Research Blog

WWII Rosie the Riveters

2013-03-19T19:15:00Z

Dr. Heidi Strobel will be presenting a program titled "Harmony of the Homefront: Homegrown Rosie the Riveters" tomorrow (March 20, 2013) starting at 6:30 in the Browning Room at Central Library. This program will feature information from an oral history research project Dr. Strobel conducted in 2008 and 2009. Dr. Strobel is currently Associate Professor of Art History in the Department of Archaeology and Art History at the University of Evansville.

The Evansville in WWII Digital Collection was funded with a grant from the US Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Indiana State Library. The WWII Speaker Series is part of the promotional events for the grant.

Ms. Mary Sims, Welder.

Talk on Evansville's WWII Shipbuilding Industry

2013-03-10T20:56:00Z

Tom Lonnberg, Curator of History at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science, will discuss the Evansville Shipyard. The shipyard was the largest employer in the City's history and was the foremost producer of Landing Ship Tanks, or LSTs, during World War II. LSTs were essential to the amphibious landings in Africa and Europe, including Normandy, and were vital to the island hopping campaign in the Pacific Theater.

Mr. Lonnberg's talk will be on Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30pm and will be in the Browning Room on the first floor of Central Library.

A night view of the Evansville Shipyard from Reitz Hill. This photo is part of the Evansville in WWII Digital Collection.

Evansville in WWII Digital Collection

2013-03-04T20:24:00Z

EVPL worked with the University of Southern Indiana and the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science for the last year on the "Evansville in WWII" Digital Collection. The collection was funded with a grant from the US Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Indiana State Library.

EVPL digitized their collection of newsletters from Evansville factories producing for the war industry. The newsletters contain information about safety on the job, awards and goals acheived in production, recreational activities, comics, and photographs of laborers and their families. The newsletters can be searched by word which greatly helps when searching for something specific.

USI owns a collection of war bond posters produced and distributed nationally by the Government Printing Office. The posters are colorful and show a variety of topics that were important to the patriotic feelings of Americans during the war. A few of these posters are recognizable as they were created by Norman Rockwell, famous for his Saturday Evening Post (among other magazine) covers.

The Museum allowed EVPL to scan their collection of Evansville Shipyard photographs which were commissed by the Navy at the beginning of the shipyard construction in Evansville. The collection includes nearly 10,000 pictures of the shipyard, building construction, laborers, office workers, ship building, ship christening, recreational activities, war ships on the Ohio River, and much more. Many of these pictures contain names of workers or people involved in the ship christenings which can be searched.

In support of the efforts to bring to light Evansville's participation in WWII, EVPL is also hosting the WWII Speaker Series. The first speaker will by Mike Linderman from Angel Mounds discussing the WPA and Angel Mounds. Coming up later in March are Tom Lonnber from the Evansville Museum and Heidi Strobel from the University of Evansville. April features the final three presenters: Jennifer Greene from USI, local author Harold Morgan, and EVPL digitization clerk Lauren Weingart.

If you have questions or comments submit them to Renny in Reference Services.

Temeraire post-poned

2013-02-23T20:53:00Z

I think everyone who was at the first book discussion for Temeraire's Exploits already knows that I've had to re-schedule the 2nd book discussion. But in case you weren't there, or haven't heard...yes, I've had to push the next discussion for Throne of Jade back to March 13th. I'm really sorry about this; I hope the change doesn't create scheduling conflicts for anyone planning to come. It was just one of those unfortunate, unavoidable things.

Maybe this will be a good thing and even more people will be able to join us for this second discussion. For those, like me, already finished with the book and eagerly waiting for the discussion, I have a small sop to your patience. If you haven't already read it, Naomi Novik has a lovely little Teneraire story available on her website. The action of the short story, "Feast or Famine," is even referenced in Throne of Jade. Having already read "Feast or Famine" I got a real kick out of recognizing the references to it in Throne of Jade.

Hope I'll see you here on March 13th!

EVPL Photo Collection

2013-02-18T18:52:00Z

In honor of the Library's 100th year, we created an online collection of the library from past to present. The collection started with 98 pictures and the first two annual reports (1913 and 1914). We uploaded another 8 pictures this afternoon. This collection will continue to grow throughout the year, so check back often to make sure you don't miss any new additions! The collection can be found here. Just click "search" if you want to browse the entire collection. If you have any questions or feedback you can contact Renny in the Reference Services Department at Central (428-8218).

Serendipity at its finest...

2013-01-14T19:38:00Z

A good friend just told me January 16th is Appreciate a Dragon Day and my first book talk for Naomi Novik's alternative history/dragon series is... January 16th. I wish I could claim I cleverly planned it, but unfortunately not. I'll just have to settle for great timing.

It looks like Appreciate a Dragon Day was started by author Donita K. Paul, but if you google 'dragon appreciation day,' you'll discover other days throughout the year when you can pay homage to these wonderful mythical beasts.

Hope I see you Wednesday evening. I just finished rereading His Majesty's Dragon and I loved it as much the second time around as I did the first time.

State Tax Forms at Central Library

2013-01-10T21:42:00Z

Yes, they're here.

We have the IT-40 booklet, with forms included, along with several other commonly requested loose forms.

Federal forms are another matter. Those, of course, are delayed as the IRS deals with the changes necessitated by the passage of the American Tax Payer Relief Act of 2012. Sorry, currently we have no word on when those forms will be available. In the mean time, you can keep abreast of updated forms at www.irs.gov.

While you're waiting, you might want to take a look at our Tax Information page. You can find information on AARP's tax aide schedule and lots of useful links for online filing and filing in general.

There be dragons at the library!

2012-11-27T18:39:00Z

That would be Temeraire specifically, and he is a very special dragon indeed. He is the wonderful centerpiece of Naomi Novik's sci-fi/alternative history series. It is set in England during the Napoleonic Wars. In the series, Novik introduces you to what might have been if dragons had been a fact of life instead of a fascinating myth. The books reminds me of Anne McCaffrey's Pern series, with the added bonus of a strong grounding in actual history. I know, 'how can it be actual history if dragons are involved'? True, but I think Novik does an excellent job of postulating how the existence and use of dragons would have changed historical events. If that sounds dry and boring to you, don't believe it. I became highly invested in Temeraire's heartwarming character and his relationship with his rider, Captain William Lawrence. That relationship, along with the addition of multiple other riders and dragons, keeps the stories riveting. You can read the books from the library and learn more about Temeraire and his universe on Novik's website.

And, if you become as captivated by Temeraire as me, you can join me in 2013 for a book discussion series on the novels. Titled Temeraire's Exploits, we will discuss the first book at the January meeting and each book after in the following meetings. Hope I'll see you there!

Holiday Mail for Heroes

2012-11-26T21:41:00Z

This time of year, many of us recieve e-mails, or see messages posted on Facebook and other social websites suggesting that as we prepare our Christmas cards for family and friends, we also send a card to a recovering soldier at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Sounds like a good idea, right? Don't do it. This Snopes.com article, last updated November 16, 2011, has a thorough explanation of why it doesn't work. However, as the article goes on to explain, the American Red Cross's Holiday Mail for Heroes is a valid option, if you do want to send a card to a soldier. According the the Red Cross, "Every card received will be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and then reviewed by Red Cross volunteers working around the country."

The mailing address for the program is:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights MD 20791-5456

However, please visit the Holiday Mail for Heroes website and read the card guidelines. Be aware that this year's deadline is Friday, December 7th!

Happy holidays!

Book Talk: Postcard History: Evansville

2012-10-29T23:48:00Z

Are you interested in Evansville and its history? Have you often wondered what parts of Evansville looked like years ago?

If the answer is "yes!' then be sure to come to the Large Group Room on Central's 2nd Floor on Tuesday, October 30 at 6:30. Joseph Engler will be speaking about his new book, Evansville. The book is comprised of vintage postcards primarily from his family's personal collection. Mr. Engler also writes articles for the examiner.com as the history expert and he developed and maintains the website historicevansville.com. He will have books available for purchase and will be availble to autograph books after his talk!

Vote early at the library

2012-10-04T14:01:00Z

Early voting at five EVPL locations begins Monday, October 15 and will end November 2.

Library voting locations:

Central Library (in the second floor Quiet Study Room)
McCollough Branch
Oaklyn Branch
North Park Branch
Red Bank Branch

Voting hours:

Monday-Thursday: noon-6:00 pm

Friday: noon-5:00 pm

Please note that polls will close promptly at the scheduled time, regardless of the length of the line. If you have not voted by poll closing time, we appreciate you returning another day to cast your vote.

Can't find the voting area when you get to the library? Just follow the signage and/or yellow footprints on the floor, or ask a staff member to point you in the right direction.

Thank you for exercising your right to vote!

Service unavailability on Thursday, September 13, 2012

2012-09-10T21:28:00Z

A number of services at EVPL locations and on our website will be unavailable most of the day Thursday, September 13 due to system maintenance.

Unavailable Services
Classic Catalog, Encore, & Mobile Catalog	Checkouts of eBooks or downloadable audiobooks
Freegal Music	Self-Checkout Stations
MediaBank DVD Dispenser	Creating new cards
Checkout without a physical library card	Account activities: paying fines, editing info, placing holds
Account lookup	Certain databases: Books 24x7, Digital Sanborn Maps, LitFinder, Million Dollar Database, & Value Line Research Center

The following services will still be available.

Available Services
Most of the EVPL website	Most databases
Browsing OverDrive & Axis 360 collections	In-library public computers with internet access
Checkout at the desk with a physical library card

The maintenance is expected to take most of the day. We appreciate your patience during the downtime and apologize for any inconvenience it may cause.

If you have questions, feel free to submit them below or call any EVPL location.

Tell a friend & you could win!

2012-09-06T13:28:00Z

Happy Library Card Sign-Up Month! We know you love your library and that you've already discovered all of the amazing places your library card can take you. Have you told your friends and family what's waiting for them at the EVPL?

During the month of September, encourage your family and friends to sign-up for a library card. They can visit any location to sign-up, and when they do, you'll both be entered to win a $50 Wal-Mart gift card. They just have to tell the library staff member who referred them when they sign-up for their card. Refer multiple people, and you'll be entered to win multiple times.

Here's what your friend will need to bring with them to sign-up for their card.

Books, DVDs, CDs, eBooks, audiobooks, music downloads, classes and events, art displays, and so much more. Tell your friends to get to the library today to experience it all!

Curiosity's big day: the Mars landing

2012-08-03T16:17:00Z

There's always been something special about Mars, and the way it has captured our imagination. This weekend marks the opportunity to learn more about the planet that we have so long imagined.

Last November the new Mars rover, Curiosity, was encased in a space capsule launched toward Mars via Atlas rocket. I've been vaguely following it in the news, but never stopped to think about what a mission like this might entail. Saturday Sunday night (well, Sunday Monday morning at 12:31 am CDT) Curiosity is scheduled to land on Mars. I had given even less thought to what that might be like; after all, I've seen plenty of splashdowns and shuttle landings. No big deal anymore, right? Then the president of Caltech sent me a link to a 5 minute video about the difficulties involved in just the landing of the rover, and how the planners have dealt with each of the problems along the way. Take a few moments to watch "Curiosity's Seven Minutes of Terror."

President Chameux also said:

Since its launch in November 2011, the MSL mission and Curiosity have captured the world's attention. The promise of science and planetary exploration continues to inspire millions across the world, from school children and educators, to scientists, public officials and journalists. On August 5th at 10:31pm PDT we hope to begin a new era of discovery on Mars. But it won't be easy. Historically, about 1 in 3 missions attempting to approach Mars have been successful.

MSL is the most ambitious mission in the history of robotic planetary exploration. It is not just important for our nation, it is important for the world. The Curiosity rover will allow us to explore big questions-mainly, could Mars have ever supported life? Determining Mars's past or present habitability would be a game-changer. In addition, we want to investigate the chemical, isotopic, and mineralogical composition of the Martian surface and learn more about this planet's atmospheric processes.

The data retrieved from Mars will be used in research centers around the world to expand knowledge and to chart new pathways for exploration. Students of all ages will be exposed to new insights in planetary science. And science and engineering discoveries will continue to impact society in unimaginable ways. In short, the opportunities are endless.

On Sunday, we will hold our breath in anticipation during a seven-minute period as the MSL spacecraft blazes through the Martian atmosphere at 13,200 mph, puts on the brakes, and lowers Curiosity to the planet's surface.... In life, nothing is guaranteed, and given the boldness of the MSL mission, many things could go wrong. Luckily, MSL has the most innovative technology available guiding it safely to the surface of Mars.

Want to learn more?

Support EVPL & save money with a free home energy assessment

2012-07-26T14:51:00Z

With the record-breaking temps we've had this summer, many are looking for ways to reduce their utility bills.

Energizing Indiana offers free home energy assessments to those who apply. An Energy Advisor will visit your home to perform the assessment. You'll receive step-by-step guidance; energy saving products, such as CFL bulbs, low-flow faucet aerators & shower heads, and insulation for your water heater; and a comprehensive report detailing additional ways to make your home more energy efficient.

This service is free, and the library Foundation will receive $25 for every energy assessment conducted through EVPL. Reduce your energy costs while helping our library Foundation!

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For information about our other environmental initiatives, visit www.evpl.org/goinggreen.