Library Deep Dives Into Black History Month, Lunar New Year
From the Stacks, February 2022
This may be the shortest* month of the year, but it’s a busy one at the Learning Commons Library. Throughout February, in recognition of Black History Month, the library is highlighting the myriad of contributions of Black Americans, including in the arts and sciences.
You’ll find displays of books, DVDs, and other materials focused on this topic. This year’s special theme is Black Health and Wellness. Read about Dr. Patricia Bath (1942-2019), ophthalmologist and laser scientist who invented ground-breaking devices for treating cataract patients, and Dr. Justina Ford (1871-1952), who received her medical license in 1902 and practiced gynecology, obstetrics, and pediatrics in her home after she was denied privileges at Denver General Hospital.
And for music lovers, watch this socially distanced performance of the first symphony by Florence Price (1887-1953), the first female African American composer to gain national recognition for her work and composed more than 300 musical works. (In this video, you’ll see a familiar face from your library playing violin.)
Stop by the library to learn more about Black History Month and review our Antiracism Toolkit. Be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram, including two new weekly features: Throwback Thursday, when our head archivist Megan Mullins tests your knowledge of NHTI history, and Fantastic Friday, when circulation supervisor Tim Fisher posts his sci-fi picks. On Media Mondays, Learning Commons Library coordinator Christie Cho will highlight a media item or collection from the library’s extensive collection of e-books.
This month also marks the Lunar New Year, also called the Spring Festival. Celebrated by many Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, and South Korea, this major holiday begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and lasts several days. It’s a time for family to gather over feasts. This year brings the Year of the Tiger, named after the third animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle. This year’s tiger is accompanied by the element of water (the five elements – fire, earth, metal, water, and wood that accompany the animal signs), suggesting a gentler tiger.
Our speaker series Wings of Knowledge continues. On Feb. 24, join us for “The Abolitionists of Noyes Academy,” a presentation by Dan Billin, former long-time reporter for the Valley News, on the opening of one of the nation’s first integrated schools in 1835, the violent response, and the emergence of three young friends destined for greatness.
As the pandemic continues, the library remains dedicated to meeting your needs while keeping the campus community as safe as possible. For any changes in scheduling or library policies, visit our website or follow us on Facebook. We appreciate your cooperation and patience.
*There are 28 days this February but in February 2024, there will be 29 days, making it a leap year. What are the origins of leap year? And what happens if you’re born on Feb. 29? Read about the ancient history of leap year here, and visit here to learn how some celebrate their leap birthdays.
