Kokomo-Howard County Public Library
January 2015
Vol. 3, Issue 1
A Message from the Director

Seasons are cyclical.  While I'm not crazy about winter, I like the rhythm of repeating seasons. The anticipation of spring or summer, for me, is half the fun. This issue of our e-newsletter has some of that cyclical feel to it. As you read about upcoming events, keep an eye open for ones that you've enjoyed in the past as well as first-time programs that keep things fresh. We'd also ask you to take a moment to share your suggestions for events you'd like to see by emailing me at [email protected]. Your idea could become the next event we add to our annual program cycle.

Climb Aboard One of Our Bookmobiles
It's true that sometimes kids get to have all the fun, but when it comes to KHCPL's bookmobiles, we'd like to remind you that folks of all ages are not only welcome but encouraged to climb aboard at one of our public stops. Yes, we visit daycares and schools, but we also serve neighborhoods, apartment communities, and senior living facilities. We hope to see you soon. Find out when we'll be near you by checking out our online schedule.
Take Advantage of 
KHCPL's FREE
Databases


Do you want to find fun, interactive books for your children to read this winter? TumbleBook Library is a GREAT place to find them! TumbleBook Library is an online collection of animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they'll love. TumbleBooks are created by adding animation, sound, music and narration to existing picture books in order to produce an electronic picture book which you can read, or have read to you. It has a selection of children's favorite story books. Old time favorites such as The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, as well as favorite fairy tales such as Jack and the Beanstalk and Old Mother Hubbard come to life in an educational and interactive way. Other titles include: Diary of a Worm
How I Became a Pirate
Miss Malarkey Doesn't Live in Room 10One Duck Stuck, and Tops and Bottoms. There is also a Language Learning Section which includes a growing selection of books in Spanish and French. Many are bilingual titles which allow children to read the book in two languages. Now older students or more accomplished readers can read the collection of read-along chapter books. Read-along titles feature narration, sentence highlighting, and automatic page turning. A collection of puzzles and games accompany each book and reinforce concepts from the books, allowing for a fun and educational learning experience.
Find the link to all the databases and resources tools we offer FREE, click here 
WINTER WONDERLAND photo by Kelly Lafferty Gerber (C) Kokomo Tribune
START EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED
Recently there was an ice-skating pond at the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library, along with snowball fights, and other fun games. It was part of our First Friday activities. The custodial team created a Winter Wonderland. It was a hit! Kids "ice-skated" by sliding around in their sock feet, explored igloos made of milk cartons, and threw Styrofoam snowballs. 

A Winter Wonderland is not what some would expect at KHPCL. But it's something you should start expecting.


The Winter Wonderland came on the heels of the first KHCPL Rudolph Family Fun Run 5k, after all, and we hosted two Downton Abbey teas in 2014, along with an Easter Egg hunt, and a wagon ride.

As libraries change with the times, you'll find KHCPL trying more and more programs and services to meet YOUR needs and partner with the community.

Here's another example of something new you'll find at KHCPL. ... 

KHCPL Starts Group for Grandparents

Who Are Raising Grandchildren 


 
In the United States, more than 5.8 million kids live with their grandparents, according to AARP. Parenting is difficult enough, but parenting your grandchildren brings with it a whole new set of struggles.

 

KHCPL recognized that local grandparents who are raising their grandchildren need help and created a support group: Second-time Parents: Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren.

 

"In essence, KHCPL is providing the opportunity for second-time parents to get together to learn, share, and support each other," said Doug Workinger, the group facilitator and the Interim Assistant Director of KHCPL. "For the first session, we'll get to know each other and plan how the group should proceed. I really need to hear from the grandparents. We need to know what they need, what they struggle with. Then KHCPL will find experts in the community and have them at meetings to address the issues the grandparents face. It's just another way that the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library has found to serve and partner with the community."

 

First session speakers are Eric Grzegorski, Attorney at Law; Alan Girton, agent with Indiana Farm Bureau; and Amy Lucas, CPA of Bucheri, McCarty & Metz LLP. Topics will include legal issues, financial options, safety, education, and tips and tricks that work. All ages of grandparents and grandkids welcome. 

"Bring your grandchildren to the first meeting, and we'll have something for you to do together," Workinger said.

 

Second-Time Parents: Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren will meet at 6 p.m. on Jan. 27, Feb. 10, March, 10, and April 14 in Meeting Rooms A&B on the lower level of KHCPL Main, 220 N. Union St. You do not have to have a library card or even be a resident of Howard County to attend.


 


 

PLEASE feel free to share YOUR ideas for programs and services with us by emailing Director of Marketing and Community Engagement Lisa Fipps at [email protected].


 

In the meantime, keep expecting the unexpected.
   

FREE TAX PREPARATION AND FILING

For the second year in a row, KHCPL is partnering with the AARP to offer FREE tax filings. ALL ages and ALL incomes are welcome.

 

Professionals from AARP will be available by appointment only in the lower level of KHCPL Main to prepare and electronically file your taxes from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Feb. 3 to April 14. Make an appointment by calling 765.626.0841 between 9:15 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you call after 2:00 p.m., you may leave a message. 


 

IF YOU'RE DOING YOUR TAXES YOURSELF, PLEASE NOTE ...

Limited Supply of IRS Instructions, Forms

Will Be Available at KHCPL

 

The Internal Revenue Service has notified the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library that, due to budget cuts, the IRS will significantly reduce the number of printed tax products it sends to libraries across the United States.

 

The IRS will not be sending out any 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ instruction booklets, as well as several other forms and publications that KHCPL and other libraries received and distributed in the past. Considering this change and to try to serve our patrons better, we will have some instruction booklets available for you to use while you're at the library.

 

KHCPL is still supposed to receive Forms 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ; however, the IRS has not started shipping those three forms. Feel free to call KHCPL at 457.3242 before coming to the library to see if we have the forms you need. Also, please check our Facebook page regularly because we will post updates when tax products arrive.

 

Individuals and employers can order forms from the IRS by calling 800.829.3676 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST, and the IRS will deliver them by mail to you. Many forms and instructions are also available to view and download online at www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs/Order-Products.

KHCPL staff can assist with locating and printing online tax forms; however, please note that the law prohibits KHCPL employees from giving any tax advice, including regarding the forms that you might need. Printing and copying is 10 cents per black and white copy and 25 cents for color copies.

  

FEBRUARY FIRST FRIDAY

Come to KHCPL Main from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for First Friday on Feb. 6 and we'll hook you up with a blind date - a Blind Date With a Book, that is. Kids can get crafty with the Creator's Club, and find out more about the programs, services, and career opportunities with Bona Vista. See you soon!


 


 

PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES

 

Stuffed Animal Sleepover at KHCPL

 

Kids up to 5th grade, drop off your stuffed animal at your nearest Kokomo-Howard County Public Library location for a fun-filled sleepover any time THIS Friday, Jan. 23! Then, go to that same location to pick up your friend at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, and watch a slideshow to find out what your stuffed animal did when the library was closed.


 



Let the Library Hook You Up on a Blind Date

- With a Book

 

Fall in love all over again with books at the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library. We will select books from our shelves and wrap them. On the cover will be a barcode so you can check out the book, a sticker that explains how Blind Date With a Book works, and a clue about the genre of the book. The books will be available from Feb. 1 to 28. After you've read it, fill out the form to tell us about the book. We want to hear all about it! Place the entry form in the box marked Blind Date With a Book for a chance to win a prize. Boxes will be at each KHCPL location's circulation desk and on both bookmobiles. You can enter more than once.


 

Library Helps Raise Awareness About

Women's Heart Health 

 

GoRed for Women, an American Heart Association initiative, encourages women to make heart health their No. 1 priority. AHA has designated Friday, Feb. 6, as National Wear Red Day. To raise awareness locally, join the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library for a women's heart health discussion about Women's Heart Health at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, at KHCPL Main.

 

You will learn how your blood pressure, glucose level, cholesterol level, weight, and other factors affect your risk for developing heart disease, and how the symptoms of heart attack are different for women.

 

 


 
National African-American Read-in Chain at KHCPL 


The Kokomo-Area Reading Council will kick off Black History month by encouraging youth to read works authored by African-American writers. The National African-American Read-in Chain will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, at KHCPL Main.  There will be different learning stations, snacks, and a free book given to each child!

  

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Books

 

Enjoy a good old-fashioned ice cream social with your little sweethearts during Ice Cream for Books from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, at KHCPL South. Call 765.453.4150 to register.

 

 

Learn About African-American Pioneers

 

During the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library's "We Went That-a-way, Too" program from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb 14, you'll take a trip back in time and follow the African diaspora through the American West. Who were these little known explorers and pioneers? Where did they settle? Learn about some of their little-known contributions to American history at KHCPL Main.


 

 

Library Seeks Young Whovians

 

Calling all Whovians in sixth through 12th grades! Come to this after-hours program from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, at KHCPL South, where we will celebrate Doctor Who by making Weeping Angels from Barbie dolls. If you bring your own doll, that'd be awesome. We'll also play Doctor Who games and have a trivia contest. Geronimo!


 


 

 

Calling All Spies!

 

Something is afoot at the library, and we need your help! Can you follow the clues left behind to help us solve a mystery? Code-breaking, secret identities, and disguises are only a few things we will learn about during Spy Camp from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, at KHCPL Main. Space is limited, so call 765.626.0830 starting Feb. 7 to reserve your spot.

 

But what, there's so much more!

Even more programs are on tap, including all of our regular programs, such as Story Time, Preschool Dance Party, Practice Preschool, Lego Land, Game On!, ATLAS (At the Library After School) Club, Expressions! craft, Homeschool Book Club, Yoga for kids, Book Discussions, Crafter Corner, Paws to Read, and free Technology Classes.

 

You can always check our Facebook page for upcoming events or our online calendar