After Harry retired from the presidency, he and Mrs. Truman moved back to Independence to become "ordinary citizens." In the evenings, in the study at the home on Delaware Street, he continued to read history while Bess read her mystery stories.
Truman believed that "Libraries are one of the fine things of this country," and the books he read helped him in life.
| He was inspired to create a library of his own to house the documents of the history he had made as president. He wanted a library of archives -- historical documents -- a place to preserve and make available his presidential files and records. |  |
He hoped he could reach the young people of America and talk to them about the workings of the government, and the functions of the presidency.
Harry truly believed that hard work, honesty, and a "never give up in your beliefs" attitude would go farther toward reaching ones' goals than manipulation or force, and that the way to true greatness lies in books.
The Truman Presidential library opened to the public in 1957. It is located on 24 Highway in Independence, Missouri. (816-833-1400)
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"I owe a great deal to the public library of the City of Independence. I have always had a great deal of respect and admiration for the men and women who work in libraries, and who make the knowledge and the experience contained in the world of books available to the public. Along with the teachers of our youth, you perform a great public service . . . Education is the fundamental basis on which a free government is founded." |
| In a speech to a school group he said, "Readers of good books, particularly books of biography and history are preparing themselves for leadership. Not all readers become leaders, but ALL leaders must be readers." (See "You Are What You Read!" |  |
Many readers become historians and teachers. They are retiring, timid when publicity is involved, and are among the greatest assets to this republic. Political leaders like publicity. It does them little good unless the historical background is there to support the publicity. No one ever loses by reading history, great literature, and even newspapers.
"While still a boy I could see that history had some extremely valuable lessons to teach. I learned from it that a leader is a man who has the ability to get other people to do what they don't want to do, and like it."
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"Study the lives of great men--the truly great men--who have made sacrifices for the betterment of the world, and their individual countries and communities. I found that the first victory they won was over themselves . . . self discipline with all of them came first. I found that most of the really great ones never thought they were great." |
