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Author Archives: Kayla Henzel
2023 One Book One Nebraska Selection available on BARD!
“The Mystery of Hunting’s End” by Mignon G. Eberhart has been recorded by our Talking Book and Braille Service!
Smack in the middle of the Nebraska Sand Hills is Hunting’s End, a weekend lodge owned by the rich Kingery family. Socialite Matil Kingery invites a strange collection of guests — the same people who were at the lodge when her father died of “heart failure” exactly five years ago. She intends to find out which one of them murdered him.
This title has been selected as the 2023 One Book One Nebraska. This dynamic program cultivates a culture of reading and discussion in our state by bringing our diverse state together around one great book by a Nebraska author.
TBBS borrowers can request “The Mystery of Hunting’s End,” DBC02012, or download it from the National Library Service BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) website. If you have high-speed internet access, you can download books to your smartphone or tablet, or onto a flash drive for use with your player. You may also contact your reader’s advisor to have the book mailed to you on cartridge.
Broadband Access and Digital Opportunities Community Listening Sessions in April
Please join for a series of Community Listening Sessions to learn more about community needs and desires for improving broadband access and increasing digital opportunities. Three sessions will be held in April (details below). A future announcement will follow about sessions in May and June .
- April 19 at 5:30 pm central in Grand Island | Hall County Extension, 3180 W. Highway 34
- April 26 at 12:00pm central in Niobrara | Niobrara Village Fire Hall, 259 Spruce Avenue
- April 26 at 5:00pm central in Norfolk | Norfolk Public Library, 308 W. Prospect Street
Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation to participate should reach out to:
Rachael Surmick
Broadband Outreach Coordinator
Nebraska Public Service Commission
Office: (402) 471-3101
Cell: (531) 893-1522
Toll Free: (800) 526-0017
rachael.surmick@nebraska.gov
Registration is encouraged but not required. Register here.
Posted in Broadband Buzz, General, Information Resources
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Throwback Thursday: McKinley Library Club
Happy #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!
This week, we have a 9 1/2″ x 7 3/4″ black and white photograph of the McKinley Library Club standing on the school’s front steps in April of 1914. McKinley School was located at 230 S. 15th Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was constructed in 1902 for a cost of $35,319.50. It was used as an elementary school up until 1915. After, it became a “special school with grades 1-9 with prevocational and evening classes.”
This #throwback is published and owned by Lincoln Public Schools. Historical materials related to Lincoln Public Schools have been collected and saved in various sites. Over the past 15 years, the Library Media Services Department made a deliberate attempt to collect, preserve, and archive the history of LPS.
Check out this collection and many more on the Nebraska Memories archive.
The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information
ARPA Report – Karlen Memorial Library
Karlen Memorial Library used ARPA funds to make improvements to the library!
Keeping the library clean during COVID took a toll on the two vacuums. One overheated and the second lost suction and failed to clean the library carpets. With funds provided through ARPA, the library was able to purchase a new commercial vacuum to replace the two that broke. Another beneficial purchase was made to prevent the spread of germs. The second purchase made by the library was a new touchless water fountain/bottle filler.
In the past, the library directed patrons to West Point or Wisner for their small laminating projects. Now, with the use of the newly purchased laminator, the library is able to meet the needs of patrons who wish to laminate small items as well as larger projects, such as newspapers and posters.
Another purchase made by the library were Magna-Tiles and KEVA Planks for its STEM program. When the library resumed in-person programming, staff searched for new program ideas and new ways to increase attendance during the summer months. In addition, a new Bingo cage and Bingo cards were purchased for the library’s Friday Game Day program. Prior to owning its own materials, the library borrowed Bingo materials from the American Legion. Now that the library has its own set, it is available when needed.
Lastly, with funds provided through ARPA, the library was able to acquire a refrigerator. Since its reopening following COVID, the library has started to hold more events for its patrons. The refrigerator allows cold beverages and snacks to be served for meetings and events.
The library board spent considerable time brainstorming ways that the ARPA funds could meet the needs of the community. The items have been well received by library patrons and community members. The library is appreciative of the ARPA grant and satisfied with the purchases that were made.
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The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is result of the federal stimulus bill passed by Congress. The Nebraska Library Commission received a one-time award of $2,422,166. A portion of this funding has been allocated for three projects:Formula based grant program, NLC Library Improvement Grants, and NLC Youth Grants for Excellence.
For more information about the 2021 American Rescue Plan, visit www.nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/arpa/index.aspx
Throwback Thursday: Capitol Ave. Park
It’s time for another #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!
This week, we have a late 1800s black and white photograph of Capitol Avenue Park, looking west.
This image was created by George Heyn. It is owned and published by Omaha Public Library. The items in this collection include early Omaha-related maps dating from 1825 to 1922. Over 1,100 postcards and photographs of the Omaha are are also featured.
Are you someone who likes history? If so, check out the Nebraska Memories archive! It’s a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural materials and make them available to researchers of all ages.
The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.
Central Community College Announces LIS Classes for Fall 2023
Library and Information Services (LIS) class registration at Central Community College for Fall 2023: August 21, 2023 – December 15, 2023. Enrollment for the fall semester opens on Monday, April 10, 2023.
Classes include:
LIBR 1010 Foundations of Library and Information ServicesMarty Magee, Instructor
This course, the recommended first in the Library and Information Services curriculum, provides introductory information in multiple areas.
- Library history and organizations<
- Foundation Principles/Code of Ethics<
- Information databases and Internet usage<
Michael Straatmann, Instructor
This course includes the theories, concepts and activities integral to leading and managing 21st Century libraries and information agencies.
- Leadership principles
- Management strategies
- Policies and procedures
Patty Birch, Instructor
This capstone course is the last course in the Library and Information Services program. Students will complete 40 hours of service learning in a host library. The course also includes a review of the principal pieces of learning from the LIS program.
- Prerequisites: LIBR 1010, 2100, 2150, 2210, & 2250
New changes…Beginning Fall 2023, the LIBR 2210 Cataloging & Classification course has been
merged with the LIBR 2150 Managing Collections in Libraries & Information Agencies class. The new combined class is LIBR 2210 Develop and Organize Collections to be offered in Spring 2024. And the Library & Information Services Certificate has been reduced from 18 credit hours to a 15-credit hour program.
For more information on the Library and Information Services program, see: www.cccneb.edu/lis/
For information concerning Admissions or Registration, contact: Dee Johnson, djohnson@cccneb.edu, 402-562-1418 or Toll Free at 877-222-0780.
New Book Available on BARD!
“Haven’s Wake” by Ladette Randolph is now available on cartridge and download on BARD!
When Haven Grebel dies following a tractor accident on his Nebraska farm, his Mennonite family gathers for the funeral service. Widow Elsa, estranged son Jonathan, and the rest of the family must navigate love, loyalty, and long-buried secrets.
“Haven’s Wake is about memory and silence, and about secrets and the fear of them. But above all, it’s a tale of love and loyalty. At the very heart of this deeply heartfelt novel is the story of the restorative power of family and tradition.”
Timothy Schaffert
This novel is part of the Flyover Fiction series and is listed on the 150 Greatest Nebraska Books list — a list that represents the best literature produced from Nebraska during the past 150 years.
TBBS borrowers can request “Haven’s Wake,” DBC01896, or download it from the National Library Service BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) website. If you have high-speed internet access, you can download books to your smartphone or tablet, or onto a flash drive for use with your player. You may also contact your reader’s advisor to have the book mailed to you on cartridge.
Throwback Thursday: Damn Yankees
Happy #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!
This week’s #throwback features a black and white publicity photo from the musical “Damn Yankees” written by Richard Adler. This image was captured during the fall of 1964 at the Omaha Community Playhouse. This performance broke the old 9,200-plus attendance record at the Omaha Community Playhouse. The Omaha World-Herald called it “The finest damn musical ever.”
This image is published and owned by the Omaha Community Playhouse. This collection features images of the Playhouse and some of its performances. Some actors included in this collection are Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda, and Dorothy McGuire.
Check out this collection and many more on the Nebraska Memories archive.
The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information
Nebraska Library Commission Challenges the FCC’s Broadband Map On Behalf of Nebraska’s Public Libraries
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 28, 2023
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Andrew Sherman
402-471-4559
800-307-2665
Nebraska Library Commission Challenges the FCC’s Broadband Map On Behalf of Nebraska’s Public Libraries
The Nebraska Library Commission (NLC) has generated 230 challenges to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Map on the behalf of Nebraska’s public libraries.
These challenges are requests to the FCC to update their map ensuring that all of Nebraska’s public libraries are designated as Community Anchor Institutions (CAI) with the correct address and geographic location.Why is this important? The map will be used to achieve Goal #4 in the National Broadband Plan which is “every American community should have affordable access to at least 1 gigabit per second broadband service to anchor institutions such as schools, hospitals and government buildings.” Per the FCC, “An accurate map will help identify the unserved and underserved communities most in need of funding for high-speed internet infrastructure investments.” This map will be used to allocate $42 billion in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funds to states and territories to help expand access to affordable high-speed internet.
In partnership with Nebraska’s State Broadband Office and Public Service Commission, the NLC will be working to ensure that the FCC has accurate data to assist them in the granting of funds so that all Nebraska public libraries can provide high-speed fiber broadband service to the communities they serve.
As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”
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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.
Posted in Broadband Buzz, General, Public Relations
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Throwback Thursday: Sacred Heart Academy
It’s time for another #ThrowbackThursday from the Nebraska Memories archive!
110 years ago, a devastating tornado hit Omaha, Nebraska. This week’s image shows the aftermath of that storm and the damage left behind at the Academy of the Sacred heart.
Few disasters have devastated Omaha as completely as the Easter Tornado of March 23, 1913. The storm descended just after Easter services on Sunday evening. The tornado created a path that ran seven miles long and a quarter mile wide. It killed 140 citizens of Omaha and injured 400 others. The Easter Tornado caused such extensive damage to the north side of the Academy, that plans were made to level it. Concerned citizens stepped forward and the building was repaired rather than razed.
In 1915, the school added college courses and renamed itself Duchesne College and Convent of the Sacred Heart. The college closed in 1968, and the elementary school was phased out, but the secondary school remains.
This week’s image is owned and published by Omaha Public Library. The items in this collection feature early Omaha-related maps dating from 1825 to 1922, as well as over 1,100 postcards and photographs of the Omaha area.
Are you someone who likes history? If so, check out the Nebraska Memories archive! It’s a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural materials and make them available to researchers of all ages.
The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.
William Kloefkorn Book Available on BARD!
“This Death by Drowning” by Nebraska author William Kloefkorn has been recorded by our Talking Book and Braille Service!
“Is there any human corner left to illuminate? To surprise? Absolutely, as these wondrous recollections by poet Kloefkorn prove. This slim volume is filled with provocative perceptions garnered from daily life. . . . After the last line, readers will turn back to page one and start again, slowly.”
Publisher’s Weekly
“This Death by Drowning” serves as Kloefkorn’s personal memoir. It is an artfully assembled collection of reminiscences having to do with water and is listed on the 150 Greatest Nebraska Books list — a list that represent the best literature produced from Nebraska during the past 150 years.
TBBS borrowers can request “This Death by Drowning,” DBC02002, or download it from the National Library Service BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) website. If you have high-speed internet access, you can download books to your smartphone or tablet, or onto a flash drive for use with your player. You may also contact your reader’s advisor to have the book mailed to you on cartridge.
Throwback Thursday: Race Meet Day, Main Street, Neligh, August 1912
Happy #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!
This week’s black and white image was created by Frank Bauman. It is published and owned by the Antelope County Historical Society.
Located in Neligh, Nebraska, the Antelope County Historical Society collaborated with the Raymond A. Whitwer Memorial Library located in Tilden to digitize a collection of large glass plate negatives. These images depict life in Neligh and Antelope County in the early 1900sIf you’re someone who likes history, especially history related to the state of Nebraska, check out the Nebraska Memories archive! It’s a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural materials and make them available to researchers of all ages.
The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information
Throwback Thursday: Loomis Basketball Team, 1916
Boys state basketball is underway and we’re celebrating with this week’s #ThrowbackThursday!
Today, we have a 5″ x 7″ black and white photograph of the Loomis High School basketball team in 1916. In the back row stand Gordon Linder, Herb Atkins, and Phil Johnson. In front of them stand Reuben Almquist, Frankie Johnston, and Roland Bragg. Professor Peterson kneels in the front.
This week’s #throwback is published by the Holdrege Area Public Library and is owned by the Phelps County Historical Society. Together in partnership, the public library and Historical Society digitized a collection of images that portray the county’s history since the mid 1880’s.
Check out this collection on the Nebraska Memories archive.
Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural materials and make them available to researchers of all ages. The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.
Throwback Thursday: D. Eiche Firestone Service
Happy #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!
This week, we have an interior view of D. Eiche Firestone Service located on the southwest corner of 12th and N Streets in Lincoln. According to Polk’s City Directory of Lincoln, 1939, Dee Eiche owned D. Eiche Firestone Service which “provided Firestone tires, batteries and automobile supplies, brake service, tire service and motor tune up service.” The showroom includes display tables with automobile accessories (including fender flaps, sun visors, and floor mats), parts, tires, and tools.
This image is published and owned by Townsend Studio. Townsend Studio has been in continuous operation since it was founded in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1888. Today it is run by Bradford J. Clark. The studio holds a collection of glass plate and acetate negatives of early Lincoln and early residents, as well as University of Nebraska and high school sports teams, state governors and Lincoln mayors.
If you like history, check out the Nebraska Memories archive.
Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural materials and make them available to researchers of all ages. The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.
Throwback Thursday: Lt John J Pershing and Staff
It’s time for another #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!
In 1891, Lt. John J. Pershing took the position of Professor of Military Science and Tactics at the University of Nebraska. He also served as the Commandant of the Cadets. Pershing studied law at the University and graduated with the class of 1893. In 1892, Pershing’s Company A won the Omaha Cup at the National Competitive Drills held in Omaha. The group was later renamed the Pershing Rifles.
This week’s #throwback is published and owned by Townsend Studio. Townsend Studio has been in continuous operation since it was founded. The studio holds a collection of glass plate and acetate negatives of early Lincoln and early residents including General John J. Pershing, William Jennings Bryan and Mari Sandoz. Images also include University of Nebraska and high school sports teams, state governors and Lincoln mayors.
See the full collection on the Nebraska Memories archive.
Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural materials and make them available to researchers of all ages. The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.
New Nebraska Book on BARD!
“Welcome to Pallywonkersville: My Irreverent, but Humorous, Memories of Growing up in Rural Nebraska” by Nebraska author David Hunt is available on cartridge and for download on BARD!
Hunt shares humorous stories about growing up in Palisade, Nebraska, (population 350), which he refers to as Pallywonkersville. Family, friends, and pranks fill these vignettes of small-town life.
TBBS borrowers can request “Welcome to Pallywonkersville,” DBC01990, or download it from the National Library Service BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) website. If you have high-speed internet access, you can download books to your smartphone or tablet, or onto a flash drive for use with your player. You may also contact your reader’s advisor to have the book mailed to you on cartridge.
Throwback Thursday: Students at Union College
This week’s #ThrowbackThursday is hitting the books!
This week, we have a 5-1/2″ x 3-1/4″ black and white photograph of Union College students studying in the library. The library was housed in the administration building from 1891 until a library building was built in 1936.
This early 1900s images is published and owned by the Ella Johnson Crandall Memorial Library at Union College. The library at Union College is home to an archival collection of books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, photographs, artifacts, and manuscript collections related to the history of Union College and the College View community. The photographs selected for inclusion in Nebraska Memories include early scenes of the Union College campus and downtown College View.
Check out the full collection on the Nebraska Memories archive.
Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural materials and make them available to researchers of all ages. The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.
$60,000 in Library Improvement Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public Libraries
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 9, 2023
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christa Porter
402-471-3107
800-307-2665
$60,000 in Library Improvement Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public Libraries
The Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded Library Improvement Grants for 2023 totaling $60,000 to twenty-five Nebraska public libraries.
These competitive grants were funded with federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) monies from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). These Library Improvement Grants help to facilitate growth and development of library programs and services by supplementing local funding with federal funds designated for these purposes.
In order to be funded, projects had to meet one or more of the following LSTA Purposes listed in the Commission’s long-range plan:
- Facilitate access to resources . . . for the purpose of cultivating an educated and informed citizenry;
- Encourage resource sharing among . . . libraries for the purpose of achieving economical and efficient delivery of library services to the public;
- Promote literacy, education, and lifelong learning and to enhance and expand the services and resources provided by libraries, including those services and resources relating to workforce development, 21st century skills, and digital literacy skills;
- Ensure the preservation of knowledge and library collections in all formats and to enable libraries to serve their communities during disasters;
- Promote library services that provide users with access to information through national, state, local, regional, and international collaborations and networks.
Local libraries also had to provide at least a 25% match in order to receive the funds.
The libraries receiving grants are:
- Baright Public Library, Ralston
- Bayard Public Library
- Blair Public Library & Technology Center
- Butler Memorial Library
- Central City Public Library
- Clearwater Public Library
- Cordelia B Preston Memorial Library, Orleans
- Elmwood Public Library
- Franklin Public Library
- Fullerton Public Library
- Gering Public Library
- Grand Island Public Library
- Hoesch Memorial Public Library, Alma
- Kimball Public Library
- Lied Lincoln Township Library, Wausa
- Maxine White-Sutherland Public Library
- Mead Public Library
- North Platte Public Library
- Plainview Public Library
- Ravenna Public Library
- Shelton Public Library
- St. Edward Public Library
- Valley Public Library
- Valparaiso Public Library
- Yutan Public Library
The projects and services planned include: Touch screen kiosks, a microfilm and newspaper digitization project, indoor and outdoor furniture/shelving/cabinets, laptops/tablets/PC computers, outdoor book returns, a hydroponics tower, wireless printing/copying systems, certified career coaching classes, storytime materials, a Virtual Reality headset, telescopes, and an Owl 3 Conference Camera.
As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”
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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.
Posted in General, Grants, Public Relations
Tagged IMLS, Library Improvement Grants, LSTA, Nebraska Libraries, Public Libraries
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Throwback Thursday: Aerial view of Camp Atlanta
Happy #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!
This week, we have a 5″ x 3.5″ black and white photograph showing the aerial view of Camp Atlanta. It served as a prisoner of war camp for German soldiers and was located near Holdrege, Nebraska.
This image is published by Holdrege Area Public Library and is owned by the Phelps County Historical Society.
If you like history, check out the Nebraska Memories archive.
Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural materials and make them available to researchers of all ages. The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.
New Book available on BARD!
“Not by the Sword: How a Cantor and His Family Transformed a Klansman“ by Kathryn Watterson is now available on cartridge and for download on BARD!
“Watterson has written one of the most powerful, painful, yet healing stories about our most explosive issue: race. Her book [Not by the Sword] is not only literally true but also symbolically true for us as people — if we acknowledge and transform who and what we are.”
Cornel West, author of “Race Matters”
Grand Dragon of the White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan of Nebraska, Larry Trapp was a wheelchair-bound amputee who led a campaign of fear against Jews and other minorities from his cramped apartment in Lincoln. After receiving death threats from Larry, Cantor Michael Weisser and his wife Julie extended friendship to him and later offered to take him into their home. Larry renounced all ties to the Klan, began working with youth groups to educate them about the danger of racist ideology, and, before dying from kidney disease, even converted to Judaism.
TBBS borrowers can request “Not by the Sword,” DBC01995, or download it from the National Library Service BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) website. If you have high-speed internet access, you can download books to your smartphone or tablet, or onto a flash drive for use with your player. You may also contact your reader’s advisor to have the book mailed to you on cartridge.
