holidays

holidays

World Poetry Day

World Poetry Day

Heidi Huff, Library Resources 0 Comments
In 1999, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) declared March 21st as World Poetry Day to “give fresh recognition and impetus to national, regional and international poetry movements.” During an interview with BBC Jo Shapcott, poet, professor, and former president of The Poetry Society (now that’s some alliteration), was asked “Why does poetry need to have a special day?”  Her witty response was, “That’s a bit like asking why we need birthdays. Of course poems are always there, every day, and readers will continue to find them and enjoy them whenever they like. But why not celebrate poetry once a year (at least) in a more public way.” To find a particular poem to celebrate use the … Continued
International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day

Heidi Huff, Library Resources 0 Comments
As with many observances around the world, International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th is celebrated in a variety of ways.  From gift giving to rallies to public holiday observation IWD is recognized in over 40 countries.  The tradition first began in February 1909 in the United States by the Socialist Party of America as a strategy to promote equal rights, including suffrage, for women and soon spread to Germany, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, Russia, and China by 1949.  Historically, the date of observance floated into and out of February and March varying by year and location. By 1977 the United Nations General Assembly urged member states to declare March 8th as the day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.  Present … Continued
MLK Day: Serve and Reflect

MLK Day: Serve and Reflect

, Charmaine Ng, Library Resources 0 Comments
To most of us students, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is just a perfectly timed holiday. Not too long after the end of winter break, it gives us time to rest from the hectic first weeks of the semester. But MLK Day means much more than a day off: it is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service. The day gives all citizens the opportunity to build community, empower themselves, and help their peers, neighbors, youth, and underprivileged. While you can volunteer year-round, consider volunteering specifically on MLK Day with a large group and celebrate Dr. King’s belief in a “beloved community.”  If you’re struggling to find the perfect service project, try out one from our … Continued
Your New Year’s Resolutions: How the Library Can Help

Your New Year’s Resolutions: How the Library Can Help

Charmaine Ng, Library Resources, Library Services 0 Comments
The ball has dropped, kisses exchanged, and confetti thrown: 2012 is finally here. I’m always curious to see how people want to improve their lives in the new year. At the top of my list is becoming better at soccer. While the library sadly can’t transform me into an athlete, here are several ways that we can help you achieve your resolutions.  1. Find a job or internship.  From Craigslist to LinkedIn, it seems like there are a billion job sites out there. Where do you even begin? Well, check out our LibGuide first! We’ve compiled resources on everything from scouring job listings to crafting the perfect resume. If you’re not sure what you can do with your major, don’t … Continued
Celebrate!

Celebrate!

Frances Yates, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
The winter season is a time of celebrating across many cultures.  As always, your campus library has plenty to read to learn about these celebrations.  Books like Chase’s Calendar of Events (REF D11.5.C48 2012) and e-books such as We Are What We Celebrate: Understanding Holidays and Rituals or Holidays On Display offer excellent information, as do reference sources like Britannica Online.  And databases with strong religion sections like JSTOR offer numerous excellent articles about these and other holidays.    Some of these celebration around the world you may like to discover include: Bodhi Day (Buddhist) celebrates the day that Buddha achieved enlightenment.  It is on December 8th. Boxing Day (secular) is a gift-giving holiday that is sometimes merged or replaced … Continued