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New IMCPL Service Benefits Horizon House Visitors

Library News & Announcements RSS Feed September 22, 2005

Patron using Horizon House Computer

Promoting individual growth and self-sufficiency is the goal of a new information service provided by the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library to day care visitors of the Horizon House homeless center at 1033 E. Washington Street.

On September 22, the community celebrated the dedication of the "IMCPL Information Center at Horizon House," which will help visitors in their quest for information about jobs, housing, educational opportunities, community services and governmental resources.

The information center includes three personal computers from which visitors are guided directly to the Library’s Infoport Portal Page and easy-to-access resource links, streamlining the process of receiving the information they need and reducing unnecessary online navigation. Visitors will receive training and assistance from Horizon House staff on using the Library’s computers.

"Access creates opportunity, and this service helps our homeless neighbors pursue goals and overcome barriers that would be more difficult to accomplish otherwise," commented Carter Wolf, Executive Director of Horizon House.

The Library also is providing a sound station and audio-video equipment for visitors to watch information videos on such topics as career development, resume preparation and GED study. A large collection of reading materials on these topics, including Spanish language materials, will supplement the offerings. Paperback books and magazines will be available for recreational reading.

"Enhancing lifelong learning opportunities is the most important part of the Library’s mission. We are delighted to serve the community as part of this unique partnership," stated Linda Mielke, CEO of IMCPL.

The Horizon House, open seven days a week, recorded over 75,000 visits in 2004, a 16 percent increase over 2003. Over 4,000 different individuals were served, and nearly 2,000 were homeless for the first time.

"The IMCPL Information Center at Horizon House" is funded through grants received by the IMCPL Foundation from the Hoover Family Foundation and The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund.