Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying, “…whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government….” (as cited in Padover, 1939, pg. 89).

 With national elections next month, it’s important to keep informed of the issues and learn about the candidates. It is often difficult to gain an understanding of the issues and candidates’ positions by watching television and campaign commercials alone. Reading newspapers, news magazines, and a variety of news sources enables voters to delve deeper into the issues and develop their own informed opinions. The North Wester Public Library is the place where you can do just that.

The NWPL has available a variety of newspapers, periodicals, and online news sources to help you sort through the issues, know where candidates stand on those issues, and make informed decisions come Election Day.

The NWPL subscribes to nine national, regional, and local newspapers to keep you up to date on what’s happening throughout the world as well as in your home town.  “I come to the Library to read the Indianapolis Star, because the daily issues are no longer sold in town. You can only buy the Sunday edition,” explained patron Patrick Perry.

In addition, the NWPL offers over 150 periodicals covering a full range of topics and interests. Current magazine issues must be read in the NWPL, but past issues can be checked out and read at home.

So come into the NWPL, grab a cup of coffee and a newspaper, settle down on the sofa, and read up on the day’s news. Then be prepared to vote on Nov. 6. Voter registration forms are also available at the NWPL. Just ask for one at the front desk, fill it out, and take or mail it to your nearest voter registration office.

History and Genealogy Classes
In the NWPL’s Local History and Genealogy Center, the “We Remember War Series” will continue with its second session covering the Civil War at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, with Eric Lowman as the guest speaker.

The Beginning Genealogy Class follows the next day at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, as LHGC Director Beth Smith teaches beginning genealogists how to get started researching their family history.

Story Time
Preschool Story Time will continue its “Pets with Mrs. Pam” theme by focusing on dogs at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10.

NWPL Opens Late
Remember, the NWPL will not open until 2 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 5, so the staff can participate in staff training to better serve our patrons.