Thursday, September 18, 2008

Banned Books Week Activities Include a Discussion on the Censorship of Books, with Guest Speaker Beth Dalton and a Banned Books Display

Banned Books Week 2008: Celebrating the Freedom to Read is observed during the last week of September each year (Sept. 29—Oct. 4, 2008.) Since 1982, this annual American Library Association event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted.

Mrs. Beth Dalton, Ball State University English Instructor, will present a brief talk on the topic of censored books on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 6:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public.

Farmland Public Library will feature a unique display of banned books, together with their censorship histories, throughout the week. Patrons who elect to read one or more of the featured titles will be rewarded with a Banned Books pin

September Library Newsletter

Watch for the September Issue of the Farmland Library Newsletter at area merchants or pick up a copy at the library soon! In an effort to contain costs, the newsletter will not be mailed to patrons. We regret the inconvenience and hope that you will appreciate the continued services and new books available at your library!

Be A Part of the 100th Birthday of Indiana State Parks!

DNR WANTS STORIES, VIDEO OF STATE PARK VISITS

By Amy Lynn Johnson, Senior Archaeologist and Archaeology Outreach Coordinator

Work on a video history to commemorate the 100th birthday of Indiana state parks and reservoirs, which will be celebrated in 2016, has started. To connect that video with Hoosiers from all around the state, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of State Parks and Reservoirs is seeking stories and videos from those who have visited the properties over the years. The video, which will air in fall 2009, is being developed in partnership with WTIU, the public television station in Bloomington .

Items sought vary from old still photos to slides, film, videotape, and souvenirs from visits to any of Indiana 's 24 state parks. Examples include scenic black-and-white photos from the 1930s, 8mm film of family camping trips in the 1960s, postcards, buttons, pins or banners. Written descriptions of the items and any stories or memories associated with the object are encouraged.

Only images and memorabilia received before June 2009 will be considered for use in the production.

Items related to Indiana 's nine reservoir properties (Mississinewa, Salamonie, Roush, Monroe , Brookville, Patoka, Cagles Mill/Lieber, Cecil M. Harden/Raccoon and Hardy Lakes ) will be collected, too, but at a later time.

Items may be loaned or donated. WTIU will create digital copies of loaned items, then return the originals to the owner. Items donated will be archived or curated for future use in a State Parks and Reservoirs Centennial collection.

Photos, film and other memorabilia submitted may also be used on the Web, in Outdoor Indiana magazine, and in exhibits, brochures and other interpretive media over the next few years, as the Indiana State Parks Centennial celebration starts to move into full swing.

Those who may not have photos or physical objects to contribute are welcome to contribute a memorable story or experience at an Indiana state park.

To contribute to this project, download and complete a release form at interpretiveservices.IN.gov, then mail it with your photos or other memorabilia to:

Indiana Department of Natural ResourcesDivision of State Parks and Reservoirsc/o Leslie Nocton, Historian402 W. Washington St. , W298Indianapolis , IN 46204

If you would like to have the item(s) returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

To find out more about the Indiana State Parks Centennial, obtain a hard copy of the information and release form, or ask a question about donating, please contact Leslie Nocton at (317) 234-6442 or lnocton@dnr.IN.gov.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Book Review: Loving Frank

Title: Loving Frank
Author: Nancy Horan
Reviewer: Krista Matlock

Love is too strong a word for Loving Frank. I really liked most parts of the book. I am interested in early twentieth century Chicago, the suffragettes, and feminists, Having seen several of his structures, I've developed an interest in Frank Lloyd Wright. Though this novel is fiction, it is historically accurate.

This book is based on extensive research taken mostly from newspaper articles of the time. Because of this, it may be somewhat biased and less than balanced.

The book's third quarter dragged a bit for me, but the vilification of the adulterers of that time was startling. If this book drags for you, read the ending before you give it up!

Friday, September 5, 2008

CONSTITUTION DAY POSTER CONTEST

Sharpen you colored pencils and make sure your markers work! The Gov Doc Kids Group is announcing a poster contest for Constitution Day on September 17, 2008. All kids K-12 are invited to participate.

Each poster should represent how the Constitution affects you and your family. Submitted posters will be judged on content and artistic design and should be submitted on 8 ½” x 11” paper . Final entries must be postmarked by October 1, 2008. Winners will receive a certificate and two copies of their poster. While this is a national and international contest, local schools, and libraries are encouraged to hold their own local contests and award ceremonies.

The entry form and details regarding how to enter can be found in the following link: http://govdocs4children.pbwiki.com/Celebrate+Constitution+Day+with+us!

For patrons who need ideas for their posters, the following links may provide some information:

National Archives and Records Administration ( NARA ): www.archives.gov

Charters of Freedom: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/charters.html

100 Milestone Documents: http://www.ourdocuments.gov/

Ben’s Guide to the US Government for Kids: http://bensguide.gpo.gov/