News

Lincoln: The Careworn, Gentle Face of Wartime Violence

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Dr. Elaine Frantz Parsons visits the library on Thursday, September 22 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. for her presentation Abraham Lincoln: The Careworn, Gentle Face of Wartime Violence. Political cartoons, like other popular media, often focused on the person of Abraham Lincoln as a way to think about the inconceivable violence of the Civil War. Depicted as a calm, rational man, slow to anger, physically strong yet ungainly and nonthreatening, Lincoln came to serve as a sign of the controlled and patient wisdom of the north, as opposed to the aggression of the south. As a plain “man of the people”, his was the common sense of the common man. This made the fact that he controlled a capacity for violence unknown to the nation seemingly less troubling. This program will discuss how the figure of Lincoln mediated discussions of violence during the war.

Registration is required for this program. Register online or call 724.941.9430 #1.

Dr. Parsons is an associate professor of history at Duquesne University. Her most recent book, Ku-Klux: The Birth of the Klan in the Reconstruction Era, was published in January 2016. She is currently working on a labor history of hired violence workers.

 

Looking at Lincoln Exhibit

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Beginning Tuesday, August 30 through Tuesday, September 27, the library was chosen by Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History to host the exhibit Looking at Lincoln: Political Cartoons from the Civil War Era. This national traveling exhibition explores the Civil War and issues of slavery through political cartoons depicting Abraham Lincoln and his policies. These cartoons are vividly biting; they invite us to put aside twenty-first-century assumptions and look at events through the eyes of people living in the era. Among the highlights are: a California printing of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln and political cartoons relating to the election of 1860. As Americans continue to debate the legacy of slavery, these cartoons provide a historical point of reference for current events. The public is invited to view the exhibit during library hours.

Community Blood Drive Aug 24

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The need for blood products in our region is critical, especially with Labor Day approaching.  The Central Blood Bank will be conducting a Blood Drive at the library on Wednesday, August 24 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.  All participating donors will receive an “I Bleed Black and Gold” Steelers t-shirt.

Appointments can be made by visiting www.centralbloodbank.org.  Click on “Donate Blood” and then “Make an Appointment” and search for group code C594.  You may also call 1.866.366.6771.  Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are strongly encouraged.  Remember to eat a healthy meal, drink plenty of fluids, and get a good night’s rest before donating.  Bring a valid ID to your appointment.  Each donation helps save three lives!

Your Property Reassessment

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Over 700 persons filled the Peters Township High School for Your Property Reassessment: What Does It Mean? on Monday, August 1 at 6:30 p.m. Library staff organized the event to help residents understand the recent property reassessment that was conducted in Washington County.

Guest speakers for this event included Commissioner Harlan G. Shober, Jr., County Director of Administration Scott Fergus, and Attorney Susan Key. Topics discussed included:

  • The Status of Washington County’s reassessment
  • The Appeal Process: How it Works
  • How to Look at Your Property Values
  • Examples of Assessed Values vs. Millage Rates/Taxe

The program was videotaped by Peters Township Community Television and can be viewed here. It is also being broadcast locally on Channel 7 or Channel 38. Check the current broadcast schedule for dates and times.

If property owners are not satisfied with the new value, they may submit an appeal with the Washington County Board of Assessment Appeals not later than Wednesday, August 10, 2016.

Visit the Property Reassessment Information on the library web site for links to the online resources discussed during the program.

The 3 R’s Book Club

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Attention Teachers! School is out, but reading is IN! Are you looking for exciting titles to share with your students next year? Then this book club is for you! Teachers of all grade levels and homeschool educators are invited to join Dr. Nancy Hobbs and Myra R. Oleynik to discuss and recommend new or favorite Children’s and Young Adult books that they are reading. No time to read? Then use this group as your guide to finding great books for your future students. Register for this program at the library’s circulation desk or call 724.941.9430.