We host a lot of programs at Mentor Public Library and it’s hard to catch them all.

And sometimes you miss one you really wanted to see.

That’s why we’ve started MPL Talks, where we post full programs online for you to watch at your convenience. It’s not quite the same as being there. (For example, you don’t get to ask questions.) But it’s better than missing out.

Recently, our own Dr. John Foster—who, in addition to being a librarian, also has a doctorate degree in history—discussed the Battle of Stalingrad as part of our Major Battles of World War II series.

Foster examined:

  • the ideological differences between Hitler and Stalin’s brands of totalitarianism
  • Hitler’s intention with targeting Russia’s oil fields
  • Operation Barbarossa, which preceded the battle
  • readings from a German’s soldier diary during the battle
  • the battle’s effect on the Eastern European front and war
  • the startling loss of life that made Stalingrad the bloodiest battle in a bloody, bloody war.

Our World War II series continues in August with The Battle of the Bulge.

If you’re interested in seeing more of Dr. Foster’s programs, you can find them on our YouTube page, including his talks on Napoleonic France and the German Final Solution.