Information. We all need it, but sometimes, especially these days it seems we have too much. How do we find the information we need and or want and ignore the rest or at least not be overwhelmed by it?
And then there the options that information comes in… do we watch network news, use the Internet, newspapers, books, magazines, videos? The options seem almost as limitless as the information itself. Helping the community and its members sort and prioritize information and the way it is delivered is one of the roles the library views as important.
And sometimes video is the best way to get information. Here are some new documentary videos that are part of our Vigilance collection. This collection of materials, selected to help you get information and make informed choices is located along the north wall of the library. “Inside Japan’s Nuclear Meltdown” is a PBS Frontline documentary that is part of an ongoing investigation of nuclear safety. This hour long movie includes eye witness testimony from key figures in the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex disaster as a result of the devastating earthquake and tsunami.
Immigration continues to be a tough topic in this country. “Lost in Detention,” another PBS Frontline presentation looks at the current immigration enforcement and provides a penetrating look at who is being detained and what is happening to them.
Assisted suicide or death with dignity is another difficult topic we continue to wrestle with in this country. Oregon was the first state to legalize physician-assisted suicide and “How to Die in Oregon” enters the lives of the terminally ill as they consider whether — and when — to end their lives by lethal overdose. This is a powerful, moving documentary regardless of your view of the issues that might allow us to see multiple viewpoints with no easy answers.
Only one week left in the second “Pictures and Pens” story contest. All written entries need to be turned in by 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 26. Take a look at the picture in the library or on the library blog at http://ifallslibrary.blogspot.com. Stories can be any length (but remember, we have to read these entries, so don’t wear us out) and can be submitted via paper copy at the checkout desk of the library or via email to dadams@arrowhead.lib.mn.us. Congratulations to our first winners Deb Larson, photographer and Kristine Morgan, author. Check out the winning entries on the library blog or in the library. We have a book with the paired photo and story (including additional story entries for the first photo). Deadline for the next photo contest is Aug. 10.
Summer library hours are Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday noon to 8, and Thursday and Friday 10 to 6. The junior room closes at 6 p.m. every day except Tuesday when it remains open until 8. Tuesday is craft day at the library. Each Tuesday all summer long we put out supplies for a craft project. The supplies are available all day or until gone.
