Family & Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (November 22, 2019) – Peabody Public Library recently received a grant from the Whitley County Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program.

The library started a container gardening program last spring as a way to teach youth about growing and harvesting plants. Some of the produce from the container garden was then used for the library’s monthly cooking program.

“The container garden was planted and maintained by children and teens who visited the library,” said Peabody Public Library Youth Services Librarian Mary Graber. “We had fun together learning about the process of planting, growing and harvesting the produce.”

The library will expand the gardening program in 2020, and will host regular gardening programs in the spring, offering many hands-on learning opportunities. The $200 grant from the Master Gardener Program will help the library purchase seeds, plant starts and garden supplies.

“We plan to add more to the garden, and create a pollinator garden as well,” said Graber. “Our goal is to better connect people and nature at the library.”

The library is connecting people and nature in other ways too. Last fall, the library received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Indiana State Library for new library program, “Wild About Wetlands.”

The Wild About Wetlands program introduced at Peabody Public Library, encourages children to be explorers, spend time outdoors, and learn about the wetlands. “Our library offers unique opportunities because it’s the only public library in the State of Indiana located on a wetland,” said Graber.

To stay up-to-date with what’s happening at Peabody Public Library, connect with the library on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube or visit www.ppl.lib.in.us.

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ABOUT PEABODY PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Peabody Public Library serves all individuals as a pathway to learning, culture and entertainment. The library has served individuals in Whitley County since 1901. In 1917, Simon J. Peabody donated lands and funds build Peabody Public Library on North Main Street in Columbia City, and it continued to serve the community well for many years. In 1999, the new state-of-the-art Peabody Public Library was built in Columbia City. The 29,688-square-foot facility located off Hwy 205, sits on 14-acres, and is the only library in the State of Indiana that is located on a wetland.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mary Graber (Peabody Public Library) – 260-244-5541 or mgraber @ppl.lib.in.us

The library is hosting a gingerbread decorating contest! The contest will take place Thursday, December 5 through Tuesday, December 10, 2019.

Voting will begin Wednesday, December 11 and will continue until Tuesday, December 17. Gingerbread creations must be picked up at the library between December 20 – December 23.

CONTEST GUIDELINES:

•Max size 15″ x 15″ x 15″

•Gingerbread houses should be constructed with gingerbread, graham

crackers, royal icing or other non-perishable materials

•Decorations can include candy, toys, and other non-perishable items

•Family friendly designs

•One entry per person/group

•Do not put your name on your entry

•Staff reserves the right to refuse any entry deemed inappropriate

Download entry form here.

Happy Fall to you and your family! The library is  thrilled to launch the annual pumpkin decorating contest again this year. Patrons of all ages are encouraged to use their imaginations and get creative in decorating their own pumpkins.

Prizes will be awarded for three different categories: most creative use of decorating media, creepiest pumpkin and scariest pumpkin; and three different age groups: children, young adult and adult.

Pumpkins should be dropped off between Monday, October 14 and Thursday, October 17 at 8 p.m. 

Entries will be publicly displayed in the library. Voting will begin the afternoon of Friday, October 18 through Saturday, October 26 at 8 p.m. Winners will be announced the following week. After voting ends, participants may pick up their pumpkins.

CONTEST GUIDELINES

• Do not carve or puncture your pumpkin, or use fresh produce of any kind. No electronics or flames will be accepted. Pumpkins are subject to disposal if pumpkins start to degrade, and the library reserves the right to refuse any pumpkin deemed inappropriate.

• Participants may use real or artificial pumpkins.

• Be creative! Use paint, paper, beads, feathers, markers, etc.

• One entry per person. Participants may work together to create a pumpkin, but there will be one prize awarded if it’s deemed a winning pumpkin.

• Please make sure pumpkins are family-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it.

• Do not put names on pumpkins. Each pumpkin will be assigned a number.

• All content must be secure enough to be moved throughout the library.

• Pumpkins must be at the library by 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2019.

• Pumpkins must be picked up by November 1 or they will be discarded.

ENTER THE CONTEST

Download the contest flyer/entry form.

We are thrilled to bring Battle of the Books to the library again this year! Battle of the Books 2020 will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020. 

Battle of the Books is an academic competition in which teams are questioned on their knowledge of six books, provided by Peabody Public Library. This competition is open to students in grades 3-5 and 6-8 in Whitley County.

• Participants may register online here

• Download the General Rules here

• Download the Letter to Educators here

Registration is open until October 4, 2019.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (September 14, 2019) – Peabody Public Library was recently awarded two grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLA) and the Indiana State Library (ISL) to provide new experiences, and expand offerings to community members.

One of the grants will help fund a new program offered by the youth services department, called “Wild About Wetlands.” Peabody Public Library is the only public library in the State of Indiana located on a wetland.

“The library sits on a beautiful 15-acre wetland, and we want to utilize this natural space,” said Peabody Public Library Youth Services Librarian Mary Graber.

The Wild About Wetlands program will encourage children who visit the library, to be explorers, spend time outdoors, and learn about the wetlands.

“Studies have shown that spending time outside strengthens mental health, improves conservation attitudes, academic achievement, and improves social skills and relationships,” said Graber. “We can offer children a space where they can explore a natural environment and learn about native wetlands.”

The library will host nature programs and organize educational activities for children. The awarded funds will provide tools for children such as: microscopes, compasses, binoculars, night vision scopes, tablets, an underwater drone and several more items.

Another grant was awarded to the library for preserving historical materials.

“With funding from this grant we’ll be able to digitize historical items such as: handwritten ledger books, board meeting minutes dating back to the library’s inception in 1901, photos, slides and more,” said Peabody Public Library Adult Services Librarian Katy Southern.

Prominent community members such as Thomas R. Marshall, former governor and Vice President of the United States, served on the library board of directors, and is mentioned throughout board meeting minutes.

The grant will fund: a large format graphics scanner, large format document scanner, two laptops, a mobile workstation and intern salary during the grant term.

“This will allow us to specifically preserve more women’s history locally as well,” said Southern. “Many women’s history collections have been lost over the course of time, because archivists traditionally deemed them less important.”

Want to stay up-to-date with what’s happening at Peabody Public Library? Visit www.ppl.lib.in.us and follow the library on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Indiana State Library.”

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ABOUT PEABODY PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Peabody Public Library serves all individuals as a pathway to learning, culture and entertainment. The library has served individuals in Whitley County since 1901. In 1917, Simon J. Peabody donated lands and funds build Peabody Public Library on North Main Street in Columbia City, and it continued to serve the community well for many years. In 1999, the new state-of-the-art Peabody Public Library was built in Columbia City. The 29,688-square-foot facility located off Hwy 205, sits on 14-acres, and is the only library in the State of Indiana that is located on a wetland.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Mary Graber – (Peabody Public Library) mgraber@ppl.lib.in.us 260-244-5541

Katy Southern – (Peabody Public Library) ksouthern@ppl.lib.in.us 260-244-5541

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (August 29, 2019) – Now is the time to sign up or renew your library membership at Peabody Public Library. September is ‘Library Card Sign-Up Month’ which means more opportunities and perks are available to patrons!

Peabody Public Library, along with the American Library Association (ALA), are celebrating ‘Library Card Sign-Up Month’ throughout the month of September. The ALA joins public libraries nationwide to highlight the value of a library card. It encourages parents and students to utilize the library’s resources that support academic success.

“Your Peabody Public Library card provides you access to 122 libraries across the State of Indiana,” said Peabody Public Library Executive Director Mary Hartman.“With access to over 6 million items, our library can offer a wide range of material, in a multitude of topic areas, to patrons of all ages and interest levels.”

Your library card provides you access to books and so much more. With a library card you can access more than 30,000 streamed videos through Kanopy (on-line video streaming); audiobooks, e-books, comics, videos, TV shows and music through Overdrive and Hoopla (on-line streaming); and you can access all of this without leaving the comfort of your home.

“The library is a place for everyone, and we encourage you to come check out a class or an event at the library,” said Hartman. “We offer a variety of classes–from painting and cooking, to robotics and technology classes. “Our team works hard to come up with new creative programs each month, and we also partner with other organizations to bring classes and resources to the library.”

Not sure if your membership is covered through property taxes? For local residents living within Columbia City limits, Columbia or Thorncreek Townships, Evergreen Library memberships are paid to Peabody Public Library through property taxes. For residents living in Richland and Cleveland Townships, or within town limits of Larwill, memberships are paid through property taxes to South Whitley Community Library. Smith Township receives library services from Churubusco Public Library, and Green Township residents receive services from Noble County Public Library. Residents that live in the blue townships (Etna Troy, Jefferson, Union and Washington

Townships on the map are outside the library service area, but are still eligible to purchase library cards from Peabody for $70 a year. Whitley County Consolidated School students living in those townships are eligible for library cards for just $5 a year.

The library has some awesome goodies to give away to individuals who renew or sign-up for memberships. Prizes include:

• One student member will win an upgrade from a student membership to a “green card” Evergreen membership, which is valid at all participating Evergreen libraries around the state
• One Evergreen card holder will receive a second year of membership for FREE
• “Resident” cardholders will be entered in a drawing for a $25 Bones Theatre gift card
• All new or renewed account members will be entered to win a Google Home mini

ABOUT PEABODY PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Peabody Public Library serves all individuals as a pathway to learning, culture and entertainment. The library has served individuals in Whitley County since 1901. In 1917, Simon J. Peabody donated lands and funds build Peabody Public Library on North Main Street in Columbia City, and it continued to serve the community well for many years. In 1999, the new state-of-the-art Peabody Public Library was built in Columbia City. The 29,688-square-foot facility located off Hwy 205, sits on 14-acres, and is the only library in the State of Indiana that is located on a wetland.

Did you know if you live in Columbia City, Columbia or Thorncreek Townships your Evergreen Membership at the Peabody Public Library is already PAID for through your property taxes? High five!

If you live in a township outside of the service area listed above, but live in the Whitley County Consolidated School district, you’re eligible for student cards for just $5 per year, and adult memberships for $70 per year.

If you sign up or renew your membership during the month of September, you could be eligible to win some awesome prizes! Prizes this year include:

• A free upgrade from a student card to an Evergreen card. This card is good at other participating libraries in the state, so you can check out other libraries nearby!

• A non-resident member can get their second year of membership for FREE.

• Individuals who sign up or renew their regular (PLAC) cards will be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Bones Theatre gift card.

• Everyone will be entered to win a Google Home Mini!

The library is hosting our own “Crafty Art Camp” July 29 – August 2. Join us for this free program, and get creative with us outside! Ages 8+ (children younger than 8 years of age may attend if accompanied by an adult).

Check out the projects!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (June 7, 2019) – Peabody Public Library invites patrons of all ages to be a part of their Summer Reading program, “A Universe of Stories.”

The 6-week program launched June 3, and will run through July 13. The Summer Reading program encourages patrons of all ages to participate in reading and hands-on activities throughout the six weeks.

“This summer we have something for everyone. We have family programs that include: an inflatable planetarium, HAM radio, Professor Steve, Bubble Trouble and Space Rockets with Johnny Tincap. We also have a ‘Crafternauts’ program for crafters, Universe of Stories Time, a cooking program, Escape Rooms, video game challenges and more. There’s always something to do at the library,” said Peabody Public Library Youth Services Librarian Mary Graber.

With ongoing classes and activities, the library’s Summer Reading program is a great opportunity for families to spend time with one another, and for people to meet and connect with new community members.

“The Adult Services Department, is embracing this year’s theme by offering a wide range of programs, including jewelry-making, creating space-themed terrariums, exploring various types of painting, and showing several ‘B’ movies. Our goal is to make the Summer Reading program as fun and accessible for adults in our community as possible. And of course, teens are also welcome to attend our programs,” said Peabody Adult Services Librarian Katy Southern.

The reading portion of the program is Bingo-style, meaning each patron will fill spaces on their cards after completing reading exercises. And what’s a game of Bingo without prizes? The library has lots of prizes to give away as participants fill up their cards.

Patrons can pick up Bingo cards at the library or download them online here.

Special thanks to the Friends of the Library volunteer group for helping raise funds to support the program.

Want to stay up-to-date on all events, classes and programming at the library? Follow the library on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for event and class updates, and visit www.ppl.lib.in.us and click the “calendar” icon on the homepage to check out the library’s online calendar.

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ABOUT PEABODY PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Peabody Public Library serves all individuals as a pathway to learning, culture and entertainment. The library has served individuals in Whitley County since 1901. In 1917, Simon J. Peabody donated lands and funds build Peabody Public Library on North Main Street in Columbia City, and it continued to serve the community well for many years. In 1999, the new state-of-the-art Peabody Public Library was built in Columbia City. The 29,688-square-foot facility located off Hwy 205, sits on 14-acres, and is the only library in the State of Indiana that is located on a wetland.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Mary Hartman (Peabody Public Library) – 260-244.5541 or mhartman@ppl.lib.in.us

Peabody Public Library brings the community together

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (May 7, 2019) – Peabody Public Library is encouraging patrons to come experience the library this summer.

“Although the library offers a variety of reading options, we have so much more to offer than books,” said Peabody Public Library Executive Director Mary Hartman. “We love our books, and we will always encourage reading, but we want the community to understand the experiences we offer here at the library.”

The library recently released a new promotional video that highlights some of those offerings. From robotics classes, STEM activities for children and teens, art, cooking classes, concerts and more–the library has something for everyone.

The theme for the video is community. “The library is about people,” said Peabody Public Library Executive Director Mary Hartman. “When we find ways to connect with our patrons, we’re serving our community. And as the needs of our community change, we have to adapt to serve those needs. We’ve expanded our offerings and will continue to do so because we understand our patrons are seeking experiences as well as books.”

Local collaboration was key in creating the video. “We partnered with local talent on the entire video” said Hartman.

Dewitt Marketing, LLC composed the script for the video, and assisted with the project management; Laura Richcreek with Laura’s Voice composed the voiceover for the video; and Nick Ewing Photo & Films filmed and produced the video.

“Whitley County has a treasure trove of gifted, local talent and partnering with them just makes sense.  I can’t think of a better way to show that the library is about supporting and promoting the community,” Hartman said.

The library is a gathering place where people spend time with one another. With its variety of meeting spaces, it has become a go-to place for events such as baby showers, birthday parties, graduation parties and community events. Because the library is publicly funded there is a fee for library cards for those outside the service area to check out materials, but classes and events are open to everyone at the library.

“Whether you’re interested in trying new foods at our cooking class, attending an art class, exploring robotics, or bringing your kiddos in to just hang out, play games, and do crafts–it’s about the interactions and experiences you choose to enjoy yourself and with others.”

Last January, the library unveiled their new brand, and the video is another way to carry the brand forward. “The message we want to continue to share is, the library is more than books on shelves or ‘things’ at all–it’s an experience,” said Hartman. “It’s a place where you can create your own experience, connect with others and build relationships in the community, grow your mind, your creativity, and skills. We should never stop learning. I encourage you to come experience what the library has to offer.”

The library’s summer reading program will kick off next month. More details to come. You can follow updates on events, classes and programming at the library by visiting www.ppl.lib.in.us. Click the “calendar” icon on the homepage to view the on-line calendar of events. Stay connected by following the library on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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ABOUT PEABODY PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Peabody Public Library serves all individuals as a pathway to learning, culture and entertainment. The library has served individuals in Whitley County since 1901. In 1917, Simon J. Peabody donated lands and funds build Peabody Public Library on North Main Street in Columbia City, and it continued to serve the community well for many years. In 1999, the new state-of-the-art Peabody Public Library was built in Columbia City. The 29,688-square-foot facility located off Highway 205, sits on 14-acres, and is the only library in the State of Indiana that is located on a wetland.