No labor on Labor Day

We call it Labor Day.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor website, "Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.  The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City.  In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country."  

Labor Day is celebrated with parades, speeches, and picnics.  For most of us, it's a day of rest.  We don't do a lot of "labor" on Labor Day.  But aside from getting a paid holiday, it is a reminder that American workers have done a lot for this nation. 

The most often cited example of business success is Henry Ford.  Ford may not have been the nicest or most tolerant guy in the world, but he figured out how to create processes that changed manufacturing forever.  He gave thousands of people jobs and produced consistent products that last a long time.  Wikipedia says, "Although Ford did not invent the automobile, he developed and manufactured the first automobile that many middle class Americans could afford to buy.  He is credited with "Fordism": mass production of inexpensive goods coupled with high wages for workers. His intense commitment to systematically lowering costs resulted in many technical and business innovations, including a franchise system that put dealerships throughout most of North America and in major cities on six continents."  Pretty impressive.

So, while you sip on your ice tea, and enjoy the grilled brats this weekend; think about the amazing heritage of American workers.  Then you can feel a little better as you trundle off to work on Tuesday morning.  Rise American workers, it's another day.

All of our library locations will be closed on Monday to honor Labor Day.  But on Tuesday, the fall programming season begins.  We have storytimes beginning at all library locations. Check our library calendar for times and locations.

I'm excited that Dubuque County Library will be hosting two local authors.  In September, Jessica Schmitt who grew up in Rickardsville, will be talking about her first novel "Monster Under the Bed."  And, in October, Heather Gundenkauf, a Dubuque native, will be visiting our library book discussion group to talk about her third novel, "One Breath Away."  Last weekend I started reading Heather's book.  It is about a small, Iowa town and what happens when a gunman walks into the school.  It is riveting.  I loved her debut novel, "The Weight of Silence;" a powerful, nail-biting family drama.  I could hardly put it down.  The second novel, "These Things Hidden," is another family drama focused on two sisters and the secrets they both carry.  If you like Jodi Picoult who wrote "My Sister's Keeper" which was a big best-seller, you will like Heather Gudenkauf.  Check out our library's website, www.dubcolib.lib.ia.us for dates and details.

Have a fun, restful, long weekend.  Dawn