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Hawkins Memorial Library
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STEM Backpacks from IPTV
Three educational backpacks were donated to Hawkins Memorial Library, courtesy of Iowa Public Television, in an effort to help Iowa families do more at home with their children. IPTV developed the idea of backpacks filled with STEM resources that families can check out and use at home. They believe that anytime is a good time for learning.
Learning themes for the backpacks available at the library are coding Fun, building challenge and pattern puzzles. STEM activities, books and PBS KIDS DVDs are included in each backpack, with activities serving children between 3 and 8 years of age. Backpacks may be checked out for a one week at no charge.
The educational backpacks are being distributed statewide to participating libraries. Support for the STEM Backpack Program was provided by The Coons Foundation and The Max and Helen Guernsey Charitable Foundation.
Guernsey Grant Received
Thanks to a generous grant from The Max & Helen Guernsey Charitable Foundation we are now $6000 closer to reaching our goal of $10,700 to complete the microfilming and digitization of The Progress Review. This grant allows us to add an additional 67 years of searchable local history to The Progress Review digitized newspaper website. We will keep you posted as this content becomes available to view on the website. If you are interested in making a contribution toward completing this project, please contact the library.
Newspaper Digitization is Under Way...
The website to view digitized copies of The Progress Review is up and running with dates available from January 2008 through December 2017. You can search using key words or by date. Other issues of the newspaper will be added to this site as funding is received. Click on The Progress Review link to try it out!
Hawkins Memorial Library and The Progress Review have undertaken a local history project that includes converting back issues of The Progress Review, housed in the library on microfilm that date back to the 1870s, to digital content that can be searched online by anyone with an internet connection.
The process of converting nearly 150 years of newspapers to digital format is a costly one. Each reel of microfilm, approximately 18 months of La Porte City history, costs $125 to digitize. Total cost of the project, which includes the creation of this searchable website to house all of The Progress Review’s archives and an up-to-date microfilm collection at the library, is estimated to cost around $10,000. For additional information about the project, or to make a donation, contact Library Director Jolene Kronschnabel at 342-3025.
Aureon Charity Grant Awarded
These funds will be used in support of the library’s local history project, which includes digitizing back issues of The Progress Review to allow users to search the local newspaper’s nearly 150 years of archives on line.
The grant was presented in conjunction with LPC Connect who sponsored the grant applications. Upon reviewing an abundance of applications, the Aureon Charity Grant Committee delegated funds to projects committed to the betterment of local Iowa communities.
“Aureon believes in rewarding organizations like Hawkins Memorial Library for their passion and dedication to advancing their neighborhoods. Their grant proposals reflect enthusiasm for serving their community,” said Justyn M. Miller, President, Aureon Technology. “Aureon looks forward to aiding future community-improvement projects and extends our best wishes to your community.”
Posing with microfilm rolls containing back issues of The Progress Review are Barb Bader, LPC Connect Customer Service Representative, Jolene Kronschnabel, Hawkins Memorial Library Director, and Bill Meyer, Aueron Technology Sales Executive. Photo by Mike Whittlesey.
eBooks and Audiobooks
Check out and download ebooks, audiobooks, and videos for free with Bridges - Iowa's eLibrary! There are thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, and videos available with new titles added all the time. Check out up to 3 titles at a time with your library card. Items are automatically returned when the checkout period has expired so there are never any overdue fines to worry about. Call or stop in the library if you have any questions.
LearningExpress Library
LearningExpress Library is an interactive online platform that provides the most comprehensive selection of career and academic resources available to empower people for job preparation, career advancement, college readiness, academic success, and skills mastery in math, reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. More than a database, LearningExpress Library helps entire communities jumpstart careers and education. Additional features of LearningExpress include Job & Career Accelerator, software tutorials, and introductory training courses on how to use a computer, search the internet and take advantage of social networking.
Preschool Story Time
Join us on Thursday mornings at 10:30 AM during the school year. Children enjoy reading books, singing songs, playing games and creating crafts that follow a weekly theme.
LEGORAMA!
Our Lego building session encourages participants to build creative themed structures that we love to display for everyone to see. Check our events calendar for upcoming dates.
Do you enjoy reading a wide variety of books and discussing them with others? Our Book Club meets monthly at 1 PM. Stop in the library to pick up a copy of the current book selection and find out the next Book Club discussion date.
Book Club
Color and Connect
You are invited to our monthly coloring program for adults. Reduce stress, be creative and make friends. Check our upcoming events calendar for the next scheduled date.
Hawkins Handcrafters
This group meets twice monthly from 1:00 to 3:00 PM the second and fourth Thursdays each month. Bring any handwork or hobby you are working on and join other crafty people to chat and be creative.
Monday morning is perfect for coffee at the library with your pals. Join us at 8 AM. And no charge for the coffee.
