Those alive back in 1963 most likely can recall what they were doing, who they were with and what they were feeling in 1963 when President John F. Kennedy was shot in Dallas, Texas.

Just in time for the 50th anniversary of the occasion tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 22, the Coplay Public Library has unveiled a display of Kennedy memorabilia.

Library employees Nancy Zelko and Sharon Dougherty said while recently in the library attic looking for something unrelated, they found an unmarked box containing rare collectible items from both Kennedy's presidency and his assassination.

Zelko and Dougherty worked together to fill the display cabinet with the items, which include a letter from Jacqueline Kennedy expressing thanks to someone for a donation to the JFK library and newspaper clippings, including the front page of the Bethlehem Globe Times dated Nov. 22, 1963 which reads "The President is slain."

A computer setup presents a slide show of nearly 200 photos. YouTube videos on another computer show footage from the Kennedy/Nixon debate, the Inaugural address, presidential speeches and the shootings.

For those interested in learning more, library patrons can rent DVDs including the 1983 miniseries on Kennedy starring Martin Sheen or check out books about Kennedy and his family.

"Just as the country came together in 1963 to mourn, we hope that the display would again bring people together to remember," Dougherty said.

To add a personal touch to the display, Dougherty and Zelko included a journal so visitors can share memories and thoughts about Kennedy's life and death. They plan to keep the journal in the library archives as a time capsule.

"People all over the world grieved with the Kennedy family and the nation," said Zelko. "So that day and the following three days were really a world experience ... One of my favorite eulogies that seemed to embody the nation's feelings about Kennedy was given by British Prime Minister Harold MacMillan. He said, 'He seemed, in his own person, to embody all the hopes and aspirations of this new world that is struggling to emerge.'"

The items will be on display until at least Thanksgiving.

A date for the display to come down has not been set.