The day after Presidents’ Day, a dead president arrived in our library – in 17 cardboard boxes. This event starts a flurry of activity as the Community Library Network at Post Falls prepares to host the ALA exhibit “Lincoln: the Constitution and the Civil War”.  While not specifically a “boomer” event, we are aiming our evening programming at adults and hope to engage citizens in a discussion of Lincoln’s impact as “the Great Emancipator” and the Civil War’s threat to civil liberties.

Not all our programs are serious, though. Re-enactors representing the Union will start our grand opening on March 3^rd with a call to fire and share their knowledge of what day-to-day life was like during Lincoln’s lifetime. We will welcome families that day with a craft and a photo-op for kids and a chance for all to experience the exhibit. In March we will have two scholarly presentations from Idaho Humanities Council speakers, David Leroy and David Adler, Janet Worthington as Mary Todd Lincoln and a program about the significance of quilt patterns in guiding travelers along the Underground Railroad.

Shortly after the Lincoln Exhibit grand opening, our staff will have the opportunity to hear Dr. Paul Nussbaum present “Brain Health in Libraries and Education”. Those of you who were in Portland for the Transforming Life after 50 Fellowship should remember him. He was my favorite presenter and I look forward to hearing him talk about this all-important topic again. His appearance is sponsored by INCOL (Inland Northwest Council of Libraries) at the Gonzaga University Foley Center on March 6^th. I plan to be wowed again by his knowledge and charmed by his personality. The following week I have the privilege of attending PLA in Philadelphia where I will look for sessions to increase my knowledge about midlife adults. Should be a busy month…but aren’t they all?