Secrets on the Shelves I

Secrets on the Shelves is a feature where we take a look at an interesting item that is located on the shelves of the New Rochelle Public Library’s collection.

Our first selection is in honor of Women’s History Month and it is located in the 800s on the 2nd floor. It is a book called The Plays and Poems of Mercy Otis Warren.  

Mercy Otis Warren was a female writer who wrote political propagandist poems and plays during the American Revolution. In a time where few women could read or write and those who could did not speak out, Warren spoke out in her plays and poems. In her work, she encouraged colonists to rebel against British rule and the infringement of their rights as citizens.

She corresponded with many of the Founding Fathers during the Revolution such as John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and future presidents George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

Many men are responsible for shaping our nation, but there were also some women whose voices have since been forgotten by the general public. If you’re interested in Mercy’s work, this book can be found on the 2nd floor under the call number 818.109 W.  A biography on Mercy called The Muse of the Revolution: The Secret Pen of Mercy Otis Warren and the Founding of a Nation by Nancy Rubin Stuart is also located on the second floor in the biography section under “W” for Warren.

Contributor: David Torres, Librarian @ NRPL