New summer hours at MCC-Longview

Students: Be on the look out for the new summer hours cropping up around campus at some of your favorite spots.

The Library, bookstore and Learning Center all will change their hours for the summer.

The Learning Center:

Tutoring hours for the Learning Assistance Center for summer school will be Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.

For intersession classes, ten week classes, and any other classes that do not follow the traditional eight week summer schedule, tutoring is available by appointment. Students should call the Learning Center, 604-2205, for an appointment.

The Library:

May 16 through May 20Normal hours Monday through Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 19: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday, May 20: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Two week May intersession (May 23 through June 3):Monday through Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fridays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Summer term (June 6 through July 29):Monday through Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Fridays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Be sure to double check the new hours before heading out.

MCC-Longview Library celebrates children's literature

Bears, tigers and books rarely seems like a great combination, but this week the MCC-Longview Library unveiled a new display that highlights some of our favorite children's classics like Paddington Bear and many others.

The new display at the Library is part of an on-going series that is working to support one of MCC-Longview's education classes that explores and uses children's literature as an education tool.

Librarian Judy Rice said not too many students realize that the college library has a full collection of contemporary and classic children's book ready for check out.

Be sure to swing by the Library to check out the display and maybe event take a stroll down memory lane as you flip through some of your favorite childhood books.

Tom Forsythe honored as Penn Valley employee of month!

Tom Forsythe is counting down to retirement and enjoying his honor as Penn Valley employee of the month.

After more than three decades of service, Tom Forsythe is set to retire. But before he walks out the door, his peers decided to honor him by nominating him for employee of the month for May.

"For almost 32 years, Tom has been the heartbeat of the Penn Valley Library," says Scot Phillips, co-worker. "His thorough knowledge of both library and general MCC matters has been of great service to countless students. He is an invaluable resource that will be impossible to replace."

Phillips describes Forsythe as an intelligent and caring. "He makes you feel appreciated, whether it be as a co-worker or a student. He takes a real interest in what is going on in your life and goes out of his way to treat everyone he comes in contact with in the library as a friend."

MCC-Longview faculty explores 'Brave New World'

It is a scary and strange world within Aldous Huxley classic Brave New World. Soma pills, rigid class structure and birthing factories are just the beginning of how deep some of the criticisms Huxley was making in his book about London in the year 2540 A.D.

As part of the MCC-Longview common reading project, faculty from across various departments and specialties will sit down for a one-night-only panel discussion about the various themes, critiques and metaphors Huxley deployed in his work.

Don't miss out on this unique experience to explore not only the book itself, but the times and cultural influences that shaped Huxley himself in 1931 Europe.

Brave New World panel discussion

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

7 to 8:30 p.m.

Mel Aytes Education Center

MCC-Maple Woods Spotlight: Library Update

Interested in the MCC-Maple Woods Book Club? Here's what's coming up this month:

New MCC-Blue River faculty and staff book discussion group grows

The staff and faculty book discussion group recently formed by the MCC-Blue River library has been filling up with founding members. There are still about a dozen copies left in the library of The Secret Life of Bees and enough reading time to prepare yourself for the first meeting for anyone who is interested in joining. If the book club membership grows any more, an additional Wednesday group will be formed.

MCC-Blue River librarian Susanne Boatright says, “Our first read will be the best-selling novel The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. The novel was later made into a movie starring Dakota

MCC-Longview Library celebrates Women's History Month

The MCC-Longview Library is proud to present the stories and fascinating history of the accomplishments and achievements of women in america.

As we celebrate Women's History Month in March, the MCC-Longview Library has complied an extensive display of photos, literature and other items highlighting the stories and people who have influenced and help fight for the rights of women in the past century.

Swing by the MCC-Longview Library and take a peak back into history at some of the courageous women who have helped shaped this country.

MCC-Longview Library display honors Black History Month

The MCC-Longview Library, in honor of Black History Month, is displaying a series of local photographs and books that highlight the the achievements and success in the black community. Swing by the library to see the impressive collection.

Inspired to educate others - Kimberly Glackin

Psychology instructor Kimberly Glackin’s professional experiences and wide-knowledge base makes her a remarkable resource for students and staff at MCC-Blue River.

She frequently sends Blue River employee emails spotlighting newly acquired library resources. Her latest recommendation, “A Very Touching Book" by Jan Hindman- is an acclaimed book written to children discussing the sensitive issue of child sexual abuse. She describes the resource with words such as “friendly, informative and powerful." Glackin says she receives requests for resources on this issue probably more than any other topic.

No newcomer to the subject matter, Glackin worked at the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOSCA). During her time there, she read this particular book to children countless times, and now, recommends it to her psychology students at the onset of each semester.

Additionally, Glackin has been a key contributor in the development of the library’s impressive book collection. The collection is comprised of books on everything from potty training to bullying. Initially, the modest collection was in her office, but as it outgrew her space, the library graciously assumed responsibility for it.

Appreciative of the library’s help, Glackin is exceedingly forthright with praise for the library staff’s involvement in the collection. Glackin says librarian Susanne Boatright, (and the team) manage the compilation, promotes it and ensures books are returned. Glackin goes on to say, “Susanne has also allowed their budget to be used to increase and expand the collection."

“As we are entering the holiday season it seemed a good time to remind folks that this resource exists,” she says. It was important to her to make sure people in need know the books are free and easily accessible on the Blue River campus.

When asked what motivates her to send out the informational updates, she said “I would rather send out an email [to everyone] than risk someone in need going uninformed and thus a child not getting the services they need.”

Now, that’s the Blue River spirit.

For more information visit Blue River’s library inside the Campus Center.

To learn more about Kimberly Glackin, click here.

MCC-Longview student ready to display her art for the first time

Seok Wei Chew displays some of the early pieces from her scuplture 'Relationship' that will be on display in the MCC-Lognview Library starting next week.

MCC-Longview student Seok Wei Chew loves using colors in her art projects. To her, the color is more than just something that fills in the white spaces on a canvas.

For Chew, using color in a painting or a sculpture is like casting the right actor in a play. They way it works with the other colors and interacts with the viewer is just as important as how looks.

“I was totally attracted by the color wheel the first time I saw it,” she said. “And that is the beginning that inspired me to produce colorful art work.”

It was also the inspiration for her most recent piece of work, ‘Relationship’, that will be on display in the MCC-Longview Library for much of November and December.

Although it is her first showing and her first sculpture project, Chew said she is excited for the opportunity to display what she calls an expression of her love for color.

In her proposal to the library administration she wrote: “Can you imagine a world without colors? It will be boring and lifeless. Color is powerful. Color can attract or repel. It contains emotion.”

“She is a great student and I am excited to see her excel in her work,” art instructor Kim Lindaberry said. “I am interested to see where she goes next.”

Chew is in her second year of art classes with MCC-Longview and hopes to transfer to continue her art education after this year. Ultimately, she said, she hope that one day she can design furniture – very colorful furniture.

'Relationship'

On display at the MCC-Longview Library

Nov. 17 - Dec. 8

Blue River gets new resources

The MCC-Blue River Library recently acquired new titles in the Children's Library section. The Library is located in the Campus Center, just past Food Services. Blue River's Kim Glackin offers fascinating insight and descriptions of these new titles.

“Cat’s Got Your Tongue” A Story for Children Afraid to Speak by Charles Schaefer. This book is directed to children who struggle with stranger anxiety and is afraid to talk in front of others.

“When Fuzzy Was Afraid of Big and Loud Things” by Inger Maier. This book is helpful for children who are coping with fears of many things. It is generic enough that a child could insert their own fear into the book. I read this to my five year during a thunderstorm and it was very helpful.

“What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck” by Dawn Huebner. This is a workbook to help children overcome OCD.

“The Grouchies” by Debbie Wagenbach. This is a friendly book that speaks to kids about having a bad day and attempts to help them gain some emotional regulation and realize they have some choice in their emotional state.

“Imagine a Rainbow” A Child’s Guide for Soothing Pain by Brenda Miles. This book would help to comfort and teach children how to handle pain or discomfort. If you have a child who is having to live with pain, this book could aid them with their pain management.

“My Grandpa had a Stroke” by Dori Butler. If your children are struggling to understand the physical challenges that may occur with their aging loved ones, this book might help.

“Sometimes I’m Scared” by Jane Annunziata and Marc Nemiroff. This book addresses the fears children sometimes have about a variety of things: escalators, fire, spiders, clowns and monsters. I read this book to my five-year-old and it was a big hit. Children easily relate to this book and it gives very helpful, child-friendly, advice.

“Take the Time” Mindfulness for Kids by Maud Roegiers. This is another selection that intends to aid children in gaining awareness of their ability to control their emotions and their actions. It is written in a very soothing manner and is intended for children 4-8.

“Phileas’s fortune” A Story about Self-Expression by Agnes deLestrade and Valeria Docampo. This is a beautifully illustrated book that talks about how children can interact with others in verbal and non-verbal ways. It also speaks to the importance of simplicity, modesty, and the importance of being honest. A darling book.

These books are published by Magination Press, a subsidiary of the American Psychological Association, and are targeted towards elementary school aged children.

If you have time, please check out our children’s books that are currently available in the library.

Special thanks to Kim Glackin - Psychology Instructor

Kimberly.Glackin@mcckc.edu

Pssst.... Wanna read something illegal?

Then come take a look at the Banned Book Week displays scattered throughout MCC-Longview's library and cafeteria between now and Oct. 2.

It's hard to imagine certain books, which have been a staple in many classrooms, have been challenged and even outright banned over the years from libraries because of their content. But spending only a short amount of time in front of one of the three displays around campus will show you that some of those banned books are actually classics that have defined entire generations of readers.

Starting this weekend, MCC-Longview will join libraries across the country in celebrating and creating awareness for those books that have landed on the banned list as part of the nationwide Banned Books Week (Sept. 25-Oct. 2).

Books such as A Brave New World, Huckleberry Finn, James and the Giant Peach and Death of a Salesman are just a taste of some of the books that have been removed from library shelves because groups have considered them illicit or just plain offensive.

But when you actually crack open the cover and read some of these books, you will find that these are some of the most wonderful stories from authors both current and past.

Stop by the library to check out some of these books and revel in a week-long celebration that encourages studetns to 'Think for yourself and let others do the same' (This year's theme).

Join in Banned Books Week by dowloading your own copy of the Library Bills of Rights

MCC-Longview Library hour changing

With the summer semester winding down and the new fall semester just on the horizon, the MCC-Longview Library will be adjusting its hours. The library will be open the following hours.

August 1-22
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED

August 23
CLOSED

Starting Aug. 24
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED

MCC-Maple Woods Book Club in action

Dying to express your feelings about your latest and greatest literary conquest? Want to share thoughts and discuss some of the best-sellers making the rounds today? The MCC-Maple Woods Book Club is just the thing. Gather around a table in the library once a month to discuss some of the newest and most-reviewed books released recently. MCC employees, staff, students and community members are all welcome to attend.

Past selections are included Noah's Compass, Plague of Doves and The Kite Runner. The next selection will be Making Toast, by Roger Rosenblatt. The story follows a man who has lost his still-young daughter to an illness. After moving in with her husband to help care for her three young children, the author paints a picture of the family and chores he surrounds himself with daily in order to give the reader and himself a finished portrait of his late daughter.

The next book group will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 23 in the Circulation section of the library. For more information, contact Darla.Luckey@mcckc.edu or Mary.Northrupp@mcckc.edu.