Library commemorates moon landing anniversary Saturday

Stephen Mills of the Arkansas Sky Observatory will present “The Legacy of Apollo 11,” a program about the 50th anniversary of the first manned moon landing on July 20, 1969, at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Ave.

“One of the crowning achievements of the greatest generation was the landing of the first humans on the moon,” the library said in a news release. “Fifty years later, we are still the beneficiaries of that achievement. In an engaging talk presented by the Arkansas Sky Observatory, learn about the motivations and struggles faced by the Apollo program in their quest to get to the moon, a program opposed by many Americans at the time. Learn how the landing was accomplished and how we are still benefiting from it even today. Following the talk, explore NASA memorabilia from the Mercury, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs along with meteorites, fossils, and much more.”

“NASA and the Apollo program represent the best of what we are as a country. I believe that the Garland County Library does, as well. Both are run by dedicated public servants working hard for the benefit of all and striving to inspire the next generation of explorers,” said Adam Webb, the library’s assistant director and NASA ambassador.

The moon landing’s 50th anniversary is a “monumental occasion being celebrated in libraries across the county,” the release said. The national theme for this year’s Summer Reading Program is “A Universe of Stories” so, in addition to the library’s regular programming, there has been a special focus on space-themed and STEM programs.

There is no attendance fee for the program, but advance registration is required.

The summer reading incentive program will continue through July for adults and will end on July 26 for children and teens. Information about the Summer Reading Program is available at http://www.gclibrary.com, or call 501-623-4161.