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Senator Robert C. Byrd, 1917-2010
"Senator Byrd's story was uniquely American. He was born into wrenching poverty, but educated himself to become an authoritative scholar, respected leader, and unparalleled champion of our Constitution. He scaled the summit of power, but his mind never strayed from the people of his beloved West Virginia. He had the courage to stand firm in his principles, but also the courage to change over time." –President Barack Obama
Robert C. Byrd : Child of the Appalachian Coalfields
B B9952
Between 1917 and 2010 the nation and world changed dramatically, Senator Robert C. Byrd was privileged to be a participant in those changes. In his memoir Senator Byrd tells the story of his childhood in the southern coalfields, his entry into politics in 1947 and his moving on to the senate, where he worked hard for West Virginia. Byrd served as senator for longer than any other senator in senate history.
"I believe a big man can make a small job important." –Robert C. Byrd
You can read a summary of Senator Byrd's life and career at KCPL's Biography Resource Center or read his biography at his Senate web page.
Losing America : confronting a reckless and arrogant presidency
973.931 B99L
Few critics of the Bush presidency bring to the argument the weight of Senator Byrd (D-W.Va.), who has served under 11 presidents. To Byrd the Constitution's checks and balances and the powers of the legislative branch, including the power of the purse and the power to declare war, have kept America a safe and functioning democracy. He argues, offering a series of instances, that the Bush administration is systematically, relentlessly and with stubborn arrogance making a mockery of these constitutional mandates through subterfuge, warmongering and intimidation of a Congress that is "cowed, timid, and deferential." This volume is a searing criticism, informed by Byrd's knowledge of history, leavened with his vast experience and written with his legendary rhetorical flourish. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information
The United States Constitution was incredibly important to Byrd, who always had a copy in his pocket. He was instrumental the 2004 creation of an annual Constitution Day (September 17). You can learn more about the United States Constitution in the UXL Encyclopedia of United States History, Supreme Court Drama: Cases That Changed America or at National Archives.
Letter to a new president : commonsense lessons for our next leader
352.230973 B99L
The longest-serving and oldest member of Congress, and third in line to the presidency, Senator Byrd passes on the lessons he's learned to the upcoming president, in this book-length letter addressed to Mr. President or Madam President.
Links:
- Senator Byrd's website
- Charleston Gazette tribute page
- New York Times obituary
- The Man Who Runs the Senate from The Atlantic Monthly, September 1975
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Our Research Tools are designed to help you find authorative information in many subject areas, and to put you in touch with professional staff in our Reference Department.
Most databases and services listed in Research Tools can be used from home by logging in with a Kanawha County Public Library card. If you don't have a card nearly all of these services are accessible to anyone using a public access computer at any of our branch locations. The Foundation Center databases are only available from the Main Library in Charleston.
Mango Languages
KCPL now offers a fast and convenient solution for our community’s increasing language-learning needs -- Mango Languages.
Mango is available in two versions. Mango Complete is a 100-lesson course that is designed to provide a deep understanding of a language and its culture. It is available in nine foreign language and three ESL courses. Mango Basic teaches everyday greetings, gratitudes, goodbyes and helpful phrases in a short period of time and is designed to appeal to a beginner in a new language. The courses, which require only two to five hours of time to complete, are currently available in 22 foreign languages and 15 English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
Each lesson combines real life situations and audio from native speakers with simple, clear instructions. The courses are presented with an appreciation for cultural nuance and real-world application that integrates components of vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and culture. Users learn actual conversation, breaking down complex conversational elements within an audio-visual framework that allows the user to draw important connections between pieces of information they have already learned.
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Important research to do and you can't get into the library? The library subscribes to online databases containing magazines, journals, books, essays, encyclopedias and more.
From poems about Paul Revere to biographical information on Castro to news articles from the time of the Normandy Invasion to how galaxies form, it's all there. And you can relax knowing the information can be trusted.
Reference e-Books
Can't make it into the library to find the answer to your question? Well, we've purchased books online to answer your questions 24/7 with your library card number. Articles in these online books can be printed, downloaded and emailed. Also check out our quality databases with articles from books and magazines.
Fashion - Costume - and Culture: Clothing - Headwear - Body Decorations - and Footwear through the Ages
remote access with library card
World Eras - Volume 1: European Renaissance and Reformation - 1350-1600
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World Eras - Volume 3: Roman Republic and Empire - 264 B.C.E.- 476 C.E.
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Reference E-books Added to Your Research Toolkit
Now, with a Kanawha County Public Library card and an internet connection, you have 24/7 access to the new Reference E-books featuring premier reference works related to: