“If this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to all—except the censor. We must know all the facts and hear all the alternatives and listen to all the criticisms. Let us welcome controversial books and controversial authors. For the Bill of Rights is the guardian of our security as well as our li”

American politician, 35th president of the United States

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, known as JFK, was an American politician and the 35th president of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. He was 43 when elected, the youngest elected president, and the first Roman Catholic to hold the office. Before the presidency, Kennedy served Massachusetts in both houses of Congress as a Democrat. He is remembered for his brief presidency and for the public voice that accompanied it, especially on national life, civic duty, and the responsibilities of leadership.