Dr. Betty Middleton

Rowan Public Library

Do you think you are well informed about the upcoming primary elections? We have learned more than we ever wanted to know about the candidates — those who are left and those who fell by the wayside.

Between the caucuses, debates and primaries already held, we should have a fairly good
opinion about who we will vote for. But do we really? Doing a little research I discovered that many books have been written about the process and many have been written about the candidates. You might be amazed at what you will learn.

Narrowing the field down to the top two contenders (at this hour) we will look at the publications available for Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

Both Hillary and Bill Clinton have written autobiographies and others have written about the events the Clintons chose to leave out of their autobiographies. In “Hard Choices,” Hillary writes about her role as Secretary of State. She offers her views on what it will take for the United States to compete and thrive. In “Living History,” Hillary tells about the White House years and helping save her husband from impeachment.

After interviewing hundreds of colleagues and friends with unique connections to the Clintons, the prize-winning journalist and author Carl Bernstein has written “A Woman in Charge.” He enables the reader to learn about some of his questions: What is her character? What is her political philosophy? Who is she? What can we expect from her? Will you be surprised?

The majority of the books about Trump have been written by Trump. In “Crippled America: How to Make American Great Again,” Trump states that it is time for action. His blueprint for that is not hard. We simply must: (1) Fix our failing economy; (2) Reform health care so that it is efficient and cost effective; (3) Rebuild our military and start winning wars again; (4) Ensure our education system offers the resources to allow our students to compete internationally so that as job seekers they have the tools to succeed; (5) Bring back jobs to America by closing our doors to illegal immigrants.

One of the books he did not write was “Never Enough: Donald Trump and the Pursuit of Success,” by Michael D’Antonio, in which the author states that Donald Trump is a man whose appetite for wealth, attention, power and conquest is practically insatiable. D’Antonio also states that Trump was a product of the media age and the ME generation, and has developed a larger than-life persona. But if you still wonder “Just who is Donald Trump?” This book will supply the answers.

Ted Cruz wrote “A Time for Truth, Reigniting the Promise of America” that was published in June 2015. Ben Carson’s book, “A More Perfect Union: What People can do to Reclaim Our Constitutional Liberties,” was released in October 2015. “American Dreams: Restoring Economic Opportunity for Everyone,” written by Marcio Rubio, was also released in October 2015.

Computer basics class: Tuesday, March 8, 7-8:30 p.m. at headquarters., 201 W. Fisher St. If you’re new to computers or have never felt comfortable with them, this is the class for you. We’ll go over the very basics of computers, from computer components to how programs are opened and closed. Class on second floor of library. Also Tuesday, March 8, 7-8:30 p.m.

Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash: March 2, 10:30 a.m.-noon, headquarters. Children of all ages are invited to celebrate Dr. Seuss and his very own “Day of all Days.” For if he’d never been born, well then what would we do? No Horton? No Lorax? No Thing One or Thing Two? That really just isn’t a world we can envision so come join us this day for a great celebration. Light refreshments included. Let’s Get Seussical, March 4, 2-3 p.m., South Rowan Regional.

 

Displays: Headquarters, Art from Carolina Artists and Rowan Doll Society; South, paintings by Joseph Johnson; East, Community Care Clinic.

Gallery at headquarters: “Listening to My Ancestors” exhibition of a watercolors by Robert Alvin Crum, March 1-31. The exhibition is funded, in part, by an Arts and Cultural Development Grant from the Rowan Arts Council.