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The 19th Amendment and Suffrage in Indiana

The 19th Amendment and Suffrage in Indiana

January 16th marked the centennial anniversary of Indiana’s ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment (which would become law later in the year, in August of 1920).  A vital milestone in the evolution of equal rights, the women’s suffrage movement had existed in one form or another since the nation’s founding, but had gained particular momentum in the Reconstruction era.  Even today, it continues to resonate, influencing the shape and ideals of modern inclusivity and equal rights movements.  Hoosiers are celebrating the milestone across the state, and after a commemoration led by the Lieutenant Governor, Suzanne Crouch, on the 16th, there will be events, lectures, and travelling exhibits about women’s suffrage to learn from.  A calendar of these events as well as … Continued
‘Freedom’ to Read on the Inside

‘Freedom’ to Read on the Inside

What do you do if you want a book, but can’t pay for it?  The answer is obvious – get it from the library.  But not all libraries are created equal, and some lack the resources to acquire the material their patrons need.  In particular, prison libraries are more dependent on donations of books than public or academic libraries are, which generally enjoy more public support and stable funding.  This isn’t a small problem – almost 2.3 million people in this country are in prison; and 47,000 in Indiana. However, recent technological advances have resulted in many states issuing e-readers to prisoners, similar to educational initiatives in schools.  This allows incarcerated people to maintain more of the human connection the … Continued
Windows into other cultures

Windows into other cultures

As another semester comes to an end, the question may arise: What should I do during the break? Sure, one could travel, but why brave the weather, deal with crowds, and take all that time? Instead, this winter break, stay inside where it is nice and warm, pop some popcorn, and explore the international films that the IU East Campus Library has to offer!  There are films to suit one’s choice of genre, whether it be Family, Horror/Drama, or Comedy.                                                           Family Films Gather your family around to enjoy these family-friendly films such as Secret of the Kells, Azur and Asmar: The … Continued
It’s a R.E.A.D. Celebration: Read. Explore. Ask. Discover! about…..

It’s a R.E.A.D. Celebration: Read. Explore. Ask. Discover! about…..

As the IU East R.E.A.D. (Read. Explore. Ask. Discover!) program continues through November, we highlight awareness and advocacy for women in technology, Native Americans, and careers in science, technology, math, and art. We share inspiring stories in memoirs and explore a diversity of role models and mentors. An online resource guide includes book descriptions, learning links, and activity ideas. With generous funding support from the Indiana University Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Circle we have been able to purchase non-fiction books for youth that introduce us to new people, places and ideas. We expand our knowledge and gain new perspectives as we enjoy reading and sharing so many interesting books. They flew too –  Women in aviation Do you know about the … Continued
Three Women of Indiana’s Past: empowering change in education, housing & prisons

Three Women of Indiana’s Past: empowering change in education, housing & prisons

When one thinks of Indiana, thoughts may race from the Indy 500, grow to include cornfields and combines, then settle on limestone. The names Albion Fellows Bacon, Eliza Blaker, and Rhoda M. Coffin may not come to mind. Yet these three women were instrumental in laying the groundwork for how we perceive life in Indiana these days, whether it be housing, education, or correctional facilities. Albion Fellows Bacon (1865-1933) Thanks to the efforts of Albion Fellows Bacon (1865-1933), residents of Indiana had better housing options available to them in 1911. After two of her children developed scarlet fever, Albion went on a search to discover the source of her children’s illness and came across the riverfront slums in Evansville. Appalled … Continued