Fall is almost here and that means election time! Elections are extremely important in our system of government and who we choose determines the direction of our country not only for the next four years, but much longer. Therefore, your vote is critical!
It was the year after the Civil War. Veterans were still recovering. Thousands of Pennsylvanian children were in soldiers' orphanages as a result of the carnage, and three more children were about to be thrown to the winds as a result of their father's actions.
Benson Memorial Library’s summer reading programs ended at the close of July and it was bittersweet! While many members of our staff are excited to get a much deserved break from the chaos, we are thrilled with the great turnout we had for both adult and children’s programs this summer.
"Horrible Homicide!" the August 15th, 1872 edition of the Titusville Morning Herald screamed from page three. "A man had his head chopped off in the Corry Lock-Up. The Slayer an insane man!" Comforting words to read while sipping your morning tea, no?
Tribe. What images does the word evoke for you? A group of people? People like you? A bond? Something shared amongst a group? Journalist Sebastian Junger attempts to illuminate why tribalism has faded in modern society and why it was important to begin with in his 2016 book, Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging.
Imagine going to the dentist. You know you need a root canal and boy is it going to hurt. But you aren't too worried because you know that a simple injection of Novocaine will do the trick to eliminate the majority of the pain. But, that's today. Now, imagine you need a root canal, but the year is 1860. Feeling slightly more nervous? You should be.
Hannah Mead Dougherty died June 15, 1876. She was a mother of three and lived in a modest cottage with her husband until she was viciously murdered by intruder, Nick Baker. Baker came upon the house intent on raping Mrs. Dougherty while her husband was away. But, unable to do so, he murdered her and severely wounded a neighbor who heard her screams and attempted to come to her aid. The full Titusville Morning Herald article concerning the crime is reprinted below in its entirety.
June is the beginning of an exciting period at most libraries across the U.S.: summer reading! Summer brings with it fun new games, challenges, books, and patrons of all ages. At Benson, we run both a children's summer reading program and an adult summer reading program. "On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!" is our children's theme which focuses on health and exercise. Our adult program, "Home Run Reading," is looking at health and exercise through the lens of baseball.
In honor of Memorial Day, Charlotte and I at Benson Memorial Library have set up a display of service-related books and articles. Included are selections from our collection of materials from the 2009 visit of the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall.
NWPA Stories 