The world of podcasts
The world of podcasts is an unexplored and alluring universe, and “Invisibilia” on National Public Radio is a prime example. “Invisibila,” as the website says, explores the unseeable forces that control human behavior and shape our ideas, beliefs, and assumptions. And never has the program been more fascinating than the March 20 program titled “An Unlikely Superpower.” This particular episode, in my humble opinion, is slow to get started, so I’ll offer up a bit of a spoiler. At age 60, a Scottish woman named Joy Mine discovered that she had a biological gift for being able to smell the onset of Parkinson’s. Her discovery of this, and the subsequent journey that follows, is riveting listening. You can find it at npr.org/podcasts/510307/invisibilia. Scroll down to the March 20 episode.
A digital festival throughout April
In 2019, Indiana Humanities selected five award-winning Indiana filmmakers to create short documentaries examining the way Hoosiers experience urban, suburban and rural life. All films are currently available for viewing on the website at inseparablefilms.com. The films — about a dance instructor in Gary dealing with the city’s disinvestment in arts education; about life at a rural community newspaper; and about a southern Indiana composting business, among others — give insight into Hoosier worlds we may or may not be familiar with. Each Tuesday at 7 p.m., Indiana Humanities will host Facebook Live watch parties that feature online question-and-answer sessions with the filmmakers.
Library still offering plenty of things to do
The Hancock County Public Library’s buildings remain temporarily closed in response to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, but library services are still available. Cardholders can access audio books, movies, family shows, documentaries, workouts, kid’s TV shows, indie films and music through the library’s extensive collection of downloadable and streaming content available at hcplibrary.org.
Librarians are available via instant message chat, Monday through Friday, from noon to 5 p.m. at hcplibrary.org/reference/ask.htm. Librarians can answer general reference questions and assist people in getting a library card for the first time or helping them renew an expired card.
Hancock County students, with a traditional card or digital access number (which they receive at school registration) allows students to check out digital books and use the library’s reference and online resources as they continue their schooling at home.
Students use World Book Encyclopedia or read kid-friendly magazines and periodicals in Explora. When solutions don’t come easily, students — and their parents — needing homework assistance can interact with live, online tutors every day from 2 to 11 p.m. through the library’s Brainfuse HelpNow! service. Among other services, tutors can help with writing a paper or solving a math problem.
Because many patrons rely on the library for internet service, the library is leaving its high-speed connection on. Wi-Fi is accessible from the parking spaces nearest to both buildings.
For now, the library’s book drops are closed. Borrowers are asked to hold on to their checkouts until the buildings re-open, and no late fees will be charged.
