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.”

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

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.