Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween


Happy Halloween from the Libraries@Trocaire!!!



We thought we'd have a bit of fun and dress up today...mostly we are just getting some weird stares.  But, we have candy and books and databases - just three of the many reasons to visit us today!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

National Novel Writing Month/Digital Writing Month




Did you know November is both National Novel Writing Month and, its offshoot, Digital Writing Month?   

National Novel Writing Month asks that one take up the challenge to write 50,000 words (essentially a novel) in the 30 days of November.  A link for more information and to register can be found here:


Digital Writing Month extends that process to the digital realm.  Writers are asked to create blogs, tweet, use social media like tumblr or Storify to create a story, text message poems and novellas, etc.  More information and registration for this can be found here:


We at the Libraries@Trocaire are going to attempt to take on this challenge by updating our blog daily (or at least on days we are open).  So stay tuned for our updates throughout November!  

 

Monday, October 15, 2012

Celebrating Trocaire History during American Archives Month


Did you know that Trocaire was originally called Sancta Maria College?
Or that students once lived in Marian Hall?

Visit the Library this month to learn more about Trocaire history!  On display (at both the Choate & Transit locations) is a selection photographs and memorabilia from our Archives collection.

The Trocaire College Archives collects and preserves material that documents the history, organization, policies, and activities of the College. The Archives includes the following items that date from 1958 to the present:
  • Administrative and academic records
  • Awards
  • College publications
  • Course catalogs
  • Faculty and Staff records
  • Histories & timelines
  • Memorabilia 
  • Newspaper clippings
  • Photographs
  • Student clubs & activities
  • Student newpapers
  • Yearbooks
For more information on the Trocaire Archives, see the Archives web page or contact contact
the Archvist, Susan Cutrona, cutronas@trocaire.edu

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Battle of the Banneds - The Winners!!


Thank you to everyone who participated in our Battle of the Banneds events and survey.  We had a lot of great conversations with you about banned books and the freedom of information.  Many of the books in our display were borrowed by eager readers wanting to re-read a beloved classic or just to see what the fuss is about.

Congratulations to Allyson B. who won our $25 iTunes gift card. 

And now to the Battle results!!


Your favorite classic banned is...

 

 The Bible came in second. The Catcher in the Rye, Slaughterhouse-Five and 1984 tied for third.









Your favorite current banneds are...

 

and



The Kite Runner came in second, Go Ask Alice and The Hunger Games trilogy tied for third.

Here are some of the things you had to say about those banned books:

Candide is philosophical discourse at its sassy-ist. Instead of merely critiquing the Philosophy of Optimism, Voltaire takes it to its absurd limits with hilarious and tragic form. Plus, what philosopher can say that their writing inspired a musical from Leonard Bernstein? – Christopher Culp – Faculty, Music

(1984) is a book that speaks to the human fear of being constantly watched and judged. It plays with the idea of pretend freedom, and that is a powerful idea. – Allyson, Student

Slaughterhouse-Five has been accused of being irreverent and obscene (which just makes it that much more interesting of a read) and of course anything with sex/homosexuality is likely to put books on banned lists. I like the mix of reality with fantasy and how it addresses the concept of free will. – Sara, Student

Margaret Atwood is a master storyteller, and one of my favorite authors. This book (A Handmaid's Tale) about a world in which women suddenly become second class citizens always struck me as all too frighteningly possible. An unforgettable story. – Susan Cutrona, Library

What other book has raised more controversy than the Bible? A book that causes such debate draws your attention whether you believe it or not. It has taken lives and has given life. No other book has that power. - Leigh-Ann, Student