Prisoners of War Arrive During World War II, the U.S. was “home” to over 425,000 prisoners of war (POWs). They were Japanese, German and Italians from the Axis countries  captured by U.S forces and our allies in far off battlefields. Since there was no room in the rear to hold the rising number of POWs, they were sent in empty transport ships to America. Many arrived at the Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation. Italian POWs Arriving at Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation Transfer to Camps After processing, the POWs typically...

By now I hope you've read our previous By Teens, For Teens blog posts and are starting to look forward to them! This series is all teen-created content and makes it that much more awesome (IMHO). This month we have a two-for-one deal with a book review and read-alikes list both by Elaina S., age 15. Please enjoy! Book Review: The Chase by Elle Kennedy Rating: 4 out of 5 stars The Chase by Elle Kennedy is about a wealthy college student, Summer Heyward-Di Laurentis, and her life living with her crush, Colin Fitzgerald. As someone...

Music of the Month is a monthly round-up of RPL's programs and resources related to music. Gellman Room Concerts @ RPL The Gellman Room Concert season is complete, but you can always watch past concerts on RPL's YouTube page. If you watch April 24's concert by River City Opera, check out the program here. From Our Collection Jimi Hendrix's musical career was short, but productive. So productive that archival recordings and unfinished songs continue to be released by his estate (and in bootleg form). His music also...

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This monthly celebration recognizes people from the East, the Southeast, the Indian subcontinent and the Pacific Islands.  Although we sometimes group these peoples together, it is important to remember that they have distinct cultures, nationalities, languages and histories. These nations and their members have a rich history with the United States and those who immigrated here have enriched our country over generations. Sadly, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are experiencing a...