Abraham Lincoln is coming to the Northwest Regional Library.
The library is one of only 40 libraries in the country, and the only location in Florida, to host “Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America,” a traveling exhibit featuring reproduced artifacts from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Ill.
Opening this Saturday, the exhibit runs through June 25.
Joan O’brien from the Northwest Regional Library said the exhibit covers Lincoln’s entire life, from his birth to eventual assassination at the hands of John Wilkes Booth.
As the only library in the entire Lee County system to boast exhibition space, O’brien said their efforts focus on educational experiences.
“One of our priorities at this library is to be educational, to inspire lifelong learning,” she said. “I think there’s so many things we don’t know about these statesmen, and every age will be able to pick up something.”
Free and open to the public, the exhibit includes related program through the month of June on topics that include Mary Todd Lincoln, the Civil War and interactive demonstrations of period crafts. A film series is offered for all ages and children will enjoy the Young Abe Lincoln Story and Craft program.
O’brien said former Northwest Regional Library Branch Manager Ava Barret was able to secure grants that allowed the library to get the exhibit.
With the library open less than a year, O’brien said the facility is averaging 1,000 people a day, and expects the Lincoln exhibit to be a draw for all ages.
“We want to be a library that gives people what they want, not just what we think they should have,” O’brien added. “We want to be a community center as well as library … we’re welcoming everyone in the community.”
For additional information on “Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America,” call the Northwest Regional Library at 533-4700.