The Public Library – An Open, Accessible “Third Place”

 

The Public Library

Indiana-based consultant Thomas Stoughton has spent over three decades working with companies and other organizations devoted to educational, civic, and community-building goals. He has additionally served as a board member of several Indiana nonprofits such as Progress House. Thomas Stoughton’s accomplishments include working to activate the potential of the state’s public library system through innovations such as in-library cafes and by placing libraries in neighborhood strip malls to increase accessibility.

Community leaders across the country are increasingly viewing libraries as vital “third places” in the civic landscape. Librarians developing this idea note that the home is traditionally viewed as the “first place,” with the workplace being the “second place.”

But people also need a “third place” to gather informally to pursue self-directed learning and creative projects, to share ideas, and to build a sense of community in face-to-face encounters. Such a space by its nature is open and egalitarian and provides opportunities for individual cultural enrichment, as well as for the formation of new groups devoted to a range of projects that further the public good.

As neutral public spaces, “third” places do not advocate for any particular organization or point of view; rather, they allow people the freedom to explore, discuss, create, and plan for the future together in organic ways. This has always been one of the qualities that make the public library so distinctive, and so necessary, and why libraries all over the world have become the natural focal point for further development of the “third place” concept.

IDOE Celebrates Rising Graduation Rates

Indiana Department of Education
Image: doe.in.gov

A former associate professor at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Thomas Stoughton has spent more than 30 years as a consultant for public sector entities, political campaigns, and corporations in Indiana. Thomas Stoughton has also advised the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and conducted a tech study on its behalf.

IDOE recently published its 2018 data on state graduation rates, which had risen from the previous year. Though graduation rates in all groups rose steadily between 2017 and 2018, students of Asian and American Indian background saw the biggest surge. Moreover, Indiana’s English language learners saw their graduation rates increase from 60.74 to 69.61 percent. Overall, the state graduation rate rose nearly 1 percent, to 88.11 percent in 2018.

According to Indiana superintendent of public education Jennifer McCormick, the state’s growing graduation rates are thanks, in no small part, to the diligent work of local schools and their dedication to students. Her office will continue to collaborate with school districts across the state to further support students on their journey toward graduation.

How to Support the Heartland International Film Festival

 

Heartland International Film Festival
Image: heartlandfilm.org

A resident of Indiana, Thomas Stoughton has provided consulting services to clients across the country, with a focus on the realms of education, the public sector, and business. Throughout his career in Indiana, Thomas Stoughton has also helped establish numerous community programs, including the Heartland International Film Festival.

Over the course of nearly three decades, the Heartland Film Festival has grown into a destination event for independent filmmakers from across the globe. Spanning 11 days, the festival shows over 100 indie films across 300 screenings. As a nonprofit organization, Heartland Film relies on community support to continue recognizing the best independent films each year.

Since Heartland Film accounts for only 20 percent of its operating expenses with its ticket sales, it depends on donations to meet the remainder of its needs. You can support the festival by making a tax-deductible donation online or through the mail. Otherwise, Heartland Film accepts donations in the form of stocks, planned gifts, and other contributions.

Many of Heartland Film’s most avid supporters also obtain membership with the organization. It offers eight tiers of membership, each of which features its own benefits. With an individual or dual membership, for example, you gain access to member-only screenings and have the opportunity to purchase festival tickets ahead of the general public. The Premiere Silver Screen Society, the highest membership tier, comes with more than a dozen benefits, such as tickets to festival events and VIP access.

Acclaimed Golf Courses in Indianapolis

 

Fort Golf Resort
Image: golfadvisor.com

A diversely experienced consultant in Indianapolis, Indiana, Thomas Stoughton has worked with entities in the fields of technology, education, business development, and more. In his free time, Thomas Stoughton enjoys golfing at courses across Indiana.

Indianapolis has become one of the best locations in the Midwest for golfers of all abilities to try their skills on the green, and several of its courses draw visitors from across the country. Brickyard Crossing is one such course, having achieved a spot on the lists of top American golf courses from both Golfweek and Golf Digest. Acclaimed designer Pete Dye overhauled four of the course’s 18 holes, which are notable for having hosted Champions, LPGA, and PGA Tour competitions over the years. Brickyard offers annual memberships, golfing packages, and individual rounds of golf.

The Fort Golf Resort is home to another one of Indianapolis’ best courses, which is nestled against the beautiful scenery of Fort Harrison State Park. Also designed by Dye, this course features natural greenery and fluctuating, challenging terrain. Golfers can hone their skills by taking lessons from some of the resort’s experienced instructors and PGA players.