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Iowa History Alive!

Iowa History Alive has been fun experience and a chance to offer something different to the community.  These library programs are a series of book discussions and presentations about different topics in history, especially as they relate to our state.  The books, speakers, refreshments and other expenses have been afforded through a Buchanan County Community Foundation Grant and Humanities Iowa.   

From a person who has never delved too deeply into history, I can say it has been an eye-opening and enriching experience.   I’ve loved learning about these topics and hearing experts present information or re-enact characters ranging from the Underground Railroad to Lewis and Clark to Frank Lloyd Wright.  I think others have loved it, too!  For example, John Klotzbach says, “The Underground Railroad presentation by Galin brought a more human face and feeling to the freedom seekers stories than ever before.” 

One of the Iowa History Alive program goals is to personalize history and encourage a deeper understanding.  Iowa History Alive strives to help us empathize, to see and feel what it was like for the people going through the experience at that time.   It is encouraging to see this is happening through comments like Margie Appelman’s, “It opened my eyes and heart to this part of history.” 

I am very excited about the next topic, the history of Rock & Roll!  The book, The Day the Music Died, is about the last tour of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Richie Valens-- and the fatal air crash that took their lives.  This crash was after their performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa.  We have multiple copies of the book available for checkout at the library and the book discussion, led by John and Merry Christensen, will be at 7:00 pm on April 20^th.  Merry lived close to Clear Lake and had plans to go to the concert that evening, so she has personal connections and insight to share as the book is discussed. 

The performance on April 27^th, Pool Halls, Juke Boxes, and Ducktails, is one you won’t want to miss.  Iowa’s original rocker, Layton Zbornik a.k.a. “Jerry Martin,” will be leading you through Rock & Roll of the 40s, 50s, and 60s.  Zbornik was singing on the radio by age 8, started his first band as a freshman in high school, and had written and recorded Iowa’s first Rock & Roll song, “Janet,” before he graduated from high school.  This master musician also had careers as a DJ, public relations executive, and high school teacher.  Pool Halls, Juke Boxes, and Ducktails will take you on an unforgettable journey that will make you both laugh and cry.  Come to the library at 7:00 pm on April 27^th to see Iowa’s original rocker.

I look forward to the Rock & Roll programs and to the next fiscal year.  I’d like to share just a few tidbits about some changes that will begin in July 2010 (new fiscal year).  The library will be opening on Sunday afternoons and will be offering more programs and resources to the public!  The Independence Public Library probably doesn’t quite fit the scenario of a Cinderella story, but with March Madness sweeping the nation, I can draw some likeness to the library’s history and promising future.  Thank you to the city and the community for your wonderful support!

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