June 27 marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprisings, a pivotal moment in the U.S. LGBTQ rights movement. That night in 1969, the New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn - one event in the midst of widespread crackdowns on gay establishments that had been refused liquor licenses by the N.Y. State Liquor Authority for serving gay individuals. Days of protest by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals ensued. Check out the our selection of books and movies documenting Stonewall, the events leading up to it, and the fight for LGBTQ rights in the last fifty years.

Check out these new titles recently added to the Library's History shelves.

The above quotation is attributed to Benjamin Franklin at the close of the Constitutional Convention. Franklin gave this response to a query as he was leaving Independence Hall on the final day of deliberations. According to Maryland delegate James McHenry,  "A lady asked Dr. Franklin, Well Doctor what have we got a republic or a monarchy." From the Latin "res publica," a republic is a form of government in which the country is considered a “public matter”, not the private concern or property of the rulers, in which public offices are consequently appointed or elected rather than privately accommodated (i.e., through inheritance or divine mandate).

Recently The Washington Post added a new phrase to it's online masthead:  "Democracy Dies in Darkness." Indeed, a free and independent press is an essential part of a democratic society. 

Check out these new titles recently added to the Library's History shelves.

Check out these new titles recently added to the Library's History shelves.

If you enjoyed reading about Nanea Mitchell, the American Girl character from Honolulu in 1941, you might be interested in some of these titles about Hawaii, WWII, kids looking to do good, and more.

Check out these new titles recently added to the Library's History shelves.

Check out these new titles recently added to the Library's History shelves.

While celebrating St. Patrick's Day let us remember the history and contributions of not only the Irish, but of all of the immigrants who have made this country great -  both in the past and in the present.