Literacy

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

Mary, born into slavery in 1868, loved watching the birds fly free in the sky while she worked in the fields. She wanted to be free too! But she had to keep working. No time for rest. No time to learn. Even when Mary and her family were freed from slavery she still had to work hard.

   
Submitted by Ginny H. on Mon, 2022-05-16 15:27
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read   
African American    Biography & Memoir    Civil Rights    Diversity    History    Lifelong Learning    Literacy    Nonfiction    Read    Staff Picks   
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April 17–23 is Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week with photos of two volunteers.

This week, we’re celebrating the volunteers that support the Library’s mission, lending their time and talent to make a difference in our community! Dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers are essential to the success of the Library!

 

   
Submitted by Aubrey D. on Fri, 2022-04-15 08:51
Bookstore    Connect    Friends of the Library    Library News    Lifelong Learning    Literacy    Outreach    Service    VITAL    Volunteering   
Think Library    Adults    VITAL - Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners   

2021 Accomplishments

2021 Accomplishments

2021 was a big year for us! While we continued to increase access to our services through virtual options, we also resumed all of the in-person services and events you love. Here are some of the accomplishments that made our 2021 great!

Events and Services

11,706 people participated in 984 Library-sponsored in-person and virtual events. Summer reading continued virtually, with its participants nearly doubling the initial goal of reading one-million minutes!

   
Submitted by Aubrey D. on Thu, 2022-02-17 11:52
Connect    Library of Things    Lifelong Learning    Literacy    Read   
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Top Circulating Items of 2021

Top Circulating Items of 2021

2021 is in the books! We’re taking a look back at the media that kept you entertained and educated last year. We tallied the numbers and here are our top circulating items of 2021!

Planning your 2022 reading list? There are some great options here, including Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. The internationally acclaimed and award-winning author will speak at our February 5 Power of Words event!

   
Submitted by Aubrey D. on Thu, 2022-01-06 11:58
Learn    Library News    Library of Things    Literacy    Read   
Think Library    Adults    Teens    Kids   

Wordless Picture Books

Wordless Picture Books

A wordless picture book? Not everyone is skilled at improv, so how do you read without words?

According to Reading Rockets––a wonderful national public media literacy initiative offering information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help––sharing wordless books is a terrific way to build important literacy skills. This includes listening skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and increased awareness of how stories are structured.

   
Submitted by Amy C. on Sun, 2021-11-21 14:29
Journey    Pancakes for Breakfast    Have You Seen My Duckling?   
Early Literacy    Literacy    Picture Book    Storytelling   
Preschool   
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Family Literacy Month

Family Literacy Month Raffle Giveaway

November is National Family Literacy Month––an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the important role that families play in the education of their children. This month we encourage you to explore our literacy resources and visit the Library with your family!

Family Literacy Month Giveaway

One of our favorite sets of children’s book characters is the timeless Frog and Toad. Arnold Lobel wrote and illustrated countless children’s books and received several awards for his work, including a Caldecott Medal, two Caldecott Honors, and a Newbery Honor.

   
Submitted by Aubrey D. on Wed, 2021-10-27 15:12
Connect    Early Literacy    Fiction    First Theater Experiences    Learn    Library Events    Library News    Lifelong Learning    Literacy    Read    VITAL   
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Lia & Luis Who Has More?

Brazilian American siblings explore math concepts while trying to figure out who has more of their favorite snack. This story includes Portuguese vocabulary along with various measuring terms such as more, less, heavier, lighter, and eventually...equal! This includes a glossary for the Portuguese words used and tips for exploring math concepts with children. Recommended for children ages 3–6.

Reviewed by Christa S.

   
Submitted by Ginny H. on Wed, 2021-09-29 16:57
Lia & Luís: Who Has More?   
Early Literacy    Family    Fiction    Inclusiveness    Learn    Lifelong Learning    Literacy    Picture Book    Realistic    Siblings   
Preschool   
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Indiana’s High School Equivalency Testing Changes

Preparing for the High School Equivalency Test

What is a High School Equivalency Credential?

In the United States, adults who leave high school before graduation have another way to secure a high school equivalency credential. Through testing, you can demonstrate you have the same skills and knowledge as a high school graduate.

   
Submitted by Mandy H. on Fri, 2021-09-17 10:43
Learn    Lifelong Learning    Literacy    VITAL   
Think Library    Adults    VITAL - Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners   

Brood X

Hoopla Cicada Titles

 

Brood X, the Great Eastern Brood of cicadas, has made the summer of 2021 a very loud and interesting season in Indiana. Dogs and birds alike have loved these natural protein snacks, but there is more to these weird insects than meets the eye (or ear).

According to National Geographic Kids, there are over 3,000 species of cicadas (Shaw, 2021). These 3,000 species are divided into 2 distinct groupings: annual and perennial. Only 7 species of cicadas fall into the perennial category, meaning they emerge en masse like Brood X (Shaw, 2021).

   
Submitted by Amy C. on Mon, 2021-06-21 12:00
Animals    Early Literacy    eBooks    eLibrary    Environmental    Gardening    Literacy    Nonfiction    Picture Book    Read   
Infant/Toddler    Preschool    Tween   
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Early Literacy Skills and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Babies and toddlers are like little sponges, hungrily soaking up everything around them. Curiosity to understand, explore, observe, and taste everything around them is crucial to early brain development. These natural instincts sometimes lead to exciting and embarrassing stories to tell at their high school graduation. These little people are constantly observing, listening, and emulating the world around them, especially their caregivers. You are babies' and toddlers' first (and most important!) teachers!

   
Submitted by Amy C. on Sat, 2021-04-10 13:09
Caregiver/Teacher Resource    Family    Learn    Library Events    Literacy    Picture Book    Story Walk    Storytelling   
Infant/Toddler    Preschool   
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