Florida Public Library celebrates Seward Day on Saturday

FLORIDA-The Florida Public Library will observe the 204th birthday of native son William Henry Seward on Saturday, May 14. Seward, a renowned abolitionist, served as Governor of New York and was Secretary of State for President Lincoln. He also is famous for his purchase of Alaska, known as "Seward's Folly." The day's events will begin with the Friends of the Florida Public Library's annual used book sale at the Seward Senior Center, next to the library, from 8 a.m. n 3 p.m. Fiction, non-fiction, romance, western and children's titles will all be on sale in hardcover and paperback formats at prices ranging from .50 - $2 each. Boxed donations of books in good condition are now being accepted at the library, or may be brought the day of the sale. To volunteer with set-up, sales or clean-up, please call Friends President Barbara Sunkel at 651-2308. Following the Florida Historical Society's morning ceremony at the S.S. Seward Institute, the focus of activities will return to Cohen Circle. While the book sale continues and the Historical Society Museum is open for browsing, the library will offer a special program for family members of all ages at 1 p.m. Singer and songwriter Lalia Madriguera will present "Flash! Bam! Alakazam!" featuring popular songs from the 1920s, '30s and '40s with rhythms that range from swing to the Latin conga and samba. Children will learn and parents will remember these classic songs. Music lovers are invited to sing along, dance along and learn the conga. Children who bring a grandparent to the program will receive a special gift. Immediately after the program, Secretary Seward's birthday will be celebrated with ice cream cake for everyone. Local history buffs are invited to stay for another program at 2:30 p.m. highlighting the "Geology and Archaeology of Orange County." Dr. Philip La Porta, a local geologist and international consultant will discuss local geological formations and Native American industrial sites, including nearby Lookout Mountain. Adults, teens and attentive young listeners will enjoy this expert look at how our region came to assume its familiar and varied contours. Registration is required for both programs. Drop in or call the library at 651-7659 to sign up. Residents of other areas are invited to attend as space allows. Florida residents are reminded to vote when the library budget is presented on May 17, at S. S. Seward Institute from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Library trustees Shirley Coughlin and Marie Pillmeier are running unopposed for five-year terms. Further information on the vote can be found in the library's Spring Newsletter which was mailed to all voters last week, or by calling Director Madelyn Folino. Copies of the library budget are available at the circulation desk.