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Inquiring Minds: An Interview With Author William Martin

Posted by: Erin Allen

What if Abraham Lincoln recorded his innermost thoughts as he moved toward the realization that he must end slavery? What if he lost that diary, but a recently discovered letter suggests that the diary is still out there? Such is the premise of “The Lincoln Letter” (Tor/Forge, 2012) by William Martin, his latest mystery novel …

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A Global Toast to the Book

Posted by: Erin Allen

(The following is an article written by David A. Taylor, external relations and program development officer in Library Services, for the November-December 2012 issue of the Library of Congress Magazine. The article takes a look at an event this Thursday and Friday that will celebrate one of the most powerful and crucial forms of information …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

Waste Not, Want Not

Posted by: Erin Allen

While the Civil War imposed hardships on both sides, the South found it particularly difficult to adapt to new realities of daily life. The blockade of Southern seaports and the prohibition of trade with the North quickly depleted food supplies throughout the Confederacy. Farmers became soldiers, and a large percentage of crops were used to …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

Closing the Book

Posted by: Erin Allen

The Library of Congress, with collections that are universal and comprise all media, has a long history of acknowledging the importance of books. Its “Books That Shaped America” exhibition is currently on view through Sept. 29 in the Southwest Gallery of the Thomas Jefferson Building. The exhibition is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

Library in the News: August Recap Edition

Posted by: Erin Allen

There were ample headlines about the Library of Congress in August that really gave a flavor of the institution’s collections, people and mission. Leading the way was a great feature in Delta’s Sky Magazine on the Library’s use of technology to preserve the nation’s past and future. At a time when so many libraries are …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

Words to the Wise

Posted by: Erin Allen

“Look before you leap.” “Do not believe everything you hear.” “A kindness is never wasted.” “Heaven helps those who help themselves.” “You are judged by the company you keep.” Sound familiar? Sage advice given to you at one time or another likely by your parents or other loved ones, right? I know I can hear …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

Library in the News: June Recap Edition

Posted by: Erin Allen

June marked a pretty busy time here at the Library of Congress with some big-ticket announcements. From naming a new Poet Laureate and pivotal books in America’s history to recent collection acquisitions, the institution was making regular headlines. In announcing Mississippi native and Pulitzer Prize-winning Natasha Trethewey as Poet Laureate, Librarian of Congress James H. …

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Children’s Crusade

Posted by: Erin Allen

Something about his fan mail disturbs Walter Dean Myers. Myers, the author of critically acclaimed books for young people such as “Monster,” “Fallen Angel” and “Lockdown,” appreciates the gesture. But in too many of the letters, evidence of a serious decline in the reading and writing skills among the youth of America is painfully obvious. …