Month: May 2017

HPLD and Greeley Museums Collaborate to Digitize Thousands of Historical Photos

(Greeley– May, 2017) – The High Plains Library District (HPLD) along with the Greeley Museums was recently awarded the Organization Collaboration award from The Historic Preservation Commission.

Since 2013 these two agencies have been engaged in a joint project called Weld on the Web. The project included the digitization of the Greeley Museums historical photos circa 1870-1950. Currently, there are about 3,285 digitized photos. They are available through the High Plains Library District’s web site in the Weld County Images collection catalog.

Working together these two agencies are significantly increasing this community’s exposure and accessibility to thousands of Weld County photographs.

The award was presented to both agencies during a special celebration in early May.

For more information about the High Plains Library District please visit www.MyLibrary.us.

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The High Plains Library District connects communities to information, inspiration and entertainment for life. HPLD includes libraries in Greeley, Evans, Firestone, Erie, Kersey, Ault, Eaton, Johnstown, Platteville, Hudson and Fort Lupton.

High Plains Library District Recognized for Supporting Nursing Mothers

Weld County, CO – The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) and Northern Colorado Breastfeeding Coalition (NCBC) recently recognized High Plains Library District (HPLD) for supporting nursing mothers, by presenting them with the Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite and Public Venue Award.

HPLD has implemented a policy for accommodating nursing employees at work, has a private area at each of their eight locations, and allows adequate break time for nursing employees to express breastmilk. The worksite support at HPLD can make a significant difference in whether a nursing employee has enough breastmilk to feed their baby. HPLD also supports nursing mothers from the community by allowing them to breastfeed in the library and offering them privacy if they prefer. “Colorado law supports a nursing mother to breastfeed anywhere she has a right to be, and that includes HPLD”, says Elena Rosenfeld, Associate Director of Community Engagement.

“When a mother chooses to breastfeed her child, she is giving her baby a healthy start that will last a lifetime”, says Mike Schwan, Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Program Coordinator at the Weld County Health Department. Breastfeeding also helps the mother return to her pre- pregnancy body weight and lowers her risk for numerous health problems. And while the majority of women in Colorado start breastfeeding their baby, most do not succeed in sustaining breastfeeding for the length of time necessary to achieve maximum health benefits. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies are fed only breast milk for the first six months and in combination with nutritious foods for at least one year.

WCDPHE and NCBC recognize employers who have supportive policies and procedures in place for employees with the Breastfeeding-Friendly Worksite Award. Worksites that receive the award are recognized on NCBC’s website and promoted on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nocobreastfeeding. Twenty-four businesses in Weld County have been recognized with the award. Anyone may nominate an employer for the award by submitting the nomination form located on NCBC’s website http://www.nocobreastfeeding.org.

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Free Museum Admission Celebrates Local Author Book Release

GREELEY, CO – Saturday, May 20, will be a busy day for Greeley resident Jaydine Rendall. That’s the day she releases her first book, “High Plains Heroes: Josiah.” as a published author.

The historical fiction book, which retails for $7.50, is written for third through fifth graders and tells the story of Josiah Sullivan, a thirteen-year old living in the Colorado high plains region in 1862. Josiah’s path crosses with a young Arapaho boy, Lost Stick. As their cultures collide, Josiah must decide whether Lost Stick is a friend or enemy. This young reader novel is a thoroughly researched and a historically-accurate depiction of the early days of Weld

The Greeley History Museum and High Plains Library District are co-hosting Rendall’s book release party. The community is invited to visit the Greeley History Museum, 714 8^th St., on Saturday, May 20 from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

In celebration of Greeley’s newest author, admission to the museum will be free – compliments of the High Plains Library District and the Museum. Rendall will be onsite for a special presentation beginning at 1:30 pm followed by a book signing. Copies of “High Plains Heroes: Josiah” will be available for purchase at the museum during the event.

Rendall wrote “High Plains Heroes: Josiah” as the High Plains Library District’s first Writer in Residence. During her six-month residency, Rendall found a publisher and completed the first two of her three book series. Rendall’s second book, “High Plains Heroes: Laughing Wolf” will be released this fall. She’s also a teacher at Frontier Academy.

Rendall moved to Greeley in 1999 with her husband and two sons. She worked for the City of Greeley for several years before moving to a teaching position at Franklin Middle School. Rendall currently teaches Literature and Composition at Frontier Academy Secondary School. She has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum Studies from the University of Northern Colorado. Rendall keeps a blogs and information about her writing projects on her website, jaydinerendall.com.

For more details about the event, call 970-350-9220 or visit GreeleyMuseums.com.

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2017 Writer in Residence Has Been Selected

Libraries have become extraordinary places for community engagement; a place to connect, learn, gather and flourish.

High Plains Library District (HPLD) along with its Foundation has taken things a step further to become a community incubator for the arts by establishing a Writer in Residence program. The goal of the program is to support the creative process of one Weld County writer during a six-month time-period so they may complete a manuscript with the intent to e-publish. In addition, the writer will be working within the community to help other aspiring writers hone their skills, and create a culture of support for other Weld County writers.

On behalf of HPLD, a volunteer committee has selected Chris Muscato as its second Writer in Residence. Muscato is an adjunct professor at the University of Northern Colorado. He first came to Greeley as an undergraduate student, left to earn a master’s degree in Mexican history from the University of Wyoming, and is thrilled to be back in this community. Chris is also a contract writer for Study.com, creating online lessons about history, architecture, art, music, and literature. When not writing, teaching, or grading, Chris spends time with his wife Kristin and his dog Buddy enjoying all that colorful Colorado has to offer.

Muscato officially begins his residency on May 1 and will continue to work with High Plains Library District until the end of November. “His ideas and creative approach will be a breath of fresh air,” said Kelli Johnson, spokesperson for High Plains. “He has a clear vision for a story that will build upon our cultural fascination with superheroes, while challenging our community to ask questions that can shape our individual lives. We’re in for something great,” added Johnson.

The Writer in Residence program was established by the High Plains Library District Foundation, and is funded by community donors. The HPLD Foundation will continue to build capacity for the Writer in Residence by annually soliciting individual donations to directly support the program.

My 20^th marks a milestone for the Writer in Residence program with the book release celebration for last year’s Writer. Local author Jaydine Rendall’s debut book, High Plains Heroes: Josiah will be available for sale ($7.50) during a special event co-hosted by High Plains Library District and the Greeley History Museum. The community is invited to visit the Greeley History Museum, 714 8^th St., on Saturday, May 20 from 12:30 – 4 pm. Admission to the museum will be free – compliments of the High Plains Library District and the Museum. Rendall will be onsite for a special presentation beginning at 1:30 pm followed by a book signing.

For more information visit www.MyLibrary.us.

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