Americans celebrate Independence Day with many patriotic displays, including parades, fireworks, and civic events. On July 4 we remember the many Americans who sacrificed their lives to make the United States a free country. Many of us will celebrate the holiday with picnics and barbecues, baseball games, family reunions, reading, and other enjoyable activities.
Perhaps you'd like to know more about this momentous holiday. On July 4, 1776, Congress declared that the original...
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Lindsey Tonsager has been on the Mechanics' Institute Board of Trustees since 2016. She is currently the President of the Board of Trustees and previously served as Corporate Secretary and on the Program, Library, Governance, and Audit Committees. An attorney and partner at Covington and Burling LLC, Lindsey co-chairs the firm’s global data privacy and cybersecurity practice.
What attracted you to Mechanics' Institute and what do you enjoy most abo...
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Librarian Taryn Edwards has managed the activities for writers at the Mechanics’ Institute for twelve years. One of the writers she works with, Chun Yu, has found the pandemic to be particularly fruitful for her creative endeavors.
Taryn Edwards: Chun, tell me how you found out about the Mechanics’ Institute.
...
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EBOOKS
Georgina Lawton Raceless : in search of family, identity, and the truth about where I belong
Ioan Grillo Blood gun money : how America arms gangs and cartels
Emma Southon A fatal thing happened on the way to the forum murder in ancient Rome
Chip Jacobs...
E-AUDIOBOOKS
Jess Zimmerman Women and other monsters : building a new mythology
Ellen McGarrahan Two truths and a lie : a murder, a private investigator, and her search for justice
Justin Fenton We own this city : a true story of crime, cops, and corruption
Paul Sen...
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Non-fiction
Arts, Architecture & Crafts
Liam Wong TO:KY:OO 779.092 W87
Alice Neel Alice Neel : people come first 750.92 N378pe
George W Bush Out of many, one : portraits of America's immigrants 759.13 B978
Bio...
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FICTION
Roy Jacobsen The unseen
Katherine Heiny Early morning riser
Angeline Boulley Firekeeper's daughter
Sally Hepworth The good sister
Rónán Hession...
Did you know that Mechanics’ Institute has recorded more than 50 events from 2020-21, including "Your Story Well Told," "No Poetry, No Peace," "You, Recharged," and many others on MI's YouTube channel? You'll find scores of panel discussions, poetry readings, history lectures, authors presenting new books, and conversations about the writing craft from local experts:
Most of these videos are fro...
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Pride is a celebration of the lives and history of the LGBTQ community. We’ve chosen some important nonfiction books that highlight Bay Area history, emphasizing the social movements that have shaped the LGBTQIA+ experience. If you’re a San Francisco history buff, a few of these are must-reads!
Gay by the Bay: A History of Queer Culture in the San Fra...
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There's nothing quite like driving an open road on a sunny day to set your mind at ease. Once the bags are packed, the destination charted, and the vehicle readied, the adventure can begin. Let's not forget the audiobooks! For travel companions with different reading tastes, finding that perfect listening experience might require a little work and advice. Luckily, we're all ears at Mechanics' Institute, and we have a list of engaging audiobooks on CD or ...
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