Come join us for “java and sidearms” (coffee and the fixings) on the second Tuesday of every month. Learn or discuss something new about the Second World War in a friendly and informal environment. Come every month or just drop in on the days you can make it.

September's World War Tuesday topic (Sept. 12th, 10:30 AM) is the history of Lifeshare Blood Center, founded in 1942 as the Memorial Blood Bank of Shreveport to serve the needs of the war effort and the community. It was one of the very first blood banks in the nation! Its Strumia Dried Plasma System, which allowed for blood donations to be turned into dried plasma and shipped to injured troops in WWII, was only the second one in North America, the first belonging to the US Navy. Rafael Cordozo, Account Manager for Lifeshare Blood Center, will give this can't-miss presentation. For those who are willing and able, Lifeshare will also have a blood drive set up at the History Center/Bossier Central Library complex, and donors will get some World War II-inspired goodies, while supplies last!