Perspectives of democracy at the York Public Library
By Frank Dehler
Circulation and Public Services Coordinator
YORK VILLAGE - Election Day reminds me that cultivating informed citizens is an important function of a public library in a democracy.
Franklin D. Roosevelt recognized libraries as "the great symbols of the freedom of the mind … essential to the functioning of a democratic society."
Providing access to diverse perspectives about American democracy and its political processes is central to this civic role. Several recent acquisitions explore this topic from a broad range of viewpoints.
"Our Constitution" by Donald Ritchie and JusticeLearning.org, is a wonderful resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of our governmental structure and the rights of citizens afforded by constitutional law. Each article and amendment is accompanied by an explanation of its meaning and a brief summary of its historical application. Excerpts from contemporary news articles, accounts of important Supreme Court cases and timelines round out this lavishly illustrated and engaging work - perfect for history students.
The American Constitution is also the focus of a set of DVDs produced by the Annenberg Foundation, featuring Justices Breyer, O'Connor and Scalia. Created for use in classrooms, this series introduces key constitutional concepts and examines the Constitutional Convention in 1787 that established the government of the United States. A neat learning tool for teachers.
"The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln," by Sean Wilentz, chronicles the growth of democracy in America from the fierce clash of Jeffersonians and Federalists in the years following the Revolution up to the outbreak of the Civil War. Wilentz recounts how differing notions of democracy sprang up at local, regional and national levels, ultimately resulting in the fateful division between North and South. This monumental but very readable history "compels us to understand our democracy … as a fragile enterprise shot through with human frailties, conflicts, accommodations and unforeseen events."
Jeffrey Hart's "The Making of the American Conservative Mind: 'National Review' and its Times," examines the magazine's influential role in shaping the American conservative movement since the 1950s. A senior editor at "National Review," Hart shows how contemporary American conservatism has been inspired by, and in some ways repudiates, the project that the magazine helped launch half a century ago.
For a provocative view of the intertwining of oil, religion and finance in the politics of the current administration, look no further than Kevin Phillips's "American Theocracy: The Peril and Politics of Radical Religion, Oil and Borrowed Money in the 21st Century." Phillips, a former Republican strategist, supports his critique of the foreign and fiscal policies of the Bush White House with careful analysis and sweeping historical perspective. Whether you agree with his conclusions or not, this is a fascinating read about the problems that beset a super-power.
Finally, two new biographies of women who have played exemplary roles in America's democratic experiment are "A Perfect Union: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation," by Catherine Allgor, and Louise W. Knight's "Citizen: Jane Addams and the Struggle for Democracy." Allgor's book examines the "subtle yet profound influence on American politics" that the wife of our fourth president exerted during the volatile era surrounding the War of 1812. This is a vivid portrait of one of the most famous Americans of her time, who fought social constraints to achieve her husband's political goals. Knight's life of Jane Addams is a masterful biography of the compassionate activist and inspiring personality who became the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
Many other books, videos and DVDs about America's democratic institutions and political history can be found at the library - ask us if you need help!
