News for the week

• It's official! We are the 2020 WLA Library of the Year! Brandi and Aaron are ready with banners and a newly designed commemorative t-shirt, so get ready for a lot of celebration social distancing-style! There's a lovefest on our Facebook page, so be sure to visit and grin. And while you're there, help get the word out by sharing Brandi's post. YOU DESERVE THIS! Congratulations, Everyone!
• We're finalizing an application to the Institute of Museum and Library Service for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.  10 winners are announced every year, usually around May. I think we're a strong contender, and so does DPI, who encouraged our application. 

• November kicks off our Gratitude Tour, designed to let you know just how much you mean to KPL. We have prizes for those of you who were named for individual and team awards (think masks, Tenuta's and time off vouchers) and we'll be making the rounds to celebrate you- stay tuned.

• Sirsi/Dynix has awarded three more libraries with the Power of Libraries award, and we stand in good company. Boone County, KY is right across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Ohio which was one of the    most active areas for the Underground Railroad's efforts to free enslaved people before the Civil War. 90% of the population in Boone County was black prior to the Civil War, now that                population is less than 10% and along with the black residents, their history disappeared. So Boone County Library pieced it back together. Watch this inspiring video that describes the project and its impact here. Broward County, Fla (Fort Lauderdale) libraries began a Veterans Connect program for military servicemen returning to the area. East Hamilton (Indiana) Public Library turned their 3rd floor into a 15,000 sq. ft. makerspace called Ignite!

• Thanks to Zander, Kristin, Sue P,  and Sandy for joining me on Tuesday to work for the elections team!
• Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour this weekend! 
• You rocked the Halloween costumes this year! Thanks to everyone who dared to look ridiculous! If you want to enter the costume contest, make sure you ask Brandi to take your picture.

• This week's Bright Spot goes to the Simmons Team for their Living History event, including period costumes. Thoughtful, educational, stunningly beautiful. Simply amazing! 

I'm taking this next week off to recharge. I'll see my election colleagues on Tuesday, and the rest of you on November 9th. Stay well, stay happy!

Barb