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The Wednesday Word: Library News from Around Indiana

In This Issue

  • Two Indiana Libraries Receive Coveted National Awards

  • Indiana Libraries Make 2014 Money Smart Week a Success

  • Seven Ways to Publicize Your Library Statistics

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Two Indiana Libraries Receive Coveted National Awards

Libraries Transforming CommunitiesKnox County Public Library Selected for ALA Community Engagement Initiative

The American Library Association (ALA) has selected Knox County Public Library as one of 10 public libraries that will undergo an intensive 18-month, team-based community engagement training program as part of the Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC) Public Innovators Cohort. This is a national plan to help librarians strengthen their role as core community leaders and change-agents through in-person training, webinars and coaching (valued at $50,000). A five member library team will learn new community engagement techniques and apply them to challenges in the Knox County area. The library will also receive an $8,000 cash grant to help cover the cost of new community-engagement work.

“Being chosen to receive this prestigious grant will enable the library’s community engagement team to help local citizens attain their dreams for this community,” said Emily C. Bunyan, Knox County Public Library Director. 

Wells County Public Library wins John Cotton Dana Award

The John Cotton Dana Award, provided in conjunction with the H.W. Wilson Foundation, the ALA and EBSCO, honors outstanding library public relations, whether a summer reading program, a year-long centennial celebration, fundraising for a new college library, an awareness campaign or an innovative partnership in the community.

In recognition of their achievement, award winners receive a $10,000 development award from the H.W. Wilson Foundation. The John Cotton Dana Awards are presented at an elegant reception hosted by EBSCO held during the ALA annual conference.

"With an operating budget of $2.1 million, Wells County Library illustrated the significant impact a library can make on a limited budget. Their appealing and consistently applied "Your Go-To Spot" rebranding campaign resulted in a 40% increase in circulation in 2013 over 2012, as well as a 153% increase in database usage." [View Winning Entry]


Indiana Libraries Make 2014 Money Smart Week a Success

Money Smart Week More than 4,000 Money Smart Week events were held in 48 states. The events in Indiana are still being tallied, but it is estimated Indiana had in excess of 160 events. More than 20% of Indiana's 257 official partners were librarians or representatives of library districts.

It's never too early to start planning for next year's Money Smart Week, which takes place next April 18-25.  Indiana has a thriving Money Smart Week and will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2016 with a goal of Money Smart week activities taking place in all 92 counties in the state.  In the fall of 2013, as planning ramped up for the 2014 event, an outreach campaign to libraries was undertaken, with the net effect that most public library systems across the state joined in their first Money Smart Week. Because they have a large number of registered partners across the state, Money Smart Week offers a strong network of collaborators and content providers who will be glad to offer non-commercial, sales pitch-free, educational events in your library spaces in 2015. 

Both the ALA and Money Smart Week have web pages profiling this thriving national partnership and offering resources to make programming and promotion easier, such as logoed promotional materials. To facilitate your library’s involvement, please contact Martha Henn, Money Smart Week Statewide Coordinator, at indianachair@moneysmartweek.org or by calling 317.410.7834. 


Seven Ways to Publicize Your Library Statistics

Muncie Public Library on TwitterLast week we announced the release of the 2013 Public Library Statistics from the 2013 Annual Report. It provides a wealth of information and insights into a variety of categories. Some libraries, like the Muncie Public Library, are already sharing highlights with their communities. You can too and here are some suggestions:

2 Months Left to Complete WebJunction Courses

The Indiana State Library's contract with WebJunction will end on June 30, 2014. Now is a great time to take advantage of WebJunction courses and also complete any coursework you have started by the end of June. WebJunction is also sending emails to users advising them of the termination of service. 

In the coming months, the State Library will announce information about new continuing education vendors so library staff may continue their pursuit of LEUs at no charge.


Congratulations to Charles Wagner on Retirement

Today is Charles Wagner’s last day after 41 years of service at the Peru Public Library. Maryann Farnham, Assistant Director, will take over as interim director tomorrow.


Upcoming Workshops
& Important Dates

EdCamp Fort Wayne
When: May 3 @ 9:00 AM
Where: IPFW

Primary Election Day: State Library Closed
When: Tuesday, May 6

Opening Reception: Hardship & Hope Exhibit
When: May 8 @ 5:00 PM
Where: Indiana State Library

Every Child Ready to Read 2.0 – Using ECRR in Your Storytimes
When: May 8 @ 9:00 AM (CDT)
Where: East Chicago PL

ILF District Conferences
District 1: IU South Bend, (5/13)

IOLUG Spring Program
When: May 16
Where: Indiana Wesleyan Univ.: Indianapolis North Campus

EdCamp Indy
When: June 13 @ 9:00 AM
Where: Pike High School

Annual Public Library Budget Workshop 2014
When: June 17 @ 10:30 AM
When: June 25 @ 10:30 AM
Where: Indiana State Library
or Live Online


View free LEU
opportunities from:

LYRASIS Product Discounts
WebJunction Indiana


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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. Past issues are archived at the State Library's Newsroom.

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