A fireside chat with FDR at Ida Public Library

By Lisa Rodgers

Reporter

BELVIDERE – “Born on Jan. 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York, Franklin D. Roosevelt was stricken with polio in 1921. He became the 32nd U.S. president in 1933, and was the only president to be elected four times. Roosevelt led the United States through the Great Depression and World War II, and greatly expanded the powers of the federal government through a series of programs and reforms known as the New Deal. Roosevelt died in Georgia in 1945,” according to biography.com

On April 9 at 6:00 p.m. R.J. Lindsey, a Chicago actor and historical impersonator will be portraying Franklin D. Roosevelt in a “Fireside Chat” at Ida Public Library. Admission is free and open to the public.  No registration is required. The program is sponsored by the Friends of Ida Public Library.

“R.J. Lindsey will be portraying Franklin D. Roosevelt in a ‘Fireside Chat.’ We thought having FDR come to the library would attract people’s interest due to the recent release of Ken Burns’ documentary, The Roosevelts.  He will also answer questions from the audience after his presentation.” said Local History and Genealogy Librarian Jillian Fuller.

R.J. Lindsey is an historical dramatist.  He has a Masters degree from Illinois State
University and is also a member of Actor’s Equity, the Screen Actor’s Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

His performance is based on extensive research and attention to detail. Lindsey uses only documented speeches, letters and anecdotes while using his 35 years of experience to create a living portrait.
His presentation of the “Fireside Chat” is described as the following: “The president speaks informally about his presidency, Eleanor, Winston Churchill, Orson Wells, and his Scotty dog Fala. Listen as FDR reads Depression era letters from citizens asking for help, the most touching from children, and recounts the New Deal programs designed to help in the days when the people mattered,”  according to www.rjlindsey.com

Additional programs on the schedule at Ida Public Library include:

The Friends of Ida Public Library Spring Book Sale.

Wednesday April 29 – Fri. May 1, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Saturday May 2, 10 a.m. to noon

Become a member of the Friends of Ida Public Library and shop early Tuesday, April 28 at 5 p.m.  $5 at the door to attend the Members Preview Sale. Most items are under $1 and as the week goes on, the prices keep dropping. Find that book you’ve always wanted to buy! Magazines, tapes, CDs, and VHS videos are available for purchase as well.

Early Literacy Workshops for Parents

Wednesday April 15 at 10:50 a.m. after Preschool Storytime

The workshop will be led by Jeffrey Katz, Executive Director of the Montessori Private Academy of Rockford.

Early literacy is essential for your little one and translates into future success in school. In this workshop, you will learn how to build awareness and competencies in your child at home from a very early age. You will also get an introduction to the Montessori Method, which assists young children in learning to read from an early age, with slides of actual classroom work.

Ida Public Library is located at 320 N. State St. Belvidere. For more information please call Jillian Fuller at (815) 544-3838 ext. 305. Visit www.idapubliclibrary.org for more information on upcoming events.