Presidents Day 2009

With a quick search in Encyclopedia Britannica, I find that the origin of Presidents Day dates back to the 1880s. Originally created to celebrate both George Washington's and Abraham Lincoln's birthday, we now generally celebrate all president's birthdays on this day.

Here are some interesting facts about both men (also found in Encyclopedia Britannica):

• Lincoln's birthday is February 12, as is Charles Darwin, Judy Blume and Darren Aronofsky
  
• as a child, Lincoln was a fervent reader, some of his favored books were Defoe's Robinson Crusoe and Aesop's Fables, later in life, he enjoyed Shakespeare
• Lincoln is often compared to George Washington in character and politics
• Washington's birthday is February 22, as is Ted Kennedy, Steve Irwin, and Drew Barrymore
• Washington enjoyed a good card game, even betting on those games as well
• before politics, Washington was a skilled surveyor

Obviously, you know that the Austin Public Library is closed today, but that shouldn't stop you from doing research. Our databases are always open!