Reflections from the President’s Chair:

 

Looks like we jetted right past Spring into Summer! A giant tip of the hat to our Indiana public libraries gearing up for Summer Reading, our busiest time of the year, and often a time of adjusting to new ideas and new approaches to this long-standing library tradition.  Read More

In This Issue

ILF NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

* BOARD - has two vacancies, one trustee/supporter and one public librarian.

* COMMITTEES - We need a few more academics and trustees/friends/supporters on a few committees and any members with specific marketing, social media, videography or copyright expertise, as well as interest in intellectual freedom.

* PRESENTERS/PANELISTS - We are still seeking outstanding presentations for our Youth Services and Annual Conference. See Call For Programs and Speaker Recommendation Survey for specific skills needed. Who is great at speaking about cross-library partnerships, the challenge of Netflix-type subscriptions on digital resources in your library, Friends' fundraising, early education, outstanding workforce development in libraries and STEM activity-based programs?

GOT THESE SKILLS OR INTERESTS? Complete the volunteer form or email us . The Board aims to confirm appointments to the committees and Board on June 12.

Mini Advocacy Update

Special Session

The Indiana General Assembly held its special session on May 14. The governor signed all five bills , including a bill that includes language clarifying sales tax exemption for sales by Friends and libraries will become law.

Interim Study Topics

The Legislative Council assigned interim study topics. Topics of interest to libraries include local income tax revenue allocations, tax incentives, effectiveness of workforce related programs, autism and public education and career counseling in elementary and high schools.

Primary Election Results

Learn who will be on the November ballot . View the primary party results or the referendum results .

All twelve (12) School Referenda passed, providing increased funding for capital and operational projects. See news report from Indiana Public Media .

Net Neutrality

The U.S. Senate voted 52-47 to reinstate internet neutrality on Wednesday. The vote is one step in a long process to overturn the FCC's December decision to treat internet traffic equally. See report from The Hill .

National Library Legislative Day

Robin Crumrin and Terry Rheinheimer joined with over 500 library advocates for National Library Legislative Day on May 7-8. In the photo below, they meet with Rep. Jackie Walorski (CD2, R).

School librarians deserve celebration, too! 

The following letter appeared on editorial pages in many daily newspapers across the state May 8-11. This is part of our key messaging strategy to increase awareness that certified school librarians are licensed teachers who are critical to student outcomes.

During this Teacher Appreciation Week, we celebrate school librarians. Many people do not realize that school librarians are licensed teachers who attain additional certification for school librarian. Unfortunately, many Indiana school districts have cut the number of certified school librarians, further risking our children’s digital and information literacy and achievement in college, career and life. The modern school library is not only a hub for print and e-books, but also is a bustling center for interactive learning projects in the arts, STEM and computer coding. The school librarian is an instructional leader. In fact, two of the top ten finalists for Indiana Teacher of the Year 2018 were school librarians —Kathleen Rauth of Indianapolis Public Schools and Lena Darnay of MSD of Pike Township. We encourage you to support your school library and certified school librarian. Celebrate this very special teacher — a school librarian — who is critical to school and student success. 

Presidents of the Indiana Library Federation

Edra Waterman, president and public library director

Susie Highley, vice president and retired school librarian

David Peter, PhD, past president and retired dean of a university library

Champions of Reading Aloud?

Help us promote the new Read Aloud Champion Award.

What individual or organization has demonstrated commitment to reading aloud to children? Nominate a staff member, volunteer or community partner organization.

Reading aloud strengthens vocabulary, builds a connection between the written and spoken word, increases attention and so much more.

Intellectual Freedom - Responding to Questions

Register early for Conferences.

Awards and Scholarship Deadline is June 30.

Great Things

Campus bus becomes 'cash cab' to celebrate IU Libraries, IU Day

The red flags, flashing lights and cardboard cutout of the late former Indiana University President Herman B Wells startled Nicole Karlin when she stepped on the bus. Read More

Library celebrates 200 years in Jefferson County, Indiana 

The Jefferson County Public Library was founded 200 years ago -- on April 18, 1818 -- by a group of 25 men in a tavern blocks away from where the library currently sits. Read More

Lilly Library features new Frankenstein exhibit

In 1818, one of the most famous literary monsters was introduced in the anonymously published “Frankenstein; Or, the Modern Prometheus.” Read More

Local college, library receive grants

A poet will come to Franklin College and a festival based on beloved children’s books at the Johnson County Public Library was helped by a statewide grant. Read More

Creating a better world for everyone

Tucked away on the third floor of the Indiana University Southeast Library, a little-known multicultural treasure chest overflowing with artifacts and countless learning opportunities is available for the community to enjoy. Read More

VITAL Quiz Bowl gets underway

The area’s annual team trivia competition got underway Monday night at the Monroe County Public Library. Read More

Participants call IUPUI's Human Library educational, thought-provoking

The Human Library at IUPUI, a campus-funded Welcoming Campus Initiative, was designed to provide a safe place for conversations around difficult subjects and help advance understanding among a community of diverse people. Read More

Honey Creek Middle School wins Vigo's Battle of the Books

The Vigo County School Corporation Middle School Battle of the Books was held at Ivy Tech Community College on April 13. Read More

Library holds sixth annual Starlight Gala

The sixth annual Starlight Reception took place Friday evening at the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library, featuring the work of printmaker Becky Heimann. Read More

Hendricks County Senior Services celebrates "Frankenstein"

Hendricks County Senior Services is participating in the statewide One State / One Story: Frankenstein program. Read More

Flash mob takes over Indy library to raise awareness, funds for Alzheimer’s Association

American Senior Communities put on a flash mob on Thursday to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease. Read More

Indiana library becomes latest to end overdue book fees

A southern Indiana library has become one of the latest in the state to stop charging late fees for overdue books.  Read More

Stationary reading bike comes to NCPL on trail run

Noble County Public Library will try a new stationary reading bike at each of its branches, Library Director Sandy Petrie announced at the May 10 board meeting. Read More

Members Only benefits

ILF Members have access to

* monthly reports from Bose Public Affairs

* discounts at conferences and events

* eligibility for certain awards, honors and scholarships

* serving in leadership within ILF--Volunteer to help with your favorite goal area in the Strategic Vision

* certain voting rights (election of the ILF Board of Directors, etc.)

Forgot your login or password?    Contact the office   and we can tell you and/or reset. A member from a prior year? Please " renew . " By clicking "join," you might create a duplicate account.