1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

For more than 200 years, the White House has been more than just the home of the Presidents of the United States and their families. Throughout the world, it is recognized as the symbol of the President, of the President's administration, and of the United States.

On November 1, 1800, John Adams and his wife Abigail were the first family to take up residence at the White House, a then unfinished building in the heart of Washington, D.C. Since that time, each President has made his own changes and additions to the facility. The White House is, after all, the President's private home. It is also the only private residence of a head of state that is open to the public, free of charge.

Throughout its history, the President's residence was also referred to as the President's Palace, the President's House, and the Executive Mansion. The popular designation "White House" did not become official until 1901, when Theodore Roosevelt had the name engraved on his stationery.

Some interesting details about the White House include: 

• The White House requires 570 gallons of paint to cover its outside surface. 
• There are 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels in the Residence. There are also 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators.
• The White House grounds cover 18 acres. Before the construction of the North Portico, most public events were entered from the South Lawn, which was graded and planted by Thomas Jefferson.
• With 5 full-time chefs, the White House kitchen is able to serve dinner to as many as 140 guests and hors d'oeuvres to more than 1,000.
• For recreation, the White House has a variety of facilities available to its residents, including a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theatre, and bowling lane.

This is your opportunity to take a quick trip to the White House. Visit the book display located by the front door of the library where a computer monitor is positioned. Use the computer to take the interactive tour of the White House and see what is inside. The virtual visit will give you a chance to look at the structure and visit the West Wing, Residence, East Wing, and South Lawn of this landmark dwelling place that becomes the home and work location for each President of the United States and the presidential family during the President's term of office.

Graphic Novel Display: The Dark Knight Rises

The Al Harris Library is home to a diverse collection of graphic novels. On July 20th,
The Dark Knight Rises 

premieres on the big screen. 

To coincide with the release of the final chapter in this contemporary trilogy of Batman films, we have collected some of the graphic novels in our collection that detail the history of DC Comics’ Dark Knight. These books served to inspire this film.

 

Batman debuted in Detective Comics #27 May 1939), created by writer, Bob Kane and artist, Bill Finger.

Although the concept has been modified, extrapolated and adapted into other media, the Batman mythos continues to evolve and serve as a reflection of the times.  

Please be advised, this display contains books that are representative of the serious, dark tone reflected in the newest films, and, as such, depict the Batman in an equally mature manner.

Feel free to check out any of these books!

Just ask the staff at the Circulation Desk for assistance.

Explore the Lives of Others Through Biography

Would you like to learn more about people who have in some way made changes to our world?  Reading a biography is a great way to find out more about the individuals who have influenced us. The Al Harris Library owns many books that have been written about the lives of people from different backgrounds, locations, fields of study, and various occupations. The books displayed are just a small sample of what is available for check out on the second floor of the library.  Videos and audiobooks are also available for you to check out and enjoy.

The display also provides a small sample of video resources that focus on the lives of others through both popular films and documentaries.  These examples include the popular films: Pollock, The Hiding Place, Tuskegee Airmen, and A Beautiful Mind along with clips from the documentaries: Woody Guthrie, Hoop Dreams, and Indians, Outlaws and Angie Debo.

As the summer continues, relax and experience a life of the past or the present by reading an interesting biography. It's a great way to enjoy a hot summer day.