Author name: Jessica Stroud

WA Amanda Embrey

Who’s Awesome! Amanda Embrey – November 2024

Amanda Embrey, circulation clerk at the Palmyra branch library, is HCPL’s  Who’s Awesome!  winner for November. There were four nominations for the honor this month.

Nikki Esarey, the Palmyra lead circ associate, nominated Embrey writing, “Recently, Amanda purchased a variety of puzzles to create a puzzle swap for our free book cart, and the patrons love it. Whether it’s setting up an aquarium at the desk, bringing in cute decorations, or starting a puzzle swap, Amanda is always striving to make the library more welcoming and fun.”

Embrey joined the HCPL staff at Palmyra in April of 2013 and worked until the end of 2017 when she transitioned to a substitute position. In November of 2023, she rejoined the Palmyra schedule and has since received eight Who’s Awesome nominations.

In October Embrey received two nominations. Co-worker Shawnda Mosson wrote, “Amanda has been great about covering my shifts for me when I have needed to take time off. I am very grateful that she has been able to switch her schedule around when I have needed the coverage.”  Esarey’s  nomination read, “Amanda has great customer service skills and is always friendly and helpful to library patrons. While I was at a school visit this week and she was working by herself, a couple visiting from out of town were so impressed with her welcoming attitude that they made a nice donation to the library in gratitude. Her kindness and dedication is apparent in all she does. She is awesome!!”

Esarey also nominated Embrey in June stating, “Amanda purchased an aquarium and all of the supplies for the library’s desk. She thought that it would be nice for our patrons, especially our young patrons, and she worked diligently to make it a reality. The patrons do love it and so do the employees. It is so bright and cheerful – complete with a bubbling volcano. It’s a great addition to the library. Amanda is awesome for making it happen!”

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Others nominated in November include:  Jan Hecht, Shelley Gulley and Pat Schwartz.

 

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Who’s Awesome! Amanda Embrey – November 2024 Read More »

Who's Awesome - Pat Schwartz

Who’s Awesome! Pat Schwartz – October 2024

Pat Schwartz, circulation clerk at the Lanesville branch library, is HCPL’s  Who’s Awesome!  winner for October. There were twenty nominations for the honor this month.

Carla Ward, Schwartz’s Lanesville co-worker, nominated  her writing, “Pat is very good with the patrons. With one of our regulars she has taken on the responsibility of finding books and authors he might enjoy. This hasn’t always been an easy task for her since this patron is very picky. She also recommends books to one of our patrons who struggles finding books. She’s always putting books on hold for them and also giving them book recommendations. Both patrons are very pleased with the amount of help Pat gives them.”

In September, Schwartz received two nominations for Who’s Awesome! Systems Administrator Trevor Smith wrote, “Pat has helped out tremendously every time I am working from Lanesville. If a patron comes in for a tour of the makerspace, and I am assisting a patron, Pat always takes it upon herself to show the patron around and describing what each machine does perfectly. Pat will also go the extra mile to help identify issues when reporting them. I can’t thank her enough for her help.” The second nomination by Business Manager Kelly Powell read, “Pat was very helpful in training a new  employee. When the employee was having difficulties learning different aspects of the job, Pat called the main branch to ask what she could do to help this employee. Pat implemented different training techniques to try and help. Unfortunately, it did not work, but Pat’s willingness to think outside of the box to help a fellow employee was noticed.“

In July, Debi Strubler, a Corydon circulation clerk, nominated Schwartz writing, “On several occasions I have called Lanesville with a question. Pat always answers my questions in record time and very kindly. I really appreciate this.”

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Others nominated in September include: Ann Allen, Chelsea Arnold, Bethany Banet, Henry Blair, Amanda Embrey, Nikki Esarey, Connie Gresham, Shelley Gulley, Kelly Powell, Shawnda Mosson, Julia Phipps, Trevor Smith, Jessica Stroud, Savannah Wallace, and Heather Wyss.

 

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Who’s Awesome! Pat Schwartz – October 2024 Read More »

Who’s Awesome! Debbie McClanahan – September 2024

Debbie McClanahan,  lead circ associate at the Corydon Branch, is HCPL’s  September  winner for Who’s Awesome! There were seven nominations for the  honor this month.

Jessica Stroud, assistant director,  nominated McClanahan  writing, “Debbie ensures awesomeness in the circulation department daily, and most  recently she is to be commended for her suggestions and contributions to the hotspot policy and procedure committee. Not only is she key in shaping the policy, she also articulates and updates the policy in existing documents, then distributes the changes to  circulation staff at all branches. She additionally created a how-to slideshow about circulating hotspots for the benefit of all circulation staff, and prior to that created two Niche Academy tutorials for HCPL staff. Kudos to Debbie for her hard work and dedication! “

McClanahan has worked at the library for nearly 19  years, joining HCPL’s staff  in November of 2005 as a circulation assistant. She was promoted to front desk  supervisor in August of 2006 and now is the Corydon lead circ associate.

In July, Director Alisa Burch nominated  McClanahan stating, “Debbie has been working hard to create tutorials on circulation skills for staff that can be uploaded to the Niche staff academy. This month she spent hours working on hotspot circulation and inspection. Tutorials are a great tool for staff who have questions about specific tasks and make a super training tool. Debbie is awesome!”

“Debbie is a very nice lady who helps me out a lot. :)“, wrote Youth Services Manager Eden Ransdell last November.

Tiffany Thieneman, public services manager, nominated McClanahan in September of 2023 writing, “Debbie is my Scooby-Doo! She always helps me solve the random mysteries that pop up. Whether it is one of our items or a SRCS material, Debbie is willing to help figure out what the issue is and how to solve it. It is awesome to have Debbie as a resource to help when something happens that I can’t figure out. I appreciate her willingness to help me and the Reference staff! “

In August of 2023, patron services co-worker Amanda Applegate nominated McClanahan stating, “ I appreciate Debbie helping me out last week with cross-referencing. She is always willing to help out when needed. “

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in September include:  Sarah Dorton, Amanda Embrey, Seren Lindsey, Steven Schifcar, Jon Schraffenberger, Pat Schwartz,  and Tiffany Thieneman.

 

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Who’s Awesome! Debbie McClanahan – September 2024 Read More »

SoIN Big Read begins September 22 | Kickoff event September 24

The SoIN Big Read is a regional reading event hosted by libraries and local organizations. The event promotes reading and celebrates the joy of learning as a community. This year’s Big Read book is Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut. Participating organizations: Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana, Clark County Reads, Floyd County Public Library, Harrison County Public Library, Jeffersonville Township Public Library, and the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library.

Get your copy of Player Piano at any HCPL branch!

SoIN Big Read Kickoff

Tuesday, September 24 · 6:30 – 8pm EDT

Ivy Tech Community College: Auditorium, 8204 Highway 311 Sellersburg, IN 47172

Event lasts 1 hour 30 minutes

Join us for this exciting FREE event to kick off the SoIN Big Read! Reserve your spot at the kickoff event

The sponsors are excited to host artist Edith Vonnegut Squibb, daughter of literary icon Kurt Vonnegut, and celebrated author Jess Walter of The Cold Millions, Beautiful Ruins, and other titles for a compelling discussion on the significance of free speech and the lasting impact of Vonnegut’s work.

As they delve into topics related to book banning, Squibb will offer a unique perspective on her father’s fearless approach to controversial topics and his belief in the power of literature to provoke thought and inspire change.

Walter will bring his own experiences as a writer to the conversation, reflecting on how the fight for free speech continues to shape the literary landscape. Together, they will explore the ongoing relevance of Vonnegut’s voice in defending the right to read and write without restriction, highlighting the critical role of literature in safeguarding freedom of expression.

This kickoff event is sponsored by the Jeffersonville Township Public Library Foundation and Indiana Humanities.

2024 SoIN Big Read Events

SoIN Big Read begins September 22 | Kickoff event September 24 Read More »

Who’s Awesome! Leo Stiner – August 2024

Leo Stiner,  genealogy clerk, is HCPL’s  August winner for Who’s Awesome! There were 12 nominations for the  honor this month.

Kathy Fisher, genealogy head, nominated Leo writing, “With a looming deadline and uncooperative home equipment, a patron came to us in a panic. Leo didn’t blink an eye to help create, format, and print nearly 150 labels faster than anyone else. Way to go above and beyond!“

Co-worker Teresa Douglass nominated Leo in July stating, “I nominate Leo Stiner for the July Who’s Awesome award. Leo has been a huge help to me recently by assisting with background research on photographs we included on our digital archives. We had over 170 images of people about whom we had very little information, other than their names, and sometimes not even that. Leo did a great job finding information and writing up summaries of many individuals. Leo also provides excellent customer service to patrons, and is always willing to go that extra step. He has been especially helpful to patrons researching their property by providing them with images and information that they are always thrilled to have. Leo has also been very  flexible and agreeable with last minute changes to his schedule in order to accommodate unexpected staff needs. Leo is a great team player and an awesome co-worker!”

Leo joined the HCPL staff as a genealogy intern as part of a LSTA Digitization Grant through the Indiana State Library funded by the IMLS in January of 2021 and is now a valued member of the genealogy staff. He is courteous and helpful with patrons and has been described as “creative, artistic, and computer savvy.” In an April nomination Douglass wrote, He can “quickly come up with ideas and solutions for images, displays, etc.”

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in August include:  Amanda Applegate, Teresa Douglass, Nikki Esarey, Megan Grindle, Sandy Harbeson, Eve Kopsolias, JoBeth Mathes, Julie Phipps,  Eden Ransdell, and Trevor Smith.

 

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Who’s Awesome! Leo Stiner – August 2024 Read More »

Who’s Awesome! Kathy Fisher – June 2024

Kathy Fisher, Head of Genealogy, is HCPL’s  June winner for Who’s Awesome! There were 11 nominations for the honor this month.

Library Director Alisa Burch, nominated Kathy stating, “Kathy worked HCPL’s pop-up library at the Corydon Pride Fest June 21. She braved the heat to share information on library’s services and programs. Kathy is awesome! ”

Teresa Douglass, genealogy specialist, had this to say about Kathy last July, “Kathy is an awesome person to work with. She is incredibly knowledgeable in her field, and I have learned a tremendous amount about genealogy from her. She is my “go to” person when I just can’t seem to find a solution. Even if I think I’ve tried every possible angle, she never fails to come up with an additional resource to try or a different research route to consider. Kathy knows her stuff! Also, Kathy has always been very understanding and accommodating with my schedule.  She’s always willing to work work around appointments, or needing time to take care of mom, or working around (often short-notice) visits with my son, etc., which is VERY MUCH appreciated. Lastly, but certainly not least, Kathy has been an amazing trooper during her own personal battles over the past year. She never once brought her troubles or issues into work with her, but remained unbelievably positive and professional throughout. Can’t get more awesome than that!“

Kathy joined HCPL’s staff 20 years ago splitting her work week between the reference department and genealogy. She went full-time as head of the genealogy department when Jim Burnside retired in 2005.  Kathy oversees the center and staff. She answers patron requests, handles monetary and artifact donations and conducts  programming. She was nominated by Burch several times for her programming ideas including this nomination from September of 2023. “Kathy plans fun activities to “spotlight” the offerings of the Frederick Porter Griffin Center several times during the year. This September she has focused the Saturday Spotlights on Indiana Archaeology Month. Kathy uses humor to make the activities more appealing and bring awareness to the physical and digital records the FPGC offers including photos, files, newspapers, yearbooks, donated materials, artifacts, Ancestry.com and Fold3. For September she has planned a scavenger hunt to “Find Indiana” where she has hidden images of Indiana Jones throughout the collection and a “Not My Job!” quiz to test knowledge of antiquated occupations. Kathy is awesome!”

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in June include: Amanda Applegate, Amanda Embrey, Connie Gresham, Megan Grindle, JoBeth Mathes, Trevor Smith, Jessica Stroud, Tiffany Thieneman, Savannah Wallace, and Heather Wyss.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Who’s Awesome! Kathy Fisher – June 2024 Read More »

Young Voices Poetry Contest For Grades 3 – 12

Indianapolis, IN: Poetry Society of Indiana announces the 2024 Young Voices Annual Poetry Contest. First place winners will receive public acknowledgement 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

PDF: PSI Young Voices Annual Contest Guidelines and Submission Form


Deadline for submissions is September 20, 2024.

There is no fee. Additional details are at this link:

PSI Young Voices Annual Poetry Contest (poetrysocietyofindiana.org)

 

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).

CONTACT:  All questions should be directed to [email protected], with “Young Voices contest” in the subject line.

Young Voices Poetry Contest For Grades 3 – 12 Read More »

Who’s Awesome! Shawnda Mosson – May 2024

Shawnda Mosson, Palmyra Library Assistant, is HCPL’s May winner for Who’s Awesome! There were eight nominations for the honor this month.

Megan Grindle, also a member of the Palmyra Branch staff, nominated Shawnda stating, “Shawnda is so polite and nice to staff and patrons, always going above and beyond to be helpful. I always appreciate working with her as she finds solutions to any inquiry or issue. You can’t help but smile when around her because she is usually laughing about something and her happy demeanor is contagious.”

Library Director Alisa Burch had this to say about Shawnda, “Shawnda offers great readers’ advisory at the Palmyra Branch. I have witnessed her helping patrons find books that they will enjoy. She has broad knowledge of the collection and shares that daily. Shawnda also created fun decorations for the summer reading challenge Adventure Begins at Your Library. She is a practical joker and full of fun. Shawnda is awesome!”

Shawnda interned with HCPL before joining the staff in March of 2010. She has worked at the Palmyra Branch for more than 14 years. In addition to providing great readers’ advisory and customer service, she does youth storytime, hosts the monthly “Not Your Mother’s Book Club,” and leads teen and family painting classes.

Nikki Esarey, the Palmyra lead circ associate and Shawnda’s immediate supervisor, nominated Shawnda in March of 2024 writing, “Shawnda has been so much help with the escape room. Escape room week can be crazy, but she has been amazing at multitasking—along with circulation, shelving, weeding and customer service, she has been making reminder calls, resetting the escape room, repairing props, hosting programs, and handing out eclipse glasses. She is so awesome!” Nikki also nominated Shawnda a year ago saying, “I really appreciate that Shawnda takes time every work day to shelf read and straighten. Her self-motivated efforts create a more welcoming environment for our patrons. She is awesome!”

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in May include: Amanda Applegate, Sandy Harbeson, Eden Randsell, Steven Schifcar, Jennifer Schroering, Debi Strubler and Heather Wyss.

 

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Who’s Awesome! Shawnda Mosson – May 2024 Read More »

Tell us how you “library” to win!

Hey library lovers, it’s that time of year again—National Library Week! We need your help spreading some library love by sharing what you appreciate most about the services and resources your library provides.

Do you love getting lost in the stories of the library’s summer reading program, storytime, or book club? When you walk through the library’s doors, are you looking for a quiet nook to study or a makerspace to harness your creativity? What’s your favorite thing to check out—books, movies, cake pans, seeds? Do you attend programs to enrich your mind, meet local authors, or find support from your community?

We want to know how YOU library!

Participating is easy:

  1. Snap a pic or shoot a video showcasing your favorite thing about your library.
  2. Post to Instagram, X, Threads, or on the I Love Libraries Facebook page with the hashtag #HowILibrary.
  3. Don’t forget to tag Harrison County Public Library!

What’s in it for you?
In addition to the gratification of supporting libraries, there’s also a chance to win great prizes.

  • Grand Prize (1 winner): A VISA gift card ($150.00 value) and choice of one ALA Graphics poster.
  • Second Prize (3 winners): Choice of one ALA Graphics poster.

So, let’s see those book stacks, creative reading spots, and all the adventures that libraries take you on! If you don’t have a photo to share, check out the Library Elements graphics at ilovelibraries.org. The promotion starts Sunday, April 7, at noon CT and ends Friday, April 12, at noon CT.

Join the #HowILibrary movement, and let’s make this the best National Library Week ever! Official Rules (PDF)

Follow your library, ALA, and I Love Libraries on social media.

Be sure to follow HCPL on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss out on all we have to offer.
Post one of our available graphics to your social media account and join the conversation by using the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek.

 

National Library Week 2024: Ready, Set, Library! featured on the ALA website

Tell us how you “library” to win! Read More »

HCPL app

The HCPL app is now functioning!

After a few months of waiting, the Harrison County Public Library app is working again! The HCPL app (and many other libraries’ apps) went dark in late October due to unforeseen issues with the contracted app developer.

The HCPL app prioritizes a library user’s needs and places the Harrison County Public Library virtually in their hands. One can quickly see the items that they have checked out or on hold, search the entire online catalog that now includes digital content from OverDrive and hoopla. Library users can view, listen or download titles directly from the app.

The app offers one-stop access to browsing and registering for library activities for all ages, all HCPL eResources, current HCPL news, and links to social media. The app also features a handy virtual library card to present to library staff when checking out items.

“By using the library app, a person only has to look in one place for everything—they don’t have to go to separate websites or browse multiple apps. The app gives users easy access to HCPL services and resources wherever they are whenever they need them,” said Alisa Burch, Library Director. “If you have a phone or mobile device you can easily borrow eBooks and electronic audiobooks, stream movies and locate and reserve traditional print books and DVDs all from one app.”

If you have a question about the app, please visit www.hcpl.lib.in.us and click on “Contact Us”, or call your local HCPL branch.

The HCPL app is now functioning! Read More »

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