The Wednesday Word: News from the Indiana State Library

Indiana Football Digest and the Indianapolis Colts have graciously donated one copy of the 2011 Indiana Football Digest to each Indiana public library, including branches. This is the third time in the last five years and the first time since 2008 that the Digest and Colts have made this generous donation. The 424-page 2011 edition provides a detailed season preview for all Indiana High School Athletic Association football teams and in-state college football programs.

The Indiana State Library began shipping the books last Monday to all public libraries that receive INfo Express delivery services. Books designated for branch libraries will be sent in one package to each district's central library. Please keep a lookout for the Digest if it has not arrived already.

Also, please join the State Library in thanking the Indianapolis Colts for their steadfast support of literacy and Indiana libraries!

Judges Sought for National Reading/Writing Contest

The Indiana Center for the Book is currently seeking judges for this year’s Letters About Literature competition. Letters About Literature is a national reading-writing contest sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, in cooperation with the Indiana Center for the Book, and in partnership with Target Stores. Students in grades 4 through 12 are invited to write a personal letter to an author, living or dead, from any genre, explaining how that author's work changed the student's way of thinking about the world or themselves. This program promotes reflective writing.

Approximately 1,500 Indiana students enter the contest annually. However, judges will only be required rate semifinalist essays in one category, which averages 30-35 essays per level, per judge. The deadline to submit essays for this year’s contest is January 6, 2012. Judges will receive their semifinalist essays and judging materials in early February and submit their winners the following month.

If you are interested in judging the 2011 contest, contact Drew Griffis at agriffis@library.in.gov. Visit the Indiana Center for the Book's website learn more about Letters About Literature and other Center programs.

ALA Seeks Applicants for New Discussion Program

The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office is accepting applications for Building Common Ground: Discussions of Community, Civility and Compassion, a multi-format discussion program for public audiences to spark action, engagement, and reflection within the community. The goal of this project is to engage the public in contemplation and discussion of the importance of community, civility and compassion in their daily lives. By bringing adult audiences together in the library for programs and events that include reading, viewing, reflection, discussion and civic engagement initiatives, the program will support public libraries as they strive to enhance the quality of life and learning in their communities.

In December, 30 public libraries around the country will be selected to host a series of 4 to 8 events between February 1, 2012 and November 30, 2012. The selected libraries will receive a $2,500 grant to support program-related expenses, access to programming materials and a series of online, professional development and project, as well as promotional materials.

More information, including the online application, is available at www.ala.org/commonground. Applications are due November 18, 2011.

State Library Seeks Input on Technology Tools

The State Library wants to know how you use participatory technology tools, sometimes referred to as Web/Library 2.0 tools. We are interested in developing new continuing education opportunities and need your feedback. Please take a moment to complete our simple eight-question survey before October 31.

Conferences & Workshops

Ind. Black Librarians Network 10th Anniversary Conference
When: October 14 & 15
Where: Purdue University Black Cultural Center - West Lafayette

Midwest ContentDM Users Group
When: October 14 & 15
Where: Ball State University

SW Indiana YA Roundtable
When: Oct. 18 @ 11:00 AM (CST)
Where: Oakland City PL

Advanced INSPIRE Genealogy & Local History
When: October 19 @ 2:00 PM
Where: Live Online

Serving Homeschoolers
When: Oct. 20 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Roann Paw-Paw Twp. PL

Programming for Babies
When: Oct. 20 @ 11:00 AM
Where: Roann Paw-Paw Twp. PL

Indiana Genealogy & Local History Fair
When: October 22 @ 9:00 AM
Where: Indiana State Library

Every Child Ready to Read 2nd Edition Workshop
October 24 - Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library

Advanced INSPIRE K-12 Resources
When: October 25 @ 1:00 PM
Where: Tipton Co. Public Library

IOLUG Fall Program
When: October 28
Where: Indiana Wesleyan University- Indianapolis North

Marketing Your Physical Space
When: Oct. 31 @ 1:00 PM (CDT)
Where: Lowell Public Library

ILF Annual Conference
When: November 14-16
Where: Fort Wayne

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Indiana State Library, 315 W. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202. www.library.IN.gov

The Wednesday Word is a free publication of the Indiana State Library, distributed weekly in an electronic format.
Past issues are archived at the State Library's Newsroom.