Robyn Squire's colorful rhymes found in the poem entitled, The Library: Where Imaginations Grow, describe the magic of libraries past – libraries of books, books, and more books! The libraries of today have hopefully motivated Squire to pick up her pen and write just a few more verses! Why; you may ask? … Because the magic of the Library is no longer found just between the covers of a book like her poem so vividly illustrates! You won't be observing story time giants or a planet spinning anytime soon in our Library, however, the trend to deliver a "virtual world" with a variety of program options is part of our goal. We are looking for new ways to incorporate programs of learning and exploration that not only encourage reading, but allow patrons to experience knowledge in new and all together different ways. Here are some of the exciting opportunities in store for Decatur County during the month of April!
The "Arts for All 2006-2007" program series, sponsored by the Arts and Cultural Council, will present a two-part program on April 21 at the Library. John Bower, author and acclaimed Hoosier photographer, will promote discussion about the less appreciated, yet very fascinating, aspects of our local heritage. From 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. we will be viewing a lively, professional slide presentation on forgotten farms, homes, and the stone carvings of angels, children, and soldiers – all taken in Southern Indiana and featured in books Bower has written. After discovering the historical background for his work and seeing samples of his photography, we invite you to join us for lunch provided by the Friends of the Library at a cost of $5.00 per person. From 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. John Bower will provide some "hands on" instruction on how to take better photographs with any camera. Patrons will be shown simple tricks and techniques that make photographs special. A demonstration will be given on how to use foreground and background to the best advantage, and how to create frames for subjects including tree limbs, arches, or windows. Attending one or both of these free programs will give patrons opportunity to learn how to capture their own memorable moments and improve family photos.
Following the photo program, the Library will host "A Week in Decatur County" Photo Contest giving everyone a chance to spruce up their photography skills. We hope to have shots of parks, animals, roads, buildings, people, sporting events, schools, and more – any picture illustrating what makes Decatur County a great place to live! Submit your favorite photo taken in Decatur County between the hours of 12:01 a.m. Sunday, April 22 and 11:59 p.m. Saturday, April 28, 2007. The deadline to enter photos is Saturday, May 5. Photos will be displayed in the Library and judged by May 7.
If you are not really into photography, what about a little mind trivia? Travel back to those days when you sat in an elementary school classroom. Now that you are there, who do you remember as some of the greatest explorers of the United States? Probably the names of Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, Lewis, and Clark come to mind … but, have you ever heard of Simon Kenton? Though he remains relatively unknown, his accomplishments as a frontiersman are really quite amazing! Greensburg's own, Joe Westhafer, who enjoys reading and research on interesting historical figures, will be sharing a slide show on Tuesday, April 24, at 7:00 p.m. giving background information on the great frontiersman, Simon Kenton. Join us if you are interested in hearing about Kenton's adventures, his contemporaries, and the period of American history in which he lived. To compliment the presentation, the Library is currently exhibiting attire, accoutrements, weaponry, and books that will stimulate conversation and ideas about frontier life. Don't miss the chance to go back in time and walk in the moccasins of the early American hero, Simon Kenton!
The Library is committed to offering quality programs for life-long learning in our community. If you have a program idea that we might implement, we hope you will pass the idea along to us! We welcome partnerships in making history come alive, offering new and unique experiences, and enhancing the way we deliver knowledge and information for all age groups. Don't forget to call the Library at 812-663-2826 to register for any of our programs.