THE FDR LIBRARY

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum is America's first presidential library -- and the only one used by a sitting president. It was conceived and built under President Roosevelt's direction and opened t the public in 1941. Earlier Presidents had taken their papers with them when they left office or deposited them with an existing library. FDR planned a new library for his where they would be better protected and made accessible to scholars. Roosevelt also wanted the library to preserve some of his books, (there are 44,000 books there today), mementos of office, and his extensive collection of navla prints, paintings and models, He donated 16 acres of his home, Springwood estate. Built by private subscription the building was completed and turned over to the government in 1940.
In 1943 he donated his home and 33 acres to the American people.Today it is a 290 acre historic site six miles north of Poughkeepsie in NY state, about an hour and a half drive from NYC.
And yesterday The Bookman was fortunate to spend a day at FDR's former home and his Presidential library.
It was a fascinating experience and I came away with increased admiratiion for this man who led the US out of the Great Depression and was their leader through World War Two. He served for 12 years, the longest-ever serving President. He played the same sort of role for the US as Winston Churchill did for the UK. They were of course great allies and became firm friends.Sadly he died aged 63 just before WW2 ended.