As part of our One Book, One College events, we are very excited to host Chicago Federation of Labor Secretary/Treasurer, Jorge Ramirez who will lead a discussion entitled, The Union Movement Today. This will be February 16th, 12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. in the library lounge. Mr. Ramirez will discuss the current status of the union movement (organized labor) in the United States and around the world. How have globalization and shifts in our economy impacted the organization of unions? What is the future of organized labor?

The library’s textbook checkout program has been a great success. Many students visited the library in the fall semester to use textbooks. Due to the high volume and to reduce the numbers of books that were not returned for use by others, we have made some changes to the overdue fines for textbooks:

Loan: 2 hours or 4 hours
Overdue Fine: $3/hour
Loan: 7 Days
Overdue Fine: $5/Day

Access to the Library’s electronic databases will not be available from off campus January 5 through January 8, 2010. System configuration changes in the Library’s computer system are being made during this time that will impact the authentication for using the library’s databases from off campus. Access to the library databases and other research tools, however, will be available from computers on campus.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns about accessing the library’s resources during this time period, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The library is pleased to announce its schedule of events for the Spring 2010 semester. You can view this list of events at the Library’s Events Page.

The library’s Check It Out Audiocast welcomed Instructor Jeremy Shermak for a discussion about 9-11 myths and conspiracy theories.

The audio of this discussion is available below:

Last week the Arab Student Union held a panel discussion in the library on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This inter-faith panel included Archpriest Nicholas Dahdal of St. George Church, Mr. Rabeeq Jaber former president of the Mosque Foundation, and Rabbi Brant Rosen of the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation.

The audio of this event is available below:

Panel members and Moderator Matt Sweis

The library was happy to welcome historical interpreter Ellie Carlson who introduced us to 19th century inventor and business women Florence Potts. As part of our One Book, One College serious on Working, this event presented a unique perspective on the world of work. In many ways, Mrs. Potts was an anomaly of her own time, but in other ways, she represents the innovative spirit at the heart of her and our economy.

The audio of this event is available below:

The library was happy to host an event organized by the Muslim Student Association. This event was entitled “The Prophets of Islam” and featured Sheik Yaser Birjas, Director of Islamic Education & Outreach at the Prayer Center of Orland Park. The audio of this event is available below:

In lieu of fines for each overdue item returned between Nov. 2 and Nov. 20, the library will accept a canned or nonperishable food item as payment. (No outdated or junk food, please). Note: This does not apply to reserve, lost or collection items.

Everyone is invited to donate cash or food items to this food drive. All proceeds will go to the Zone 32 Food Pantry in Chicago which provides a 2 day food supply to needy families. Please bring cash or food items to the Circulation desk. For more information, call Barb Rys at 5467.

Note: This does not apply to reserve, lost, or collection items.

As promised, the 2009 Library Pumpkin Decorating Contest was a battle up to the bitter end. Each year the Moraine Valley Library invites students see who is the most talented gourd decorators. This year, the odds on favorite was the Financial Club, since they obviously possess the resources to buy the most votes. Others thought that the CTL’s creative Michael Jackson tribute pumpkin might come from behind and win.

BUT NO!! From no where, a little pumpkin featuring Charlie Brown pulled a surprise victory. Congratulations to the library’s Technical Services Department on their great win. To all of the pumpkins, better luck next year! Click here to view the Final Standings and Pumpkin Photos.

The library’s Technical Services Staff and their winning entry, “The Great Pumpkin”