In This Issue

1. National Reflective Writing Contest Now Accepting Entries

2. One Week Remains to Provide Input via LSTA Survey

3. State QPAs Offer Libraries Cost-Saving Procurement Options

More Library News

Goshen News
Library may see more cuts

Greenfield Daily Reporter

Exhibit to help commemorate Civil War, link to Hoosier poet

Greenfield Daily Reporter

Library saves with new print deal

Greensburg Daily Journal

Local Library Going to the Dogs

Hendricks County Flyer

Plainfield library gets a facelift

Indianapolis Star

Library set to hire leader after tonight's $39.8M budget review

Indianapolis Star

City Council hears input on 2012 budget; raises sought for libraries, buses and capital projects

Indianapolis Star

Laura Bramble: Public library still committed to serving community

IUSB Preface

Schurz Library receives $20000 donation from Scott Schurz

Lafayette Journal & Courier

Learning new territories

Logansport Pharos Tribune

Peru library in need of renovations

Muncie Star Press

AU plans third annual children's literature festival

Northwest Indiana Times

School chiefs on board for literacy events

Pulaski Post

Libraries observe Banned Books Week

Richmond Palladium Item

Library card carries chance to win a laptop

Terre Haute Tribune Star

Vigo Library board gathering costs for WTH branch changes

Vincennes Sun-Commercial

Big Read kicks off Saturday at the library

WTHI-TV (Terre Haute)

Thousands check out ISU's library

Email your news for inclusion in The Wednesday Word.

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National Reflective Writing Contest Now Accepting Entries

Entry forms for this year's Letters About Literature contest are now available on the Indiana Center for the Book's website. The national reading-writing competition, sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress in partnership with Target Stores, calls for entrants to write a personal letter to an author, living or dead, from any genre (fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classic, etc.) explaining how that author's work changed the student's way of thinking about the world or their self.

As in previous years, all state semifinalists are invited to attend an annual awards ceremony featuring a notable young adult author. State contest winners will receive a cash award and plaque from the Indiana Center for the Book during a summertime awards ceremony. Top winners also receive a Target GiftCard and advance to the national level competition. National prizes include a $10,000 LAL Reading Promotion Grant for the community or school library of the winner's choice. National winners also receive a $500 Target GiftCard. National honorable mentions will each receive a $100 Target GiftCard and a $1,000 LAL Grant for the community or school library of their choice.

Visit lettersaboutliterature.org for contest updates and valuable teaching materials, such as lesson plans, writing samples, assessment checklists, and teacher tips. Letters About Literature is open to legal U.S. residents enrolled as a student in grades 4 -12 during 2011/2012 school year. Entries must be postmarked no later than January 6, 2012 for consideration.

One Week Remains to Provide Input via LSTA Survey

The Institute of Museum and Library Services [IMLS] requires the Indiana State Library to conduct an evaluation of how Library Services and Technology [LSTA] funds have been used in Indiana since 2007.  Your comments and ideas will help shape the next Five-Year Plan and how LSTA funds are spent in the future. Please take time to share your ideas if your library uses any of the following statewide services:

• Inspire

• Evergreen Indiana

• OCLC/First Search

• Indiana State Data Center

• Talking Book and Braille Library

• Every Child Ready to Read Initiative

The six services listed above are funded with LSTA money from the IMLS.  Visit the LSTA Supports Indiana Libraries webpage to learn about the LSTA-funded statewide services and sub-grants offered by the State Library. Those representing libraries funded with public and private funds of any size and type are encouraged to complete this online survey.

The State Library’s evaluation is being conducted by Martha Catt, former director of the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library in Zionsville.  The survey will be available until 11:59 p.m. on September 26^th. Your input and ideas are both encouraged and greatly appreciated.

State QPAs Offer Libraries Cost-Saving Procurement Options

A recent article ("Library saves with new print deal") from the Greenfield Reporter highlighted savings recognized by the Hancock County Public Library after taking advantage of the State of Indiana's Quantity Purchasing Agreements (QPAs).  HCPL contracted with IKON Office Solutions to cut the library’s printing and copying costs, while also replacing older copiers with brand new machines featuring several technology and service upgrades.

The IKON contract offers copiers, MFP technologies and document management software and systems to deliver tailored, high-value solutions. Another great QPA to check out is through Dell, which provides great deals on desktops, laptops, servers, printers, Microsoft software and peripheral computer equipment for all Indiana governmental entities.

Those interested in finding potential procurement savings should check out the State of Indiana’s complete listing of State QPA’s organized alphabetically by product descriptions.  Indiana cities, towns and other governmental/ political subdivisions, including libraries, are eligible for most of the hundreds of State QPA’s.  These agreements not only leverage the collective purchasing power of state government, but also allow public library districts to deal directly with the vendor and eliminate potential middleman costs or fees.

Evergreen Indiana Welcomes Dublin Public Library

Next Tuesday, Evergreen Indiana will welcome Dublin Public Library (Wayne Co.). Dublin serves a population of 697, which brings the total Evergreen Indiana libraries in the consortium to 95 libraries serving a total population of 821,103.

Evergreen Indiana continues to accept applications from libraries seeking to migrate to Evergreen. For more information about Evergreen Indiana, visit Information and Resources for Interested Libraries or contact Shauna Borger, Evergreen Indiana Coordinator at 317-234-6536 or sborger@library.IN.gov.

Conferences & Workshops

Every Child Ready to Read 2nd Edition Workshops
September 23 - Allen County PL
September 29 - Mooresville PL
October 23 - Evansville-Vanderburgh Co. PL

Indiana Vision Expo/Walk
When: September 24 @ 9:00 AM
Where: Indiana State Library

Navigating the New American Factfinder
When: September 27 @ 2:00 PM
Where: Live Online

Government Websites
When: Sept. 27 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Washington Carnegie PL

eResources Workshop
When: September 27 @ 1:15 PM
Where: Washington Carnegie PL

Advanced INSPIRE K-12 Resources
When: September 27 @ 1:00 PM
Where: Indiana State Library

ILF Legislative Forum
When: October 4 (All Day)
Where: Oak Hill Mansion - Carmel

Society of Indiana Archivists Fall Workshop
When: October 7 (All Day)
Where: DePauw University Archives, Greencastle

Advanced INSPIRE Genealogy & Local History
When: October 13 @ 2:00 PM
Where: Live Online

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

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

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

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