The library has a display on the third floor commemorating the 50th anniversary of the watershed year 1968. In a Time magazine article earlier this year historian Jon Meacham compared the year 1968 to 1776, 1861 and 1941 as a time when everything in U.S. history changed http://time.com/5107482/50-years-after-1968-still-living-in-its-shadow/
It was indeed a turbulent year. It was a sad year marked by the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy. There was anger. In January the Viet Cong launched the Tet Offensive. Protests against the Vietnam War escalated with demonstrations on university campuses and at the Democratic National Convention. Olympic runners Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in a Black Power salute during the Olympic medal ceremony in Mexico City.
Lyndon Johnson surprisingly announced he would not run for reelection. Richard Nixon was elected as the 37th President in November.
The Prague Spring began the year with hope when Alexander Dubcek was chosen as the Czech leader promising a government of “socialism with a human face.” But when members of the Warsaw Pact invaded Czechoslovakia with tanks and troops the period of liberalizing reforms quickly ended and totalitarian Soviet rule was reinstated.
But there were lighter notes that year. Some cultural highlights included the first TV broadcast of “60 Minutes” and “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.” In the movies “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Planet of the Apes” were popular. And “Hair” opened in London. The year also saw the introduction of Hot Wheels toy cars and McDonald’s Big Mac. The Beatles started Apple records with “Hey Jude” as its first single.
The year ended on a high note with the successful Apollo 8 mission. Astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and William A. Anders became the first humans to see the far side of the moon.
Visit the library and choose a book (or two!) from the display to increase your understanding of this time period.
-posted by Brenda, Reference Services
“Time to Grab a Great Book and Head to the Beach” is the theme for our first book display, a collection of books for your reading pleasure. All are light reads to take to the beach, on vacation, or even enjoy in your yard. Besides the books, the display includes a couple of bibliography handouts.
Our second display is “Cities of the World”, which consists mostly of
“In Remembrance of Anthony Bourdain”, an influential American
“Men’s Health Month” is the topic for the June health display. Become aware and educated about your health to prevent disease and to live a long healthy life. The display also includes handouts, including Prevention Guidelines for Men 40-49, 50-64 and 65+.
“Gay Pride Month” which features books about and by gay people.
