Several book festivals taking place this weekend

There are several book festivals taking place this upcoming weekend.

The South Dakota Festival of Books takes place September 20-22. There is an app available which can be found on the website. There are lots of events taking place, some of which require tickets. Some of these ticketed events are free. There will be authors there as well.

The Library of Congress National Book Festival takes place this Saturday and Sunday on the National Mall. There is a children's and teens pavilion as well.

The Brooklyn Book Festival is taking place this weekend, with a large celebration on September 22 at Brooklyn Borough Hall. This festival also has an associated app available for download from the website. There are youth and children events taking place as well.

If you are in the area of any of these festivals, make sure to attend!

Authentic Civil War Music CD Enriches Study of Conflict's 150th Anniversary

Tuesday, April 12th will mark the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War's first shots fired in anger. The day will include many commemorative events and ongoing exhibits, with the Library of Congress' show of Civil War photographs being among the best.

Teachers and librarians looking to offer added enrichment to print and digital learning opportunities should consider using Enslow Publishers' CD of music of the Civil War. Entitled When Johnny Comes Marching Home, the compact disc includes 18 songs associated with the conflict. The CD offers a high level of musicianship, and features performers such as pianist Jacqueline Schwab (who played the piano on Ken Burns' acclaimed Civil War series). Liner notes include sources of the music, lyrics, explanations of historical references, and comments about what the songs teach us about that era.

Johnny Comes Marching Home is available to schools, teachers, and libraries for the discounted price of $17.95, plus shipping and handling.