Libraries Join the Inauguration Bash
By Rocco Staino -- School Library Journal, 1/19/2009
Today’s inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States is being celebrated by libraries across the country.
The Newton North High School library in Newton, MA, for example, joins other school and public libraries that are opening their doors to encourage community viewing of the historic event.
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Librarian Lisa Bowen has created a mini presidential library at Southampton Elementary School in New York. |
With the help of students and other faculty members, Bowen created a collection that includes books, primary source documents, photographs, memorabilia and a Web site. Fourth grade students have already amassed a wonderful collection of items that includes campaign buttons, T-shirts, and a copy of Michelle and Barrack’s marriage license. The presidential library project will be a yearlong event, and “I wanted to look at it as something bigger than just the day” say Bowen.
On a grander scale, the Z.J. Loussac Public Library in Anchorage, AK, is hosting a black tie inaugural ball, where children and teens are being asked to don a tux and gown to their January 21st celebration. Attendees will watch a taped version of the inaugural events in the library’s community room, where games, food, and a reenactment of the signing of the Declaration of Independence will be part of the planned events.
Meanwhile, kids at Southside High School in Rockville Center, NY, have the chance to win an Obama calendar in an inauguration trivia contest created by library media specialist Laurie Burke. Students are being asked to use the library’s databases to find their answers.
Elsewhere, an inaugural resource page was created for the students of the Kilmer School in Trenton, NJ, by library media specialist JoAnn Leigh.
