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Durham Reads Together 2017 The U.S. Constitution Our Founding Document
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Free copies of the Constitution! Pick up a free copy of the United States Constitution at any Durham County Library location starting on Constitution Day, September 17, while supplies last! Read the Constitution alongside your neighbors, start a conversation about important issues and plan to attend this year's slate of programs. Events Constitution Day Read-In with Students, Faculty and Staff at Durham Technical Community College Monday, September 18, 10 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Durham Technical Community College, 1637 East Lawson Street, Durham This program is at the Main Campus Plaza and Educational Resources Center, Building 5. Hear the U.S. Constitution read aloud from 10:30 to 11:45. Learn about the Constitution, register to vote and color at our craft table! Constitution Party! (Grades K-12) Monday, September 18, 4:30 p.m. Bragtown Library Constitution Day is the day set aside to honor the moment when fifty-five delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787. Join us as we celebrate the document that defines America's liberties.
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The Constitution in Context
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The United States Constitution : A Graphic Adaptation by Jonathan HennesseyAn illustrated account of the American Constitution covers each article and amendment in a graphic format designed to render its meaning more relevant and accessible to modern readers, in a volume that addresses such topics as the separation of church and state, the break from the monarchy, and the limits imposed on presidential power. Hennessey notes how truly radical some of the Founders' innovations really were, from the separation of powers to enumerating basic civil rights in writing. He explores the Constitution's failings, most notably allowing the institution of slavery, as well as the many legal protections that Americans take for granted. This work serves as a nuanced, entertaining introduction to U.S. legal history for teens and adults.
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The Creation of the U.S. Constitution by Michael BurganThis non-fiction graphic work tells the story of the debates, disagreements, and compromises that led to the formation of the U.S. Constitution during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Bold, full-color graphic illustrations and exciting text work together to explain to reluctant readers events that shaped the course of American history. This title is recommended for students in grades three and four.
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The Constitution : An Introduction by Michael Stokes Paulsen and Luke PaulsenConstitutional scholar Michael Stokes Paulsen and his son, Luke, offer a lively introduction to the supreme law of the United States, covering the Constitution's history and meaning in clear, accessible terms. Using jargon-free language, the Paulsens outline the Constitution's provisions before going on to explore the two hundred years of interpretation that has shaped the lives of Americans. They highlight the social and political context behind constitutional disputes and include brief profiles of the individuals at the heart of key Constitutional legal struggles. They also challenge various myths surrounding the Constitution, including the idea that only the Supreme Court always has the last word in determining the document's meaning. This is a lively, candid introduction to the Constitution, key Supreme Court opinions and the struggles to give meaning to the nation's founding document. Available in print, Overdrive ebook and Overdrive eaudiobook formats.
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The U.S. Constitution by Katherine MangerWith bright sidebars and "Think About It" questions, this title introduces children to the concept of primary sources and illustrates how decisions made hundreds of years ago still shape their lives today. We learn briefly about the history surrounding the creation of the Constitution before tackling ideas like the separation of powers and checks and balances. Readers will come away with a basic understanding of our form of government and how it came to be. This title is recommended for students in grades three through five and is available in print, Overdrive ebook and hoopla ebook formats.
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Having beaten the British army and secured independence, the United States continued to struggle in its first years due to the failings of its first governing document, the Articles of Confederation. Pulitzer Prize winning author Joseph Ellis argues that four figures - George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay - played different but equally vital roles in securing a Constitutional Convention, framing the terms of debate at that Convention and in mustering support in state legislatures for eventual ratification. In so doing, Ellis believes that these four men ushered in a second revolution by establishing a new government that would transform a collection of thirteen sovereign states into a single, unified nation. Available in print, large print, audiobook on disc, Overdrive ebook and Overdrive eaudiobook formats.
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We the People : the Constitution of the United States by Peter SpierCaldecott medalist Peter Spier offers a visual celebration of the U.S. Constitution and its framers as he explains the history of the struggle for its creation. Spier tells of the Constitution's significance, the story of its ratification and how it came to symbolize freedom and justice. Each of the ten clauses of the preamble receives its own illustration, and Spier includes small scenes of colonial life to help bring the time period to life. Included is a complete-text reproduction of the original document. This title is recommended for students in second and third grade.
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Constitutional Thrillers - Really!
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The Lost Constitution by William MartinIn this thriller, rare book dealer Peter Fallon and his girlfriend, Evangeline, race to find a first draft of the Constitution rumored to contain handwritten notes by some of the Founding Fathers. Having disappeared shortly after the beginning of the Constitutional Convention, this annotated version identifies the Founding Fathers' true intentions for the Bill of Rights with history-changing potential, a possibility that rival searchers will do anything to keep secret. Rich historical flashbacks detail how this draft was smuggled, stolen and sold over two centuries. Throughout, Martin makes clear that people have always tried to use the Constitution for their own purposes and makes clear that the Constitution—drafts and all—was intended as a unifying agent.
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The Jefferson Key : A Novel by Steve BerryCotton Malone, a bookseller who often puts his Navy and Justice Department skills to use as a private intelligence agent, and his girlfriend, the equally talented Cassiopeia Vitt, race to uncover who is targeting the President and who is framing Malone. They find themselves in a confusing tangle of competing intelligence contractors and a 200-year-old conspiracy connected to the U.S. Constitution. Along they way, they battle a group of families whose influence dates back to the founding of the nation and who seek to crack a code devised by Thomas Jefferson himself in their quest for power. Featuring an action-filled plot decorated with plenty of history, this novel includes a fascinating author’s note that separates fact from fiction. Available in print, large print, audiobook on disc, Overdrive ebook and Overdrive eaudiobook formats.
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Audiobook Primary Sources The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States Read by Frank Langella and Boyd Gaines The Constitution of the United States of America Read by Kristin McQuillan
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For personalized reading recommendations from Durham County librarians, try My Next 5! Simply complete an online form to tell us a little about what genres, books, and authors you like (or dislike). A DCL librarian will review your submission and reply with a list of the next five books you should read -- all ages of readers welcome!
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Want to keep up-to-date on new books at the library? on everything from Horror to Home & Garden!
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NoveList Plus is a comprehensive database of fiction and nonfiction titles for all ages, including recommendations, articles, and lists for your fiction and nonfiction needs. DCL cardholders can access NoveList Plus from any computer.
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Check out the library's top ten checkouts! Lists include top tens for adult fiction and nonfiction, movies, young adults fiction, picture books and kids' fiction.
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If you are having trouble unsubscribing to this newsletter, please contact the Durham County Library at
919-560-0100, Administration Building, 101 E. Morgan St., Durham, NC 27701
librarywebmaster@durhamcountync.gov
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