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July is an exciting month at SLCC with summer fun, holiday celebrations, and so many friends traveling. First, make sure you have time reserved for visiting the main library on July Fourth for our BOOK SALE! We will have hardcovers, westerns, and audio books in the hardcover library. The paperbacks this year will be set up just outside the doors leading to the veranda. We enjoy talking to all friends of books – we will be there from 9 am to 2 pm. The Declaration of Independence was composed to clarify and justify the actions of the Second Continental Congress, which was to assume the powers of governing. It was written to King George III and the world to read, a public statement affirming the tyranny of the English King and a testament to the hypocrisy of the English Parliament. The colonists saw themselves as Englishmen, supposedly with all the rights of Englishmen. But they experienced the effects of numerous usurpations of principles of English liberty. By writing the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress clearly identified the principles which had been broken, as well as a purpose in the Congress becoming the official government of the united colonies. Five delegates were appointed in June 1776; three weeks later Jefferson had completed the draft. The preamble specifically serves to inform the reader that it was necessary for those declaring their independence to state the reasons why. Last month information on the Man Booker Award; this month the Pulitzer Prize. Joseph Pulitzer, famous newspaper publisher, willed money to Columbia University to administer awarding prizes for excellence in writing. Starting in 1917 prizes have been awarded for achievements in newspaper, magazine, online, journalism, literature, poetry, and musical composition occurring in the US. Annually, winners in each of 21 categories receive a certificate and a $15,000 prize. The winner in public service in journalism receives in addition to the money a gold medal. Richard Russo, Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction, was born on July 15, 1949, in Johnstown, NY, and grew up in upstate NY in Gloversville, which approximates the setting for most of his tales. His father left the family when Richard was a boy; troubled relationships between fathers and sons haunt many of his novels. The economics and working lives in Gloversville and similar towns, along with Russo's work in construction as a young man, informs his writing with a blue-collar aesthetic. His breakout work, Nobody's Fool in 1993 was made into a well-reviewed movie starring Paul Newman. He won the Pulitzer in 2002 for 2001's Empire Falls. Empire Falls is a small town that is in decline and is populated with colorful characters. Here the past is visible and seems to have a grip on the present. Russo lets the characters tell the story and doesn't draw conclusions - as comfort and feuds are provided by lifelong friends and antagonists. There is a new shelf in the paperback library, in the bookcase for large print books, for New York Times bestsellers (the books are large print). Keep your eyes out for newer novels as these go quick! Library Committee 22 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JULY 2017 | Don't miss our annual Fourth of July Book Sale!