Fourth of July Fast Facts

In honor of the upcoming holiday, here are some (non-Will-Smith-related) Independence Day facts before the parades, picnics, and fireworks begin:

1. Most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence actually endorsed the document on July 2nd, when the Second Continental Congress voted in Philadelphia to declare independence from Britain. Only two people signed on the 4th.
2. Most Founding Fathers agreed on a July 4th anniversary, but due to the above, John Adams vociferously opposed the celebration of the holiday on the 4th. He insisted that the 2nd was the correct date and refused to partake in the festivities on that day.
3. One President was born on the 4th of July: Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, in 1872.
4. And three Presidents died on the 4th. They included three of the first five presidents: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. The second president, Adams, and the third, Jefferson, both died in 1826, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration.
5. Independence Day has been “solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations” (John Adams) since 1776, but July 4th was only adopted as an official federal holiday in 1870.

Touro Libraries wishes everybody a happy, safe, and festive Fourth of July!

Everything In Its Place: Inventory Season at Touro Libraries

Inventory in action: Midtown staff, Librarian Toby Krausz and Library Assistant Valerie Schrager, scanning books

Call numbers allow us to pinpoint the exact location of a book, even if its one among thousands. But what happens if a book gets put back in the wrong place?

The Health Issue: Awareness and Research

(via flickr)

The New York Times Magazine of May 15^th 2016 issue was dedicated to the anatomy of cancer. For most of us it is a very sad and disturbing issue, and in majority people do not like to talk about it or even mention the word. I know that it is not a pleasant topic, but I think that it is very important to build a good understanding and spread awareness about different health issues including “The big C”. One of the starting points in understanding is the development and genetics behind the disease. One of the articles does a great job in creating a clear picture through images and facts what the development of cancer looks like:

Reflections on How the Internet Has Evolved During the Past Twenty Years

90s students at the Gottesman Library, Columbia Teacher’s College

I have always had a strong liking for libraries, though it is difficult to pinpoint why this is the case.  Perhaps it all began while I was a child at Lenox elementary school while I was living in Saint Louis Park Minnesota.  Or, maybe it began while I was an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota (I always liked quiet, unassuming and serene open spaces).  Indeed, the Walter Library at the university is in fact considered one of the most beautiful academic libraries in the United States.  And of course, as an undergraduate, I would spend an endless amount of time studying for class; and if I was not studying, I would take a break by browsing the stacks, sometimes losing myself for hours on end, pursuing my recreational interest in Ancient Greek Philosophy.

Happy Shavuot!

Shavuot, or the Festival of Weeks marks 7 weeks since the conclusion of the Jewish Exodus from Egypt, when the Torah and the Ten Commandments were received at Mount Sinai. Read more about the meaning of Shavuot and its traditions. 

This year, Shavuot begins the evening of June 11th and concludes the 13th. All library locations will be closed on Monday in observation of the holiday. 

International Student Visas

(via Flickr)

This post was contributed by Shaileshkumar Solanki, student at Touro Graduate School of Business.  

I was very excited to study in the U.S.A. I landed at Detroit International Airport on May 20, 2015 at 2.00 pm. As per the rules, I had to complete the formal Port of Entry procedures. It was the biggest interview of my life. My Port of Entry interview has started at 2:30 pm and finished at 8:00 pm (almost 5-6 hours). But based on my documents and the conversation between me and the Immigration office, I successfully landed here. So, based on my experience, I would like to share some information for all the students who want to study in United States of America.

Adventures in 3D Printing: Jawbone Edition

Until fairly recently, I was not familiar with 3D printing technology.  Now I encounter daily news stories and articles about 3D printing in healthcare, at colleges and universities, and even the growth of maker fairs and the maker movement.