The Golden Age of Islam spanned from the mid 8th to the mid 13th century A. D., although recent scholars have extended it into the 15th and 16th centuries. It encompasses the life of the prophet Mohammad and the beginnings of the Islamic religion. Islamic culture in Europe also influenced Western civilization. The Golden Age of Islamic Culture included many innovations in science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy ,Hindu-Arabic numerals, and words. It was a time of inventions and exploration by land and sea. The Golden Age ended with the siege of Baghdad in 1258 A.D. and with the rise of religious dogma, discussed here by Steven Weinberg and Neil deGrasse Tyson.
MCL Blogs
I was in Don Quixote by Cervantes so long, I lost the plot a bit.
0 user(s) commented on Summer reading habits | Start the conversation
Listening to anti-war protest songs first sparked my curiosity about the Vietnam War. As a 12 year old eighth grader, I thought I could learn the world’s wisdom from the words of a song. Songs like The Unknown Soldier by the Doors with its realistic gunshot sounds and tragic imagry; Saigon Bride by Joan Baez, Pete Seeger’s Bring Em Home,and I ain’ Marching Anymore by Phil Ochs. Songs about the injustice, insanity and cruelty of the Vietnam War.
I heard adults talking about protecting Democracy by fighting Communism. More and more the strange place word 'Vietnam' was spoken. Then my Uncle Paul was drafted. He went to fight at that place I could hardly find on the map.
When my Uncle came back he was silent and enclosed as if he’d been to visit the moon. Once he told me he’d seen some pretty bad things there but didn’t tell me what they were. I didn’t have to use my imagination much- it was all on the CBS news now- real soldiers, real Vietnamese people, real pain, real death.
When the war ended on April 30, 1975, I was working at the Central Library downtown. Church bells rang and we jumped up and down and cheered. Later though, we were quiet , remembering... still wondering- was Vietnam a ‘good’ or a ‘bad’ war?
Like myself, Ken Burns grew up wondering about the Vietnam war. He labored ten long years to make a documentary that might help to make sense of the Vietnam War by bringing us “something extrordinarily powerful..” -the stories, music and experiences of the soldiers and civilians- on both sides of the war.
THE VIETNAM WAR is a ten-part, 18-hour documentary film series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. Part one airs Sunday September 17 at 9:00 on PBS.
After watching, Ken Burn’s The Vietnam War, come to the Multnomah County Library to learn more about it through special programs, written material, music and more.
0 user(s) commented on Something Extraordinarily Powerful: Ken Burns' The Vietnam War | Start the conversation
Must love books. And dogs.
by Sarah Binns
Over the years writing for the Volunteer Spotlight I’ve met people who volunteer with the library because they are passionate about reading. I’ve met just as many people who volunteer because they are passionate about giving back to their community. This month, Katie Patterson became my first interviewee who is pursuing a degree in librarianship, in part because of her time volunteering at Hillsdale Library.
Katie grew up reading, but she only recently realized librarianship is in her future. After completing her undergraduate degree at Seattle University, Katie and her partner returned to Portland. Her partner then started an online Master of Library Science (MLS) program through Emporia State University. Intrigued, but wanting to explore her options, Katie decided to volunteer in both a first-grade classroom and at Hillsdale Library as their storytime assistant, facilitating their preschool storytime and book babies. “I got hooked on the library right away,” she says.
Every Monday morning Katie picks books to be read at Hillsdale’s storytime and helps the librarian oversee the event. “I love it,” she says. “It’s the highlight of my week.” She enjoys developing a relationship with the little ones and “watching them be excited about reading, it makes me hopeful.” Katie’s eyes light up when talking about Hillsdale and says she hopes to volunteer there as long as she can.
Another thing that makes her eyes light up? Talking about dogs. When not at the library Katie is a manager at Hair of the Dog, a dog grooming shop on Alberta. “I’ve worked with dogs for 12 years,” she says, “It’s my favorite thing.” She currently has too much on her plate for her own dog but hopes that will change.
As for librarianship, Katie started her MLS degree with Emporia a year ago. She’ll graduate with a youth services certificate with an eye to becoming a youth services librarian in Multnomah County. “That’s the dream,” she says with a smile. Here’s to a future full of books, babies, and dogs!
A few facts about Katie
Home library: Albina
Currently reading: She reads two YA novels a week for her YA literature class. “I’m starting Red Planet today.”
Most influential book: “Heart of Darkness changed the way I think about literature. It’s so complex. The more I read, the more interesting it became.”
Favorite book from childhood: Bridge to Terabithia and Harriet the Spy.
Favorite browsing section: Picture books, when she can pick a book for storytime.
Guilty pleasure: Hunger Games.
Book that made her cry: Any book where a dog dies.
Favorite place to read: “On my balcony. The weather doesn’t always cooperate.”
0 user(s) commented on Volunteer Spotlight: Katie Patterson | Start the conversation
Hispanic Heritage month takes place from September 15 - October 15. It is a recognition and celebration of the culture, histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States.
Initially celebrated as Hispanic Heritage week in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson, it was expanded to a month by President Ronald Reagan. The start date of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. With Mexico, Belize and Chile celebrating their independence September 16.
Here is a small sample of events that are happening at the library during Hispanic Heritage month to celebrate the rich heritage and cultural impact that Latino Americans have had on the nation and society.
- Enjoy the diverse sounds of Latin America through music by Mariachi Viva Mexico, Los Boricuas del Conjunto Alegre, and Grupo Condor.
- Take an interactive trip through Latin American history and its oral tradition in Journey through Latin America.
- Learn about Mexico’s Aztec Eagles, who fought alongside the United States against the axis powers during WWII.
Contact the library, visit the events page or check in with your local library to learn about additional programs and events during Hispanic Heritage month.
Looking for a personalized reading list? Contact Laura B for a recommended reading list.
0 user(s) commented on Hispanic Heritage Month | Start the conversation
Libby is a new way to read and listen to books from Overdrive, and it's available now.
Getting started
- Go to the app store on your Android or iOS device and search for "Libby, by Overdrive Labs". Or, visit the Libby site and be directed from there;
- Once you've installed the app, sign in with your library card;
- Search, borrow, read and listen, all from within the app.
- Here's a handy how-to guide for Libby.
You can click on "Library" or "Shelf" to move back and forth between the collection and your check outs. Click on a title in the Libby catalog, and you'll be able to read a sample so you can decide if you want to borrow the book.
Logging in
Libby lets you to connect to OverDrive with one easy login. You can also add a library card from another library or from a family member so you can have your loans and holds all in one place.
Prefer reading on a Kindle?
You can set Libby up to default to Kindle for e-books and you can download with few clicks.
Downloading
To download books to your device, tap on the cloud icon after you've checked out, and your e-book or downloadable audiobook will be downloaded. When the download is finished, you will see a check. You don't have to figure out which format you should get—the app knows.
New features
Libby has some great features: you can download titles for offline reading or stream them to save space. Libby will bookmark your place, even if you pick up another device to resume reading. You can choose settings for reading at night, and customize your font -- there's even a font to help readers with dyslexia. If you're happy with the OverDrive App, don't worry. You can continue to use it, or you can install both apps on your device and see which works better.
0 user(s) commented on Libby: An easier way to borrow e-books and downloadable audiobooks | Start the conversation
Oregon has an extensive geologic history, which is viewable from roadside videos as well as videos of various landforms in the state, created by geologic actions. Oregon, like other Pacific Northwestern states, has many volcanoes. Mount Hood, in Oregon, and Mount St. Helens, in Washington, are two volcanic peaks close to Portland. The geologic history of the whole Pacific Northwest was influenced by the great Missoula Floods which has left its mark on the geology of the Columbia River gorge. The geology of Eastern Oregon also features the mammal fossil beds at John Day, which include the Painted Hills. The Pacific Northwest also faces the potential of a massive earthquake, due to the Cascadia subduction zone.
0 user(s) commented on Pacific Northwest geology Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Vancouver | Start the conversation
Headed to the Oregon Small Business Fair on Saturday, September 16? Don’t forget to stop by the library table and learn about our wonderful resources for small businesses. There is still time to register for this free event. In addition to the resource fair, where we’ll be, there are also classes on topics from tax tips to social media promotion. You won't want to miss it!
Need some more help with your small business? Check out the lists below or ask a librarian.
0 user(s) commented on Visit the library table at the Oregon Small Business Fair | Start the conversation
Did an e-book save you from boredom at the DMV? Were you snowed in last winter and e-books allowed you to curl up with a good read anyway? Forgot your vacation book on the plane, but were able to get an e-book right away on your phone?
Share your love for e-books on Read an eBook Day, a celebration of the wonders of reading anytime, anywhere. Celebrate by checking out an e-book from our OverDrive collection. Might we suggest an old favorite or maybe a great book you may have missed from the past few years?
And then share what you love about e-books on social media on September 18 using the hashtag #ebooklove.
0 user(s) commented on Share your #ebooklove on Read an eBook Day, September 18 | Start the conversation
Tom F. | ju., sep. 07, 2017
books & literature, hillsdale library, hollywood library, mcl blogs, classics, literary
books & literature, hillsdale library, hollywood library, mcl blogs, classics, literary
For those of us who love classic literature, Multnomah County Library is a great resource. There are ongoing Classics Pageturners book discussion groups at Hillsdale Library and Hollywood Library, plus a Quarterly Classics group at Capitol Hill Library. Copies of the books will be available two months in advance of the discussions. Please call the branch to confirm. Following that are a series of lists of Western and non-Western literature from every era.
Here are the Classics book group schedules:
|
Hillsdale Library Classics Pageturners, Second Saturdays, 3-5 pm
September 9, 2017, Sonnets by William Shakespeare. (This is a different edition than the group will read)
October 14, 2017, The Nice and the Good, by Iris Murdoch
November 11, 2017, It Can't Happen Here, by Sinclair Lewis
December 9, 2017, Billy Budd and Other Stories, by Herman Melville
January 13, 2018, Canterbury Tales, by GeoffreyChaucer
February 10, 2017, Cousin Bette, by Honore de Balzac
March 10, 2018, The Persians, by Aeschylus
April 14, 2018, The Prince, by Niccolo Machiavelli
May 12, 2018, The Early History of Rome, books I-V, by Livy
June 9, 2018, The Trial, by Franz Kafka |
Hollywood Library Classics Pageturners, Third Sundays, 2-4 pm
September 17, 2017, Ficciones, by Jorge Luis Borges
October 15, 2017, Iphigenia in Aulis and The Trojan Women, by Euripides. (These are different editions than the group will read)
November 19, 2017, The Vicar of Wakefield, by Oliver Goldsmith
December 17, 2017, The Captain's Daughter and Other Stories, by Alexander Pushkin
January 21, 2018, The Heart of the Matter, by Graham Greene
February 18, 2018, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, by Matsuo Basho
March 18, 2018, The Idiot, by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
April 15, 2018, The Consolation of Philosophy, by Boethius
May 20, 2018, The Analects, by Confucius. (This is a different edition and translation than the group will read)
June 17, 2018, The Mill on the Floss, by George Eliot. (This is a different edition than the group will read) |
|
Capitol Hill Library Quarterly Classics Second Wednesdays, 1:30 pm, October 2017, January, April & July 2018
October 11, 2017, One Hundred Years of Solitude, by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
January 10, 2018, Razor's Edge, by Somerset Maugham
April 11, 2018, The Golden Notebook, by Doris Lessing
July 11, 2018, Native Son, by Richard Wright |
0 user(s) commented on Read the Classics | Start the conversation
La siguiente información es un recurso para inmigrantes y refugiados sobre sus derechos como individuos y la aplicación de leyes migratorias. Esta lista es solamente un comienzo; si necesitas más información, por favor contacta a la biblioteca.
La biblioteca cuenta con listas de libros que podrían ayudarte y en los que se discute la experiencia de inmigrantes para personas de todas las edades y niveles de lectura.
La siguiente lista será actualizada con frecuencia; por favor revisa constantemente para obtener la información más reciente.
Recursos disponibles para conocer tus derechos
Las personas no ciudadanas que viven en los Estados Unidos — sin importar su situación migratoria — por lo general tienen los mismos derechos constitucionales que los ciudadanos cuando las autoridades policiales las paran, cuestionan, arrestan o buscan en sus hogares. - ACLU
Folletos informativos de ACLU:
Inglés, ruso, español
Tarjeta informativa sobre Conociendo tus Derechos:
Inglés, somalí, vietnamita, chino, español, ruso, árabe, hmong
Conoce tus derechos – Información sobre discriminación anti-islámica:
Inglés, árabe, urdu, persa, español
Aplicaciones móviles:
Mobile Justice: aplicación de ACLU que contiene la tarjeta informativa sobre Conociendo tus Derechos y tiene la capacidad para reportar incidentes a ACLU en tiempo real por medio de un video.
MiConsular MEX: aplicación creada por la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) del gobierno mexicano que permite a las personas de nacionalidad mexicana encontrar el consulado más cercano a ellas y que llamen o envíen un texto en caso de emergencia.
Cell 411: aplicación que permite a los usuarios publicar y responder a emergencias provenientes de familiares, amigos y vecinos en tiempo real.
Aplicación de leyes migratorias:
Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de los Estados Unidos (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés): encuentra a una persona detenida o un centro de detención, además de información de contacto.
Los testigos de actividades de ICE pueden reportarlas a la línea telefónica sobre inmigración de ACLU de Oregón por medio de un texto o llamada al 971-412-ACLU (971-412-2258).
Para acciones alrededor de Portland, puedes contactar a la línea telefónica de la Coalición para los Derechos de Inmigrantes de Portland (PIRC, por sus siglas en inglés) al 1-888-622-1510.
Información: inglés, español
Plan para Preparación de la Familia:
Inglés y español
Recursos legales de bajo costo para inmigrantes provee una lista de organizaciones sin fines de lucro que pueden asistir a las personas con problemas migratorios.
Directorio de Servicios Culturales del Condado Multnomah provee una lista de organizaciones sin fines de lucro, grupos religiosos y programas del gobierno que sirven a los inmigrantes y refugiados en el área metropolitana de Portland.
Información sobre DACA/Soñadores
Foros Comunitarios: inglés, español
ACTUALIZADA 9/5/17: inglés, español
Herramientas y Guía de Recursos de DACA: inglés, español
Hoja de información comunitaria actualizada para los beneficiarios de DACA: español, inglés
¿Qué necesitas saber si el programa DACA termina? español, inglés
Organizaciones locales
Lutheran Community Resources Northwest
605 SE Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.
Portland, OR 97214
503-231-4780
Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees (SOAR)
7931 NE Halsey St. #314
Portland, OR 97213
503-284-3002
Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice
1704 NE 43rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97213
503-550-3510
Catholic Charities
2740 SE Powell Blvd.
Portland, OR 97202
503-231-4866
Causa
700 Marion St NE
Salem, OR 97301
503-409-2473
El Programa Hispano
138 NE 3rd St #140
Gresham, OR 97030
Latino Network
410 NE 18th Ave.
Portland, OR 97232
503-283-6881
Coalition of Communities of Color
221 NW 2nd Ave #303
Portland, OR 97209
503-200-5722
APANO
2788 SE 82nd Ave #203
Portland, OR 97266
971-340-4861
IRCO
10301 NE Glisan St.
Portland, OR 97220
503-234-1541
Russian Oregon Social Services
4033 SE Woodstock Blvd.
Portland, OR 97202
503-777-3437
Northwest China Council
221 NW 2nd Ave. Suite 210-J
Portland, OR 97209
Phone: (503) 973-5451
AILA Oregon
888 SW 5th Ave #1600
Portland, OR 97204
503-802-2122
ACLU Oregon
506 SW 6th Ave #700
Portland, OR 97204
503-227-3186
Oficinas consulares
Consulado Mexicano de Portland
1305 SW 12th Ave.
Portland, OR 97201
503-227-1442
Consulado de El Salvador en Seattle
615 2nd Ave. #50
Seattle, WA 98104
206-971-7950
Consulado Honorario Guatemalteco
7304 N Campbell Ave.
Portland OR, 97217
503-530-0046
Oficina Consular de Japón en Portland
Wells Fargo Center, Suite 2700
1300 S.W. 5th Ave.
Portland, OR 97201
503-221-1811
0 user(s) commented on Conoce tus derechos: información para inmigrantes y refugiados | Start the conversation
In response to the Eagle Creek Fire, Multnomah County Library is staffing the children's room and computer lab at the fire shelter at Mt. Hood Community College. As we mourn the devastation in our beloved Columbia River Gorge, we’re doing our best to help those affected and displaced by the fire. We're working with other helpers to provide a safe place where everyone is welcome. We have computers, books and activities for children, and the shelter offers medical and emergency services, food, emotional support, a place to sleep and space for animals.
We've compiled a comprehensive list of information and resources about the Eagle Creek Fire to help. If you have any additional suggestions to be included, please let us know in the comments section below.
1 user(s) commented on On the ground at the Eagle Creek Fire shelter | Join the conversation
The following information is a resource for immigrants and refugees on individual rights and immigration enforcement. This list is a start; if you require further information please contact the library.
The library has helpful booklists that discuss the immigrant experience for all ages and reading levels.
The following list will be updated frequently; please check back for the most current information.
Know Your Rights Resources
Non-citizens who are in the United States — no matter what their immigration status — generally have the same constitutional rights as citizens when law enforcement officers stop, question, arrest, or search them or their homes. ACLU
ACLU Information Pamphlets:
English, Russian, Spanish
Know Your Rights Information Card:
English, Somali, Vietnamese, Chinese, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Hmong
Know Your Rights- Anti-Muslim Discrimination Information:
English, Arabic, Urdu, Farsi, Spanish
Mobile Apps:
Mobile Justice: ACLU app with Know Your Rights Information card, ability to report incidents to the ACLU in real time with video capability.
MiConsular MEX: App created by the Mexican Government’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs (SRE) that allows Mexican nationals to locate their nearest consulate and either text or call them in an emergency.
Cell 411: App that allows the user to issue and respond to emergencies from family, friends and neighbors in real time.
Immigration Enforcement:
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Find a detainee or detention center, and general contact information.
Witnesses to ICE activity can report it to the ACLU of Oregon's immigration hotline via text or call 971-412-ACLU (971-412-2258).
For actions around Portland, you may contact the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) hotline at
1-888-622-1510.
Information: English, Spanish
Family Preparedness Plan:
English and Spanish
Low-cost legal resources for immigrants provides a list of nonprofit organizations that can assist people with immigration issues.
Multnomah County Cultural Services Directory provides a list of nonprofits, faith groups and government programs that serve immigrants and refugees in the Portland Metro area.
DACA/Dreamers Information
End of DACA (FAQ's): English
DACA Renewal Infographic: English, Spanish
DACA Community Forums: English, Spanish
UPDATED Information 9/5/17: Spanish, English
DACA Tools and Resource Guide: Spanish, English,
Updated community information sheet for DACA recipients: Spanish, English
What do you need to know if the DACA program ends? Spanish, English
Local Organizations
Lutheran Community Resources Northwest
605 SE Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.
Portland, OR 97214
503-231-4780
Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees (SOAR)
7931 NE Halsey St. #314
Portland, OR 97213
503-284-3002
Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice
1704 NE 43rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97213
503-550-3510
Catholic Charities
2740 SE Powell Blvd.
Portland, OR 97202
503-231-4866
Causa
700 Marion St NE
Salem, OR 97301
503-409-2473
El Programa Hispano
138 NE 3rd St #140
Gresham, OR 97030
Latino Network
410 NE 18th Ave.
Portland, OR 97232
503-283-6881
Coalition of Communities of Color
221 NW 2nd Ave #303
Portland, OR 97209
503-200-5722
APANO
2788 SE 82nd Ave #203
Portland, OR 97266
971-340-4861
IRCO
10301 NE Glisan St.
Portland, OR 97220
503-234-1541
Russian Oregon Social Services
4033 SE Woodstock Blvd.
Portland, OR 97202
503-777-3437
Northwest China Council
221 NW 2nd Ave. Suite 210-J
Portland, OR 97209
Phone: (503) 973-5451
AILA Oregon
888 SW 5th Ave #1600
Portland, OR 97204
503-802-2122
ACLU Oregon
506 SW 6th Ave #700
Portland, OR 97204
503-227-3186
Consular Offices
Mexican Consulate of Portland
1305 SW 12th Ave.
Portland, OR 97201
503-227-1442
Consulate of El Salvador in Seattle
615 2nd Ave. #50
Seattle, WA 98104
206-971-7950
Guatemalan Honorary Consulate
7304 N Campbell Ave.
Portland OR, 97217
503-530-0046
Consular Office of Japan in Portland
Wells Fargo Center, Suite 2700
1300 S.W. 5th Ave.
Portland, OR 97201
503-221-1811
0 user(s) commented on Know Your Rights: Information for Immigrants and Refugees | Start the conversation
Pageturners book groups will welcome several authors during the 2017-18 season. You don’t have to sign up — just read the book, then join us to discuss with the author.
Mario DePriest
The Power of a Rose: Man-To-Man About Women, Romance and Communication
North Portland Library
Tuesday, September 12, 6:15-7:45 pm
Linda L. Graham
Indiana Summer: From Cornfields and Lightning Bugs
Hillsdale Library
Thursday, September 21, 1-2:30 pm
Pamela Royes
North Portland Library
Monday, October 9, 6:15-7:45 pm
Sellwood-Moreland Library
Tuesday, October 10, 6:30-8 pm
Alexis M. Smith
St. Johns Library
Tuesday, October 10, 1-2:30 pm
Ruth Wariner
Capitol Hill Library
Tuesday, October 10, 6:30-7:45 pm
Hollywood Library
Thursday, November 16, 6:30-7:45 pm
Hillsdale Library
Tuesday, January 9, 6:30-7:30 pm
Holgate Library
Saturday, January 20, 10:30 am-12 pm
Joyce Cherry Creswell
Midland Library
Wednesday, October 18, 1-2:15 pm
Jenny Forrester
Narrow River, Wide Sky: A Memoir
Belmont Library
Wednesday, November 8, 6:30-7:30 pm
Molly Gloss
Rockwood Library
Friday, February 16, 10-11:30 am
Brian K. Friesen
Hollywood Library
Thursday, April 19, 6:30-7:45 pm
Patricia Kullberg
On the Ragged Edge of Medicine
Woodstock Library
Check at your library to see whether a book group copy of the book is available during the month before each meeting.
Pageturners is supported by a generous grant from the Friends of the Library.
4 user(s) commented on Authors visit library book groups | Join the conversation
As summer starts coming to a close, let the library take some of the work out of your Labor Day weekend.
Taking a road trip?
-
How about some downloadable audiobooks through OverDrive or Hoopla?
-
Maybe some podcast recommendations from the My Librarians?
-
Maybe one of our many guidebooks for local and not-so-local destinations?
Spending a few quiet nights in?
-
Check out a few magazines from RBdigital.
-
Curl up with a video from InstantFlix.
-
How about checking out a new cookbook and trying out a new recipe?
Staycation?
-
Explore the city with one of these local guide books, maybe by bike?
-
Come on down to the library. We’re closed on Labor Day, but have events going on other days.
-
Check out the beginnings of the annual visit from Vaux’s Swifts.
No matter how or where you spend Labor Day, you can always contact us.
0 user(s) commented on Labor Day plans? Let us help. | Start the conversation
It sometimes seems to me that an inordinante amount of books have been written about the Russian Revolution: its causes, its personalities, its historical importance.
But at the heart of these discussions are three main figures: Lenin, Trotsky, Stalin.
Stalin, the paranoid psycho-bully smiling while he stabs his friends in the back, Trotsky the crazy intellegent organizer, everywhere at once, his enthusiasm and energy inexhaustible.
But for me Lenin is a mystery figure. Who was he and why did he decide to take on the whole Russian infrastructure? Why did he twice leave Russia just at a crucial moment in the revolution? Didn't he realize how easily it could have slipped through his fingers?
Author Phillip Pomper thinks he might have the answer.
In his book Lenin’s Brother: the origins of the October Revolution, Pomper explores the life of Lenin’s oldest brother, Alexsandr, who played a part in an earlier plot to assasinate the Tsar. He failed and was hung despite his mother’s desperate pleas for a repreve. Alexsandr was the favorite son, the studious, quiet son, the hope of his family. Lenin was intelligent but a lazy student. with none of the focus and zeal of his older brother. But that changed when Alexandr was executed. Suddenly Lenin's personality seemed to change; he had to fill his brother’s shoes, had to finish what Alexandr began.
Lenin became mysterious and withdrawn. He began to read revolutionary literature. He set about making his brother’s purpose HIS purpose.
I knew Lenin had a brother who was executed for revolutionary activities, but Pomper’s book made me think and wonder about Lenin’s motivation. Brothers compete with each other- even revolutionary-minded ones.
It also made me wonder what would have happened if Alixsandr’s repreve had come through from the Tsar-
Would Alexander and Lenin have banded together to overthrow the government or maybe Lenin would have left Russia and never come back at all?
0 user(s) commented on Brothers in Arms | Start the conversation
I've been overwhelmed and saddened by recent news. It's hard enough talking through it with other adults. I can't imagine having to explain to young children. How do you talk with kids and teens about violence and hatred? Children, even young children, are likely to be aware but not fully understand what has happened. Adults may not be comfortable, but “when it comes to talking to children, experts say diversity and discrimination are subjects that shouldn’t be ignored.” [The American Psychological Association]
Here are a few outside resources that may be helpful for parents and caregivers, along with two booklists.
From the American Psychological Association, Talking to kids about discrimination and Building resilience to manage indirect exposure to terror.
From the Anti-Defamation League, Empowering young people in the aftermath of hate
From Common Sense Media, Explaining the news to our kids
From Fred Rogers Company, Tragic events
0 user(s) commented on At a loss for words: talking with kids about racism | Start the conversation
Archivist, Librarian, Editor, Writer, Volunteer
by Donna Childs
One of the first things Kris Ashley did upon moving to Portland was get a library card. A booklover at heart, she has an MLS (masters degree in library science), as well as experience working in bookstores and in publishing. While looking for a full-time library position, Kris has taken on two volunteer jobs at Multnomah County Library: on Wednesdays, she is responsible for sorting, pricing, shelving, and organizing the large-print materials at Title Wave Used Bookstore, and on Thursdays, she is one of three volunteers who scan and index items from the library’s Special Collections for The Gallery.
More than 100 years ago, civic leader, merchant, and philanthropist John Wilson bequeathed his collection of more than 8000 books to what would later become the John Wilson Special Collections at the Multnomah County Library. Although books form the majority of the collection, “Special Collections are more than books,” according to Kris. Among the items they have scanned are photos, letters, papers, art and craft items, Lewis and Clark Centennial memorabilia, and WPA creations (many of which are at Timberline Lodge). Kris and her fellow volunteers then turn the scans into PDF files to be put on the web.
Kris is well-qualified to do this work: her MLS studies included courses in archival preservation (which she loved), and while living in San Francisco, she created and organized an archive for the Mechanics Institute’s library. Since moving to Portland, in addition to volunteering at the library, Kris has done editing and photo research for writers, and some freelance grant writing. Fascinated by archives, Kris says her dream job would combine archival and library work with photo research, finding the most appropriate photos for writers to accompany their texts. Although the library may lose an especially knowledgeable, talented, and responsible volunteer when she finds that full-time job, someone will be getting a great employee.
A few facts about Kris
Home library: Gregory Heights
Currently reading: War for the Oaks by Emma Bull, An Acceptable Time by Madeleine L’Engle, and The Sin-Eaters Daughter by Melinda Salisbury
Favorite book from childhood: Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl
A book that made you laugh or cry: The Story of Owen by E.K. Johnston
Favorite section of the library: 641 - Cookbooks!
E-reader or paper book: "Paper, definitely. I want the feel and smell of a book."
Favorite place to read: "In an armchair, with my cat on my lap."
Thanks for reading the MCL Volunteer Spotlight. Stay tuned for our next edition coming soon! Read last month's Volunteer Spotlight.
1 user(s) commented on Volunteer Spotlight: Kris Ashley | Join the conversation
Retail outlets selling newly legal marijuana are enjoying brisk business. Anyone over 21 can buy and use marijuana for recreational purposes, a loosening of the previous Oregon law that allowed marijuana as a treatment for certain medical conditions. Of course, federally marijuana remains a schedule 1 controlled substance, the same class as heroin, meth, and cocaine, with potentially the same penalties for growing, possessing, and selling. So consuming your sticky icky could still be tricky. But as more states pass laws legalizing pot the federal laws may change.
So if adults can, does that mean they should? The next challenge is examining the health effects of marijuana and communicating that to the public in a convincing way. In September, 2015, on the eve of full retail sales, the Multnomah County Health Department released a report on public health and marijuana. The ten-page report offers data on how many and what age people use marijuana right now, confirmed and potential effects of marijuana on adults and youth, and recommendations for further research and policy directions. The extensive reference section will also offer you plenty of sources to consult for your debate or persuasive argument paper.
T ake a look at some of the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana. Also look at Librarian Joanna’s June, 2015 post on deciphering the nitty gritty of Measure 91.
0 user(s) commented on It’s legal, but is it healthy? Legal retail marijuana and public health | Start the conversation
Gun rights and gun control are topics that come up often these days. It can be hard to find good resources that present multiple viewpoints on issues like this, and provide quotable sources.
An excellent electronic resource is Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center in Context. It provides links to articles, videos and audio files from multiple viewpoints (you will need a library card # and PIN in order to access this electronic resource from outside of the library).
LawBrain covers the legal history of gun control back to the U.S. Constitution. Another good listing is Infoplease’s Milestones in Federal Gun Control Legislation which covers laws up until 2013.
L.A.R.G.O. Lawful and Responsible Gun Owners and the N.R.A. National Rifle Association both support gun ownership in America. The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and The Violence Policy Center both work to reduce gun violence. The Violence Policy Center is also a good resource if you’re looking for statistics related to gun violence (including drive by shootings and suicide).
This Guardian article compares gun crime in individual states and About.com lists Oregon Gun Rights. FactCheck looks at statistics in the media after the Newton shootings, and reports on Gun Rhetoric vs. Gun Facts. Looking towards changes in the law, gun control is supported by more women than men, and that may have an effect on future legislation. But right now, despite repeated pleas for change after every mass shooting, nothing seems to change.
Need some specific gun facts or laws we haven’t covered? Contact a librarian and we’ll be glad to help
0 user(s) commented on Gun rights and gun control | Start the conversation
Pages
0 user(s) commented on Early Islam | Start the conversation