Library e-Notes 
"Information is the currency of democracy."
 
-Thomas Jefferson
Dear ,
 
I don't know about you but I was contemplating travelling to the Nation's capital to witness the historic inauguration of the first African-American President . . .  but the promise of crazy traffic and freezing cold temperature quickly dashed my plans. 
 
Luckily we came up with the next best thing - have everyone come to the Library! 
 
And so, you are cordially invited to join us and your neighbors at the Main Library for this nation's Historic Presidential Inauguration broadcast live on the large screen. 
 
So don't sit at home alone or in front of your computer screen at work - gather with us in this celebration of our democracy! It certainly promises to be a great afternoon!
 
Tuesday, January 20th, 11am - 12:30pm
Main Library Auditorium
Swearing In Ceremony & Presidential Address
 
Also, the Howe Library at 200 South Pearl Street
will be broadcasting live at 11am too. 
Then at 12:30pm
Join the Friends of APL at the Main Library for a special Noon-Time Presentation
 
Jazz Dance Program, presented by The Egg.  This free, multimedia program exploring the history of jazz dance through dance demonstrations and historic
video footage features Tap Dancer and Lindy Hopper, choreographer, writer,
and dance preservationist Rusty Frank.

And how timely June's commentary below is about the power of information to change hearts and minds - and all available at the Albany Public Library.
 
Hope to see you on Tuesday for the big day!
 
Cordially,
 
Elissa Kane
on behalf of the Albany Public Library 
June's Corner of the Library      june
 
Inspiring Change
at the Albany Public Library

 
The pen is more powerful than the sword.  This has been proclaimed many times.  And it is true that writing can do great things. For centuries, people have used their gifts of writing to change the world. Some of these publications were met with criticism.  Some were banned. Still, they remain powerful in the minds and hearts of today's readers.

Take To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.  This book portrays racial discrimination in the south and the fight for equality with strong characters and a multi-leveled plot.  Other books revealed issues such as fraud within the government and industries.  The Jungle by Upton Sinclair exposed the inhuman treatment of workers in the meat packing industry and the poor quality of the meat produced.  This book led to the implementation of the Food and Drug Administration.  Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech changed the way people thought.  His words remain powerful today. The election of President Elect, Barack Obama is a testament to how far we have come in fighting racial inequality.

Many books attack social injustices in a more subtle way.  You have to think about what the author is trying to say.  It is a good skill to use when reading.  I like to ask myself questions when I read: 
 
-What issue (if any) is the author dealing with? 
-How does the issue affect me and others? 
-How can we make the world a better place?
 
June is a lifelong Albany Public Library user and a frequent e-Notes Young Adult commentator. 
 
Library Programs
Learn About Estate Planning from an Expert

  estate
 Drop by the Main Library at 6PM on Thursday, January 22 for a "Legally Speaking" Workshop by local attorney, Laura Hoffman.
Ms. Hoffman will answer questions about planning your estate.
 
Covered topics include:
-Writing a Will
-Taking an Assets Inventory
-Discussing Plans with Heirs
-Power of Attorney
 
At the Main Library
Free and Open to the Public
Call 427-4303 for more information. 
Kindred Spirits discuss Dewey, the Library Cat
 
 dewey  
 If you're an animal lover, or even if you just love library stories, this book and discussion are for you.
A small, nearly frozen, kitten is dropped in the Spencer Library's night book deposit and is lovingly adopted by the library, the town, the state, the nation and the world.
Come by to discuss this wonderful book.
Wednesday,
January 21, 7-8PM
Call 427-4313 for more information.
See you there!
Celebrate the Inauguration with a Jazz Dance
jazz  
 Will you feel like dancing in the streets after the Inauguration?
 
Well, come on down to the Main Library and join the friends at 12:30, directly following the Inaugural broadcasts at the Main and the Howe.
 
The folks from The Egg bring Jazz Dance to the Friends of APL Tuesday program.
 
When: Well, of course, January 20th
Please remember, this email is "opt in," you can always remove yourself from this e-Notes list by clicking on the SafeUnsubscribe link below. If you have any problems removing yourself from our list, contact me at 427-4346.
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