Focus on Indiana Libraries :
Volume 73 Number 7, April 11, 2019
In this issue of your  Focus on Indiana Libraries
  • President's Column
  • Great Things in Indiana Libraries
  • We [Heart] Our Library video

What you missed in prior issues
ILF Informational Links

President's Column

Happy National Library Week! Do we ever get tired of everyone telling us how wonderful libraries are this week? I could fill up this entire column with the various posts shared by organizations, media outlets, and individuals. There have been so many, I’ve had a hard time selecting a favorite, but it might be this piece from Stephanny Smith of the Allen County Public Library . So, what about next week, when people have moved on to National Pet ID and National Coin Week? Yes, this week is important, as it reminds people to pause and consider the value of librarians, but what can we do to perpetuate the good feelings? Read More
Keller Albums still on display at Nappanee library through April 30
Just before the turn of the nineteenth century, John Keller began the task of photographing Nappanee.  Read More

Girls have fun with information and technology at KHCPL: Library hosts Girls in ICT Day with robots and virtual reality
They posed for pictures in Paris and Hollywood, made melodies with musical keyboards and computers and navigated through a virtual world.  Read More

IU receives $10.9 million grant from Lilly Endowment to renovate world-renowned Lilly Library
Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded the Indiana University Foundation a $10.9 million grant to support renovation of the university's internationally renowned Lilly Library, IU President Michael A. McRobbie has announced.  Read More

Otterbien Public Library receives scanner, holding local history swap meet
The Otterbein Public Library has received a new scanner and laptop by the Indiana Genealogical society. Read More

MCPL Sensory-Friendly Films Mean No ‘Shushing’ Allowed
With the lights up and the volume down, the Monroe County Public Library (MCPL) Autism & Sensory-Friendly Movie program flips all expectations of what it means to go to the movies. In this theater, talking and movement are not only allowed, they’re expected. Read More

Bachelor of Science in applied data and information science
IUPUI will offer an undergraduate degree in applied data and information science for students to learn about data curation, management, analysis and dissemination.  Read More

Libraries' collaborations knit community closer
Today starts National Libraries Week. And this year's theme is Libraries = Strong Communities. At the Allen County Public Library, we play an important role in the life of our community. Read More

Literacy Center Launches New Partner Program
The Literacy Center has launched a new program to support adults who struggle with literacy. Read More

Inside the World's Only Public Collection of Mechanical Puzzles
Calling all problem-solvers and puzzle masters: A library in Bloomington, Indiana, is home to the world's only public display of mechanical puzzles.  Read More

Veedersburg library gets ready for summer reading program
The Veedersburg Public Library is gearing up for summer with its annual summer reading program. Read More

IU Day gift helps Herman B Wells tell his whole story
Indiana University Press was founded by Herman B Wells in 1950. Since that time, the Press has become the largest publisher in the state of Indiana and showcases internationally acclaimed scholarly and popular books.  Read More
Advocating for Libraries at the Statehouse
As the legislative session starts to wind down, legislation is moving quickly and changes daily. Indiana Library Federation's members and advocates are in regular communication with lawmakers about bills important to libraries. Details about bills are included in our weekly ILF Advocacy Updates and in our member-only bi-weekly Virtual Advocacy Updates . We are pleased that the Senate version of the state budget includes our funding request for INSPIRE, Indiana's virtual library, and for internet connectivity for public libraries and schools . The Senate is expected to pass HB1343, and we support the current language. Public library boards may need to adopt policies about criminal history checks for employees and volunteers, although this language has been amended in different bills. We are also monitoring changes to underlying tax structure for units of government, as language moves within several bills.

How you can help
  • Stay informed - Be sure to subscribe to or review our Advocacy Updates.
  • Develop library supporters and champions - Invite people to experience what your library has to offer.
  • Third House/Meet Your Legislator Events - Plan to attend the local event in your area. See calendar. Contact us with questions or additional session info.
PROPERTY TAX AND LIBRARIES FOR LIBRARY BOARD MEMBERS

We are pleased to announce a web-based session on Wed, May 1, 10amET/9amCT. Tax experts Tamara Ogle and Larry DeBoer from Purdue will offer "Property Tax and Libraries." This abbreviated and customized web-based session will help library board members understand property taxes and levies specific to libraries and in comparison with other units of government. There is no cost to attend.

Register here. Or distribute this one-page flyer .

After registering you will receive instructions how to join. Most participants elect to view through their computer screen and may communicate through chat or voice (if your computer has a microphone). Your computer does not need to have a camera, though is welcome and encouraged. For those on the go or without quality computer speakers, you may join via phone. You will WANT to be able to see the presentation, as these @TaxRockstars use a lot of graphics to illustrate property taxes and comparisons.
Budget Workshop set for May 16 at Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library

Grab your budget information and laptop and join us for a one-day workshop on Budget Preparation.

Are you a newer director who feels overwhelmed by the budget process or a director who has always relied on another staff member to complete the budget for your library? This workshop is for you!

Understand
  • tax levies
  • tax rates
  • assessed valuation
  • the entire budget process

Complete your library budget step by step, form by form. Registration rate: Members - $50/Non-members - $65. Register now! Space registration is limited.
Nominate Your Peers!

Nominate a person, library or organization for an ILF Award.

Who demonstrates excellence in Indiana public, academic or school libraries ? Who goes out of their way to advance literacy, marketing, intellectual freedom or library advocacy?  Learn more  about eligibility, past winners or criteria. 

Help support the future of librarianship by helping outstanding teachers and library staff pursue the Master of Library Science at IU or IUPUI or the AS through Ivy Tech. Help us promote ILF Scholarships.

Please consider nominating your peers or library! Deadline for nomination packets is June 30 . Awards are presented at our Annual Conference in November.
ILF Photo and Video Gallery:
During National Library Week, our libraries & communities showed their love by displaying "We [Heart] Our Library" signs. Here is just a sample.
Members Only benefits
ILF Members have access to
* discounts at conferences and events
* eligibility for certain awards, honors and scholarships
* serving in leadership within ILF-- Volunteer today
* 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.  NOTE: ILF Membership is on a calendar year.
Quick Links
* Calendar - note that you may print a month 
Donations
Your tax-deductible charitable contributions support our ILF mission. We post our   IRS 990 and Annual Report   for full transparency.
Indiana Library Federation
317-257-2040 | 317-257-1389