LibraryRunner

September 22 - 28 is Banned Books Week, a yearly celebration of our freedom to read (and write, and think!) what we want, while calling attention to the harms of censorship.  And 2024 has been another record-breaking year for censorship, so there's a lot to pay attention to.  Stop by the library (either Main or Chico) to:

• Check out our displays about current book challenges, which can only feature a tiny bit of the madness that is going on out there;
• Borrow an objectionable book to read! 
• Play our "How well do you know your banned books?" game!
• Make your own mini art book featuring your favorite offensive books!
• Grab a sticker, or other swag to show off your support of the freedom to read.
• Take a look at our online guide to Banned Books Week, which features a ton of great information about censorship and why it's important to fight it.

If you love Studio Ghibli as much as we do come check out our mini display. We have books about Studio Ghibli, books that inspired the movies, and books in a similar mood to the films. Why do we love the Studio Ghibli films so much? Besides the kawaii aesthetic and nostalgic feel, the films address some serious issues like the effects of war, humans' impact on the environment, and growing up. Though these are universal themes, you can also view these films as a way to learn more about Japanese culture as they draw on folk tales, history, and religion.

Along with the books you can check out, we also have a limited number of Studio Ghibli buttons and stickers.

Here are a few of the books that inspired the movies:

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Call Number: PZ7.J684 H843 2008

Publication Date: 2008

 

 

 

 

How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino; Bruno Navasky (Translator)

Call Number: PZ7.1.Y7 How 2021

Publication Date: 2021

This Japanese classic inspired the Boy and the Heron.

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula. K Le Guin

Call Number: PZ7.L5214 Wi 2012

Publication Date: 2012

 

 

 

 

 

The Cake Tree in the Ruins by Akiyuki Nosaka; Ginny Tapley Takemori (Translator)

Call Number: PL857.O8 A2 2018

Publication Date: 2018

A short story form this collection inspired Grave of the Fireflies.

Check out our curated collection to see more books. 

 

Would you like to learn more about how elections work?  Maybe this is the first election you can vote in, and you've got questions.

• Why do we have this two-party system?  Does it have to be this way?
• What's the history of voting: who got to vote, and who didn't? 
• Some of my friends say they don't vote at all; should I even bother with this?
• Is there a difference between senators and representatives...or are they maybe the same thing?
• How do I register to vote?  (Answer: click here!!)
• What does 'gerrymandering' EVEN MEAN??

Come into the library and take a look at our new book display about elections -- we've got lots of information for you.  Many of our best books about the election process are actually ebooks, so we've put together an online collection too.  We're not going to tell you who to vote for or what party to support, but we sure encourage you to find out as much as you can and vote according to what you think best.

There are so many ways to use the library and we are here to help. Here is a floor by floor guide of the Main Campus library. 

We will start with the second floor as that is the floor you enter and exit. Here are some things you can find on the second floor:

• Reserve Desk - Check out textbooks and equipment such as laptops, Wi-Fi devices, and headphones.
• Circulation Desk - Check out, renew, and return books.
• Reference Desk - Get help with research questions, or any other library related questions. Learn how to use library resources.
• Computer Help Desk - We can help you with simple technology questions such as how to use lab computers, printing, or other technology in the library. You can also book and check in for study rooms at this desk. 
• Computer Lab - Use one of our computers to do your coursework. You can also print up to 15 pages per day for free. 
• New Book Section - This section is constantly updated with a sampling of titles new to our library. Find the Book In Common in this section. 
• Study tables and carrels for quiet study 
• Women's and men's bathrooms
• LB 206 - A computer lab classroom

First Floor - Quiet Study Floor:

• Reading Lounge - Books for fun including a whole section devoted to graphic novels.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) books - These are books that will help you learn English. 
• Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) books - You may be directed by an instructor to check out one of these books for the semester.
• Magazines, academic journals, and newspapers
• Children's books
• Tables for studying including many with chargers for your device

Third Floor - Silent Study Floor

• Main Collection of the library - Lots and lots of books on every subject.
• Study Rooms - Book these on the second floor. These are good for groups or if you need to record or watch a video out loud. 
• Study tables and carrels
• Gender neutral bathrooms
• Reference collection - Dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other books to consult about a variety of subjects.