Upcoming Events at the Cold Spring Harbor Library

The Power of Story: World War I Propaganda and the Work of James Thurber

Professor Don Parker will discuss the public relations and propaganda that led to the U.S. involvement in World War I, followed by a lighter presentation on humorist James Thurber, New Yorker columnist and illustrator, at the Cold Spring Harbor Library & Environmental Center.  All are invited to attend this free program on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 2 pm. Advance registration is suggested.

When President Woodrow Wilson ran for a second term in 1916, the slogan of his campaign was “He kept us out of war.” However, when Germany violated international law on unrestricted submarine warfare and sunk American merchant ships, forcing the United States’ April 1917 declaration of war. President Wilson needed to drastically change his message to secure support for the war effort, and secure it promptly. Professor Parker will discuss the successful strategies and techniques employed to persuade the American public that the war was being fought “to make the world safe for democracy,” and the lasting effects of that success on the American psyche.

While President Wilson campaigned for the hearts and minds of Americans, James Thurber won his audience through wit and whimsy. An author and illustrator, Thurber delighted readers with his humorous cartoons, aphorisms, short stories, plays, and books, including “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” Professor Parker will reintroduce attendees to the prolific talent’s work, including a viewing of the animated short film “A Unicorn in the Garden.”

Complete a Defensive Driving Course in a Single Day

Refresh your driving knowledge, reduce your points, and save on insurance premiums, all in one Saturday afternoon! Ramona Tracy, an instructor for the Empire Safety Council, will cover all of the material in this full-day session at the Cold Spring Harbor Library on Saturday, November 8 from 10:30am to 4:30pm.

 Benefits of this defensive driving course include:

• A 10% reduction on all vehicle liability, PIP, and collision insurance for three years!
• Removal of up to four points from your driving record
• All students receive two official certificates
• New York’s most state-specific course, not a boring generic national program
• No formal testing, everyone passes!

This program is open to all; you do not need to be member of the Cold Spring Harbor Library to attend. Please register in person at the Library’s Information Services Desk before November 1.  A check for $30, payable to instructor Ramona Tracy, is required at the time of registration.

Remember to bring a bag lunch and your NYS driver’s license to the class!

The mission of the Cold Spring Harbor Library & Environmental Center is to serve and promote the informational, cultural, educational, and recreational needs of our residents. Additionally, we offer many exciting programs that are open to all.

For Library hours and more information, call 631-692-6820 x200, visit www.cshlibrary.org, or download our app, CSH Mobile.