Library Links: Patch's 2012 Voter Guide

While Patch’s coverage of the upcoming election has been thought-provoking, extensive and non-partisan, there are still a large amount of undecided voters wandering around the country.  Current polls are quoting averages of 2-4% of voters are undecided, and there are currently 207,643,594 registered voters.  That’s where your Kirkwood Public Library can help!

Not only will the Library serve as an official polling place on November 6th, but we also have a vast supply of materials aimed at giving the undecided some valuable information on both the candidates and the array of issues facing the Office of the President of the United States of America.  Already decided?  Take a look back at the history of previous office-holders, or enjoy some lighter takes on the issues by political commentators and pundits.

Here are some of the most popular titles - look for them in our Hot Reads, located at the front of the library, across from the circulation desk:

Get To Know The Candidates –

Barack Obama, The Story by David Maraniss – a 600 page tome from a Washington Post editor, full of “riveting stories, shrewd observations and fascinating details.”

The Obamas by Jodi Kantor – Kantor explores the marriage and working relationship of Barack and Michelle Obama.

The Real Romney by Michael Kranish and Scott Helman  - two Boston Globe reporters have written a “narrative that’s absorbing and fair-minded.”

Mitt Romney, An Inside Look at the Man and His Politics by R.B. Scott – an in-depth look at the family, religion, and personal history that shaped Romney’s political beliefs.

Study the Issues -

 The Battle Over Health Care by Rosemary Gibson – a non-partisan analysis of Obama’s health care reform.

Obama’s War by James Gannon - a discussion of the strategy needed in Afghanistan.

Drift by Rachel Maddow – MSNBC anchor Maddow explores why we go to war.

The Opinions of the Media –                                                                                              

It’s The Middle Class, Stupid by James Carville and Stan Greenberg

Trickle Down Tyranny by Michael Savage

Cowards by Glenn Beck

For these and many more titles take a peek at our What’s New blog.  It features In The News:  The Political Climate – Read Before You Decide!  We also have a collection of the most current news periodicals, as well as access to databases, such as eLibrary, which provides full text for national and international newspapers and magazines and television and radio transcripts.  Missing this election?  You can always register to vote at your Kirkwood Public Library! 

So please keep your Kirkwood Public Library in mind when you are reflecting on the state of the union, or feel a need to better inform yourself on the politics of the day.  In the words of Thomas Jefferson: “We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”

Lisa Henry is the Director of Operations at the Kirkwood Public Library and is currently reading “The Playdate” by Louise Millar.