The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. You can take action for biodiversity and check out the Library’s collection of materials on:
We also have an Environmental Studies Research Guide for you! Happy International Day for Biological Diversity!
AntiRacism Reading Knook
Join us on Tuesday, May 16th in the ARRK Meeting Space at 11:30 a.m. ET to discuss the concluding chapter of Reckoning: Kalamazoo College Uncovers Its Racial and Colonial Past (10 pages total) by Anne Dueweke. If you are unable to attend the discussion, please feel free to post your thoughts on the chapter in the ARRK Meeting Space.
For further details on the AntiRacism Reading Knook, see the ARRK (AntiRacism Reading Knook) on the Inclusive Excellence website.
The AntiRacism Reading Knook (ARRK) is a collaboration between the K College library staff and our Inclusive Excellence (KCIE) leadership team. This initiative is NOT a book club, but seeks to facilitate campus-wide engagement with the books in the KCIE Reading for Change book collection. This collection was created to encourage learning about and facilitate greater access to antiracism information to all members of the campus community.
For further information on #ARRK see the KCIE AntiRacism Reading Knook page. To volunteer to lead one of these sessions complete the ARRK Discussion Leader application.
Now you can see what the library has on display on the first floor — even months later!
We are keeping track of the books on our first floor display shelves and have created virtual displays so you can find these books later.
These virtual displays also include new books we’ve added to the collection.
Check out our ERACCE Resources, Native American Heritage Resources, Climate Change Resources, and more!
Not sure where to start your research? Try our Research Toolkit!
Become a more confident researcher with our tips on preparation, finding resources, evaluating information, and citations.
Librarians are available for individual consultations via Microsoft Teams or in person. Make an Appointment or email us at reference@kzoo.edu!
Want to know more about using your library? Check out our helpful videos on Microsoft Stream!
Recently libraries have experienced a significant increase in state and local book challenges, where a person or group objects to library materials and attempts to remove or restrict them from libraries and classrooms. According to the American Library Association, a record 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship in 2022, a 38% increase over the 1,858 unique titles targeted for censorship in 2021. Challenged books often contain content relating to race, LGBTQ issues, sexuality, and other themes important to social justice. Recent challenges have attempted to criminalize teachers and librarians for including these titles in library collections.
While most book challenges take place in public and school libraries, the Kalamazoo College Library recognizes that today’s elementary and secondary school students are tomorrow’s college students, and they need access to these titles. We also support our own students and faculty in researching these issues. This is why we have intentionally purchased some of the most challenged books of 2023. You can find them through Library OneSearch or through our Display of Banned Books.
These books are also accessible through MeLCat and Interlibrary Loan for readers in Michigan and around the country. By purchasing these titles, we express our support for librarians and teachers who are dealing with censorship while trying to support their students.
Perhaps you have an animal buddy at home. Maybe you’ve pet dogs in the Chapel (most Tuesdays and Wednesdays!) or the Library (during 10th week). Or it’s possible you’ve befriended a squirrel here on campus. Whatever your relationship with them, May is the month to celebrate compassion towards animals!
The Library has materials on these topics and more:
See what you can find at the Library!
National Library Week (April 23 – 29, 2023) is a time to celebrate our nation’s libraries, library workers’ contributions, and promote library use and support. The theme for National Library Week 2023 is “There’s More to the Story,” illustrating the fact that in addition to the books in library collections, available in a variety of formats, libraries offer so much more! Libraries bring communities together, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for users.
We are grateful for our Kalamazoo College library staff and student workers! Thank you!
The A.M. Todd Rare Book Room at the Kalamazoo College Library is hosting Play and Poverty: Childhood in the A.M. Todd Rare Book Room, an exhibit curated by Meaghan Kelly ’23!
Date: March 18 – June 9, 2023
Day/Time: Tuesday: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Friday: 1 p.m.-4p.m., other times by appointment
Location: Upjohn Library Commons, room 326
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the Library has (virtually) gathered titles to help people who want to learn more about sexual assault survivorship. Check out our Virtual Book Display for Sexual Assault Survivors for some of our library’s resources and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center for more on Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Need more information? Reference Librarians are here to help you! Email reference@kzoo.edu or use the Ask a Librarian
online form to make an appointment.
Celebrate National Poetry Month!
Kalamazoo has a special relationship with poetry. There are live poetry events, workshops, and readings year round! We are also home to Diane Seuss ’78, winner of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize in poetry for her work frank: sonnets.
Here are some poetry events and materials you can take advantage of in April (and all year!):
