Unlimited Possibilities @ Your Library

National Library Week always occurs in April so I thought this month would be a great opportunity to introduce myself and start a conversation with all of you in our Ivy Tech Northeast community! Hi, I’m Diane Randall your Library Director here at Ivy Tech. I am so happy to be here at Ivy Tech and living back home in Northeast Indiana. A little personal information about me, I grew up in Churubusco where my parents still reside. If you are of a certain age or know anything about Churubusco, you will know about the Oscar the turtle mystery and Turtle Days. My children, grandchildren and most of my extended family live in the area. I love spending time with them.

I am passionate about libraries, of course, and what libraries are supposed to do and be. My key focuses are providing everyone in the Ivy Tech Northeast Region community with access to information; information resources available in multiple various formats; information literacy skills instruction; reference and research assistance; comfortable spaces equipped to study, learn and collaborate; and skilled professional staff ready to assist you with great customer service.

My hope with this blog is to offer thought provoking ideas and information that will spark your interest or desire to learn more about them, or to just make you more aware. So let’s begin. April 12-18 is National Library Week. The American Library Association first began sponsoring NLW in 1958 to promote library use and support, and to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians. This year’s theme is “Unlimited possibilities @ your library” and author David Baldacci is this year’s Honorary Chair. Love this year’s theme!

David Baldacci

Mr. Baldacci’s Wish You Well Foundation “fosters and promotes the development and expansion of literacy and educational programs”. You can view the Founders message and the programs his foundations has funded here. He is a wonderful supporter of libraries. Earth Day is April 22.

The first Earth Day took place back in 1970 and since then this modern environmental movement has worked on groundbreaking environmental laws and promoting a global green economy. Learn more about their programs at http://www.earthday.org/.

Call #: TS227 .G23 2014

April is National Poetry Month. It’s the largest literary celebration in the world. If you love poetry or just want to learn more about it check it out at http://www.poets.org/national-poetry-month/stanza/national-poetry-month-2015. In honor of National Poetry Month, the Library is sponsoring a Student Poetry Contest. Click here for submission requirements, criteria for judging and deadline information.

April is also National Welding Month. Here’s a link to Ivy Tech’s Welding program  and to the American Welding Society.

These are just a few resources to perhaps ignite your interest to learn more. There’s so much out there to learn about. Check out the Library’s newsletter as well. It’s is a fantastic information resource.