By Sam Jack, sjack@newtonplks.org In 1934, before they approved the construction of a municipal pool in Athletic Park, Newton’s town fathers needed to figure out how they would keep Black people out. The story of how they succeeded, of how they kept an illegal “whites only” policy in place through 17 steamy summers, has gained…
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By Sam Jack, sjack@newtonplks.org One hundred years ago today, Jim Thorpe and six other men gathered at a car dealership in Canton, Ohio, and organized the American Professional Football Association. Two years later, the APFA became the National Football League. To learn more about American pro football’s history and highlights, go long and get ready…
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Newton Public Library’s Youth Summer Library Program featured some awesome guest performers who joined us virtually! If you missed the premieres of these programs in June and July, never fear: Thanks to the magic of technology, you can watch whenever you want! The Circus Man, Jason D’Vaude Jason’s comedic juggling, fire, and balancing acts include…
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By Sam Jack, sjack@newtonplks.org If you ever find yourself hunting for sheet music, you might want to bookmark these websites featuring printable, public domain and/or free-to-use sheet music files. BandMusic PDF Library. This site is devoted to preserving and sharing “band music from the Golden Age of the American Town Band,” including works by John…
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By Sam Jack, sjack@newtonplks.org Almost no live performances are happening anywhere nowadays – and that’s a big problem for artists who rely on touring and concerts to make a living. But an audience’s adulation – however much it is yearned for by young musicians trying to “make it” – can send artists into a mental…
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Jon Duerksen, NPL Technical Services Clerk and puppet show star, has some “Cozy Mystery” recommendations to share! Click the links to go directly to author and/or book pages in NPL’s online catalog, where you can place holds online. Or stop by the Library – or give us a call at 316-283-2890 – and we’ll be…
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Dan presents another “Online Display Table,” this time featuring #OwnVoices literature in the fantasy and science fiction genres! (Plus a few books in other genres.) #OwnVoices is a social media hashtag used to highlights books and stories where the author and protagonist share a marginalized identity. The hashtag started in the world of YA and children’s…
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The Harvey County Historical Society is inviting everyone to participate in a fun activity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, ratified in August 1920: “The right of the citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by an State on account of…
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After being interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is again available at Newton Public Library. VITA volunteers have worked out a new approach that allows them to assist lower-income taxpayers without meeting them in person. Those seeking free VITA assistance should follow this procedure: • Visit Newton Public Library and pick…
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By Sam Jack, sjack@newtonplks.org I’m crazy about opera – both listening to it and singing it. The COVID-19 pandemic has not been a great time to be an opera fan. Performances have been canceled all over the world, artists are out of work, and scientists are saying that singing may be one of the riskier…
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