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Veterans Day honoring all who served

Veterans Honored at the Library

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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.

                                                    

“DIG INTO LOCAL HISTORY” DURING SEPTEMBER SATURDAY SPOTLIGHTS

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September is Indiana Archaeology Month and the Frederick Porter Griffin Center (FPGC) for Local History and Genealogy is celebrating with “Saturday Spotlights.” Special programming will be offered between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays during September.

Each year Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology features an aspect of the Hoosier state’s archaeological history. This year’s theme focuses on early industries in Indiana. From agriculture to manufacturing, industry has been important to Harrison County from its beginnings.

You are invited to drop in and join the head of genealogy Kathy Fisher to discover some of these stories through engaging fun while exploring historic Harrison County businesses and jobs. Stop by and “dig” into Harrison County history by exploring files with Kathy or through a scavenger hunt to “Find Indiana” …pictures of Indiana Jones will be hidden throughout the collection. Test your knowledge of antiquated occupations with a “Not My Job!” quiz. Kathy hinted, “There might be a few other surprises. I hope to get more people interested in local history and I am most excited about the job quiz.”

Kathy stated, “Saturday Spotlights are used to ‘shine a light’ on offerings from the genealogy branch that people might not even know we have.” The FPGC houses physical and digital records, donated materials, and some artifacts including Sidney D. Crosier paintings. Materials include photos, files, newspapers and yearbooks. FPGC offers access to Ancestry.com and Fold3.

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.

WaterStep Shoe Drive a Success!

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Harrison County Public Library partnered with WaterStep during the “All Together Now” summer reading challenge to run a shoe drive. WaterStep, a Louisville based company, designs and implements sustainable water projects and programs around the globe with funding from shoe drives. In addition to their mission of providing sustainable safe water solutions, WaterStep helps during times of disaster with WOW (Water on Wheels) carts, mini-water treatment plants. To date, WaterStep has responded to 33 disasters, the most recent being the floods in Eastern Kentucky at home and the earthquake in Turkey abroad.

One out of ten people in the world live without a safe water source. WaterStep shoe development coordinator Ron McKulick challenged the library to collect 600 pounds of shoes during the two-month drive.  McKulick estimated that the library collected a total of 360 pounds; 200 lbs. in June and 160 lbs. during July. The goal may not have been met, but the library shoe drive provides safe water for life to 120 people.

Library administrative assistant Diana Lasky enthused, “I am so grateful to Harrison County and the library staff for making this community service project successful!  It just amazes me that 3 pairs of shoes can fund safe water to a person for life!”

Harrison County has year-round WaterStep shoe collection boxes at the YMCA of Harrison County, Harrison County Community Services, Old Capital Cleaners, Harmony and Health, and the Mortenson Dental Corydon office.  Individuals and businesses who are interested in learning more about WaterStep may visit their website at https://waterstep.org/.

Miniature Art at the Library

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Have you seen a diorama at your local library branch?  The Harrison County Public Library is currently displaying dioramas by local artist Donna Shaw of MiniMaples Studio. Shaw, who lives in Jeffersonville, has been crafting in miniature since 2015.  In 2022, she partnered with the Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana for the MiniMaples Literacy Project to get school students excited about reading and books through art.  This summer the project has been expanded to public libraries.

HCPL is displaying four dioramas this summer to “encourage students (children) to read and grow their creativity and imagination,” which is Shaw’s goal.  The library suggests families look at the intricate details in the dioramas and check out books that are related to each miniature display.

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Ocean Depths can be found at the Corydon Branch. Is your child interested in sharks, coral, starfish or the ocean? This diorama is for you.  Checkout    non-fiction books on all these topics at any library location.  (Don’t forget to look closely…I spy a bunny with a ducky swimming ring.)

Click to enlarge

Ocean Depths can be found at the Corydon Branch.
Is your child interested in sharks, coral, starfish or the ocean? This diorama is for you.  Checkout non-fiction books on all these topics at any library location.  (Don’t forget to look closely…I spy a bunny with a ducky swimming ring.)

Click to enlarge

Tis the season for gardening. Big Old Garden features a huge tree, a bird feeder with realistic birds and a small pond complete with lily pads. Try books like Everything Bird: What Kids Really Want to Know About Birds, Tell Me Tree: All About Trees for Kids, Over and Under the Pond, or My First Book of Garden Wildlife.

Click to enlarge

Scaredy Squirrel can be found at the Lanesville Branch.  If you aren’t familiar with this book character, ask an elementary school-aged child. Scaredy Squirrel stories by Melanie Watt include adventures at the beach, birthday party, camping, and making friends, to name a few.

The dioramas are expected to rotate branches throughout the summer so everyone can experience all of the miniature art. Drop by the library soon to view a diorama, join the summer reading challenge and check out books.

Old Shoes = Clean Water: HCPL to Host Shoe Drive

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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.”

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

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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

HCPL Volunteers Recognized at Reception

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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.

Week 13 of “Tell Us Your Story”

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In this 13th week of Tell Us Your Story, the Harrison County Public Library invites you to respond to the following writing prompts.  You may choose to write from any of the prompts that inspire you and include original artwork.  Your submissions will be archived in the Frederick Porter Griffin Center and may be included in a time capsule.

Click here to submit your work to HCPL.  You are encouraged to submit drawings, artwork, photos and poems, and please feel free to select a prompt from any age range.

This week marks the last set of original prompts that the library will post; however, we will continue to accept your responses after July 31.

Click here to browse the writing prompts posted by HCPL from previous weeks and respond to the prompts that inspire you.

Writing prompts for the week of July 27:

Adults

  1. What would you like future generations to know about the Covid-19 experience? What advice would you give them about how to cope with a similar situation?
  2. If you could invite one famous person or historical figure to dinner, who would it be? Why?

Teens

  1. How do you think the “grown-ups” have handled events during the past few months? What would you do differently?
  2. Jump ahead twenty years into the future… where will you be and what will you be doing? What will the world be like? What do you see as the most important issues facing your generation in the coming years?

Kids

  1. When you go back to school, what sort of changes do you think you will see? How do you think classes will be different?
  2. Write a story using as many “favorites” as you can think of – your favorite holiday, animal, person, book, song, food, TV show, game, sport, fun activity, clothes, place . . . and, of course, you!

Week 12 of “Tell Us Your Story”

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As we enter the twelfth week of Tell Us Your Story, the Harrison County Public Library invites you to be creative in responding to weekly writing prompts during this pandemic.  You may choose to write from the prompts that inspire you and include artwork.  Your submissions will be archived in the Frederick Porter Griffin Center and may be included in a time capsule.

Click here to submit your work to HCPL.  You are encouraged to submit drawings, artwork, photos and poems, and please feel free to select a prompt from any age range.

We will post new writing prompts through the end of July; however, the library will continue to accept your responses after July 31.

Click here to browse the writing prompts posted by HCPL from the past twelve weeks and respond to the prompts that inspire you.

Writing prompts for the week of July 20:
Adults
  1. Do you feel like the country is heading in the right direction regarding COVID-19? Or do you fear that we are backsliding?
  2. Who do you trust to give you important information? Where do you turn when you want to be informed?
Teens
  1. What is the most annoying thing about wearing masks? Or do they not bother you?
  2. Do you share the same opinions/beliefs as your parents/guardians, or do your opinions and beliefs differ?
Kids
  1. If YOU ran the school, what are the things that you’d do that would make YOU feel more comfortable about returning to school?
  2. Who is your favorite teacher & why?

Week 11 of “Tell Us Your Story”

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We have entered week 11 of Tell Us Your Story.  Please select from any of the prompts below–or from any of the prompts previously posted in HCPL’s blog–that inspires you and share your story here.

Writing prompts for the week of July 13:

Adults

1. Imagine that you’ve invented a time machine! What would you tell yourself in 2019 to prepare for 2020? Would you warn others?  The government?

2. What were some of your favorite games when you were younger? Do you still enjoy playing them?

Teens

1. Imagine what it might be like to live on a boat during Covid-19 quarantine and write about it.

2. You are building a new city! What types of things do you think your city needs?

Kids

1.  If you could design a school uniform, what types of clothes would you suggest? What colors would they be? What would you include in the uniform to add protection from Covid-19?

2. If you were in charge of planning the school lunch menu, what foods would you serve each day?

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