Who’s Awesome! – Sara Deatrick – May 2023

Notices / By /

Congratulations, Sara Deatrick!

Sara Deatrick, the Elizabeth Branch lead circ associate, is HCPL’s May Who’s Awesome! winner.  Sara was one of twenty nominations for the honor this month.

 Liz Dennis, who works at both the Elizabeth and Corydon branches, nominated Sara saying, “Mrs. Sara knows her community and patrons. She is very astute and resourceful. She goes out of her way to explain information to patrons and is very thorough. She is an asset to the library.”

Pat Schwartz, who worked with Sara at the Elizabeth Branch, had this to say about Sara in a previous nomination, “Sara is a great asset to the Elizabeth branch. She is a very compassionate person. People love her in the Elizabeth community. While I worked at the Elizabeth branch I experienced a community that takes care of its people. Sara does a lot for the community and it reflects well on HCPL.“

Sara started her career at HCPL as a youth assistant in May of 2003. She was promoted to lead circ associate when the Elizabeth Branch opened in October of 2012.

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in May were Corinne Burton, Trevor Smith, Amanda Applegate, Kelly Powell, Leo Stiner, Teresa Douglass, Eleisa Mason, Diana Lasky, Ann Allen, Julia Phipps, Melissa, Schellenberger, Bethany Banet, Savannah Wallace, Connie Gresham, Lynn Hardesty, and Sarah Dorton.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

 

 

Miniature Art at the Library

Adult Program, Book club, Notices, Photography, Tell Your Story / By /

Have you seen a diorama at your local library branch?  The Harrison County Public Library is currently displaying dioramas by local artist Donna Shaw of MiniMaples Studio. Shaw, who lives in Jeffersonville, has been crafting in miniature since 2015.  In 2022, she partnered with the Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana for the MiniMaples Literacy Project to get school students excited about reading and books through art.  This summer the project has been expanded to public libraries.

HCPL is displaying four dioramas this summer to “encourage students (children) to read and grow their creativity and imagination,” which is Shaw’s goal.  The library suggests families look at the intricate details in the dioramas and check out books that are related to each miniature display.

Click to enlarge

Ocean Depths can be found at the Corydon Branch. Is your child interested in sharks, coral, starfish or the ocean? This diorama is for you.  Checkout    non-fiction books on all these topics at any library location.  (Don’t forget to look closely…I spy a bunny with a ducky swimming ring.)

Click to enlarge

Ocean Depths can be found at the Corydon Branch.
Is your child interested in sharks, coral, starfish or the ocean? This diorama is for you.  Checkout non-fiction books on all these topics at any library location.  (Don’t forget to look closely…I spy a bunny with a ducky swimming ring.)

Click to enlarge

Tis the season for gardening. Big Old Garden features a huge tree, a bird feeder with realistic birds and a small pond complete with lily pads. Try books like Everything Bird: What Kids Really Want to Know About Birds, Tell Me Tree: All About Trees for Kids, Over and Under the Pond, or My First Book of Garden Wildlife.

Click to enlarge

Scaredy Squirrel can be found at the Lanesville Branch.  If you aren’t familiar with this book character, ask an elementary school-aged child. Scaredy Squirrel stories by Melanie Watt include adventures at the beach, birthday party, camping, and making friends, to name a few.

The dioramas are expected to rotate branches throughout the summer so everyone can experience all of the miniature art. Drop by the library soon to view a diorama, join the summer reading challenge and check out books.

poetry society of IN

Poetry Society of Indiana’s Young Voices Annual Poetry Contest

Notices, Teen Activities, Youth Activities / By /

Indiana Poetry Contest For Grades 3 – 12

The Poetry Society of Indiana announces the 2023 Young Voices Annual Poetry Contest. First-place winners will receive public acknowledgment on the PSI website and social media platforms. The poems may be published in the annual anthology Ink to Paper.

Contest Guidelines

  • Open state-wide to public, private, and homeschool students in grades 3-12
  • Recommendation by a teacher required
  • Original unpublished work only
  • One poem submission per student
  • 30-line limit (including blank lines)
  • No submission fees

​Contest Categories

  • Category 1:  Grades 3 & 4
  • Category 2:  Grades 5 & 6
  • Category 3:  Grades 7 & 8
  • Category 4:  Grades 9 & 10
  • Category 5:  Grades 11 & 12

Deadline for submissions is September 20, 2023.

There is no fee.  Additional details are available on the PSI Young Voices Annual Poetry Contest page.

About Poetry Society of Indiana: Poetry Society of Indiana (PSI), founded in 1941, is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public and encouraging poets in Indiana. PSI seeks to unite poets in friendship and understanding while recognizing cultural heritage and linguistic contexts. Prior to 2016, Poetry Society of Indiana was known as Indiana State Federation of Poetry Clubs (ISFPC).

All questions should be directed to poetrysocietyofindiana@gmail.com, with “Young Voices contest” in the subject line.

Old Shoes = Clean Water: HCPL to Host Shoe Drive

Adult Program, Book club, Notices, Photography, Tell Your Story / By /

Donate your old shoes to help people around the world have access to clean safe water. Harrison County Public Library will be sponsoring a WaterStep shoe drive from May 15 – July 31, 2023 during the “All Together Now” summer reading challenge.

  • Boxes for shoe collection will be at all 5 branch locations
  • ALL types of footwear accepted (used and new)
  • Shoes may be worn; just no holes in the soles
  • No moldy, mildewed or muddy shoes accepted
  • Help WaterStep by tying laces together or rubber banding flip-flops

So how in the world do old shoes provide clean water?  At a recent Step Ahead meeting presentation, Ron McKulick of WaterStep stated that it only takes 3 pairs of donated shoes to provide 1 person with clean water for LIFE.

WaterStep is a non-profit organization that has been in operation for 25 years bringing safe water to communities in developing counties, after natural disasters, and in emergency situations. Since its beginning, WaterStep has helped to provide safe water to eight million people in 67 countries.

WaterStep designs and builds safe water and disinfectant equipment locally in Louisville, KY.  Materials to build the equipment are purchased by funds from shoe donations, individual donations, grants and product sales. WaterStep does not receive any state, federal, or international funding.

Ron challenged Harrison County Public Library to sponsor a shoe drive and have a goal of acquiring 600 pounds of shoes.  That could potentially help 200 people have access to clean water. The video links WaterStep Shoe Program and WaterStep Helps Hurricane Laura Survivors provides a brief overview of some of the benefits of the shoe drive.  For more information, visit WaterStep.org

You can help provide clean water by donating the shoes you no longer wear during the summer reading challenge “All Together Now.”

INDOT Public Comment and Meetings for Statewide Transportation Improvement Program

Notices / By /

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is in the process of updating the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to cover the years 2024-2028.  The STIP is Indiana’s five-year planning and construction document that lists all projects and project phases expected to be funded within the next five years using federal funding, as required per Title 23, United States Code (USC). The STIP also includes state-funded projects that have been deemed Regionally Significant. The current STIP (2022-2026) and draft version of the 2024-2028 STIP are available here.

The 2024-2028 STIP is available for review and comment until June 22, 2023.

Virtual Town Hall
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Session 1 1:00 – 3:00 pm (EST)
Session 2 5:00 – 7:00 pm (EST)

IN-PERSON OPEN HOUSE EVENTS:

Wednesday, May 17
Session 1 1:00 – 3:00 pm (EST)
Session 2 3:45 – 5:45 pm (EST)
Marion Public Library
600 S Washington St
Marion, IN

Thursday, May 18
Session 1 1:00 – 3:00 pm (EST)
Session 2 5:00 – 7:00 pm (EST)
Broad Ripple Park Family Center
1426 Broad Ripple Ave
Indianapolis, IN

Wednesday, May 24
Session 1 1:00 – 3:00 pm (CST)
Session 2 4:00 – 6:00 pm (CST)
Dean and Barbara White Community Center
6600 Broadway
Merrillville, IN

Wednesday, May 31
Session 1 1:00 – 3:00 pm (CST)
Session 2 5:00 – 7:00 pm (CST)
Evansville Public Library Central
200 SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Evansville, IN

Saying Goodbye is Hard to Do – Best Wishes in Your Retirement!

Adult Program, Book club, Notices, Photography, Tell Your Story / By /

Two of HCPL’s long-term employees, Ann Crecilius and Nancy Rosenbaum retired in April.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, both had to leave without co-workers being able to wish them goodbye and good luck in person.

Ann Crecelius joined HCPL as a part-time youth services staff member in September of 2003. After years of working in the children’s department she switched to technical services/cataloging where she did an outstanding job. Her supervisor, Bethany Banet, said Ann was teaching her replacement Jennifer Schroering things that Bethany herself didn’t know or realize. Ann was well known for being exact and precise. Staff often described Ann as caring, pleasant and positive.

Nancy Rosenbaum also joined the HCPL youth services staff as part-time summer reading help in June of 1999. Summer came and went and Nancy stayed! With the addition of Nancy to the staff, the library was able to offer toddler programming and outreach to daycares. Nancy worked in youth services until the Lanesville Branch opened in 2009 and she was made the Lanesville lead circ associate. Nancy’s programs, whether storytimes for youth or cooking programs for adults, were always popular. Patrons and staff alike love her sense of humor and gift for gab. Her co-workers at Lanesville had planned to surprise her with a week-long celebration. 

HCPL director Alisa Burch expressed her regards by saying, “Thank you Ann and Nancy! Though we didn’t get to say it in person, your years of hard work and dedication were greatly appreciated. You will be missed. In fact, you already are. Take care. Have fun. Visit often.”

Article by Alisa Burch

Who’s Awesome! – Diana Lasky – April 2023

Notices / By /

Congratulations, Diana Lasky!

Diana Lasky, administrative assistant to the director, is HCPL’s April Who’s Awesome! winner.  Diana was one of twelve nominations for the honor this month.  Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. A quarterly winner and nominator receive a small prize in addition to the recognition.  

Kelly Powell, HCPL business manager, nominated Diana saying, “Diana went above and beyond to make sure the library volunteers had a wonderful day. She made certificates, and a fruit tray with a fancy bird, and put fun little dots on the tables.”

Diana received two additional nominations this month. Main circulation clerk Debi Strubler had this to say, “I have worked at the library for almost 10 years. I have always seen Diana working diligently no matter the time of day and/or at the end of the week. She works with high intensity each day. The taxpayers can rest assured that this steward of the library uses the taxes for her salary afforded to the library in a very efficient way every day.”

Another nomination stated, “Diana did an awesome job planning and coordinating the April 20th Volunteer Recognition Reception. From the minute she was asked to plan something she got right to work. She designed, printed, addressed and mailed the invitations. She designed and printed certificates of appreciation and found folders to display the certificates. She created the menu, bought and set up the refreshments, even going so far as to watch a YouTube video to create a swan out of an apple for the center of the fruit tray. She stayed throughout the reception greeting and interacting with all the volunteers and she cleaned up afterward. She made blog and social media posts about the event.” 

Diana started her career at HCPL as a youth assistant in August of 2007. She was promoted to youth services director in January of 2018 and became administrative assistant to the director in January of 2023.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

 

 

Shakespeare in the Park Moves Indoors to a Full House

Reading Program, Youth Activities / By /

The weather was cool and the ground was soggy, but more than 105 people attended A Midsummer Night’s Dream as it moved indoors to the Harrison County Parks Department office/sanctuary.  The public enjoyed the play and the venue (previously Wright Interpretive Center, old Presbyterian Church) just off the Corydon town square.  Hilarity ensued as the multiple stories were told and the fairies created mischief.

Attendees of all ages came to the production performed by TheatreWorks of Southern Indiana and directed by Martin French and James Thompson.  Library director Alisa Burch welcomed the audience and thanked the Harrison County Parks Department for providing the indoor venue.  Other community partners were Corydon Capitol State Historic Site (the original outdoor location) and the Harrison County Visitor’s Bureau which remained open until 8 p.m. with restroom services.  Hannegan Roseberry of TheatreWorks of Southern Indiana introduced the play and mentioned that “theater is alive and well in Corydon” noting there were two other local live productions that night in Corydon.

Harrison County Public Library sponsored the Corydon performance of the Arts Alliance of SoIN Spring Tour of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  As the audience exited the building, many complimented the performance and the venue and thanked the actors.  For more information about the production, actors and upcoming plays, visit the playbill link.

HCPL Volunteers Recognized at Reception

Adult Program, Book club, Notices, Photography, Tell Your Story / By /

Harrison County Public Library volunteers were invited to a recognition reception on Thursday, April 20, for Volunteer Recognition Day.   The library hosted the event in the Blaine H. Wiseman Community Room at the library. Bite-sized desserts, fruit, coffee and tea were served.  Volunteers received a certificate recognizing their individual service for the library as well as library “swag.”

Director Alisa Burch said, ” This year we have an outstanding group of new volunteers who have made adding more adult programming possible.  Plus we have very dedicated, long-term volunteers who repair books, man our book sales and serve on our active library board of trustees.”

Library volunteers help in many ways, some in front of the scenes and some behind.  Some volunteers run programs such as photography, book clubs or English as a Second Language.  Volunteers help with book repair, cleaning DVDs/CDs or assisting library personnel during youth programs.  The library could not run without the Board of Trustees and the support of the Friends group.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS!

Board of Trustees:  Kathy Crimans, President; Sharon Mathes, Vice-President; Derrick Grigsby, Treasurer; Barbara Smith, Secretary; Jon Howerton, Suetta Tingler and Roger Windell.
Programming Volunteers: Elizabeth Redding, Carol Erpelding and Gary Pope.
Book Repair, CD/DVD Maintenance & other youth program assistance:  Christine Pendleton, Sharon LaHue, Walter Ryan and Charlotte Adams.
Friends of  Harrison County Library:  Cyndi Voyles, Karen Eves, Lynne Schipp, Cindy Daily, Susan Isbell.

Recognize a Library Star during National Library Week April 23 – 29, 2023

1 Comment / Notices / By /

During National Library Week Harrison County Public Library (HCPL) celebrates the valuable contributions of library workers. National Library Workers Day, April 25, is a great time to thank library employees for their contributions. Do you know of an exceptional library worker?  Have you received top notch service? Members of the community are invited to “Submit a Star” and show appreciation for library staff. “Stars” may be filled out in person at any HCPL branch by placing a staff name on a physical star or by providing a submission online about a favorite library employee at http://bit.ly/librarystar.

HCPL workers play a critical role in meeting the needs of the community. Show appreciation by taking time to recognize library professionals for their expertise and commitment to transforming lives and communities through education and lifelong learning.  Visit http://bit.ly/librarystar to post an online star or drop in at any branch to fill out a physical star during National Library Week April 23 – 29, 2023.

Scroll to Top