Jan Kirkham, Lanesville library assistant, was HCPL’s Who’s Awesome! winner for February. Jan was one of 17 nominations for the honor this month.
The nomination from Alisa Burch, library director, read, “Jan is very talented. Since joining the HCPL staff, in January of 2025 she has worked in the youth services and reference departments at Main and at the Lanesville branch library. She fills in where needed accepting new assignments with a smile. She is a gifted quilter, creating wall hangings for the library and quilted bags for staff members. She crafted a gorgeous quilt that she is allowing the library to display at the Corydon branch in honor of the USA’s 250th Anniversary. Each state is featured with the date it entered the Union. The quilt is titled E Pluribus Unum—out of many, one—meaning that because of the uniqueness and diversity of each state, the United States achieves its greatness through unity. I appreciate Jan’s thoughtfulness and devotion to the library. Jan is awesome!“
In January, Assistant Director Jessica Stroud wrote, “Jan’s willingness to cover at the last minute at the Lanesville branch when a staff member was unable to work is greatly appreciated. Her flexibility and dedication to HCPL are highly valued. Thank you, Jan!“ Jessica also nominated Jan in November of 2025 stating, “I am so grateful that Jan joined the Lanesville branch team! She is a fantastic addition, and the other staff have taken a shine to her. She is always quick to help and is a joy to be around. Jan is awesome!“
In March of 2025, coworker Connie Gresham wrote, “Jan has seemed to fit right into the children’s department. She is great with the patrons, and has come up with great book display ideas. Ex: basketball for March Madness and took it upon herself to make a beautiful display quilt for the children’s department. She has a great can-do attitude and I’m so glad to be working with her.“ That month Business Manager Brandy Wilkerson also noted, Jan Kirkham is “hand-making items to make the children’s area look awesome!!!”
Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in January were Chelsea Arnold, Payhton Burkhardt, Teresa Douglass, Amanda Embrey, Nikki Esarey, Shelley Gulley, Debbie McClanahan, Julie Phipps, Eden Ransdell, Heather Rapp, Donna Seewer, Trevor Smith, Tiffany Thieneman, and Brandy Wilkerson.
Article by Alisa Burch, Director
