When you think of the word ‘Library,” one normally thinks about books, videos, music and computers.  A local library is hosting an event thinking in terms of the “Human Library.”

The Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL), with locations in Fishers and Noblesville, is set to host its inaugural Human Library event, offering a special opportunity for attendees to challenge stereotypes, break down stigmas, and foster understanding. The event will take place on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 1pm to 4pm at the Fishers Library, inviting adult readers to participate in meaningful conversations with individuals who have experienced stereotyping, bias, and prejudice firsthand.

At the Human Library, visitors can “borrow” a person who acts as a Human Book, engaging in a 20- to 30-minute conversation about their unique life story. This innovative approach creates a safe space where attendees can “unjudge” someone, pose questions, and learn from diverse perspectives they might not otherwise encounter.

The Human Library offers a diverse selection of titles for readers to choose from, including “Child of an Alcoholic,” “Suicide Survivor,” “Transgender,” “Asian-American,” “Child of Deaf Adults (CODA),” “Depression,” “Jewish,” “Neurodiverse,” and “Abortion,” among others. Attendees will have the freedom to read one or more Human Books throughout the event and are encouraged to stay for as long as they wish.

While registration is requested, it is not required, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate. Interested individuals can sign up to secure their spot at this link..

The concept of the Human Library originated in 2000 and has since become an international not-for-profit learning platform. By facilitating personal conversations, the Human Library aims to challenge societal stigma and stereotypes. The impact of the Human Library has been profound, with thousands of readers worldwide embracing the opportunity to broaden their perspectives.

HEPL’s decision to host a Human Library event aligns with its strategic priorities, which emphasize celebrating diversity and fostering civic conversations within the community. Several other Indiana libraries, including Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library, Muncie Public Library, Allen County Public Library, and Monroe County Public Library, have recently organized successful Human Library events.

For those interested in learning more about the Human Library and its mission, please visit their official website at this link.

For more information on the local event, use this link.

When starting my LarryInFishers.com news blog in 2012, it took a few months to setup a Twitter account for the blog, which I still use (@larryinfishers).  I also post links to stories posted here on my personal Facebook page.

However, I began to see that Twitter has been going through some strange changes.  Everything hit the fan a few days ago when Twitter started limiting the number of Twitter posts one could access if you have not paid the fee to be verified.

I saw months ago that Twitter was changing its business model.  Several months ago I began posting on Mastodon and post.news just in case Twitter melted down completely.  You can find me on either of those Twitter-like sites with my user name (@larryinfishers).

Just days ago, Meta (the Facebook and Instagram firm) has started a phone app called “Threads.”  It looks a lot like Twitter but promises to be different.  So, I started posting links to my posts on this blog on Threads…my user name there is “larryinfishers2012.”  (2012 is the year I started the blog)

Threads is, so far, only a phone app but expect a version for desktop, laptops and other methods to access the site soon.

So, I am doing my best to keep up with the changes in social media, always a tricky thing to do.  Thanks to all you you reading this blog.  I appreciate each and every one of you!

The Indianapolis Star is reporting that a Fishers resident and student at Purdue University was one of three people killed in a head-on vehicle collision in northwest Arkansas.

Abigail Cox, 20, a Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate, died in that crash.  For more details from the Indianapolis Star, use this link.

Fishers Arts Council (FAC) is preparing to host two highly anticipated juried events this September, promising a celebration of art and community engagement. The fourth annual Harvest Fest, a nonprofit fundraiser and community art fair, will take place on Sunday, September 10, at Fishers Heritage Park at White River. Simultaneously, the fourth annual Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists, will be on display at the FAC Hub Gallery from September 5 to 29.

Harvest Fest aims to raise awareness and funds for Fishers-serving nonprofits while showcasing the talents of artists and artisans from Hamilton County and the surrounding areas. The event, which is free to attend, will feature live music, local beer and wine, art activities for families, unique artistic creations, Indiana authors, and various nonprofits seeking support. Nonprofits, authors, and juried artists can still apply for participation in the event until the July 10 deadline. Interested parties can find application details on the Fishers Arts Council website at fishersartscouncil.org/blog.

The Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists invites current and former painters from Hamilton County, working in any medium, to showcase their work at the FAC Hub Gallery. The exhibit will run from September 5 to 29, with a reception and awards ceremony scheduled for Friday, September 8. Artists must submit their entries by August 7, adhering to the requirements outlined on the Fishers Arts Council website.

The annual Juried Exhibit has become a prestigious platform for Hamilton County artists, offering recognition and prize money for outstanding works. Previous “Best in Show” winners include Stephanie Spay of Noblesville in 2020, Margot Bogue of Fishers in 2021, and Jerry Mannell of Carmel in 2022. Jerry, this year’s winner, will have a solo exhibit in August at the FAC Hub Gallery as part of his 2022 award. The 2023 Juried Show will be judged by Rena Brouwer, a renowned Indiana and national artist with international acclaim. Rena’s work, known for its contemporary style and emphasis on nature, has been exhibited worldwide. Her selection as the judge adds a distinguished touch to the event.

Fishers Arts Council is excited to showcase the exceptional talent of artists and artisans from Hamilton County and beyond. For inquiries and further information, interested individuals can reach out to FAC via email at info@FisherArtsCouncil.org or by calling 317-537-1670.

Fishers Arts Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, is dedicated to supporting and advocating for the arts in the community.

Court documents released Wednesday provide disturbing details about the shooting death of Kaylah Ann Farmer.  Her ex-husband, Joshua Farmer, 32, from Noblesville, is charged in her shooting death in Fishers.

For more details, read the WTHR story at this link.

The celebration of July 4th each year in America is a commemoration of the Declaration of Independence.  Our second president, John Adams, always maintained that the Declaration was actually completed on July 2nd, but its first publication was July 4th, 1776.  So, our holiday has been and remains on July 4th.

Many reflect on this holiday and point out the contradictions in the language the Declaration.  For example – “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Many remind us that slaveholders signed onto this Declaration and that is an important point to make.  But we also should take this document into its historical context as well.

Most nations in the world at that time were ruled by royal families.  The idea that a nation could function as a republic without royalty on top was a big break from the norm.  It is for this reason that our Declaration of Independence, with its issues and occasional contradictions, was an important document in world history at that time.

The nonprofit news organization headquartered at the Statehouse, Indiana Capitol Chronicle, has reposted the text of the Declaration as their way of celebrating July 4th this year.  I think that is a great idea.  You can read that Capitol Chronicle posting of the Declaration at this link.

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Hamilton County has announced a planned one-day lane restriction along 146th Street.  The County says this will happen “on or after” July 7, allowing for weather issues or other delays.

Here is the announcement issued Monday afternoon:

Please be advised, beginning on or after Friday, July 7 between the hours of 9am and 3pm, 146^th Street between the White River and River Road within the existing construction limits, will be under lane restrictions for the paving of a 90’ stretch of median. This is a one-day restriction. Only the left-hand lane for westbound traffic will be restricted.

Please use extreme caution while driving through this construction zone.

Fishers Police made an arrest connected to a fatal crash early Saturday morning, near the intersection of 126th Street and Winding Creek Lane, between Allisonville Road and Lantern Road.

Hunter Monts, 24, from Fishers, faces charges of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death and Operating While Intoxicated Causing Catastrophic Injury, both felonies.

Richard Wentzel, 66, from Fishers, died in the accident.

Here is how Fishers Police describe what happened.

“At approximately 4:30am, Fishers police officers responded to a motor vehicle crash near the intersection of 126^th Street and Winding Creek Lane. Upon arrival, officers observed a red 2010 Ford F150 truck and a red 2013 Chevrolet Malibu passenger car in the roadway. Both drivers and a passenger in the Malibu were transported to the hospital. The driver of the Malibu did not survive his injuries and was declared deceased at the hospital.”

Investigators say both vehicles were traveling eastbound on 126th Street when the Ford struck the Chevrolet.

The Indianapolis Star reported Monday morning that Hamilton County Prosecutor Greg Garrison suffered a heart attack last week and is currently hospitalized at Community Hospital North.  Use this link to read the Star story

As most people in Fishers know by now, there was a fatal shooting in the parking lot of the Speedway gas station on 116th Street, just east of Allisonville Road, Wednesday afternoon.  Kaylah Farmer, who died in the shooting, left behind three children.

A Go Fund Me page has been established allowing people to contribute for the benefit of the children.  You can access the Go Fund Me page at this link.