Category Archives: Announcement

Indiana Black History Challenge

Indiana Black History Challenge

2012blackhistory

Learn about Black Hoosiers in the Civil War

2012 Indiana Black History Challenge!

Visit the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center online and read a black Hoosiers in the Civil War Study Guide. Answer ten questions online or print the questions out and answer them.

If you play online, you will already be entered, but if you print off the game card you need to return it to the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center or mail it  to the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, Attn: Indiana Black History Challenge, 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN  46202-3269 by Wednesday, Feb. 29.

A Donatos pizza coupon will be awarded to the first 5,000 entrants.

Get all 10 questions right on the game card, and you could win the Family Fun Pack grand prize – an overnight stay at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown

  • four tickets to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
  • a $25 gift certificate to the Indianapolis Colts Grille
  • a family membership to the Indiana Historical Society, which includes free admission to the Indiana Experience for a year.

Thirty runners-up will receive a family four-pack of tickets to an Indianapolis Indians game.

Remember: The last day to enter is Feb. 29, 2012. Open to all ages; one entry per person.

The Civil War When Were the First Slaves Set Free During the Civil War Slaves to Soldiers African Americans During the Civil War
African American Soldiers and the Civil War Til Victory is Won Black Blue and Gray Black Stars Civil War Times
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Kid Wish List Books

Kid Wish List Books

15 stand outs from 2011 – perfect choices for your wish list. These are especially original or funny or action-packed. All of them have memorable characters and are the kind of stories that stick with you long after the last page .

If you like warriors:

 

Heart of a Samurai Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus Based on the true story of a boy who is shipwrecked, rescued, threatened with execution, and thought to be the first Japanese person to ever set foot in America. He goes to school and learns to run a farm in 1840s America. Have you ever heard of this in history class? Me neither!
The Outcasts The Brotherband Chronicles #1: The Outcasts by John Flanagan Hal and his friends do battle against their peers in contests set up to test their strength, cunning and leadership. They outplay, outlast, and outsmart other teams that are bigger, stronger, older…and cheat! How the boys figure out how to cheat the cheaters would make even The Survivors proud. From the author of The Ranger’s Apprentice.

 If You Like Magic and Fantasy:

Beyonders #1: A World Without Heroes Beyonders: A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull the author of the Fablehaven series. I like it when characters are smart – even the bad guys. In this one, the bad guy is really, really bad. And he’s smart. And ruthless. It’s going to take some special people to defeat him. One of them is Jason, a kid probably a lot like you. Like Percy Jackson he is pulled into a new world and has to find his way on his own – discovering he has mortal enemies he never even new existed.
The Son of Neptune Heroes of Olympus #2: The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan Demigod Percy Jackson, still with no memory, and his new friends from Camp Jupiter, Hazel and Frank, go on a quest to free Death, but their bigger task is to unite the Greek and Roman camps so that the Prophecy of Seven can be fulfilled.
The Inquisitor's Apprentice The Inquisitor’s Apprentice by Chris Moriarty In early 20th Century New York, Sacha Kessler’s ability to see witches earns him an apprenticeship to the police department’s star Inquisitor, Maximillian Wolf. His job is to help stop magical crime. With fellow apprentice Lily Astral, Sacha investigates who is trying to kill Thomas Edison, whose mechanical witch detector could unleash the worst witch-hunt in American history.

If you Like the Offbeat and Unusual:

Incorrigible Children: The Hidden Gallery The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place#2: The Hidden Gallery by Maryrose Wood If you A Series of Unfortunate Events, then I think you’ll like the Incorrigibles; the kids raised by wolves before acquiring their lovable nanny Penelope. Besides teaching the children grammar, history and geography, Penelope is their guide to the world of proper manners. She has to remind them “Hugs, not licks!”.
Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathon Auxier Peter Nimble is a boy on his own. Not only that, he’s blind. Peter is “discovered” by a man who decides to make Peter the very best thief ever. And so Peter’s life goes until the day he nicks a box that has something very unusual in it – three pairs of eyes. Peter pops a pair in and this begins a really original fantasy adventure with a blind thief as the swashbuckling hero fighting his way toward a destiny he never could have imagined.

If You Like Real Kids:

Okay for Now Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt When Doug’s Dad comes home early from work with his lunch pail and black eye, Doug knows that his Dad’s temper has cost him another job. The only thing Doug’s Dad has to say is, “we’re moving.” The rest of the family simply starts to pack. That’s how it is with Doug’s Dad because as Doug says, “Dad has quick hands.” Doug has learned to dodge them whenever possible. If you have ever felt trapped by the bad behavior of someone close to you, you’ll like Doug and his story.
The Absolute Value of Mike The Absolute Value of Mike by Kathryn Erskine When Mike’s Dad wants to talk to him he calls. On the phone. From his study across the hall. Mike’s Dad is a genius and he’s busy. When he gets a chance to teach abroad he sends Mike away for the summer – living with an old Aunt and Uncle he’s never even met is NOT the summer Mike had in mind.
Penderwicks at Pointe Mouette Penderwicks at Pointe Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall Skye, Jane and Batty are back for another Penderwick summer adventure. But where is Rosalind, the usual OAP (oldest available Penderwick)? She is off to spend two weeks with her friend at the beach. This leaves Skye, the second to oldest, in charge…and she isn’t too sure she wants to be! She is so nervous about her new responsibilities that she has been taking notes in preparation which are stuffed into her backpack so she won’t forget a single thing.
Darth Paper Strikes Back Darth Paper Strikes Back by John Anglebarger In The Strange Case of Origami Yoda we met Dwight and his finger puppet Yoda. Yoda was no ordinary finger puppet. He gave out wise advice and seemed to be able to see into the future. One person at school was NOT a true believer – Harvey. Harvey makes a finger puppet of his own and names it “Darth Paper”. He uses it to harrass Dwight and constantly remind everyone that Origami Yoda is a hoax. When Dwight gets in trouble for something Origami Yoda says and is suspended from school, it looks like the dark side is getting the upper hand.

If You Like Technology & Superheroes:

H.I.V.E. #5: Rogue H.I.V.E. #5: Rogue by Mark Walden Wing, Laura, Shelby & Nigel are still at H.I.V.E., (Higher Institute of Villainous Education) learning how to become the world’s top supervillains. Otto isn’t there though, he’s been missing since their last mission months ago and a video camera catches him at the scene of an attack. But Otto would never turn on his friends, would he? Otto’s friends don’t think so, Otto might be a villain in training, but he’s no traitor. The kids decide it’s their job to find Otto and figure out what’s REALLY going on.

If You Like Comics:

Big Nate On a Roll Big Nate On a Roll by Lincoln Peirce Nate ends up in detention again but it isn’t his fault, it’s Artur’s fault. Nate loses his skateboard but it isn’t his fault, it’s Artur’s fault. Nate’s still in love with Jenny but she doesn’t love him back…and IT’S ARTUR’S FAULT.
Amelia Rules! The Meaning of Life Amelia Rules! The Meaning of Life by Jimmy Gownley Sassy Amelia is back in another book that clearly shows Mr. Gownley remembers EXACTLY what it’s like to be in Middle School and figure out that really, “fair” just doesn’t exist. Amelia’s visiting the principal a little too often again…language, tardiness, mumbling under her breath, constantly testing the boundaries, etc.

If You Like Shel!

Every Thing On It Every Thing On It by Shel Silverstein When he died Shel left quite a few finished poems that he had not had a chance to publish in a book yet. For this book, his family selected the poems. Pretty nice to get one more gift from Uncle Shelby. You can tell by some of the poem titles they’re all his: “Burpin’ Ben,” “Nasty Nancy’s Store,” and “Transparent Tim.”
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100 Years @East Washington Library

100 Years @East Washington Library

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Saturday, November 12 from 1 – 4 p.m.
East Washington Branch
2822 E. Washington Street.

You are invited to celebrate the 100th birthday of one of Indianapolis’ original Carnegie libraries during the special centennial event for the East Washington Branch of The Indianapolis Public Library. East Washington Branch was the first library in Indianapolis to be built with funds from a $120,000 grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. The branch was dedicated on November 14, 1911. Come to the party and enjoy:

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  • Magic Show by Don Miller
  • Arsenal Technical High School Show Choir
  • Balloon Creations by George Flexman
  • History of the Library by William McNiece of the Marion County Historical Society (because you want to know about the cool book gnomes!)

And like any good birthday party there will be face painting, crafts, raffles, giveaways and CAKE!

Before you leave, write your thoughts about the East Washington Branch in a memory book.

scottsandersphotoListen to special guest Scott Russell Sanders reflect on the Importance of Public Libraries

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Super Kids, Super Welcome

Super Kids, Super Welcome

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Help welcome Super Bowl visitors next February by completing Super Kids, Super Welcome coloring cards to be placed in visitors’ hotel rooms. Provide a personal welcome by writing and drawing about your favorite Indiana things.

coloring cards and instructions (these two files take a long time to load so be patient.)

You can download a card and color or it home or you can come to any Library location from Nov. 1 – Nov. 30 to pick up a coloring card. You can turn in a completed card at the Library or mail it in when you are finished.

If you print the card yourself it can be printed in black & white or color and should be returned to:

2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee
ATTN: Casey Springer
425 W. South Street
Indianapolis, IN 46225

If you turn in the card at the Library – you will be entered in a branch drawing to win a Super Kid prize offered through the generosity of the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee.

The goal is to obtain 18,000 cards by December 31, 2011 from each of the 92 counties to fill hotel rooms with a personal welcome note from across the state! See the counter to find out how many cards have been turned in so far!

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New Garfield Park Branch

New Garfield Park Branch

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The Garfield Park Branch of The Indianapolis Public Library will soon be celebrating its grand re-opening. The Garfield Park Branch is on the south side of Indianapolis. There will be three days of fun to help you get to know the renovated building:  

Garfield Park Branch Grand Re-Opening
Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011
12pm – 8pm
You are invited to the grand re-opening of the newly-renovated Garfield Park Branch (formerly known as the Shelby Branch).

  • Ribbon-cutting ceremony – 10 a.m.
  • Cake!
  • Stories for children
  • Introduction to classes in the new computer lab

Garfield Park Branch Family Day
Friday, Nov. 4, 2011
10am – 6pm
Throughout the day, the library will present stories for children and introductions to classes in the new computer lab. Docents will be present to talk with patrons about new features relating to the “Green Library in the Park.”

Garfield Park Branch Community Day
Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011
11am – 4pm

  • Stories and crafts for children
  • Introduction to classes in the new computer lab
  • See new features relating to the “Green Library in the Park.”
  • Plant daffodils in the garden area
  • Snacks!
  • Community information fair.
  • Library tote bags will be given away

To get to know some facts about being green, take a look at these:

  • Green Mother Goose

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Peck, Jan and David Davis
The Green Mother Goose: Saving the World One Rhyme at a Time

These rhymes sing to the ear, and their “green” twists will plant ecological seeds in your small child’s mind. From the little piggy who “squealed Re-re-recycle! all the way home” to the “Old Woman” who weatherproofed her shoe. Even the illustrations feature recycled materials.

Build It Green

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Farrell, Courtney
Build It Green

Calling something “green” means that it is good for the Earth. Green buildings and homes use less enery and are healthier to live in. Find out what makes a home or building green. Glossary, index, and websites are included.

Heroes of the Environment

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Rohmer, Harriet
Heroes of the Environment: True Stories of People Who Are Helping to Protect Our Planet

These are inspiring stories about twelve people making a difference. A teenage girl saved her town from a polluter. A young man in New York started a company which sells recycled building materials. The last chapter tells how you can get involved in your community.

Human Footprint: Everything You Will Eat, Use, Wear, Buy, and Throw Out In Your Lifetime

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Kirk, Ellen
Human Footprint: Everything You Will Eat, Use, Wear, Buy, and Throw Out In Your Lifetime

Each person’s footprint is incredibly large – 43,371 cans of soda, 13,056 pints of milk, 9,917 pounds of potatoes, 4,376 loaves of bread and many more items during an averagelifetime. Read the suggestions on decreasing your impact on the Earth’s resources.

Remake It!  Recycling Projects From the Stuff You Usually Scrap

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Threadgould, Tiffany
Remake It! Recycling Projects From the Stuff You Usually Scrap

These projects, using glass, plastic, paper, old clothes, etc., vary from the usual – glass bottle vase and magazine beads–to the unique—tshirt rug and mint tin wordplay game. Eco-friendly and useful with skill levels given.

Miss Fox’s Class Goes Green

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Spinelli, Eileen
Miss Fox’s Class Goes Green

Miss Fox’s class will show you how to go “green”. Join them in all their “green” activities – recycling, using less, and keeping the environment clean.

Hoot

TEEN FIC HIA
Hiaasen, Carl
Hoot

What do burrowing owls, a new teen in town and a mysterious running boy have in common? Roy, the new teen in town, finds himself with strange allies in this ecological struggle.

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jE FRI
Friedman, Laurie
Mallory Goes Green

When Mallory’s school decides to go “green”, she goes overboard to reduce, reuse and recycle. Why doesn’t everyone see things Mallory’s way? Ideas on how you can do the 3Rs are included.

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jP DEG
deGroat, Diane
Ants In Your Pants, Worms In Your Plants! (Gilbert Goes Green)

Gilbert has trouble deciding what to do for his “green” school project. All the good ideas are taken. Then, his disappointing school picnic inspires him with the perfect idea for his project.

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jP SID
Siddals, Mary McKenna
Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth

From apple cores to zinnia heads from flower beds, this rhyming recipe for compost (earth food) is entertaining and informative. The collages feature recycled items such as newspaper and small pieces of cloth.

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jFIC WOL
Wolfson, Jill
Home, and Other Big, Fat Lies

The community of Forest Glen depends on the logging industry. Whitney, a foster child, is placed with a family there to “tide them over” with some income. Termite, as she calls herself, falls in love with the forest environment including Big Momma, a redwood tree. An excellent story with some surprises.

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Casey, Dawn and Anne Wilson
The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales

Seven folktales from all over the world present the same message – each person’s special responsibility to protect and preserve the Earth. Each tale is followed by a fun cultural activity such as anything-goes soup, mini water garden, and growing tomatoes.

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jP GOV
Gove, Doris
My Mother Talks to Trees

Mom talks to trees, and her daughter is embarrassed by this. Who knows? Trees may grow better when you talk to them. Mom does know a lot about trees, and you will, too, after you read this book.

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jP MUL
Muldrow, Diane
We Planted a Tree

This book features people around the world planting trees. From clues in the pictures, you may be able to determine in which country or city the people are living and why they have planted a tree.

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