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Tell us how you “library” to win!

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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

“Saturday Spotlight” at the Frederick Porter Griffin Center: MARCH MANIA!

Adult Activities, Adult Program, Genealogy - Local History, Notices / By /

We’ve made it! Even as February tossed an extra day at us, March has finally, well… marched right on in. It sure is packed with exciting moments to commemorate. It’s a special month for many people. It’s celebrated by band kids (who march forth on the 4th ). Soon will be time to “Spring Forward” with Daylight Saving Time (10th ). Basketball fans love their brackets; Irish Americans look for luck. Be sure to grab a slice on 3.14 for Pi Day, and so on…

After a brief winter hiatus, the Frederick Porter Griffin Center is ready to reenter the madness with Saturday Spotlight programming all month long. The public is invited to drop in and join the Head of Genealogy, Kathy Fisher, to celebrate multiple aspects of notable March-related holidays and presentations. Kathy stated, “March is fun! There’s something that just about anyone can get excited and learn more about. Researchers of all levels are welcome! You can get creative with it, too. Stop in and see us; maybe you’ll even spot a leprechaun.”

Each Saturday during the month will offer something different. Featured topics include:
March 9 – President William Henry Harrison’s Inauguration
March 16 – St. Patrick’s Day,
March 23 – Women’s History Month
March 30 – National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Saturdays don’t work for you? The FPGC staff is always on hand to answer questions during regular hours throughout the year. Any and all of the resources at the Genealogy Library, including free use of microfilm, books, family files, the Community News collection, and library editions of databases such as Ancestry, Fold3, and Newspapers.com are available.

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

HCPL app

The HCPL app is now functioning!

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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.

An HCPL space to bring out the maker in you!

Adult Activities, Makerspace, Notices / By /
Foreground L-R: Sharon Mathes, HCPL Board Vice-president; Kathy Crimans, HCPL Board President; Pamela Bennett Martin, HCPL Board member at large; Kelly Powell, Business Manager; Barbara Smith, HCPL Board Secretary; Alisa Burch, Library Director; Jessica Stroud, Head of Information Technology; Trevor Smith, Systems Administrator; Heather Wyss, Makerspace Specialist

Make | Learn | Explore | Share

The Harrison County Public Library Makerspace Ribbon Cutting took place at the Lanesville branch on Friday, December 1, 2023, and an Open House was held on Saturday, December 2. According to Alisa Burch, HCPL Director: “Our vision as a public library is that all residents will have access to a library with free resources to increase their knowledge and with space for recreational and educational programming. A makerspace is a place where people in our community can come together to create with technology.”

The makerspace will be open during the same hours as the Lanesville branch, but appointments are required for training and operating the equipment. Please click here to request an appointment and to reserve equipment, and please note that staff must confirm the appointment/reservation. Click here to download the HCPL makerspace policy and liability waiver. We ask that users please note the age restrictions and that a copy of the printed waiver must be signed and handed to a makerspace staff member before operating equipment.

Use of all equipment is free–the only costs associated with makerspace projects are the supplies used. A fee schedule is available in the HCPL makerspace policy.

Makerspace Specialist Heather Wyss said that she is excited to help users with their creative projects and to share new techniques.

HCPL’s Makerspace hosts a variety of equipment [click here for full descriptions]:

  • Epilog Laser Engraver/Cutter
  • Brother 680W 6-Needle Embroidery Machine
  • Brother CS5055 Sewing Machine
  • Brother 1034D Serger
  • Roland SG3-300 Large Format Printer
  • Elegoo Saturn 8K SLA Printer
  • BambuLabs X1 Carbon FDM 3D Printer
  • Cricut Explore Air 2
  • Elgato VHS Digitizer
  • ION Tape Express Tape-to-MP3 Converter
  • Eyesen 8mm / Super8 Film Digitizer

 

Who's Awesome October winner Amanda Applegate

Who’s Awesome! Amanda Applegate – October 2023

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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

Certificate of Appreciation presented to Suetta Tingler

THANK YOU, SUETTA, FOR YOUR SERVICE!

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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.”

POE-THEMED PROGRAMS for the 2024 SoIN BIG READ

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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)

Who’s Awesome! – Ann Allen – September 2023

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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

 

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

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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.

Who’s Awesome! – Steven Schifcar – August 2023

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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

 

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