May 20, 2026
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Indiana library jobs
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In the news
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Upcoming workshops and important dates
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'Microsoft Teams for Libraries' scheduled for May 27
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North Manchester Public Library announces reciprocal partnership with Huntington City‑Township Public Library
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Ripley County Reads seeking authors for annual Author Fair
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National Bicycle Safety Month
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DeKalb County public libraries announce 2026 Mock Newbery program
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This week's new Indiana library jobs |
| Those who would like their Indiana library job posting to be listed in the Wednesday Word must submit the position and its description to the Indiana State Library. Click here for submission guidelines and to submit. |
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Email news links for inclusion in the Wednesday Word's "In the news" section.
To be featured in the Wednesday Word, please email a press release and a photo. |
Follow the Indiana State Library's blog for weekly posts covering all aspects of the State Library.
Indiana library employees who would like to contribute a guest blog, please send an email with an idea. |
Miss an issue of the Wednesday Word?
Back issues of the Wednesday Word are available here. |
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Free training for librarians and library employees on LinkedIn Learning |
The Indiana Library Passport, a creative digital experience that encourages everyone to visit libraries across the Hoosier state, is open to Indiana residents and outside visitors alike. The passport has more than 170 libraries and branches to explore.
Read more about the passport here. Libraries interested in joining the Indiana Library Passport – free of cost – should contact the communications director at the Indiana State Library. |
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'Microsoft Teams for Libraries' scheduled for May 27 |
As part of its What's Up Wednesday series, the Indiana State Library will host "Microsoft Teams for Libraries" on Wednesday, May 27, from 10-11 a.m.
The free webinar is designed specifically for libraries. Emily Ellis, director of the Greenwood Public Library, will teach attendees how to use Microsoft Teams as an effective communication tool at all levels. Topics include: streamlining communication with department-specific Teams and special project channels; best practices for staff training and a smooth rollout; and how to use Teams for transparency, quick access to information and efficient project management.
Ellis has 18 years of experience transitioning library staff to and from technology tools, such as Google Docs, Trillian and Teams. As director of the Greenwood Public Library, Ellis is dedicated to finding new ideas that improve communication, efficiency and productivity within her library.
The webinar is eligible for one LEU for Indiana Library staff. Read more and register here. |
North Manchester Public Library announces reciprocal partnership with Huntington City‑Township Public Library |
The North Manchester Public Library has announced a new local reciprocal borrowing covenant with the Huntington City-Township Public Library. Located in the heart of downtown Huntington, the Huntington City-Township Public Library serves Huntington, Huntington Township and the town of Markle.
With this new partnership, North Manchester Public Library cardholders - resident, student and non-resident - can sign up for a free library card at the Huntington library, and Huntington City-Township Public Library patrons can do the same at the North Manchester Public Library. The expansion joins North Manchester's existing reciprocal agreements with Roann Public Library, South Whitley Community Public Library, North Webster Public Library and Wabash Public Library.
For the North Manchester Public Library, strengthening reciprocal partnerships is part of a long-term effort to increase value and access for the community. The annual non-resident fee is set by the Indiana State Library and approved by the North Manchester Public Library Board. With this new covenant, non-resident patrons now receive access to six libraries for the price of one, dramatically expanding the materials, programs and services available to them.
Patrons interested in becoming reciprocal users simply need to bring their home library card and a valid ID, or proof of address, to the partner library. Some restrictions apply: reciprocal patrons cannot borrow interlibrary loan materials or check out hotspots, but the rest of the North Manchester Public Library's collection is available for reciprocal patrons to borrow.
“Reciprocal agreements allow us to better serve our patrons while also supporting the incredible work happening in neighboring communities. When we expand access, everyone benefits - families, students, educators and lifelong learners," said Andrea Zwiebel, North Manchester Public Library director. |
Ripley County Reads seeking authors for annual Author Fair |
Ripley County Reads, a collaborative literary initiative among the Batesville Memorial Public Library, Osgood Public Library, Tyson Library and the Ripley County Tourism Bureau, is currently seeking local and regional authors for its annual Author Fair, to be held on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Batesville Memorial Public Library.
The event provides a platform for authors to showcase their books, discuss their writing process, explore various genres and interact with book lovers. Attendees will be able to purchase signed copies of books and participate in panel discussions. The fair will feature approximately 30 authors.
There is no cost to participate and a table will be provided for the authors. Click here to register. Authors must submit a copy of their book to the library as part of the registration process. Registration is due by Tuesday, June 30.
The Batesville Memorial Public Library is located at 131 N. Walnut St. in Batesville. |
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Upcoming workshops and important dates |
| Welcome to the Government Information Minute. Every other week, government information librarians at the Indiana State Library cover current resources on governmental data at the state, national and international levels, all to keep the public well-informed. Follow the Indiana State Data Center on
Facebook and Twitter and feel free to leave comments and suggestions. |
National Bicycle Safety Month |
May is National Bicycle Safety Month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) defines pedalcyclists as riders on bicycles and other cycles, such as tricycles and unicycles, powered solely by pedals. NHTSA - part of the U.S. Department of Transportation - provides several bicycle safety resources.
The NHTSA image library contains visual representations of proper use and misuse of bicycles. The images show riders how to properly ride with traffic, use a bike lane, approach an intersection and wear a helmet. The images can be downloaded.
NHTSA offers a downloadable PDF titled "Choosing a Bicycle Helmet." The document helps cyclists identify if a helmet complies with federal safety standards. NHTSA encourages cyclists to visit the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission webpage and search "helmets" for additional information on bicycle helmets, including the latest recalls.
In Indiana, the Indiana State Police remind motorists to "be on the lookout for bicyclists and pedestrians, particularly children." A list of safety tips from the Indiana State Police for both motorists and cyclists can be found here.
These resources provide useful information as bicycle usage begins to increase in the month of May. |
| DeKalb County public libraries announce 2026 Mock Newbery program |
Butler Public Library, Eckhart Public Library, Garrett Public Library and Waterloo Grant Township Public Library will again be co-hosting a Mock Newbery program this year.
The Mock Newbery program is a collaboration aimed at librarians, teachers and adult patrons with an interest in children's literature. It offers participants the opportunity to explore new genres, delve into the history and criteria of the Newbery Award and build connections within the literary community.
Running monthly from June to December on the first Tuesday of each month from 1-2 p.m., the program will feature meetings at each of the participating libraries. Each session will last approximately one hour and provide participants with the chance to earn continuing education credits, with LEU approval from the Indiana State Library for meetings from June through November.
The program kicks off on Tuesday, June 2, with an introductory session covering the history of the Newbery Award, its criteria and expectations for the Mock Newbery program. From July to November, participants will read and discuss two children's titles per month, evaluating their suitability for the prestigious Newbery Award.
The culmination of the program will be held in December, where participants will cast their votes for the most deserving title. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual option is available, and recordings of all meetings will be provided to registered participants for later viewing.
Registration is required. The registration deadline is Tuesday, May 26. The registration form can be found here. |
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