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Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter stand in an Inaugural Parade reviewing stand. Carter is smiling at Walter and Joan Mondale. Soldiers inside and outside of the reviewing stand salute. (Darrell C. Crain, Jr. Photograph Collection, The People’s Archive, DC Public Library)
President Jimmy Carter served as a transformative leader and humanitarian, steering America through complex times and later focusing on global human rights. Carter, who passed away on December 29, deeply valued the role of libraries as pillars for education and democracy. As we reflect on President Carter's lasting impact, we are reminded of his dedication to education, community and the belief in the power of knowledge.
Carter, the Author
President Carter was the author of more than 30 books that cover a range of topics, including memoirs, politics and even poetry. His memoirs "Keeping Faith" (1982) and "An Hour Before Daylight" (2001) were critically acclaimed. His book "Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis" (2005) won the Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album. His writings, often reflective of his personal and political life, have been noteworthy for their insight into his years in office and his post-presidential humanitarian work. For more titles, visit your neighborhood library or the catalog.
Carter, the Amplifier
President Carter’s vision for libraries connected him to Washingtonian Lillian J. Huff. With roles ranging from precinct captain to delegate at the 1972 Democratic National Convention, Huff was a force in local politics. She was also pivotal in making libraries focal points for community growth and was instrumental in securing the funding for the original Lamond-Riggs Library. Huff led the District’s delegation to the White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services in 1978. President Jimmy Carter later appointed Huff Vice-Chairperson of the Pre-White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services. Her legacy is cemented in the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library, which opened in July 2022.
In addition, customers can learn more about President Carter and his impact through the following resources:
Gale in Context: Biography
Learn more about President Carter through biographies with related full-text articles from hundreds of periodicals, as well as thousands of images and links to hand-picked Web sites.
Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President
Part-rockumentary, part-presidential portrait, JIMMY CARTER: ROCK & ROLL PRESIDENT charts the role of rock music in Jimmy Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign and beyond.