“Woah, all I want is on the road again
Just can’t wait to get on the road again
The life I love is makin’ music with my friends
And I can’t wait to get on the road again”

The song by Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash describes my life here as the Northwest Regional Coordinator. I began my journey here in the Professional Development Office June 22, 2015; since that time I’ve had the pleasure of visiting 21 different libraries!   From Bremen and Bourbon to Chesterton and Whiting I’ve learned the various counties and cities in Indiana — did you know there’s a Mexico, Indiana? I’ve also been privileged to see and learn about the many wonderful libraries in Northwest Indiana and all the services they provide to Indiana citizens. Libraries in Northwest Indiana work hard to meet the needs of Indiana residents, with programs and services ranging from 1,000 Books before Kindergarten to Makerspace labs.

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I’m happy to be able to visit so many diverse libraries and see firsthand the difference that libraries make here in Indiana. It’s been a pleasure and privilege to meet the many staff and directors in the past few months and I look forward to seeing the other 39 libraries in beautiful Northwest Indiana. Thanks to everyone who’s been kind and welcoming to me in your beautiful cities and libraries. Here’s to a prosperous and productive 2016!

This blog post was written by Kimberly Brown-Harden, Professional Development Librarian. For more information, contact the Professional Development Office at (317) 232-3697 or email statewideservices@library.in.gov.