Talk to the Frackville Library

         Thanks to a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association, the library has received a new collection of books which is built around the theme of 'Picturing America'. There are a variety of titles, both fiction and non-fiction which are suitable to a wide span of age groups. A spectacular illustrated edition of David McCullough's acclaimed 1776 containing interesting replica documents is an entertaining way to browse through our history. Several classics like Travels with Charley and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow are included, as well as some exciting new picture books for kids. Native American stories are also represented in the collection by The Life and Death of Crazy Horse and Louise Erdrich's The Birchbark House. When you visit the library, take a few minutes to investigate this beautiful collection now on display. 

     On a recent trip to Hawaii, I had the pleasure of visiting the Iolani Palace, home to the last reigning monarchs of the Kingdom of Hawaii. This monarchy was deposed in 1893 and soon the islands were annexed by the United States. The compelling story of King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, the unfortunate Queen Lili'uokalani sent me looking in our collection for additional material. I found two interesting items. Edward Joesting's Hawaii: An Uncommon History does not attempt to give every detail, but focuses on particular events. Several chapters tell of these interesting royals who unwittingly played a role in the development of the United States as a world power. A more complex look at the evolution of modern Hawaii can be found in the great popular classic Hawaii by James A. Michener. By creating his own dynasty of characters, he tells the saga of Hawaii in this captivating novel. Our 50th state is certainly worth a visit, but if you can't get there just yet, try these books!