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Public Library News & Notes
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Serving Kentucky's Need to Know
| February 2016
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Greetings,
I want to thank each of you who have sent in news briefs for Public Library News & Notes. I am inspired by your innovative programming and special celebrations.
When we did a reboot of the newsletter, one major goal was to share your programming ideas and good news with libraries across Kentucky.
It's a good problem to have, then, that often I receive more news briefs than I can include in a single newsletter.
Every brief is important however, and in these cases I will hold some briefs for the following month, but I will make sure to share your contributions as soon as possible.
So, keep sending them in! Public Library News & Notes is a great way inform the library community of all of the great things that are happening in your library. Paige Sexton
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Kentucky Libraries Again Set E-rate Funding Record
 Kentucky libraries recently set a new record for funding commitments from E-rate, a federal program that provides discounts on Internet, telecommunications, and networking equipment for schools and public libraries. For the July 2015 to June 2016 funding year, Kentucky libraries have a commitment for up to $2.06 million in E-rate funding to be disbursed as they are invoiced for eligible products and services. This amount represents a 51% increase from the record set last year.Potential E-rate funding increased dramatically in 2014 when the Federal Communications Commission, which regulates the program, instituted modernization efforts focused on broadband capacity and Wi-Fi connectivity. In previous years, funding ran out before all schools and libraries received support for necessary services, and few applicants had access to equipment funding. Now, applicants that complete the bidding process and forms correctly will receive their share of $3.9 billion or more available each year. Marshall County Public Library (MCPL) is one of Kentucky's E-rate success stories. Thanks to the $115,000 funding commitment it secured this year, the library opened a new kiosk location with high-speed broadband in Benton's Mike Miller Park. According to MCPL director Kristi Tucker, "E-rate gives us the ability to be on the technology forefront for our community. This allows us to offer services we would otherwise be unable to provide to our customers." Each year, about 90 Kentucky libraries apply for discounts that are meant to ensure comparable levels of connectivity nationwide. They complete a competitive bidding process to drive down costs and request 40-90% discounts based on the number of local students who receive discounted school lunch. On average, Kentucky libraries receive an 80% discount on Internet, phone service, mobile hotspots for bookmobiles, and upgrades to equipment such as routers, switches, and firewalls. For more information on the E-rate program, visit www.usac.org/sl. Kentucky public libraries may request filing assistance by contacting Lauren Abner at the Kentucky Department for Libraries & Archives - lauren.abner@ky.gov or 502-564-1728.
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Laurel County Public Library Celebrates Long-term Employee
The Laurel County Public Library recently celebrated with Joyce Johnson as she retired after 39 years of service. Joyce began working part-time in 1976 and held a variety of positions in the library over the years. She is greatly missed!
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Best retirement cake ever!
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Henderson County Public Library Extends Success into 2016
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Choo-choo printed with Lulzbot 3-D printer.
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Even at the ripe old age of 111, Henderson County Public Library (HCPL) isn't slowing down! In 2015, HCPL experienced many positive changes and continued to expand programming, resources, and services.
In September, Henderson County Public Library welcomed new director, Caleb May. Mr. May received his MLS from the School of Library and Information Management at Emporia State University and is originally from Dover, Kansas. From 2010 to August 2015, he served as Director and Head Librarian of the Meade Public Library in Meade, Kansas and represented Southwest Kansas on the Friends of Kansas Libraries State Board. According to Mr. May, "Library service is essential to every community for the development of early literacy skills, economic growth, continuing education, and lifelong learning." When asked about future of HCPL, he shared his vision, promising, "to continue the library's traditional excellence in library service and embrace emerging trends in information literacy and access for all of our residents." HCPL Board Chair Joan Hoffman has high hopes for the new library leadership. "Caleb jumped right in on some complex property issues that needed attention," Mrs. Hoffman said. She continued, "He is already active in the local Lion's Club and involved with a public/private partnership that could be a way to expand library services to an underserved part of our community as well as be of great service to kids and teens. We are proud of Caleb and look forward to many years of service together." The Children's and Teen departments are preparing for 2016 programs full STEAM ahead! Both departments enjoyed great success with their fall lineup of innovative programs designed to emphasize key concepts of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Children's Manager Danielle Anguish will continue to offer Wonder Wednesday, Family Lego Club, and MinecraftEdu Jr in 2016. Teen Librarian Michala Sage has also built a new, comprehensive program, Teen STEAM, for teens ages 12 through 19. Teen STEAM incorporates elements from two successful fall programs; Teen Miner's Block challenged teens to complete team goals in Minecraft using MinecraftEdu software and Teen Tinkering Time encouraged teens to design and create with AutoCAD software and Lulzbot 3D printers. To celebrate Family History Month and Kentucky Archives Month, Genealogy Manager, Nancy Voyles, and Genealogy Assistant, Sheryll Trost, hosted the library's first-ever Genealogy "How-to" Day on Saturday, October 10. The event was free, open to the public, and offered 10 unique workshops in a mini-conference format. Attendees were able to network with other genealogists and local history buffs while learning about courthouse records, photo restoration, online resources, and emerging technologies like the Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner and using DNA analysis for genealogical research. Over 100 attendees from across the tristate area participated. Later that month, the library hosted an installment of its popular week-long speaker series, "Growing Up in Henderson." The Genealogy department finished October strong with a visit from the Kentucky Historical Society on Saturday, October 17. Three contributing scholars shared their research on Henderson history from the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement for a special issue of The Register, the official publication of the Kentucky Historical Society. Exciting summer reading plans for 2016 are underway. The library has selected the Commonwealth collaborative theme, "Sports, Health, and Wellness" and has already procured a mini-grant from the Kentucky Department of Public Health to incorporate 5-2-1-0 Healthy Numbers for Kentucky Families into the marketing and implementation of the 2016 Summer Reading Program.
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Kenton County Public Library Presents Early Childhood Workshop
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Participants dance with scarves to imitate falling leaves.
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The Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Public Library (KCPL) offered a workshop to library staff and 10 educators from across the state recently.
Children's Programmer and Certified Professional Environmental Educator Jennifer Beach offered at 4-hour long workshop covering the history and use of the Project Learning Tree Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood curriculum. Thanks to a grant funded by Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Georgetown, the workshop was free to participants, as the cost of the guides and accompanying CDs was covered. The workshop was attended by four other children's department staff members at the branch, and by homeschool educators, professional preschool educators, university staff, parks staff, and informal educators from other environment-related organizations. Educators traveled from Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort, and as far away as Pineville to attend. Jennifer earned the PEEC certification in May 2015, and is certified to provide Educator Certification for the use of various environmental curricula, including Project Learning Tree, Project WILD, Project Flying WILD, Project WET, Project Underground, and the Leopold Education Project. She is the only library employee in the state to hold the PEEC certification, which is administered by the Kentucky Environmental Education Council. The Project Learning Tree Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood "...integrates nature-based exploration, art, literature, math, music and movement, and outdoor play into early childhood education programs." (From the guide, p. 3). The curriculum includes a CD with various musical resources paired to the activities in the guide. Participants in the workshop learned a brief history of Project Learning Tree, did hands-on practice with the curricula, and tried out some of the activities for themselves. Indoor and outdoor learning and peer teaching were all part of the experience. Activities included such things as an outdoor shape walk, a tree-product discovery table, dancing like falling leaves to a variety of musical styles, and much more. Additional resources related to environmental education and early childhood were shared as well. Information about Project Learning Tree can be found at www.plt.org. Jennifer plans to offer additional workshops in the future, and is pursuing a specialty credential to offer early childhood education continuing education credits.
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Programming & Marketing Coordinator off to Great Start
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Ashley created an eye-catching flyer to advertise Fistful of Colors program.
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Hopkins County-Madisonville Public Library employee Ashley Buchanan was recently promoted to Programming & Marketing Coordinator and has some exciting new monthly programs to share.
Fistful of Colors is an adult coloring program that is held the last Friday of every month from 4-5 p.m. The library provides coloring supplies and refreshments along with zen music, encouraging participants to tap into their creative spirit. Ashley has also started a Brown Bag Book Club that meets monthly on the second Tuesday from 12-1 p.m. Customers can bring their lunch and enjoy a monthly book discussion with Kentucky authors. In January book club members visited with Phillip Von Hooser, and this month the book club welcomes Kentucky Poet Laureate George Ella Lyon. Additionally, the library recently presented an Internet Safety Program with Detective Bob Couchman of the Madisonville Police Department. Presentation topics included how to spot online child predators and how to keep your private information on-line.
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Marion County Public Library Bookmobile Librarian Wins Award
Amanda Morgeson, Outreach and Bookmobile Services librarian at the Marion County Public Library recently received the Communicare Volunteer of The Year Award in Lebanon, Kentucky.
Staff and residents with the program wanted to honor Amanda for the wonderful programs she offers them as well as her dedication to collaboration between Communicare and the Marion County Public Library.
The library recently purchased a new bookmobile to be used for book delivery/community stops and to take library programming to all areas of the county. Amanda has used it to full advantage to provide excellent service to her customers.
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Collaborations Contribute to Paul Sawyier Public Library's One Book, One Frankfort for Kids' Tremendous Success
Paul Sawyier Public Library (PSPL) recently wrapped up its first One Book, One Frankfort for Kids. Modeled on the success of the adult program, this children's initiative offered all fifth graders in Franklin County a chance to read Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper. Through generous funding from the Friends of Paul Sawyier Public Library, all fifth graders in the city, county, and private schools along with interested homeschoolers were given their own copy of Out of My Mind. PSPL worked with school librarians and teachers to help kids connect with the book and offered a variety of programs based on the book.
The culmination of the project was a visit from author Sharon Draper. In a true community collaboration, this event was hosted at Kentucky State University and every 5th grader in the community was in attendance (over 500 of them), along with teachers, parents and university students. The students had the opportunity to hear Mrs. Draper speak about Out of My Mind and ask her questions about writing and her books. That evening, an author reception was hosted at the library where students could meet Mrs. Draper and have their book signed. In addition to the Out of My Mind-focused events, PSPL worked with schools to offer a professional development for teachers featuring Sharon Draper. In another collaboration, a group of students selected by their school librarians were able to read Mrs. Draper's newest book Stella by Starlight and go to a special presentation by the author at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. Finally, the author visit wrapped up with a visit to The Academy, the alternative high school in Franklin County, where the author was able to speak with a really special group of kids. The library's first One Book, One Frankfort for Kids was a big success with over 900 people attending events with the author. The entire project was generously funded through the Friends of Paul Sawyier Public Library.
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Kentucky Poet Laureate Visits Mason County Public Library
 Mason County Public Library customers recently had the opportunity to meet George Ella Lyon, who believes that writing belongs to everybody. Her goals are to show children, teens and adults the wealth of their own stories, to share the joy of creating, and to demonstrate that writing is a process. We just have to practice writing our stories down; just begin and keep going.
She has published award-winning books for readers of all ages, and her poem, Where I'm From, has been used as a model by teachers around the world. Her roots figure in many of her more than 40 books. Her poetry collection Mountain won the Lamont Hall Award from Andrew Mountain Press. Lyon's poetry collection Catalpa was named Appalachian Book of the Year in 1993.
Ms. Lyon is also the inspiration for Kentucky's "Where I'm From: A Poetry of Place", a project that encourages Kentuckians to celebrate place and identity using her poem: Where I'm From, for inspiration. The project began on September 14th, 2015 and the deadline for submissions to the Kentucky Arts Council is March 7th, 2016.
Mason County Public Library is a collection point for anyone who wants to participate. Find more information, and how to submit poems, on the Kentucky Arts Council website. |
Welcome New Trustees
KDLA would like to welcome the following new trustees: - Maggie Coleman: Adair County
- Chad Cooper: Allen County
- Karen Griffith: Breathitt County
- Harold Holbrook: Breathitt County
- Kathy O'Nan: Graves County
- Charlotte Faeth: Mercer County
- Louis Hamm: Nicholas County
- Steve Smith: Nicholas County
- Madonna Morley: Pike County
- Daisy Toppett: Trimble County
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The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives helps libraries provide equitable access to quality library and information resources and services, as well as helps public agencies ensure that legislatively mandated documentation of government programs is created, efficiently maintained, and made readily accessible. For more information, visit http://kdla.ky.gov or call 502-564-1753.
Please send story ideas and articles for Public Library News & Notes to editor Paige Sexton at paige.sexton@ky.gov or call 502-564-1753.
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