Spring 2022

Spring 2022

• Featured Article from Library Board Member, Ryan W. Erck • Special Events Current & Upcoming • Adult Programs Spring 2022 • Kids Programs Spring 2022 • Teen Programs Spring 2022

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Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom: Hewitt Public Library as a Place of Translation

by Ryan W. Erck, Library Board Member

Our Hewitt Public Library is a space flooded with information. Countless resources and indexes of information exist in our library, such as book volumes, internet connectivity means, research tools, and program opportunities, to name a few. In fact, we live in what many refer to as the digital age or the “information age.” The information age is portrayed as a period where our access to and control of information defines our current generation. Unlike previous generations where industrial-era technologies revolutionized human civilization, our economy is built on information processed digitally and electronically (in fact, you might even be reading this on your cell phone or computer!).

As much as information is our current modus operandi, we are also in an era where false information is easily spread. So, while information is valuable, it is not valuable for its own end.

Rather, it needs to be translated to something more useful; something meaningful. This is where knowledge enters the scene on the opposite side of the coin from information. Knowledge is our ability to put into action the patterns we observe through information. With knowledge, we are able to start predicting and more deeply understanding the world around us. Merriam-Webster defines information as facts or details about a subject, but it defines knowledge as an awareness or understanding of something.

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Knowledge helps us start to make sense of the overload of information we have access to in this age. However, once we can organize information, we need to be able to apply it and take our understanding of the world one step further. Wisdom, defined as good sense or judgement, or accumulated learning, is the longitudinal process of synthesizing our acquired knowledge. This process is often summarized in a pyramid figure such as the one below.

As linear as I have laid them out here, it is important to remember that these elements (information, knowledge, wisdom) are not entirely dependent on one another. For example, we could easily encounter a person we consider very wise yet who has no knowledge of some specific matter or field. Further, ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle were discussing wisdom long before we were in the information age. All to say, while information sets the foundation for knowledge and knowledge is accumulated to form wisdom, the process is not always so clean or cumulative in nature. Nonetheless, a place to translate information to wisdom can help us navigate the expanse of the information age.

Our Hewitt Public Library is a great place to start this translation. Loads of information sit on the shelves, in the computer networks, and in the program experiences offered by the library and its wonderful staff. But without patrons like you taking advantage of such resources, the information will remain just that, information. By engaging with HPL’s voluminous collections and resources, you are translating that existing information to knowledge, and eventually wisdom.

This might mean checking out an extra book on your next visit, walking your kids or grandkids around the butterfly garden to learn about nature, or borrowing a new Chromebook or HotSpot to do research at home on a topic of interest. Not only does translating information to wisdom help you as an individual, but it is collectively good for our community. A thoughtful, reflective, and wise community is a public collection of citizens that continues growing.

Our world is certainly changing at rapid speeds and new information is created every second.

Eric Hoffer (1982) wrote, “In times of change learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists” (p. 30). Libraries are invaluable for our learning; they are a critical point of translation in moving from information to wisdom. So, whatever the translation looks like for you, ask yourself as we move through the information age, am I seeking wisdom? I hope you seek wisdom and visit Hewitt Public Library soon!

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Explore STREAM with curated Curiosity Crates Each Crate has materials for building, creating, and inventing, along with a book and idea.

Bring out the inventor in your child!

Explore Curiosity Crates in the HPL online catalog.

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Are you interested in learning how to code? Or do you want to level up your coding skills?

Join us for Hour of Code, and challenge yourself to code for one hour each month.

First and Third Thursdays of the month from 4-5:30. This is a come-and-go program.

Youth, Tweens, and Teens welcome

Do you enjoy manga or anime? Do you want to explore a new interest? Join our new Anime/ Manga Club, where we will watch anime, craft a little bit, and share our favorite shows and manga! Second and Fourth Saturdays of the month from 10-11. Ages 10-18 welcome 18

Greetings adventurers! We are seeking the brave of heart to join us on a quest, slay some monsters, and escape some dungeons!

Dungeons and Dragons is a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG), where you create characters and role dice to determine the outcome of different scenarios. New and experienced players are welcome.

Second and Fourth Saturdays of the month from 2-3:30. Ages 10-18 welcome

Do you want to help design teen programs at the library? Are you looking for leadership opportunities?

Do you want your voice to be heard? Then join the Teen Advisory Board! You can request an application or more information. Fourth Tuesday of the month from 5-6. Ages 13-18 welcome 19

Ann Schiltz FHPL President

Sally Goldman

Eddie Sincereny FHPL Vice President

Lydia Dashner

Delores Sincereny FHPL Treasurer

President

Vice President Ryan Erck Secretary

Laura Beaty FHPL Secretary

Jerry Snider

Beau Hart FHPL Member at Large

Julie Holcomb

Margie Kinney FHPL Member at Large

Betty J. Smith

Sally Goldman FHPL Member at Large

Jennifer Hunt