Notices

Old Shoes = Clean Water: HCPL to Host Shoe Drive

Donate your old shoes to help people around the world have access to clean safe water. Harrison County Public Library will be sponsoring a WaterStep shoe drive from May 15 – July 31, 2023 during the “All Together Now” summer reading challenge.

  • Boxes for shoe collection will be at all 5 branch locations
  • ALL types of footwear accepted (used and new)
  • Shoes may be worn; just no holes in the soles
  • No moldy, mildewed or muddy shoes accepted
  • Help WaterStep by tying laces together or rubber banding flip-flops

So how in the world do old shoes provide clean water?  At a recent Step Ahead meeting presentation, Ron McKulick of WaterStep stated that it only takes 3 pairs of donated shoes to provide 1 person with clean water for LIFE.

WaterStep is a non-profit organization that has been in operation for 25 years bringing safe water to communities in developing counties, after natural disasters, and in emergency situations. Since its beginning, WaterStep has helped to provide safe water to eight million people in 67 countries.

WaterStep designs and builds safe water and disinfectant equipment locally in Louisville, KY.  Materials to build the equipment are purchased by funds from shoe donations, individual donations, grants and product sales. WaterStep does not receive any state, federal, or international funding.

Ron challenged Harrison County Public Library to sponsor a shoe drive and have a goal of acquiring 600 pounds of shoes.  That could potentially help 200 people have access to clean water. The video links WaterStep Shoe Program and WaterStep Helps Hurricane Laura Survivors provides a brief overview of some of the benefits of the shoe drive.  For more information, visit WaterStep.org

You can help provide clean water by donating the shoes you no longer wear during the summer reading challenge “All Together Now.”

INDOT Public Comment and Meetings for Statewide Transportation Improvement Program

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is in the process of updating the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to cover the years 2024-2028.  The STIP is Indiana’s five-year planning and construction document that lists all projects and project phases expected to be funded within the next five years using federal funding, as required per Title 23, United States Code (USC). The STIP also includes state-funded projects that have been deemed Regionally Significant. The current STIP (2022-2026) and draft version of the 2024-2028 STIP are available here.

The 2024-2028 STIP is available for review and comment until June 22, 2023.

Virtual Town Hall
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Session 1 1:00 – 3:00 pm (EST)
Session 2 5:00 – 7:00 pm (EST)

IN-PERSON OPEN HOUSE EVENTS:

Wednesday, May 17
Session 1 1:00 – 3:00 pm (EST)
Session 2 3:45 – 5:45 pm (EST)
Marion Public Library
600 S Washington St
Marion, IN

Thursday, May 18
Session 1 1:00 – 3:00 pm (EST)
Session 2 5:00 – 7:00 pm (EST)
Broad Ripple Park Family Center
1426 Broad Ripple Ave
Indianapolis, IN

Wednesday, May 24
Session 1 1:00 – 3:00 pm (CST)
Session 2 4:00 – 6:00 pm (CST)
Dean and Barbara White Community Center
6600 Broadway
Merrillville, IN

Wednesday, May 31
Session 1 1:00 – 3:00 pm (CST)
Session 2 5:00 – 7:00 pm (CST)
Evansville Public Library Central
200 SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Evansville, IN

Saying Goodbye is Hard to Do – Best Wishes in Your Retirement!

Two of HCPL’s long-term employees, Ann Crecilius and Nancy Rosenbaum retired in April.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, both had to leave without co-workers being able to wish them goodbye and good luck in person.

Ann Crecelius joined HCPL as a part-time youth services staff member in September of 2003. After years of working in the children’s department she switched to technical services/cataloging where she did an outstanding job. Her supervisor, Bethany Banet, said Ann was teaching her replacement Jennifer Schroering things that Bethany herself didn’t know or realize. Ann was well known for being exact and precise. Staff often described Ann as caring, pleasant and positive.

Nancy Rosenbaum also joined the HCPL youth services staff as part-time summer reading help in June of 1999. Summer came and went and Nancy stayed! With the addition of Nancy to the staff, the library was able to offer toddler programming and outreach to daycares. Nancy worked in youth services until the Lanesville Branch opened in 2009 and she was made the Lanesville lead circ associate. Nancy’s programs, whether storytimes for youth or cooking programs for adults, were always popular. Patrons and staff alike love her sense of humor and gift for gab. Her co-workers at Lanesville had planned to surprise her with a week-long celebration. 

HCPL director Alisa Burch expressed her regards by saying, “Thank you Ann and Nancy! Though we didn’t get to say it in person, your years of hard work and dedication were greatly appreciated. You will be missed. In fact, you already are. Take care. Have fun. Visit often.”

Article by Alisa Burch

Who’s Awesome! – Diana Lasky – April 2023

Congratulations, Diana Lasky!

Diana Lasky, administrative assistant to the director, is HCPL’s April Who’s Awesome! winner.  Diana was one of twelve nominations for the honor this month.  Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. A quarterly winner and nominator receive a small prize in addition to the recognition.  

Kelly Powell, HCPL business manager, nominated Diana saying, “Diana went above and beyond to make sure the library volunteers had a wonderful day. She made certificates, and a fruit tray with a fancy bird, and put fun little dots on the tables.”

Diana received two additional nominations this month. Main circulation clerk Debi Strubler had this to say, “I have worked at the library for almost 10 years. I have always seen Diana working diligently no matter the time of day and/or at the end of the week. She works with high intensity each day. The taxpayers can rest assured that this steward of the library uses the taxes for her salary afforded to the library in a very efficient way every day.”

Another nomination stated, “Diana did an awesome job planning and coordinating the April 20th Volunteer Recognition Reception. From the minute she was asked to plan something she got right to work. She designed, printed, addressed and mailed the invitations. She designed and printed certificates of appreciation and found folders to display the certificates. She created the menu, bought and set up the refreshments, even going so far as to watch a YouTube video to create a swan out of an apple for the center of the fruit tray. She stayed throughout the reception greeting and interacting with all the volunteers and she cleaned up afterward. She made blog and social media posts about the event.” 

Diana started her career at HCPL as a youth assistant in August of 2007. She was promoted to youth services director in January of 2018 and became administrative assistant to the director in January of 2023.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

 

 

HCPL Volunteers Recognized at Reception

Harrison County Public Library volunteers were invited to a recognition reception on Thursday, April 20, for Volunteer Recognition Day.   The library hosted the event in the Blaine H. Wiseman Community Room at the library. Bite-sized desserts, fruit, coffee and tea were served.  Volunteers received a certificate recognizing their individual service for the library as well as library “swag.”

Director Alisa Burch said, ” This year we have an outstanding group of new volunteers who have made adding more adult programming possible.  Plus we have very dedicated, long-term volunteers who repair books, man our book sales and serve on our active library board of trustees.”

Library volunteers help in many ways, some in front of the scenes and some behind.  Some volunteers run programs such as photography, book clubs or English as a Second Language.  Volunteers help with book repair, cleaning DVDs/CDs or assisting library personnel during youth programs.  The library could not run without the Board of Trustees and the support of the Friends group.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS!

Board of Trustees:  Kathy Crimans, President; Sharon Mathes, Vice-President; Derrick Grigsby, Treasurer; Barbara Smith, Secretary; Jon Howerton, Suetta Tingler and Roger Windell.
Programming Volunteers: Elizabeth Redding, Carol Erpelding and Gary Pope.
Book Repair, CD/DVD Maintenance & other youth program assistance:  Christine Pendleton, Sharon LaHue, Walter Ryan and Charlotte Adams.
Friends of  Harrison County Library:  Cyndi Voyles, Karen Eves, Lynne Schipp, Cindy Daily, Susan Isbell.

Recognize a Library Star during National Library Week April 23 – 29, 2023

During National Library Week Harrison County Public Library (HCPL) celebrates the valuable contributions of library workers. National Library Workers Day, April 25, is a great time to thank library employees for their contributions. Do you know of an exceptional library worker?  Have you received top notch service? Members of the community are invited to “Submit a Star” and show appreciation for library staff. “Stars” may be filled out in person at any HCPL branch by placing a staff name on a physical star or by providing a submission online about a favorite library employee at http://bit.ly/librarystar.

HCPL workers play a critical role in meeting the needs of the community. Show appreciation by taking time to recognize library professionals for their expertise and commitment to transforming lives and communities through education and lifelong learning.  Visit http://bit.ly/librarystar to post an online star or drop in at any branch to fill out a physical star during National Library Week April 23 – 29, 2023.

Art Unplugged – Harrison County Winner Announced

Samantha Lawyer is the winner of the Harrison County portion of the Regional High School Art Juried Competition – Art UnpluggedRepurposed Shape with her entry Garden of Vellichor. Samantha, a junior at Lanesville High School, will be awarded a $500 scholarship sponsored by Harrison County Public Library for the Best in Show. This competition is the area’s first-ever regional high school art show with winners from Clark, Floyd and Harrison Counties advancing to a finalist show at the Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana in New Albany, Indiana.

All 17 Harrison County student entries are showcased on the library website through April 30. Six Lanesville High School students were awarded Honorable Mentions:
Ella Funk – Garden Snail
Kassie ZurSchmiede – (untitled entry)
Brayden Isgrigg – Johnny Bravo
Hannah Rowley – Stand Proud
Ella Funk – upcycled city
Elizabeth Saier – Heart Strings

Samantha Lawyer’s Garden of Vellichor advances to the finalist show May 8 – 20 at the Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana. Finalists will compete for the following scholarships: 1st place – $2,500; 2nd place – $1,500; and 3rd place – $1,000.  Scholarship winners will be announced at the finalist ceremony and reception on May 20, 2023, at the Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana.

A judging committee member commented, “I would like to thank all students who submitted artwork for the competition. It was such a joy to view all of the entries and see the broad range of amazing artistic talent from Harrison County students.”

Best in Show

Garden of Vellichor by Samantha Lawyer
Garden of Vellichor by Samantha Lawyer

Honorable Mentions

Garden Snail by Ella Funk
Garden Snail by Ella Funk
untitled by Kassie ZurSchmiede
untitled by Kassie ZurSchmiede
Johnny Bravo by Brayden Isgrigg
Johnny Bravo by Brayden Isgrigg
Stand Proud by Hannah Rowley
Stand Proud by Hannah Rowley
upcycled city by Ella Funk
upcycled city by Ella Funk
Heart Strings by Elizabeth Saier
Heart Strings by Elizabeth Saier

Who’s Awesome! – Savannah Wallace – March 2023

Congratulations, Savannah Wallace!

Savannah Wallace, youth services assistant, is HCPL’s March Who’s Awesome! winner. Savannah was one of nine nominations for the honor this month.

Ann Allen, also a youth services assistant, nominated Savannah saying, “For the past several months Savannah has been giving the shelves in the children’s library a “facelift.” She has been busy weeding, organizing, labeling and creating displays. Patrons have noticed. So many have been remarking how great the shelves look and how much easier it is for their children to find books that appeal to them. Savannah’s creativity and hard work have made the children’s library look so cheerful and inviting!”

Savannah joined the HCPL staff in July of 2015  in youth services. She has also worked in genealogy and reference. In addition to making the library a cheerful and inviting space with innovative displays, Savannah programs for a variety of ages at the Main Branch in Corydon. She is responsible for weekly Mother Goose sessions for babies and toddlers and also the weekly Teen Volunteers group. Savannah also collaborates on the special Fantastic Fridays programs, Family Fun events and youth services dance parties. She has recently taken on some of the library visits to Head Start.

In a February nomination, Director Alisa Burch said, “Savannah works hard to make the library a fun place for youngsters to create life long memories.”

Each month a winner will be selected by random drawing. A quarterly winner and nominator will receive a small prize in addition to the recognition.

Other staff members nominated in March were John Kunsman, Sara Deatrick, Jessica Stroud, Amanda Applegate, Debi Strubler, Shawnda Mosson and Tiffany Thieneman.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

 

 

Past and Current Presidents’ Statement in Response to SB12 

ILF logoIndiana Senate Bill 12 (SB12) is attempting to restrict communities’ access to relevant information resources by threatening to criminally charge librarians. The mission of the Indiana Library Federation (ILF) is to lead, educate, and advocate to advance library services for the benefit of all Indiana residents. As library professionals and leaders of ILF, it is our duty to advocate for free and open access to information reflecting the diverse communities we serve and represent. The Bill of Rights to the Indiana Constitution states in Article 1, Section 9, “No law shall be passed, restraining the free interchange of thought and opinion, or restricting the right to speak, write, or print, freely, on any subject whatever.”

As degreed, trained, and experienced library professionals, we recognize that not all items in every library are relevant, suitable, or appropriate for all groups. However, for patrons under the age of 18, it is a guardian’s responsibility to guide a child’s reading journey, not a state government. Nor is it the right of one parent or guardian to restrict access to materials provided to other patrons. 

To build library collections, many factors are considered. The idea that providing quality, well reviewed materials selected by trained and certified professionals could result in felony charges is abhorrent. SB12 would make it possible to charge Indiana librarians with a level-6 felony, which is the criminal equivalent to auto theft and strangulation. Convictions of these types of crimes carry a sentence of up to 2.5 years in jail and fines up to $10,000. Library professionals should not face these charges for doing their jobs and creating spaces that uphold the First Amendment rights of all US citizens. 

Some supporters of SB12 are accusing libraries and librarians of providing obscene and pornographic materials to children. It is already illegal to provide access to obscene and pornographic materials to children in Indiana. We want to be very clear in saying that we are against providing obscene and pornographic materials to children. Materials provided in Indiana libraries by professional librarians do not meet the legal definition of obscene and pornographic. This is one of the many reasons why SB12 is unnecessary. 

We, the leaders of ILF, recognize that community standards may vary across our state. In those instances when materials need to be reconsidered for collections, we believe it is always more desirable to have local procedures in place than state- or federal-level control over those local standards. Providing the opportunity for local review of library materials has always been a part of basic library operations and practice. This is another reason why SB12 is an unnecessary and redundant bill. Collection development policies outline the process for community members to give voice to their concerns and challenge library materials. 

Both the United States and Indiana State constitutions guarantee free and unfettered access to information. While all individuals have the right to determine what is appropriate for their dependents and for themselves to read, no individual or group has the right to determine what is or is not appropriate for others. Indiana librarians protect this First-Amendment right and should not be threatened with criminal prosecution for providing relevant information materials to all patron communities. Therefore, we the past, present, and future presidents of the Indiana Library Federation, representing public, academic, and school libraries, vehemently oppose Senate Bill 12 and any other legislation that would restrict all Hoosiers’ freedom to read. To impede on this right is to irreparably damage the futures of Indiana citizens, our systems of education, librarianship as a profession, and the democratic principles upon which our country is built. 

Michael Williams, ILF 2022 Past-President 

Christopher Proctor, ILF 2023 President 

Diane Rogers, ILF 2024 President-Elect

Who’s Awesome! – Nikki Esarey – February 2023

 

Congratulations, Nikki Esarey!

Nikki Esarey, the Palmyra lead circ associate is HCPL’s February Who’s Awesome! winner. Nikki was one of 16 nominations for the honor this month.

Carla Ward, who does adult programming and works at the Lanesville Branch, nominated Nikki saying, “Nikki is very helpful in setting up the community room for my card class. She always takes the time to make sure the room is set up right and exactly how I want it. She doesn’t have to go to all that trouble but she always does. I appreciate all she does for me.”

Nikki joined the HCPL staff in July of 2007 as a circulation clerk at Main and in October of 2007 she moved to the reference department. In April of 2008, she was made head of Reference. When the Palmyra Branch opened in 2010, Nikki was named the Palmyra lead circ associate where she excels at innovative, creative children’s programming and excellent customer service. Nikki is an artist who writes and illustrates her own children’s books. Cardinal Publishing will soon be releasing one, “Chicken and Moodles.”  She also makes puppets and puts on puppet shows, is a ventriloquist, creates elaborate escape rooms, leads step-by-step painting classes and more.

Nikki was also nominated this month by Sara Deatrick who said, “She proofs and catches minor mistakes on both adult and children’s handouts/calendars. She is phenomenal! I appreciate her taking the time to do this. My concentration (or lack there of nowadays) makes this a daunting task for me.” 

Each month a winner will be selected by random drawing. A quarterly winner and nominator will receive a small prize in addition to the recognition. 

Other staff members nominated in February were Tiffany Thieneman, Steven Schifcar, Melissa Schellenberger, Bob Olrich, Eden Ransdell, Alisa Burch, Diana Lasky, Savannah Wallace, Ann Allen, Jessica Stroud and Kathy Fisher.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

 

 

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