To the Library and Beyond We hope many saw the Idaho Liberty Bell on Tuesday morning when it made a stop at Cottonwood City Park. The bell is an exact replica of the original one in Philadelphia PA. Interesting that all states received a replica bell in the 1950’s to help promote sales of U.S. Savings bonds. After touring Idaho the refurbished bell will be re-installed at the Idaho State Capitol steps with a dedication ceremony planned for November 19th. For more information about the Idaho Liberty Bell see America250.idaho.gov/liberty-bell. Joan’s book review this week also takes us to the 1950’s. Written by Fred Kaplan and published in 2009 the book title is 1959- The Year Everything Changed. The book discusses important American events of that year including such things as first Russian spacecraft launched into orbit, first U.S. satellite, first desegregation of Atlanta buses and trolleys, Virginia and Arkansas school desegregation, new recording company, Motown, in Detroit, invention of first computer chip and first business computer. Also, the introduction of Datsun and Toyota cars. Readers will learn, or remember, how these pivotal events shaped the ensuing decades. It was a year of innovation, social adjustment, and opportunity. A postcard found this week revealed that twenty years before 1959, the theme of the 1939 World’s Fair in Flushing, NY also carried a message of progress. Sixty-three nations participated promoting a “world of tomorrow”. Incidentally, the 1964 World’s Fair was held on the same NYC site, however even more countries participated, and its theme was “peace through understanding”. Understanding, coincidentally, is an important value of libraries. The American Library Association says it well, “as champions of lifelong learning, libraries are a place to quench curiosity, access technology and explore new ideas, hobbies and careers.” Keep reading. Frances Conklin
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