Dead Presidents

Pipestone County Star 02-13-2014

The third Monday in February is Presidents’ Day, which most people know.  For some reason, I always thought that this celebrated Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson, though I have learned that it’s really just the first two.  Jefferson was born in April and, while Alabama includes him in their celebration, technically he gets left out.

Before 1971, Presidents’ Day was actually George Washington Day and was celebrated on February 22^nd (1732), Washington’s actual birthday.  A bill in 1971 moved the holiday to the third Monday in February and renamed it – because of its placement in the month, the third Monday will never actually fall on February 22, so calling it Washington’s birthday would be silly.

Since Abraham Lincoln was born February 12, 1809, naming the date Presidents’ Day made sense - being on the 3^rd Monday puts it smack dab between the two men.  It is a holiday, which means that school has it off (except in cases of snow day make-up) and most government offices are closed, but it has become far more commercial than it was ever intended.  Now there are car and furniture sales, specials at grocery stores, and all sorts of other attachments that were probably never intended.

In honor of two amazing Presidents, here are two books that will help you get to know their history a little better:

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Lincoln has become famous for the make-up of his cabinet, an unusual mix of men, many of whom were rivals of his in the presidential election.  Lincoln was such an effective President because he was able to work with the different personalities and see the talents they had, even if they disagreed with him.  This book is a testament to the power of a great leader and we should probably send several copies to Washington DC.

His Excellency, George Washington, by Joseph J Ellis

Ellis draws heavily on the Washington Papers, which were cataloged at the university of Virginia in the early 2000s.  Because of his access to information, Ellis recreates a rich view of Washington’s private and public lives, stripping away much of the legend to reveal the very competent, real-life man beneath.  The book is excellent and very informative – a must for anyone who adores American History and the powerful figures that populate it.

PAFL Update:  Pipestone Area Friends of the Library is looking for members – anyone who is a friend to Meinders Library is welcome to join!  The Friends group works hard to promote the library, raise money for projects, and organize their yearly book sale, in addition to the HUGE amount of support they provide throughout the year.  Call us for the date of the next meeting!

Winter Weather:  We tend to follow the lead of Pipestone Area Schools.  If the school is closed, we will also be closed – if there are no students, they put off plowing until later in the day, which includes our parking lot.  If the school closes early, we stay open for about a half hour afterwards to make sure all the kids can get picked up.  If the school has a two hour late start, we are not affected and will open at our regular time of 10 AM.

If you have questions or have a book you’d like to reserve or renew, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (507) 825-6714.  The hours for Meinders Library are Monday through Thursday from 10 AM – 8 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 10 AM – 5 PM.  Meinders Community Library is located at 1401 7^th Street SW, on the south side of the high school.