Most of us have at least heard parts of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. We might even have read its chiseled words on the walls of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is a memorable speech to be sure. However, I believe Lincoln’s greatest speech, only 703 words long, is his Second Inaugural Address.
The pundits of Lincoln’s time gave the speech mixed reviews. But, Lincoln’s words have stood the test of time. Its final paragraph inspires me in today’s circumstances:
My interest in astronomy was first fueled by growing up under star-laden nights and watching the Aurora Borealis (the northern lights) dance across the heavens. That appetite was further whetted after discovering a book my father had. It was a 1928 edition of In Starry Realms by Robert S. Ball, Sr (1840-1913). Not expecting to find it still in print, I was thrilled to find it on WorldCat.
Experience is the best teacher, it's true. As a first-time homeowner, the unfortunate experience of a broken water pipe taught me to always disconnect the garden hose from the outside water faucet or else I'd have a big mess and a pretty hefty plumbing bill. I've never forgotten that. Local weather forecasters are predicting a great weekend ahead. So before the snow flies, I suggest going through Bob Vila's Home Maintenance
Contrary to popular misperception, readership in magazines is actually increasing according to Magazine Publishers of America (MPA). The popularity of the internet hasn’t vanquished the magazine reader. According to MPA, 96% of adults under the age of 35 are among the most dedicated readers.
Sometimes when doing research, there really is such a thing as too much information. Luckily Mid-Continent offers great Research Databases to assist you, whether from the library or at home. One of my favorite features comes in handy when I need to search a database, and I have no idea where to start. This feature is the cross search of multiple databases. Confused? Don't be; I have instructions!
Gatherings with family can be difficult for people who have certain food allergies. Food allergies are on the rise for both children and adults. There has been a 50% increase in food allergies over the past decade in the United States. The most common allergies are milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, seafood, soy, and wheat.
Do you need to finish up (or maybe even start on) your Christmas shopping list? Many hot items on everyone's Christmas wish list this year are electronics. These items might include cell phones, computers, flat screen televisions, GPS devices, Blu-ray players, MP3 players, E-book readers, and PlayStation consoles.
There are so many products out there, and it's difficult to know which one is the best one to spend your money on.
When you put in a request for the latest bestseller by your favorite author or a car repair book from Chilton's, the library's truck drivers are the ones who deliver for you. We borrow books, videos, cassettes, CDs, and more from 29 other libraries in three counties. But it doesn't just stop at our district borders.
An engaged brain is a great resource, and there is no better place to engage your brain than the library. Live programs, online resources, and - of course - books are all here ready to help you start a new hobby, learn a new language, or prepare for a new career.
It is hard to believe this, but the holiday season is upon us. It feels as if just yesterday, I was getting home from a trip to Portland. Actually, the trip was in late March! Time truly does fly, and it goes faster and faster as we get older. I recall that when I was a kid, old people used to tell me that. It always used to make me laugh really hard...I'm not laughing so hard about it nowadays!
