Book club

SHAKESPEARE ON THE SQUARE – 6:30 pm Friday, May 10, 2024 – THE TEMPEST – FREE EVENT – Corydon

The Harrison County Public Library will bring the Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana 2024 SoIN TO SHAKESPEARE TOUR to Corydon at 6:30 pm, Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site gazebo. Martin French and James Thompson will direct the free outdoor performance of The Tempest on Corydon’s beautiful town square. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for this family-friendly evening. In case of inclement weather, the play will move to Hayswood Theatre.

The Tempest involves a powerful sorcerer, Prospero (the former Duke of Milan) and his daughter, who live on a deserted island after being banished by the King of Naples, Alonso, and Prospero’s brother Antonio, the Duke of Milan. Prospero wields a storm to shipwreck his enemies, including the king’s son. The survivors are scattered across the island and the plotting begins. This Shakespeare comedy includes revenge, scheming, romance, forgiveness and redemption.

The Arts Alliance 2024 SoIN TO SHAKESPEARE TOUR will also feature presentations at Jeffersonville, New Albany and Charlestown.

Two Corydon-based actors, Jason Jones and Hayley Ginger, are a part of The Tempest troupe. Heather Rapp, who has family ties to Elizabeth, Indiana, designed the promotional artwork. Co-director Martin French, who is originally from Ireland and now lives in Southern Indiana, has worked internationally and locally for years. French co-directed last year’s SoIN To Shakespeare production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and recently directed Hayswood Theatre’s The Crucible. During Banned Books Week last October, French gave a book talk at HCPL on The Crucible and censorship.  On April 23, he will host a celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday at HCPL with an overview of Shakespeare and The Tempest. French will also offer a behind-the-scenes look at The Tempest at Harrison County Arts on April 25.

Celebrate Shakespeare’s Birthday at Harrison County Public Library – 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 – Corydon branch, 105 N. Capitol Avenue. Co-director Martin French will give a broad overview of who William Shakespeare was and how he became the unofficial first playwright of the United States. French will then talk about The Tempest. Birthday cake will be offered during this 90-minute program.

Insight to the Process: Shakespeare – 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25 – Harrison County Arts, 113 E. Beaver Street, Corydon. Shakespeare enthusiasts and those interested in a behind-the-scenes look get an up-close experience with the cast presenting the SoIN To Shakespeare Tour. A public rehearsal (preview) of parts of The Tempest will feature actors from the play along with an opportunity to see the development of a scene between the actors and co-director Martin French. In addition, the actors expect to rehearse a complete scene followed by a Q&A session. This 90-minute program presents an opportunity to see the backside of play development. Contact Harrison County Arts for specific details about this program at 812-738-2123.

For information, contact the library at 812-738-4110 or visit the website for a calendar of events @ www.hcpl.lib.in.us

Thank you to our community partners for this event:
Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana – sponsor of the SoIn To Shakespeare Tour
Corydon Capitol State Historic Site – venue
Hayswood Theatre – rain location
Harrison County Visitor Center – restrooms
Harrison County Arts – host of rehearsal program
Main Street Corydon – fliers in wine walk bags
Downtown merchants – displaying posters and fliers

“DIG INTO LOCAL HISTORY” DURING SEPTEMBER SATURDAY SPOTLIGHTS

September is Indiana Archaeology Month and the Frederick Porter Griffin Center (FPGC) for Local History and Genealogy is celebrating with “Saturday Spotlights.” Special programming will be offered between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays during September.

Each year Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology features an aspect of the Hoosier state’s archaeological history. This year’s theme focuses on early industries in Indiana. From agriculture to manufacturing, industry has been important to Harrison County from its beginnings.

You are invited to drop in and join the head of genealogy Kathy Fisher to discover some of these stories through engaging fun while exploring historic Harrison County businesses and jobs. Stop by and “dig” into Harrison County history by exploring files with Kathy or through a scavenger hunt to “Find Indiana” …pictures of Indiana Jones will be hidden throughout the collection. Test your knowledge of antiquated occupations with a “Not My Job!” quiz. Kathy hinted, “There might be a few other surprises. I hope to get more people interested in local history and I am most excited about the job quiz.”

Kathy stated, “Saturday Spotlights are used to ‘shine a light’ on offerings from the genealogy branch that people might not even know we have.” The FPGC houses physical and digital records, donated materials, and some artifacts including Sidney D. Crosier paintings. Materials include photos, files, newspapers and yearbooks. FPGC offers access to Ancestry.com and Fold3.

The Frederick Porter Griffin Center for Local History and Genealogy is located in the county’s original Carnegie Library building directly behind the Corydon branch of HCPL at 117 West Beaver Street, Corydon. For more information, call 812-738-5412.

WaterStep Shoe Drive a Success!

Harrison County Public Library partnered with WaterStep during the “All Together Now” summer reading challenge to run a shoe drive. WaterStep, a Louisville based company, designs and implements sustainable water projects and programs around the globe with funding from shoe drives. In addition to their mission of providing sustainable safe water solutions, WaterStep helps during times of disaster with WOW (Water on Wheels) carts, mini-water treatment plants. To date, WaterStep has responded to 33 disasters, the most recent being the floods in Eastern Kentucky at home and the earthquake in Turkey abroad.

One out of ten people in the world live without a safe water source. WaterStep shoe development coordinator Ron McKulick challenged the library to collect 600 pounds of shoes during the two-month drive.  McKulick estimated that the library collected a total of 360 pounds; 200 lbs. in June and 160 lbs. during July. The goal may not have been met, but the library shoe drive provides safe water for life to 120 people.

Library administrative assistant Diana Lasky enthused, “I am so grateful to Harrison County and the library staff for making this community service project successful!  It just amazes me that 3 pairs of shoes can fund safe water to a person for life!”

Harrison County has year-round WaterStep shoe collection boxes at the YMCA of Harrison County, Harrison County Community Services, Old Capital Cleaners, Harmony and Health, and the Mortenson Dental Corydon office.  Individuals and businesses who are interested in learning more about WaterStep may visit their website at https://waterstep.org/.

Miniature Art at the Library

Have you seen a diorama at your local library branch?  The Harrison County Public Library is currently displaying dioramas by local artist Donna Shaw of MiniMaples Studio. Shaw, who lives in Jeffersonville, has been crafting in miniature since 2015.  In 2022, she partnered with the Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana for the MiniMaples Literacy Project to get school students excited about reading and books through art.  This summer the project has been expanded to public libraries.

HCPL is displaying four dioramas this summer to “encourage students (children) to read and grow their creativity and imagination,” which is Shaw’s goal.  The library suggests families look at the intricate details in the dioramas and check out books that are related to each miniature display.

Click to enlarge

Ocean Depths can be found at the Corydon Branch. Is your child interested in sharks, coral, starfish or the ocean? This diorama is for you.  Checkout    non-fiction books on all these topics at any library location.  (Don’t forget to look closely…I spy a bunny with a ducky swimming ring.)

Click to enlarge

Ocean Depths can be found at the Corydon Branch.
Is your child interested in sharks, coral, starfish or the ocean? This diorama is for you.  Checkout non-fiction books on all these topics at any library location.  (Don’t forget to look closely…I spy a bunny with a ducky swimming ring.)

Click to enlarge

Tis the season for gardening. Big Old Garden features a huge tree, a bird feeder with realistic birds and a small pond complete with lily pads. Try books like Everything Bird: What Kids Really Want to Know About Birds, Tell Me Tree: All About Trees for Kids, Over and Under the Pond, or My First Book of Garden Wildlife.

Click to enlarge

Scaredy Squirrel can be found at the Lanesville Branch.  If you aren’t familiar with this book character, ask an elementary school-aged child. Scaredy Squirrel stories by Melanie Watt include adventures at the beach, birthday party, camping, and making friends, to name a few.

The dioramas are expected to rotate branches throughout the summer so everyone can experience all of the miniature art. Drop by the library soon to view a diorama, join the summer reading challenge and check out books.

Old Shoes = Clean Water: HCPL to Host Shoe Drive

Donate your old shoes to help people around the world have access to clean safe water. Harrison County Public Library will be sponsoring a WaterStep shoe drive from May 15 – July 31, 2023 during the “All Together Now” summer reading challenge.

  • Boxes for shoe collection will be at all 5 branch locations
  • ALL types of footwear accepted (used and new)
  • Shoes may be worn; just no holes in the soles
  • No moldy, mildewed or muddy shoes accepted
  • Help WaterStep by tying laces together or rubber banding flip-flops

So how in the world do old shoes provide clean water?  At a recent Step Ahead meeting presentation, Ron McKulick of WaterStep stated that it only takes 3 pairs of donated shoes to provide 1 person with clean water for LIFE.

WaterStep is a non-profit organization that has been in operation for 25 years bringing safe water to communities in developing counties, after natural disasters, and in emergency situations. Since its beginning, WaterStep has helped to provide safe water to eight million people in 67 countries.

WaterStep designs and builds safe water and disinfectant equipment locally in Louisville, KY.  Materials to build the equipment are purchased by funds from shoe donations, individual donations, grants and product sales. WaterStep does not receive any state, federal, or international funding.

Ron challenged Harrison County Public Library to sponsor a shoe drive and have a goal of acquiring 600 pounds of shoes.  That could potentially help 200 people have access to clean water. The video links WaterStep Shoe Program and WaterStep Helps Hurricane Laura Survivors provides a brief overview of some of the benefits of the shoe drive.  For more information, visit WaterStep.org

You can help provide clean water by donating the shoes you no longer wear during the summer reading challenge “All Together Now.”

Saying Goodbye is Hard to Do – Best Wishes in Your Retirement!

Two of HCPL’s long-term employees, Ann Crecilius and Nancy Rosenbaum retired in April.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, both had to leave without co-workers being able to wish them goodbye and good luck in person.

Ann Crecelius joined HCPL as a part-time youth services staff member in September of 2003. After years of working in the children’s department she switched to technical services/cataloging where she did an outstanding job. Her supervisor, Bethany Banet, said Ann was teaching her replacement Jennifer Schroering things that Bethany herself didn’t know or realize. Ann was well known for being exact and precise. Staff often described Ann as caring, pleasant and positive.

Nancy Rosenbaum also joined the HCPL youth services staff as part-time summer reading help in June of 1999. Summer came and went and Nancy stayed! With the addition of Nancy to the staff, the library was able to offer toddler programming and outreach to daycares. Nancy worked in youth services until the Lanesville Branch opened in 2009 and she was made the Lanesville lead circ associate. Nancy’s programs, whether storytimes for youth or cooking programs for adults, were always popular. Patrons and staff alike love her sense of humor and gift for gab. Her co-workers at Lanesville had planned to surprise her with a week-long celebration. 

HCPL director Alisa Burch expressed her regards by saying, “Thank you Ann and Nancy! Though we didn’t get to say it in person, your years of hard work and dedication were greatly appreciated. You will be missed. In fact, you already are. Take care. Have fun. Visit often.”

Article by Alisa Burch

HCPL Volunteers Recognized at Reception

Harrison County Public Library volunteers were invited to a recognition reception on Thursday, April 20, for Volunteer Recognition Day.   The library hosted the event in the Blaine H. Wiseman Community Room at the library. Bite-sized desserts, fruit, coffee and tea were served.  Volunteers received a certificate recognizing their individual service for the library as well as library “swag.”

Director Alisa Burch said, ” This year we have an outstanding group of new volunteers who have made adding more adult programming possible.  Plus we have very dedicated, long-term volunteers who repair books, man our book sales and serve on our active library board of trustees.”

Library volunteers help in many ways, some in front of the scenes and some behind.  Some volunteers run programs such as photography, book clubs or English as a Second Language.  Volunteers help with book repair, cleaning DVDs/CDs or assisting library personnel during youth programs.  The library could not run without the Board of Trustees and the support of the Friends group.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS!

Board of Trustees:  Kathy Crimans, President; Sharon Mathes, Vice-President; Derrick Grigsby, Treasurer; Barbara Smith, Secretary; Jon Howerton, Suetta Tingler and Roger Windell.
Programming Volunteers: Elizabeth Redding, Carol Erpelding and Gary Pope.
Book Repair, CD/DVD Maintenance & other youth program assistance:  Christine Pendleton, Sharon LaHue, Walter Ryan and Charlotte Adams.
Friends of  Harrison County Library:  Cyndi Voyles, Karen Eves, Lynne Schipp, Cindy Daily, Susan Isbell.

SoIN Big Read Ella Enchanted

HCPL invites you to join us in the 2022 SoIN Big Read, “Ella Enchanted”!

Harrison County Public Library is partnering with the Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana (AASI) and other regional partners in the SoIN Big Read, and you are invited to read along with us!

To kickoff the 2022 SoIN Big Read, Harrison County Public Library’s first event will take place this Saturday, October 15th, at the Corydon branch in the Children’s Activity Room at 105 N. Capitol Avenue with public showings of the movie Ella Enchanted (2004) at 10 am and 2 pm.

Free copies of the book will be available to pick up at any Harrison County Public Library branch starting Monday, October 17.

 

More Harrison County Public Library in-person and virtual book discussion events are coming soon.

“We are thrilled to kick off the SoIN Big Read with our partners, The Floyd County Library, Jeffersonville Township Public Library, Harrison County Public Library, Jeffersonville Public Art Commission, and Community Action of Southern Indiana,” said AASI Executive Director Brian Bell. “The SoIN Big Read will promote a regional community reading event of Ella Enchanted”

Over 1,000 copies of this beloved Newbery Honor-winning story that is sure to enchant readers new and old will be distributed at no cost at locations throughout Southern Indiana. Each SoIN Big Read partnering organization will host book-related programming, movie events, book discussions, workshops, and podcasts with the intention of fostering engagement and discussion of the book.

At her birth, Ella of Frell receives a foolish fairy’s gift—the “gift” of obedience. Ella must obey any order, whether it’s to hop on one foot for a day and a half, or to chop off her own head! But strong-willed Ella does not accept her fate…

Against a bold backdrop of princes, ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers, Ella goes on a quest to break the curse forever.

A tween favorite for 25 years, adults who remember the pleasure of discovering this fun fairytale themselves are now sharing this book with younger readers.

For more information about the SoIN Big Read, please click here.

Tori Murden McClure and Memories and Memoirs book club

“A Pearl in the Storm”: Tori Murden McClure’s guest appearance at HCPL book club

Tori Murden McClure
Tori Murden McClure

Memories & Memoirs Book Club members were thrilled to have author Tori Murden McClure attend their discussion of her book, A Pearl in the Storm, Tuesday, August 2She recounted her first attempt to row alone across the Northern Atlantic and demonstrated how her 23-foot boat, The American Pearl, capsized 15 times during Hurricane Danielle using a model of the Pearl (11 times in one day).

McClure, now president of Spalding University in Louisville, also talked about her family relationships and life in Louisville.

Gary Pope, retired South Harrison Community School administrator and teacher, was asked to revamp HCPL’s history and biography book club by Tiffany Thieneman, public services manager.  He reached out to McClure using his connections as a musical accompanist and adjunct professor at Bellarmine University thinking she may do a presentation in the future.  McClure surprised him by agreeing to come to yesterday’s meeting.  McClure also told the group that her book has been made into a musical Row which is downloadable from audible and her boat is currently on display at the Frazier History Museum. Gary Pope

The Memories & Memoirs Book Club meets the first Tuesday each month from 3:00-4:30 PM at the Main Branch in Corydon. If interested in joining Memories & Memoirs, please call Tiffany at 812-738-4110 or click here to register online.

September’s selection is Home Again: Essays and Memoirs from Indiana, edited by Tom Watson and Jim McGarrah.

The next Big Library Read starts Monday, April 4

Questlove photo by Daniel Dorsa
Photo by Daniel Dorsa
From April 4 – April 18, readers all over the world will be able to check out the eBook and audiobook of Music is History by Questlove without waitlists or holds. Click here to access the title through HCPL’s OverDrive collection. Music Is History combines Questlove’s deep musical expertise with his curiosity about history, examining America over the past fifty years. This past Sunday, Questlove won the best documentary feature Oscar for his film Summer of Soul about the Harlem Cultural festival of 1969.
Join the conversation online by using the hashtag #biglibraryread on social media for a chance to win a pair of Airpod pros! There is a discussion board available where you can chat with other readers.
Music Is History combines Questlove’s deep musical expertise with his curiosity about history, examining America over the past fifty years.
Focusing on the years 1971 to the present, Questlove finds the hidden connections in the American tapestry, whether investigating how the blaxploitation era reshaped Black identity or considering the way disco took an assembly-line approach to Black genius. And these critical inquiries are complemented by his own memories as a music fan, and the way his appetite for pop culture taught him about America. A history of the last half-century and an intimate conversation with one of music’s most influential and original voices, Music Is History is a singular look at contemporary America.
Download the Discussion Guide
Click image to download the book discussion guide

About Questlove

Academy Award nominated filmmaker, drummer, DJ, producer, director, culinary entrepreneur and New York Times bestseller author Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, is the heartbeat of Philadelphia’s most influential hip-hop group The Roots. He is the Musical Director for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where The Roots also serve as the house band.

Questlove Executive-Produced the acclaimed documentary series, Hip-Hop: The Songs The Shook America on AMC under his production company, Two One Five Entertainment which recently announced a first-look deal with Universal Television to develop scripted and non-scripted programming. He made his directorial debut with the Academy Award nominated feature documentary Summer of Soul. The film premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, where it was awarded the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award for Best U.S. Documentary. The film most recently broke the record for the highest selling documentary to come out of Sundance. Questlove is also set to direct the upcoming feature documentary on Sly Stone.

Additionally, he co-produced the GRAMMY Award winning Original Broadway Cast Recording of Hamilton. Questlove co-starred in Disney Pixar’s Golden Globe-winning animated feature Soul, which landed him an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance.

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