Today in History....180th Anniversary of the French Foreign Legion

Women's History Month Display

March marks the annual observation of Women's History Month, where we celebrate women's contributions to society, culture and history. The United States has observed Women's History Month since 1987, with this year's theme being "Our History is Our Strength." Click on the image below for the Women's History digital collection at the Library of Congress:



March 8th, 2011 also marks the centennial celebration of International Women's Day! From the website:

"International Women's Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women's Day is a national holiday."

Stop by the library to see our display full of resources on influential women, the history of Women's Rights, and women throughout history! Click here to visit Gale's Women's History page and see a timeline of women throughout history (highly recommended!), landmark court cases, and take the quiz to test your knowledge!

Light Up Your Interest in Chemistry

Pictured is a scientist showing the "hazards of flamable powders" in a video on Wired Science: Top 10 Amazing Chemistry Videos. The Web Page demonstrates that Chemistry can be both fun and exciting.

Books representing a variety of approaches to chemistry can be found on display in the library near the circulation desk. The books on display are only a few of the hundreds of books about chemistry that are available in print or online through the SWOSU Al Harris Library.

Chemistry, according to the Oxford English Dictionary is "The branch of science concerned with the substances of which matter is composed, the investigation of their properties and reactions, and the use of such reactions to form new substances; (in early use also) alchemy."

All things within the physical universe can be explored using chemistry. Such exploration can satisfy one's curiosity about about how things are in the world as they are. Chemistry can lead to the discovery of new drugs or products that save lives or improve the quality of our lives. Or, Chemistry can simply be interesting and fun.

It is time to get those hands dirty!

There are as many reasons to garden as there are gardeners. Again this spring, millions of gardeners will be picking up the shovel and heading to that special piece of dirt to start another season of gardening. Reasons for gardening can range from bragging rights of the first ripe tomato in your neighborhood, reducing your grocery bill, or just the enjoyment of playing in the dirt. Gardening is a favorite among all ages. If you are new to gardening or an expert, we have numerous landscaping/gardening/insect books and more available here at the SWOSU Al Harris Library ready for checkout! Speaking of checkout, checkout the display case near the front entrance of the library, get some inspiration, and then get those hands dirty! Happy Gardening!