Can Laundry Be Done Online, Too?

This week's Newsweek reports that a number of college campuses are installing internet-based laundry systems.

No, you can't actually have your computer wash your dirty socks, but you can get an email or text message when your spin cycle is complete, or study a two-week usage chart to determine the best no-wait times for a machine.

Read the article here, or stop by the current periodicals section in the library's reference area to read the latest issue of Newsweek.

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15)

In 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim a week in September as National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15-Oct. 15). During this month, America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

For some quick facts on the Hispanic culture, click here.

New Book by Elizabeth Kostova

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova is here at the Al Harris Library! This book has been on The New York Times Bestsellers List since it was published in August and is ranked #2 on the List this week. A retelling of the story of Dracula, this is the first book for Kostova who spent 10 years researching and writing it. Come and check it out to see why The Historian is so popular!

Interesting New Book in Gov Docs

One of the most interesting new books received each year in Government Documents in the Al Harris Library is "The World Factbook" by the Central Intelligence Agency. This little gem is packed with information about most countries of the world. Information for each country includes: maps, historical background, geographic coordinates, area, how much coastline, bordering countries, territorial claim of ocean (miles or km) from coast, climate, terrain, elevation extremes, natural resources, % arable land, % irrigated land, natural hazzards, current environmental issues & international agreements. People info includes: population, sex ratio, death rate, nationality, ethnic groups, religions, languages, and literacy. Data on government and economy includes: current account balance, fixed investment, public debt, and reserves of foreign exchange and gold. If you are planning on visiting a foreign country or writing a report - check this book out first. Click on the following to see the website: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS552

Organization Fair Winner!

The Organizational Fair was great this year! We talked to lots of students about the library and what we have to offer. We also had a drawing at the Organizational Fair for one lucky person to win two free weeks of tanning from Body Active (thanks to Body Active for their generous donation!). We are pleased to announce the winner, Ms. Vickie Dean! After the Organization Fair, library tours were offered to let students get to know the library better. If you missed out but are still interested in coming over for a tour, call Kristi at 774-7113 and we’ll show you around!

Constitution Day

To help celebrate Constitution Day (September 16), the Al Harris Library has a new display at the North end of the entryway. This display isn't big and splashy in a Hollywood way, but a replica of the United States Constitution and several library books on the subject are shown. There is also a booklet which lists questions and answers about the subject (which might be useful for teachers or teaching students). Take a look next time you're in the Library! An interesting link is an article on the Constitution in the National Archives: http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/constitution.html

Women of Protest

View photos documenting women's struggle for the right to vote. The American Memory project, Women of Protest: Photos from the Records of the National Woman's Party, documents the pickets, parades, demonstrations, and hunger strikes that led to ratification of the 19th amendment.