January 14, 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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'Futures Thinking In Libraries' webinar scheduled
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North Webster Community Public Library to host local author meet and greet
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Allen County Public Library unveils 'The Lincolns at Home'
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Benjamin Franklin
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Team leadership workshop scheduled for Jan. 27
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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. |
| Is your library making news?
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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'Futures Thinking In Libraries' webinar scheduled |
As part of the Indiana State Library's What's Up Wednesday series, "Preparing for Tomorrow: The Benefits of Futures Thinking In Libraries " will be presented on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 10-11 a.m.
During the webinar, presenter Annie Gaines will discuss foresight - also known as futures thinking - and how strategically thinking about the future can support the people who work in libraries, the library organization and the community the library serves. Participants will also learn how library consultants at the Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICL) have been investigating how to incorporate thinking about the future into library work and developing fun ways to share what they’ve learned. The ICL's's newest toolkit, the Things From Future Libraries Toolkit, provides a guide for anyone to put on a creative, participatory design workshop where attendees imagine and prototype an object from a library in a future they select.
Gaines is the continuing education consultant for the ICL, where she connects people who work in all types of libraries and provides training and support to help them reach their future goals. She has experience working in academic and public libraries, and has earned certificates in strategic foresight, facilitation and instructional design.
Click here to read more and to register.
The webinar is eligible for one LEU for Indiana library staff. |
North Webster Community Public Library to host local author meet and greet |
The North Webster Community Public Library has announced a special local author meet and greet on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 1-3 p.m. The event offers book lovers and aspiring writers a unique opportunity to connect with local authors and explore a variety of literary genres.
Attendees can participate in the meet and greet sessions, enjoy live readings and purchase books signed by the authors. With approximately a dozen local writers participating, there will be an array of styles and genres to explore, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry and more.
In addition to engaging with authors, visitors may take part in community networking, sharing insights and experiences with fellow readers and writers. For seasoned book enthusiasts, aspiring authors and those simply curious about the local literary scene, this event promises inspiration, entertainment and meaningful connections.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call the library at 574-834-7122.
The North Webster Community Public Library is located at 110 E. North St. in North Webster. |
Allen County Public Library unveils 'The Lincolns at Home' |
The Allen County Public Library has announced the opening of “The Lincolns at Home,” a new, free exhibit in the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research at the Main Library running through the end of the year. This original exhibition offers visitors an intimate and compelling look at President Abraham Lincoln’s family life.
Drawing from the Lincoln family’s private photo album, which includes more than 600 historic photographs preserved in the Rolland Center’s collection, “The Lincolns at Home” invites guests to explore rare visual insights into the lives of Abraham, Mary and their children. The exhibit traces the family’s journey from their early years in Springfield, Illinois, where community and routine grounded them, to their transformative time in Washington, D.C., as the nation confronted civil war.
“This exhibit brings forward a deeply human perspective of one of America’s most studied families,” said Rolland Center senior Lincoln librarian Jessie Cortesi. “By showcasing personal photographs and lesser-known stories, we hope visitors gain a richer understanding of how the Lincolns supported one another in moments of joy, uncertainty and profound national change.”
The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Questions about the exhibit may be submitted to the library via email.
“The Lincolns at Home” will be on view during all regular Main Library hours through the end of 2026. The library is located at 900 Library Plaza in Fort Wayne. |
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Upcoming workshops and important dates |
Professional Development Roundtable
When: Jan. 15, 2-3 p.m.
Where: Online
Unearth a Story: Summer Reading 2026 Workshop
When: Jan. 21, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Marion Public Library
Unearth a Story: Summer Reading 2026 Workshop
When: Jan. 23, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Indiana State Library
What's Up Wednesday - Responsible Budgeting in Tumultuous Times
When: Jan. 28, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Unearth a Story: Summer Reading 2026 Workshop
When: Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Noble County Public Library - Albion Branch
What's Up Wednesday - Story & Strategy: A Library Con
When: Feb. 11, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online |
| 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. |
Benjamin Franklin was born 320 years ago on Jan. 17, 1706, in Boston. Before he was a founding father, his publishing career began with The Pennsylvania Gazette newspaper and Poor Richard’s Almanack
. Written under a pseudonym, the Almanack had become a bestseller for its calendar, weather predictions, witty proverbs and more. Both publications were successful and built Franklin’s personal wealth. Franklin’s multi-disciplinary interests included science, which led to inventions such as the lightning rod, bifocals and the Franklin stove. Believing that technology should be for the common good, he never filed any patents for his inventions.
As a patriot and delegate to the Continental Congress, Franklin helped draft the Declaration of Independence. At 81 years old, he spoke in favor of the fledgling republic at the Constitutional Convention. Consequently, he was the only founding father to have signed all four documents that created the new nation: The Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Treaty of Alliance with France in 1778, the
Treaty of Paris
establishing peace with Britain in 1783 and The Constitution of the United States in 1787.
Franklin died in Philadelphia on April 17, 1790, at the age of 84. His service and contributions to the nation defined him as “The First American.” The Library of Congress holds one of the major collections of all of Benjamin Franklin’s papers, second only to Yale University’s collection. The National Archives’
Founders Online
website includes correspondence and writings of the seven major shapers of the U.S., including Franklin. |
| Team leadership workshop scheduled for Jan. 27 |
On Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Leadership Johnson County will present "The Guardrails of Accountability" at the Johnson County Sheriff Training Center.
Being a leader of a team can present significant challenges, especially when it comes to accountability. Workshop presenters will use the guardrails of accountability framework to teach attendees how to foster an environment of trust within their team, open lines of honest communication and effectively manage performance. Participants will also learn how to maintain a healthy equilibrium in accountability that drives performance and fosters a positive work environment.
Registration is required. Cost is $59 per person for Leadership Johnson County Signature Program graduates, Franklin College alumni, Franklin and Indy Chamber of Commerce members and Aspire members. General public pricing is $69 per person. Group discounts are available. Click here to register.
The workshop is eligible for LEUs for Indiana library staff.
The Johnson County Sheriff Training Center is located at 1061 Hospital Road in Franklin. |
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