The Curious Forever campaign was initiated by the Scott Education and Community Foundation in 2004. The goal was to provide grants to any Scott County organization or individual for projects designed to encourage curiosity at any age and promote teaching and learning. With a goal of raising $500,000 and lead pledge of $100,000 from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, the Foundation created Curious Forever.

     All funds are used for education - there are no administrative fees. Since 2000, the Foundation began awarding grants of $1000 quarterly. I believe this program is one of our community's best kept secrets! And that isn't good! We need to get the word out about this great opportunity for organizations and individuals to receive support teaching what they are passionate about.

     The application and guidelines are on line at: www.curiousforever.com. Eligible grants promote curiosity and excellence in education. If you have an idea, and an eager desire to teach and share, need funding, equipment or supplies, a Curious Forever Grant just might be your answer to sharing your special talent! For more information about this opportunity, or for assistance with your grant application, please contact Earlene at the public library!     earlene@scottpublib.org

Patron Spotlight--Harlan Wilson (cont.)

      Harlan Wilson, owner of Tucker Wilson Funeral Home, returned from his first

mission trip to Guatemala convinced of two things: he would return the following year, and when he did, he needed to speak and understand the Latino language fluently.

     In 2012, on a trip sponsored by Central Christian Church, the Wilsons built houses, provided medical supplies and shared Bible lessons. Warmly welcomed by the community, Wilson sensed his experience would be far richer by overcoming the language barrier.

     Wilson had little time to spare for classes, and immersion programs like Rosetta Stone cost $450.00. Then his wife, Wanda, mentioned the library's new free online language program, Mango Languages. Yet, how effective or comprehensive could a "free" program be, he wondered?  

     Tall, quiet and gracious, wearing a bow tie and suspenders, Wilson sits erect behind his desk, hands clasped together. He could easily be mistaken for a college dean or chairman of a classical language department - except he's become a one-man ambassador for Mango Languages.

     "It's a fantastic program - a wonderful asset and well-kept secret," he said. In the 30 seconds it takes to log on using your library card and pin number, you access tutorials in 30 languages, including French, German, Chinese, Swahili, and Irish. Lessons teaching basic proficiency in conversational and grammar skills progress to Mango "Complete", the highest level. It teaches advanced phrasing while exploring the social and cultural history associated with the language.

     In about 3 months, (sometimes logging in as early as 6:30 a.m.), Wilson worked at his own pace, reaching Level III. In a profession requiring him to be available 7 days a week/24 hours a day, Wilson's enthusiasm underscores how libraries expand horizons by offering free access to online skill programs at times that are convenient for the user.  

     Wilson rarely misses a day logging on - and that combination of discipline, along with his commitment to "practicum, practicum, practicum" (practice, practice, practice) means he is eager to test himself in Guatemala this spring.

     In Scott County, "We have unique opportunities to interact with one another," said Wilson.

     In addition to the growing Latino community, he noted residents from Bosnia and Croatia are settling here, as well. Becoming bi-lingual strengthens community ties, Wilson believes. This spring, he'll make new friendships with ease, thanks to his library card, a 30 second login, and his own determination to learn a new skill.

I Don't Know How To... (cont.)     

 

     The library has computers, printers and copiers available on a first-come first- serve basis at no cost.  A patron may use a computer up to two hours daily.  The computer stations are available when the library is open.  If all stations are in use, you can reserve a computer that will next be available.  Wi-Fi is also available for patrons using personal laptops.  

 

 

Insider's Tip--Zinio Digital Magazines (cont.)