Focus on Indiana Libraries
Feb. 4, 2021 - - - Vol. 75 No. 3
This Issue

The Best from Ind. Libraries


Library Sign Campaign Coming

Libraries and the Vaccine

Including Policy Priorities

2021 Committees, Division Leadership Teams, and Affiliation Advisory Boards


Member Only
President's February Message
ILF President Latrice Booker provides her thoughts on Black History Month and wishes ILF members the best. She challenges members to explore the history of one BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or People of Color) pioneer in library history. Learn and share.
Website Under Construction
You may notice some changes to the the ILF website in coming days and weeks. It's all part of our push to make the website experience as intuitive and seamless as possible!

Please have patience as we undergo this important initiative. We recommend refreshing the website in your browser on occasion, as well.
Great Things Are Happening in Indiana Libraries
JCPL schedules COVID-19 vaccinations

Johnson County Public Library is assisting eligible Indiana residents in scheduling COVID-19 vaccination appointments.

Kendallville debuts new way to connect

Kendallville Public Library is offering a new way to connect with the library on its website.
2021 Call for Programs
Do you have a program you'd like to present at an ILF conference or event this year? We want to hear from you!

Submit your proposals by completing this online survey by March 1 for early consideration.

For more information, visit this link.
Library Sign Campaign Coming
We know how much you loved it the first time, so we're bringing them back: the We Love Our Library signs will be make a return soon. Keep your eyes peeled on the newsletter and website for updates!

We want to make this a true campaign, complete with a social media push show to show legislators just how much their library matters to their community! Hashtag, selfies and other ideas welcome.

Have a favorite vendor or idea, give Nick a holler!
Libraries and the Vaccine
Key Updates

Eligibility was opened to those over age 65 on Feb. 1. Call and portal volume is highest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., so keep trying.

Indiana's public libraries are playing various roles with the COVID-19 vaccine:

  • Information Dissemination: Libraries provide information to residents by training staff and through posting informational posters and social media. One vaccine message, many messengers.

  • Vaccine Scheduling/Registration: More than 1,000 library staff completed training to assist residents with scheduling and registration.

  • Scheduling: Library staff help eligible residents schedule their vaccine through ourshot.IN.gov.
  • Registration: Occurs after the appointment is scheduled, ideally prior to the appointment and arrival at the site.

  • Vaccination Site: Some libraries are working with their local health department to serve as vaccination sites.

Members of the Indiana Library community may find the internal resources for library staff here.
Photo Courtesy of Pulaski County Public Library
Vaccine Featured Story

Check out our most recent Featured Story about the efforts of libraries across Indiana to assist in COVID-19 vaccinations!

Some, like Noble County Public Library, act as sites for the vaccinations themselves. Others, like Mooresville Public Library, set up dedicated computer stations for the sole purpose of registering/scheduling people for the vaccine.

The vast majority are helping the public in some capacity in this important initiative. To read more, click the picture above or go here for a printable PDF version.
Library Advocacy Update
The Indiana General Assembly reconvened Jan. 4. After a week when the statehouse and state government complex were closed to the public, legislators are moving bills more quickly than anticipated. Legislative leaders will hold a special session in the summer to handle the redistricting issue. Without the pressure of redistricting, legislators are able to give more attention to other bills.
  • Subscribe to the weekly ILF Advocacy Updates (open to all, regardless of membership). Be sure to check your junk folder and white list us. Feel free to forward your newsletters to others in your network.


  • Check out reports (member only) from our contracted advocacy firm, Bose Public Affairs. The ILF bill tracking list is linked on the last page of the report and is updated in real-time.

  • ILF offers Virtual Updates bi-weekly for its members. This is your opportunity to hear the inside scoop and ask questions of Advocacy Committee members and advocates. Members may register for upcoming updates on Feb. 8, Feb. 22, March 8, March 22, April 5, and April 19.
Rosie Con Virtual Author Panels
Rosie Con is hosting Virtual Author Panels on Feb. 10 and Feb. 24, both from 7 to 8 p.m. ET.

The Feb. 10 panel is called "Romance and Relationships" and includes authors such as Robin Benway and Melanie Crowder.

The Feb. 24 session is entitled "The Therapist is In" and includes Shawn Goodman and Mindy McGinnis as authors in attendance.

Learn more here and register by clicking on the links above.
Rosie Con is a program of Wayne Township Schools and promotes the books and authors, past and present, on the Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award list.
Members Only
Online Learning

ILF membership offers so much more than a conference discount. Have you checked out Online Learning? Please contact us if you need assistance logging in. 

One of the most popular recent online learning sessions was "Copyright during COVID." If you are a staff member of an institutional member, you may e-mail Tisa for access to this fantastic recorded session.
Leader Orientation on Feb. 12
ILF will hold its annual Leader Orientation on Feb. 12 for those who serve on the board, committees, affiliation advisory boards, division leadership teams, and work groups.

Member Leader Positions
ILF wants a few more positions on our leadership teams. See a list of current needs for member leaders. In developing each leadership committee or team, we seek diversity in library type, geography, demographics, and skills. Current recruitment focus includes:

  • Cross-sector members interested in the relaunch of ILF's academic journal; need experienced editors and peer reviewers

  • Innovative and thoughtful do-ers for the Public Services Division Leadership Team

Interested in learning more about any of the above? Complete the volunteer form and/or contact Tisa Davis. ILF works to match member leaders to positions that fit your skills, interests, and availability.
Member News
New Hires

  • Debbie Kristoff began as director of the Lowell Public Library on Jan. 5, 2021.
  • Kim Hardin replaced June Kruer as the director of the Charlestown-Clark County Public Library.

Retirements

  • June Kruer retires as long-time director of the Charlestown-Clark County Public Library. She will remain Treasurer on the ILF Board of Directors.
Indiana Library Federation
941 E. 86th St., Suite 260
Indianapolis, IN 46240