Presidential series slated for term at main library

8/1/2001

Just in time for Presidents' Day, “Presidents, Politics, and Power” is coming to Toledo-Lucas County Library, with help from a $1,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The Toledo library was one of 20 libraries nationwide chosen to host the six-week program in February, 2002.

“Presidents, Politics, and Power” combines video documentary films from the PBS American Experience series, articles by nationally noted historians, and talks by local scholars. It looks at six of the most influential 20th-century presidents - Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan.

“We're really pleased to have been chosen,” said John Selzer, manager of the library's audio-visual department. “With all the renovations and movement around here, we haven't been able to reach out as much as we once did. We hope to get more involved in these kinds of programs over the next couple of years.”

Participants will gather on successive Tuesday evenings at the downtown library to explore and discuss each presidency, with special attention to foreign and domestic policy, the history of the presidents' times, and their unique governing styles.

William Ferris, chairman at the National Endowment for the Humanities, said the organization's purpose is to fund such community programs. “It's meaningful, engaging, and accessible to all Americans,” he said.