Author name: Diana Lasky

Who’s Awesome! Kelly Powell – November 2023

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

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Veterans Day honoring all who served

Veterans Honored at the Library

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.

                                                    

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Who's Awesome October winner Amanda Applegate

Who’s Awesome! Amanda Applegate – October 2023

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

Who’s Awesome! Amanda Applegate – October 2023 Read More »

Certificate of Appreciation presented to Suetta Tingler

THANK YOU, SUETTA, FOR YOUR SERVICE!

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.”

THANK YOU, SUETTA, FOR YOUR SERVICE! Read More »

OCTOBER IS FAMILY HISTORY MONTH

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

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POE-THEMED PROGRAMS for the 2024 SoIN BIG READ

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)

POE-THEMED PROGRAMS for the 2024 SoIN BIG READ Read More »

Who’s Awesome! – Ann Allen – September 2023

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

 

Who’s Awesome! – Ann Allen – September 2023 Read More »

The 2023 SoIn Big Read – Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe – Free Copies

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.

The 2023 SoIn Big Read – Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe – Free Copies Read More »

Who’s Awesome! – Steven Schifcar – August 2023

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

 

Who’s Awesome! – Steven Schifcar – August 2023 Read More »

SEPTEMBER IS HUNGER ACTION MONTH

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.

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