Frank Carlson Library

In this New York Times bestseller, the White House chief usher for nearly three decades offers a behind-the-scenes look at America’s first families.
 J. B. West, chief usher of the White House, directed the operations and maintenance of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—and coordinated its daily life—at the request of the president and his family. He directed state functions; planned parties, weddings and funerals,...

The dark side of espionage... Joe Johnson's investigation into a horrific wartime killing on an iconic bridge is thrown off track by his former CIA boss, who once hired him, then later fired him. Now, decades later, he's trying to kill him. Former spy Johnson's war crimes inquiry begins in some of Europe's most beautiful locations, but takes on a new dimension when it uncovers high level corruption within the Agency-his old employer. It culminates...

Shares the story of how George Washington had a home built for the future presidents.

"As the official organic gardener for the White House, Casey Calhoun is usually up to her elbows in something or other. But when someone starts tampering with the Presidential vegetable garden, she soon finds herself in way over her head. As if it wasn't bad enough that red peppers are growing instead of green ones and cabbage is popping up where the First Lady's favorite lettuce should be--a hard-nosed investigative reporter is found dead after targeting...

"A guide to personal and professional empowerment through civility and social skills, written by two White House Social Secretaries who offer an important fundamental message₇everyone is important and everyone deserves to be treated well. Former White House social secretaries Lea Berman, who worked for George and Laura Bush, and Jeremy Bernard, who worked for Michelle and Barack Obama, have written an entertaining and uniquely practical guide to...

On her first day at the White House, nine-year-old Liberty exuberantly explores her new home while making new friends and giving unique tours of her own.

America's First Families are unknowable in many ways. No one has insight into their true character like the people who serve their meals and make their beds every day. Full of stories and details by turns dramatic, humorous, and heartwarming, The Residence reveals daily life in the White House as it is really lived through the voices of the maids, butlers, cooks, florists, doormen, engineers, and others who tend to the needs of the President and First...