Banned Books Week

We’re in the midst of Banned Book Week, so celebrate your freedom to READ!

Take Ten: Constitution Day!

Today in 1787 the final draft of the U.S. Constitution was signed. And, though it has been amended 27 times, the original has never been altered. In addition to providing the “supreme law of the land,” it has been an inspiration for many around the world because of its promotion of the rule of law, its system of checks and balances, and its regard for individual freedoms. Learn more about our incredible national document through the resources below.

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BOOKS:

America’s Constitution – Akhil Reed Amar

• Offers an analysis of the history and tenets of the U.S. Constitution, detailing the original intent of the creators of the document, answering questions about the text, and critically assessing the evolution of the Bill of Rights and all other amendments.

The Constitution: An Introduction – Michael Stokes Paulsen

• Constitutional scholar Michael Stokes Paulsen and his son Luke provide a clear, accessible introduction to the history and meaning of this historic document, beginning with the Constitution’s birth in 1787, the authors offer a grand tour of its history and interpretations, introducing readers to the characters and controversies that have shaped this founding instrument in the 200-plus years since its creation.

The Summer of 1787: The Men Who Invented the Constitution – David O. Stewart

• Traces the events of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in a historical account that covers such topics as the fierce conflicts that influenced the writing of the Constitution, the issues that divided the states, and the contributions of key players.

The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation – Jonathan Hennessey

• Covers each article and amendment of the Constitution in a graphic format designed to be relevant and accessible to modern readers.

Unruly Americans and the Origins of the Constitution – Woody Holton

• Examines the original intent behind the writing of the Constitution and how it was shaped by the reactions, occasionally violent ones, of citizens to include a protection of civil liberties and the freedom of the people.

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VIDEO

Our Constitution: A Conversation

The United States Constitution and Bill of Rights

 

WEBSITES

The Annenberg Guide to the United States Constitution (Annenberg Center)

Constitution Day (constitutioncenter.org)

United States Constitution (Library of Congress)

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Annotation for books are courtesy of NoveList Plus. Log into NoveList Plus –  for reviews, author information, and suggestions – with your Library card.

Let’s Talk About It! 2016

It’s back!

Each fall, we’ve been lucky to get a grant from the Idaho Commission of Libraries for the LET’S TALK ABOUT IT reading and discussion series, and we can’t wait to tackle the subject this fall – Pulitzer Prize Winners! Pick up a set of the books and get more information at the Reference Desk.

Starting Wednesday, September 21 (at 6:30 PM), we kick off the series with Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner. This tale, based on the writings of Mary Hallock Foote, transcends the pioneer stereotypes while portraying a marriage challenged by the demands of frontier life in the West. Our guest scholar for this discussion will be Kim Madsen of CSI.

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Then, join us for the rest of the discussions:

Oct 5 – All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (with guest scholar Sue Norton)

Oct 19 – Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard (with guest scholar Shelley McEuen)

Nov 2 – Honey in the Horn by H.L. Davis (with guest scholar Leslie Leek)

Nov 16 – The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway (with guest scholar Michael Corrigan)

Subscribe to Our Events E-Newsletter

What’s up? Well, at the Library, there’s something new almost every day. And, if you’re not here everyday (and seriously, why aren’t you?), then the next best way to find out what’s going on is our newsletter. Here’s September’s.

Want to get it each month? All you have to do is subscribe. Then, just sit back and let us deliver the newsletter to your email inbox, with all our events listed in one place. You’ll be able to find out when the next Storytime occurs, when the teens are having their Game Day, or even which book we’re discussing for Book Club. Plus, we’ll also include all our “special” events as well.

Don’t get caught wondering what we’re “up” to – “up” your game and get “up” to date on all the Library happenings. That way, you won’t be “up” late at night worrying about what you’re missing. (And, yes, now we’re through abusing that preposition.)