.lib.in.us or call 812-952-3759. (Adult)
• 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)

NOVEMBER

• 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)

DECEMBER

• 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)

The SoIN Big Read begins October 1, 2023, and runs through January 2024. The Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana will have a kickoff announcement in October. Visit the SoIN Big Read website for a listing of all programs and book distribution. The page will be updated as new information is provided. Free copies of the book will be available while supplies last.

Congratulations, Steven Schifcar!

Steven Schifcar, head of maintenance and grounds, is HCPL’s August winner for Who’s Awesome!  Steven was one of thirteen nominations for the honor this month.

Trevor Smith, HCPL’s Systems Administrator, nominated Steven stating, “Steve is always happy to help no matter what I need. Thanks especially for helping stain the laser exhaust box.”

Diana Lasky, administrative assistant to HCPL’s director, also nominated Steven writing, “Steve has been a tremendous help with the WaterStep Shoe Drive and the transporting of diorama displays. Not only has he transported shoes from the branches, but he has also moved the shoes up and down to my office. Even though all this increased his work load, he has been readily available to assist. I also appreciate the work that Steve does to keep the grounds looking clean and neat. It provides a good image to the public. Unless you come in early, you might not know that Steve does regular ground trash pickup as well as watering flowers, mowing and more. Thanks, Steve, for being awesome! “

He was also nominated in February by Sara Deatrick, the Elizabeth lead circ associate. Sara said, “(Steve) switched out the faucets that have been a pain for 10 years! It makes the day so much nicer to not get splashed and have to clean up puddles by the faucet. “

Steven has been with HCPL for 10 years joining the staff in July of 2013 as head of maintenance and grounds and serving as the library’s courier taking materials between branches each day.  

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in August were Sarah Dorton, Bob Ohlrich, Kelli Witsman, Liz Dennis, Kathy Fisher, Pat Schwartz, Carla Ward, Debbie McClanahan, Jessica Stroud, Trevor Smith and Diana Lasky.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Harrison County Public Library is helping to bring awareness to food insecurity during September for Hunger Action Month through book displays at the Corydon and Palmyra branches. Dare to Care Community Activation Manager Heather Gotlieb reached out to the library for assistance and wrote, “We’re doing everything we can to make this month an all-hands-on-deck effort to let the community know how we can work together to end the cycle of hunger.”

Want to help feed those who are hungry in Harrison County?

• Give food or monetary donations to Harrison County Community Services (HCCS)
• Volunteer at a local food pantry or place that serves meals: HCCS, Corydon Baptist Church, Corydon Church of Christ, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Victory Baptist Church, Father Provides Oasis Ministry Center and the Corydon Presbyterian Church Monday meal

• Drop off non-perishable food at a Little Free Pantry
  • Boys and Girls Club of Harrison County – 134 Jenkins Court NE, Corydon
  • Harrison County Public Library – Lanesville branch, 7340 Pennington Street NE, Lanesville
  • Mauckport Community Church – 12210 Main Street SW, Mauckport
  • Boone Township Fire Department -10850 Highway 11 SE – Laconia
  • Ramsey Fire Department Station #1 – 8325 Maple Street NW, Ramsey
  • Palmyra Fire Department – 595 Main Street NE, Palmyra
• Mark your calendar for January of 2024 for the annual Feed Harrison County Winter Reading Challenge sponsored by Harrison County Public Library:
  • During January, the county is encouraged to read to meet a specific goal. Local businesses sponsor the program and donate food or funds to HCCS, a Dare to Care food recipient
  • For the past 3 years, Tyson has donated 100 cases (40 lbs. each) of frozen chicken. During the last 2 years, Walmart has given a $75 gift card to purchase food. Our newest sponsor, Duke Energy, donated $1,000 to purchase food last winter.
  • Library branches collect food to donate to HCCS during January
• Check out a book from the display about hunger

Celebrate Hunger Action Month by donating, volunteering or finding out more about food insecurity at the Dare to Care website.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Feed Harrison County Winter Reading Challenge, please contact the library at 812-738-4110.