In need of an afternoon read? Check out our team’s favorite finds of the week.

Keira, president and CEO:

• Send your sweetheart some love with a Presidential Valentine eCard.
• Can you put all 44 presidents in the right order? Test your skills.

Kristen, director of communications and development:

• We know music is powerful – but this new study proves playing music at home actually CHANGES our behavior. It makes people more likely to cook together, laugh together, say “I love you” and it even makes chores more enjoyable. So go ahead, play that funky music. 😉
• It’s becoming more and more clear that doctors, scientists and engineers benefit from studying the humanities. Here’s one more column from a president of a technical university to explain why we need to humanize science.

Leah, director of programs and community engagement:

• Did you know Indiana has more Carnegie Libraries than any other state? I learned this fun fact and the reasons why, like Hoosiers’ active literary culture at the turn of the last century, in this engaging story from the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel.
• If you care about public art and the ways inspired leaders can shape the culture of cities, I encourage you to learn the story of Indianapolis’ arts strategy by viewing the online exhibit Public Art in Indianapolis, 1967-2007, curated by the Institute for Civic Leadership and Mayoral Archives at University of Indianapolis.
• Nonprofit VOTE provides tons of free resources designed to help organizations who to encourage their communities to be more civically engaged. They offer free webinars, checklists and planning timelines, lots of FAQs about what is and isn’t allowable, and all kinds of inspiring examples, like this idea for pop-up social places at polling locations.

Jacqueline Cromleigh, communications manager and program associate:

• Why do we only hear about love letters penned by male authors? Well, these women sure know how to tug at the heart strings. Read eight of the most romantic letters written by women.
• What if every city had its own typeface? One designer is on a mission to make that happen. Check out the typefaces for Buenos Aires, Helsinki and more. Plus, if you head to the project website you’ll find the inspiration behind the work. 

Nancy Conner, director of grants and Novel Conversations:

• Aeon asks big questions and gets answers from authorities on science, philosophy and society. This week’s essay is on Fast-World Values.
• Tired of the cold? How about an escape to the warm weather at one of these beautiful National Parks & Wildlife Refuges? (Or just look at the photos!)

Any humanities highlights from your week? We would love to hear from you in the comment section below.