Notices

Young Voices Poetry Contest For Grades 3 – 12

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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Original unpublished work only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 poetrysocietyofindiana@gmail.com, with “Young Voices contest” in the subject line.

Shakespeare on the Corydon Capitol Square a Hit

Adult Program, Latest, Notices, Youth Activities / By /

Friday evening, May 10, was a beautiful weather day for the library to host the kick-off of the SoIn To Shakespeare Tour 2024 of The Tempest at the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site lawn and gazebo. Attendance was 155 with many late comers.

Co-director Martin French welcomes the crowd.
The youth actors on a ship in a storm

The family-friendly play was shortened by James Thompson to be accessible and clear. The youth in the audience were added as cast members and were able to take the stage 3 different times. The children helped begin the play as seafarers (with pirate hats) and were tossed side to side on the ship during the storm. Then the cast took over as the tempest continued.

The tempest tosses the ship.
Miranda, Prospero and Caliban
Apparitions (youth) created by Ariel torment and scare Alonsa and Anonette

The crowed covered all generations. Comments were all positive about the play. location and weather. One set of parents stated that their children had “caught the acting bug” and other families all had positive comments about their children’s experience. Overall, a great time was had by all.

Cast List:
Prospero – Clara Burton
Alonsa – Susan Brooks
Miranda/Trinculo – Kaila Gelback
Caliban/Boatswain – Hayley Ginger
Gonzalo/Stephano – Bryce Woodard
Ferdinand/Antonette – Brayli Temple
Ariel – All actors

Co-director/Producer: Martin French
Co-director/Script Adaptation: James Thompson

The actors and youth take a bow
Cast ends with s sea chanty

If you missed the program, click on the link for more dates of the SoIN To Shakespeare Tour 2024.  2024 Shakespeare Spring Tour Poster

“SCENES FROM YESTERYEAR” SCAN-A-THON DAYS IN MAY

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Do you have interesting (identifiable) local photographs of grandpa’s business, your ancestral home, street scenes, interesting people, parades, or other historic images just sitting around in a shoebox or basement?  Share them!

Every year in May, preservation groups, historical societies, businesses and civic organizations across the country celebrate Historic Preservation Month.  This year is no different.  Presented through a series of “Scan-a-thon” events, the Frederick Porter Griffin Center is joining forces with the Historical Society of Harrison County to promote the importance of preserving local history.  As part of an ongoing collaborative project with The Corydon Democrat, the Historical Society is seeking to collect “Scenes From Yesteryear” photographs from the public.

During each scan-a-thon, Historical Society President Karen Schwartz and FPGC staff will look through photos, record details, and make high-resolution scans while you wait.  All documents will be carefully handled and immediately returned to the owners.  (**If owners wish to receive digital copies of their contributions they must provide their own flash drives at the event**) Karen stated, “This is a great opportunity to preserve your photos and information for posterity.  Please join the Historical Society of Harrison County in our mission to preserve, protect, promote and interpret the rich history of Harrison County!”  Any images and information collected may be published in the newspaper and may be featured in the Library’s Digital Archives Collection. https://cdm17251.contentdm.oclc.org/

Subjects desired include photographs, postcards, and the like, of all eras (up to the present) that the owner can positively identify of Harrison County houses, farms, businesses, schools, churches, bands, clubs, transportation, or interesting people; including portraits of prominent or pioneer residents, people participating in activities, or great snapshots of everyday life.  Help commemorate Historic Preservation Month!

Scan-a-thon Dates

Thursday May 2 (10-3) *Note the early ending – Happy Thurby!
Monday May 6 (10-4)
Wednesday May 15 (10-4)
Tuesday May 21 (10-4)
Saturday May 25 (10-4)
Friday May 31 (10-4)

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

LIBRARY VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION RECEPTION – Thursday, April 25

Adult Activities, Latest, Notices / By /

Harrison County Public Library will recognize and thank valuable library volunteers during a recognition reception on April 25 from 1 – 2:30 PM. The reception occurs during National Volunteer Week, which is celebrated annually during the third week of April. It is a time to spotlight volunteers, provide an opportunity to say thank you and help inspire others to volunteer their time and talents.

HCPL has dependable and energetic volunteers who offer a variety of experience and expertise. Harrison County Public Library values each of the 20 volunteers who provide service to the library and help HCPL better serve the community.

The library board of trustees are volunteers appointed by local elected officials: the county council, the county commissioners and the school boards. HCPL’s seven board members serve four-year terms and oversee the finance, policy and planning activities at the library.

Thank you board members for your dedication of time, talent and expertise:
Kathy Crimans – President
Sharon Mathes – Vice-President
Barbara Smith – Secretary
Derrick Grigsby – Treasurer
Members at Large – Jon Howerton, Roger Windell & Pam Bennett Martin

Behind every successful library is an active Friends of the Library group. The Friends of Harrison County Library, Inc. raises funds through book sales for programs, activities and supplies. Along with monetary funding, the Friends will lend a hand at special events. They sponsor the prize books given to the youth during the summer reading challenge. The Friends meet every other month beginning in January and host a book sale on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month at the Book Box. The Book Box is the building in the library’s back parking lot. The Friends also raise money through membership. An individual membership is $5.00.

Thank you Friends of the Library for your time and support:
Cyndi Voyles – President
Cindy Daily – Vice-President
Christine Pendleton – Treasurer
Susan Isbell – Secretary
Active Volunteers – Lynne Schipp & Karen Eves

Though many adult programs are provided by librarians, others are led by volunteers who bring quality programming through their expertise in specific areas such as book discussion, photography, painting, manga & anime, and English as a Second Language.

Thank you volunteer programmers for your dedication and expertise:
Gary Pope – Memories and Memoirs Book Club
Gabriele Williams – Through the Lens – photography
Aaron Blackman – Manga and Anime Club
Jamie Babcock – Painting with Jamie
Elizabeth Redding – English as a Second Language tutoring

The general public may not realize that a small group of volunteers repairs and cleans library materials. Think of it as a book hospital where trained volunteers care for damaged materials. Library users should not attempt to make book repairs at home. If there is a tear or rip in a book’s page or a binding becomes loose, the library volunteers can repair it with glue or a binding machine. Inside each CD case is a paper to note issues or disc problems.

Thank you cleaning and repair volunteers:
Christine Pendleton – Book repair
Lynne Schipp – Book repair
Walter Ryan – DVD cleaning and repair
Jessica Fulk – Clean and shelve juvenile books

Happy National Volunteer Week!

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!

Latest, New services, Notices, Technology / By /

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.”

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