Great moments in history and popular culture happen every day, and ON THIS DAY will share a few of them with you. We'll also point you to related resources in our collection, helping you to discover classic films, musical favorites, and historical tidbits. The preimary focus will be on our e-material -- e-books, e-audio, and downloadable and streamable music and film -- but physical books and DVDs will also be part of the fun.

	On this day in 1779, Francis Scott Key was born. His poem "Defence of Fort McHenry," written during the War of 1812, was adapted by a music publisher and set to the tune of a popular drinking song. The result was "The Star-Spangled Banner," which Congress made the National Anthem in 1931. Key was also an attorney who served as United States Attorney for the District of Columbia for eight years. Jefferson Morley's Snow-Storm in August tells the story of one of the most controversial cases from Key's tenure; it's available in print, and as an Axis360 e-book.
	On this day in 1819, Herman Melville was born. Moby Dick is the work for which he is best remembered, though his earlier novels Typee and Omoo were better received when they were published. Moby Dick began a downward slide in Melville's reputation, and by the time of his death, he was largely neglected as an author. It was not until thirty years after his death that a critical re-appraisal began, and Melville is now acknowledged as one of America's finest authors. Moby Dick is availble as an e-book or e-audio from OverDrive, in print, or in audio.
	And on this day in 1960, Chuck D was born. He is the leader of Public Enemy, whose music is socially and politically conscious, often criticizing the media for its treatment of African-Americans and racism. He has a powerful voice, and says that he counts sportscasters like Marv Albert among his influences. Public Enemy's 1990 album Fear of a Black Planet is available for streaming at Hoopla.