Focus on Indiana Libraries
November 13, 2019 | Vol. 73 No. 18
Carmel Clay Public Library holds poetry readings on social justice
More than 70 poet laureates were inspired to write poems by the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Ten Ways to Fight Hate.”  Read More

Monroe County Public Library exhibits human book collection
The Monroe County Public Library asks for visitors to care for the books they check out. Mind the pages. Ask for an extension. Return in the same, or better, condition than you found it.  Read More
ILF Annual Conference Highlights
Because Libraries Welcome All . ILF welcomed over 730 attendees, 130 exhibitor reps and 115 speakers to share about new trends, to connect with colleagues and to celebrate library services for Indiana at the ILF Annual Conference on November 4-5.
Here are a few highlights:
  • Conference began with a lovely Awards and Honors banquet on Sunday evening. ILF awarded 11 awards and 4 scholarships this year.
  • A morning Yoga session got attendees loose and ready to begin the day.
  • Attendees participated in a sing-along during the opening session led by performer, Mr. Daniel. The ILF Officers introduced the newly elected ILF Board and provided a summary of the last year and a new initiative, PL2030 (info coming soon).
  • Keynote speaker, Jason Reynolds kept the audience spellbound during his presentation on Monday afternoon.
  • The Indianapolis Children's Opera performed a selection from their fall opera (available for library performances), The Three Sillies during the lunch break.
  • Attendees were challenged to select their favorite from the 40 sessions offered on Monday.
  • Whether seeking new friends, informal networking or competition, attendees packed the room for the IU/IUPUI-sponsored Social Trivia Night. The Rebel Alliance team took home the win among the 8 teams, while incoming President-Elect Latrice Booker's team was declared to have the most fun. President and official Jeopardy contestant Susie Highley and her team placed second.
  • Partner Indiana Humanities described their new tools for libraries to promote Indiana Authors. Megan Telligman from Indiana Humanities interviewed Indiana Poet Laureate Adrian Matejka after he shared his story and poetry.
  • Attendees connected with over 68 exhibitors over a cup of coffee or a snack.
  • The ILF Book Awards Luncheon featured Newbery winning author Meg Medina after YHBA-winning author Lynn Plourde and Rosie-winning author Emmy Laybourne each shared their appreciation for student-voted awards.
  • Experts educated attendees about how to protect your patrons from cyberattacks, Implicit Bias, Building Blocks for LGBTQ+ Inclusive Library Practices, Empathy with patrons, Advocacy through Social Media, promoting diversity in your library and more.
  • Conference attendees loved customizable ribbons, Libraries Welcome All magnets, I Love Libraries license plate covers and new posters and bookmarks announcing the 2020-2021 lists for Young Hoosier Book Award and the Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award and a brochure with the 2020 Read Alouds list.

Many thanks to our sponsors including ENA , Indiana Humanities , EBSCO , Bose Public Affairs , IU's SICE ILS and IUPUI's SOIC LIS , MCLS , Children's Plus / Rainbow Book Company , Perma-Bound , and Bound to Stay Bound Books . And many thanks to the Minde Browning Fund , a fund of the Indianapolis Foundation, for providing scholarships for 48 from Marion County.
2019 Awards and Honors Banquet

The Indiana Library Federation recognizes outstanding library staff, supporters and libraries through its annual awards, honors and scholarships program. Honorees were recognized at the Annual Awards Banquet on Nov. 3 in conjunction with the Annual Conference.

Congratulations to these award winners:
  • Jan Owens, Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Suzanne Holcomb, Read-Aloud Champion Award
  • Kathy Tretter, Outstanding Trustee Award
  • JoyAnn Boudreau, Outstanding New School Librarian Award
  • Sue Salamone, Outstanding Librarian Award
  • Shannon Bowman-Sarkisian, Outstanding Support Staff Award
  • Books to Bridge the Region, Collaboration Award
  • Vigo County Public Library, Sara Laughlin Marketing Award
  • Monroe County Public Library, Programming Award
  • La Porte County Public Library, Outstanding Library Award
  • Rep. Christy Stutzman (R, HD49, Middlebury), Rep. Matt Hostettler (R, HD64, Fort Branch) and Rep. Chris Chyung (D, HD15, Dyer), Freshman Legislator Awards

We congratulate  Colette Pedersen and Megan Roseberry   on winning the Sue Marsh Weller Memorial Scholarship and  Kathryn Farmer , Julie Jolliff and Holly Trott   on winning the Esther Schlundt Memorial Scholarship as each pursue a Master of Library Science or a Master of Library and Information Science. Look for the  nomination process   in the spring to nominate someone you know.
MEMBER NEWS
ILF Prioritizes Leadership Development
As a part of the strategic vision to strengthen Indiana Library Federation and exceptional staff in libraries, ILF has prioritized the training and development of its leaders. Over 50 ILF leaders participated in a special leadership training on Sunday, Nov. 3. Led by association management consultant Mark McSweeney of Raybourne Group International, training included a DISC self-assessment, communications styles, and trends in volunteerism. The training concluded with each committee or leadership team creating a "group resume" to identify collective strengths and gaps in diversity, skills, geography, or library/position types.

ILF leaders will incorporate their learnings as they refine their work plans and activities throughout 2020. ILF leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Indiana Library Federation and our mission to lead, educate and advocate to advance library services for the benefit of Indiana residents.
Want to serve in ILF??
We are still placing volunteers for roles in Indiana Library Federation. A few remaining positions are available on Committees , Affiliation Advisory Boards , Division Leadership Teams , Book Awards, and Special Projects. Some have wait lists. Have a great idea? Help us carry it out!

Volunteers give 1-4 hours a month. 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.
Save the Date

Be sure to mark your calendars! ILF's 2020 Annual Conference will be held November 16-18 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Ft. Wayne, IN .