Focus on Indiana Libraries
September 10, 2019 | Vol. 73 No. 17
ILF Quick Links

President's Column

The Freedom to Read, Loss of School Librarians, and iLearn Scores: Any Connections?

A few years ago, I wrote a blog post about what I considered “ The Irony of Banned Books Week.”  It concerned me that students were not able to read books they were interested in, not because of the content, but due to the lexile level. As you became a reader, were you ever restricted in the books you selected? Read More
You know about eating and shopping local. This big change will encourage you to read local.
The move means that the awards will expand with more categories, a big presence in every library in the state, a "rock star" tour for winning authors, writing workshops and a monthly book review by an Indiana writer.    Read More

Warren, Fountain county groups look to encourage reading, community participation
In an effort to create some community unity, Lexxi Haddock, president of the Attica Friends of the Library group, approached the libraries in Warren and Fountain counties about doing a community read-a-thon of sorts.  Read More
Annual Conference: Libraries Welcome ALL

Don't forget to r egister for the premier conference for libraries in Indiana featuring keynotes author Jason Reynolds , and Indiana Poet Laureate Adrian Matejka and ILF Book Awards luncheon speaker Meg Medina.

The ILF Annual Conference includes over 75 learning sessions, vendors and partners in the exhibit hall, professional and social networking, and entertainment--for all types of positions in academic, school and public
libraries. Check out our online conference program to view session descriptions and more.
Decorated Welcome Mats Needed

The theme for the 2019 Annual Conference is  Libraries Welcome ALL . ILF’s professional development this year has been focused on inclusivity, diversity, and…welcoming all! We hope to further that message by creating an energetic, colorful, and welcoming atmosphere at the conference for our attendees. Therefore, we are asking for submissions of custom decorated Welcome Mats from our libraries, staff, Friends, local artists, etc (see example above). Attendees will be given the opportunity to sign up to receive one of the submitted welcome mats at the conference. If they win a mat, they will be asked to submit a suggested donation that will go toward the ILF scholarship funds.  The welcome mat submission will take the place of the previously held silent auction.
 
Questions?  You can contact Beka Lemons , director at Huntington City-Township Public Library and ILF Board Member (& PD Committee member, Management Division leader).  You want to submit a welcome mat? Great! Please fill out this form. You are welcome to send the mat through InfoExpress to Beka at the Huntington City-Township Public Library in advance, or bring it with you to the Annual Conference November 4-5.
 
Thank you for your consideration – we can’t wait to welcome you all in November.

MEMBER NEWS
Volunteer for Annual Conference

We are currently recruiting volunteers for the ILF Annual Conference Nov. 3-5 . If you are interested in volunteering at the conference, please complete this form . Learn more about the types of volunteer positions here.

If you are interested in volunteering in leadership with ILF, please complete this form and a staff member will be in touch to discuss your skills and interests.
It's Library Card Sign-Up Month and what better way to celebrate than introducing our newest reader, Wyatt, in his "reads well with others" onesie. Wyatt is the grandson of Judi Terpening, Director at the Jefferson County Public Library.
Virtual Exchange: Using Social Media to Elevate Your School Library

Sept. 24 @ 4PM ET

J oin  Rain Smith  , Media Specialist at Whiteland Community High School, and  Stacey Kern  , Media Specialist at Clark Pleasant Middle School, as they illustrate the importance of social media and how to use it to promote your library, students, and community.  

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Indiana Library Federation
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Indianapolis, IN 46240 www.ilfonline.org