New library programs to come during semester

By Edith Mariscal/ reporter

Kaylee Jensen/The Collegian
A Celebration of Flight: World War One Aviation, an exhibit in the NE library through the end of January, includes memorabilia, photographs and videos about early aviation.

TCC libraries will offer new programs with practical approaches to encourage students to read and relieve stress through the spring semester. 

The TR library will host Blind Date with a Book on Valentine’s Day and craft classes during National Craft Month in March. In May, scheduled events include a Cinco de Mayo celebration May 5 and a library lock-in exam cram 5 p.m.-midnight May 7 for students to take advantage of study time and enjoy free pizza and snacks. Therapaws will also be offered May 8-11 for students to relieve stress by petting therapy dogs in the multipurpose room.

“Students love the Therapaws dogs and the National Craft Month crafting sessions,” TR assistant director of library services Danelle Toups said. “We’re hoping the library lock-in will grow as we’ve only done it once before.”

The South library will offer the 28th annual African-American Read-In in February. The event promotes diversity in literature, encourages students to read and highlights African-American authors.

The spring semester will also include readings and lectures in the study break cafe.

“Often, students receive extra credit for attending or are given an assignment in response to an event or are asked to participate in a program,” assistant director of library services Erik France said. “In the past year, we have hosted an NEA Big Read grant event with Dr. Charles Overstreet, psychology professor; poetry slams, author readings with Q&A and heritage-themed events. We also do community outreach and always have at least one interactive informational display in the library.”

The NE library has a book display and digital slideshow for aviation history this month. An international authors book display with a photography exhibit from a former adjunct photography instructor’s recent trip to India will be on display during April while a Texas Sculpture Art exhibit will be on display in May and June.

“Many of the displays and exhibits we host are linked directly to subjects that students learn about in their classes, history, government, science, technology, literature, arts, social issues, etc.,” NE library manager James Ponder said. “We also put up displays of materials to help our students succeed outside of the classroom on topics like stress reduction, time management, paying for college and applying for jobs.

“Our goal is to educate, engage and entertain the campus community with displays and exhibits on a wide variety of topics,” he said.  “We also encourage TCC students to take advantage of little-known library resources that are free and available to them, such as our graphic novels, children’s books and DVDs.”

SE library will have information available for distribution in mid-January.

“The information will be on the master calendar, library blog and campus monitors and entrance signs,” assistant director of library services Tracey Minzenmayer said. “There will also be posters and fliers, and we will also notify faculty and staff so they can let students know.”

NW’s library will host the Human Library April 5. This event helps people build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue.

“We will be advertising and promoting events through the district calendar, digital displays around campus and in-person promotion in the WSTU student union building,” NW public service librarian Cassandra Mackie said.