What's New at the UCC Library?

Summer Reserve Items Are Due This Week

Library reserve items (laptops, calculators, and ECE/HDFS textbooks) check out for one term at a time. This ensures that the library is able to update all firmware, software, and keep collections accurate. This means that all library laptops, calculators, and textbooks are due on or before Thursday, August 28, 2025.

Students who do not return library laptops, calculators, and textbooks on or before the due date may have a hold placed on their student account and may be blocked from registering for Fall Term. In addition, they may be referred to a collection agency and charged a non-refundable fee of up to $250.

Reminder:

Laptops and calculators CANNOT be placed in the book drop, they must be returned to the circulation desk during regular library hours. Any technology placed in the book drop will get damaged by the heat, and patrons will be charged for these damages.  

Want to avoid this hassle? 

Please return your library materials on or before Thursday, August 28, 2025.

Laptops & Reserves for Summer Term

If you need a library laptop, calculator for Fall Term 2025, they will be available at the start of Fall Term (Monday, Sept. 15, 2025). ECE/HDFS textbooks will be available for students registered in those specific classes on Monday, September 8, 2025.

Further Information

For further information about laptop circulation, please see this page of the library website., or reach out to us via the “Chat with Us Now” button at the top of the library website. 

Deep Thoughts and Documentaries

Join us this Thursday (August 21) from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the Library, as we watch and reflect on Wild Honey: Caring for Bees in a Divided Land as well as the film Days and Years in the Lives of Plants. These films are available via one of our streaming services Kanopy.

Pro tip: Did you know that if you pre-register for these events then you will automatically get a calendar invitation & 1-hr reminder? you can do so by using this link.

About the Films

Wild Honey: Caring for Bees in a Divided Land:  This Film explores how migratory wild honeybees transcend the colonial border dividing Timor, uniting the people of Lookeu through ritual, song, and shared heritage. Amid modern pressures, the community works to preserve the bees' movements and their cultural identity.

Days and Years in the Lives of Plants: A Look at how plants time their flowering using light-sensitive pigments, messenger, RNA and temperature cues, and how these processes are impacted by climate change.

We Celebrate World Honeybee Day

The third Saturday in August, August 16, 2025, marks World Honeybee Day, a global celebration of one of the planet’s most important pollinators. Honeybees play a vital role in our ecosystem and food systems, supporting biodiversity and helping produce over one-third of the food we eat. This day is an opportunity to appreciate their essential contributions, and to recognize how we can help protect them.

At the UCC Library, we believe that understanding the natural world is a key part of education, sustainability, and collective well-being. World Honeybee Day invites us to pause and ask: How do our actions impact the world around us? How can we support ecological health and balance? To support this reflection, the Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library offers a wide range of digital and streaming resources focused on bees, pollination, environmental sustainability, and conservation.

Books and eBooks:
Explore titles like The Bees in Your Backyard by Joseph S. Wilson and Olivia Messinger Carril, a beautifully illustrated guide that helps readers identify native bees and understand their behavior and habitat. Our Native Bees: North America's endangered pollinators and the fight to save them by Paige Embry, highlights  the vital yet often overlooked role of North America's native bees in ecosystems and agriculture, as the author explores their importance through personal adventures and conservation efforts.  And for those interested in beekeeping, The Backyard Beekeeper by Kim Flottum offers an accessible introduction to starting and maintaining a hive.

MasterFILE Premier:
Browse scholarly articles on Bee Vision to explore how bees perceive the world. You can read this study that shows that Bees teach each other puzzle solving, highlighting their intelligence. The article Honey Bees in Demand discusses how farmers and beekeepers can collaborate to support bee health while meeting agricultural needs. Research topics such as the impact of pesticides on bee health, climate change, and urban beekeeping as a form of conservation.

Films on Demand:
Watch Vanishing of the Bees, a documentary that examines the mysterious decline of honeybee populations around the world and explores the consequences for food security and environmental health. Another featured film, Hive to Honey, shows Award-winning Colorado apiary Bee squared, led by owner Beth, a behind the scenes look at local honey production while highlighting the vital role of bees and how we can help protect their future.

Kanopy:
This platform offers several compelling documentaries on pollinators and conservation. Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us? presents a poetic, urgent look at the global bee crisis and the people working to heal it. Seed: The Untold Story also highlights the connection between pollinators and food security, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and indigenous farming practices.

Gale OneFile: Environmental Studies and Policy:
Find timely articles on environmental policy, agriculture, and bee conservation. Notable reads include: Land Use and Season Interactively Affect Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Body Size and Fat Stores. which talks about human driven habitat changes impact honeybee health, with this study showing seasonal and land use effects on their size, fat stores, and survival traits. If you are a coffee drinker, Tropical agriculture: the value of bees to coffee harvest might interest you. This article explores how honeybees significantly boost coffee yields and highlights the importance of pollinator friendly habitats for sustainable tropical agriculture.

Protecting Our Pollinators, One Day and Every Day

World Honeybee Day is more than a tribute to bees, it’s a call to stewardship, inviting us to learn more about how we can support the environment, both locally and globally. At UCC, we are committed to fostering an informed and engaged community that values sustainability, science, and the delicate balance of nature.

Whether you're curious about pollination, concerned about climate change, or considering planting a bee-friendly garden, the UCC Library is here to support your learning with resources that inform and inspire.

Take a moment this August, and every day, to appreciate the tiny workers that keep our planet blooming. Because when we care for bees, we care for the future.

Deep Thoughts and Documentaries

Join us this Thursday (August 14) from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the Innovation Room, as we watch and reflect on Feeding Tomorrow. This film is available via one of our streaming services, Kanopy.

Pro tip: Did you know that if you pre-register for these events then you will automatically get a calendar invitation & 1-hr reminder? you can do so by using this link.

About the Film

Feeding Tomorrow: Up against a broken food system suffering from ecosystem destruction, climate change, health epidemics, and inequality, a brave group of visionary leaders in agriculture, healthcare and education work to build a more just, regenerative, and resilient system in their local communities.

 Celebrate the Legacy of Colegio César Chávez 

As we honor Latin contributions to education and civil rights this August, the story of Colegio César Chávez stands out as a bold example of what student led, culturally grounded learning can achieve. Founded in 1973 in Mount Angel, Oregon, it was the first and only fully accredited, independent Chicano run college in the U.S. Rooted in the values of the Chicano Movement, the college prioritized bilingual education, community empowerment, and a model where students and faculty learned as equals. 

The college was named after César Chávez, the renowned labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) alongside Dolores Huerta. Born in 1927, Chávez dedicated his life to nonviolent activism, organizing farmworkers across the country to demand better wages, working conditions, and dignity. He believed deeply in education as a tool for liberation, making the naming of the college a fitting tribute to his vision of justice and collective empowerment.

One of its most innovative initiatives was the College Without Walls program, which allowed students to engage in self-directed, community-based learning outside the boundaries of a traditional campus. This approach affirmed that education could happen anywhere in neighborhoods, homes, workplaces, and grassroots organizations keeping students connected to their communities while pursuing academic and personal growth.

Though the college closed in 1983, its impact lives on in today’s movements for equity in education.

Now, that legacy is being celebrated through the exhibit Colegio César Chávez: The Legacy Lives On / El legado sigue vivo, on view at the Umpqua Community College Library through the end of August. More than just a history lesson, the exhibit is an invitation to imagine education rooted in culture, community, and self-determination, a vision as urgent today as it was in 1973. You can request to view items from the College grounds, and pictures that have been digitized here.

eBooks – Our collection includes a wide range of titles about César Chávez and his life including several insightful eBooks such as: César Chávez: Friend to Farm Workers, a children's book by Jeri Cipriano. This resource is a great way to teach children about César Chávez and his contributions.  The Political Spirituality of César Chávez: Crossing Religious Borders, by Luis D. Leon examines how Chávez drew from Catholicism, indigenous beliefs, and other spiritual traditions. The book reveals how this blend of faith shaped his approach to activism and social justice. The Words of César Chávez edited by Richard J. Jensen and John C. Hammerback, presents a collection of Chávez’s major speeches and writings, revealing the rhetorical power and strategies of a master communicator while offering valuable insight into the history of the farm workers' movement he led from the early 1960s until his death in 1993. To Serve the People : My Life Organizing with César Chávez and the Poor, By Leroy Chatfield with Jorge Mariscal, is a book about Leroy Chatfield and his experiences in activism and working with César Chávez. From the Jaws of Victory : The Triumph and Tragedy of César Chávez and the Farm Worker Movement by Matt Garcia is a comprehensive account of the rise and fall of the United Farm Workers, revealing how the union's groundbreaking grape boycott propelled its success while internal conflicts and César Chávez’s leadership challenges contributed to its decline.

At the UCC Library, we’re proud to support educational journeys that center equity, heritage, and history. As we honor the legacy of César Chávez and the groundbreaking work of Colegio César Chávez.

Let’s continue learning from the past and shaping a future where every student has the power to thrive. Stop on in and see the exhibit.

Deep Thoughts and Documentaries

Join us this Thursday (August 7) from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm in the Innovation Room, as we watch and reflect on Banned Together. This film is available via one of our streaming services, Kanopy. 

Pro tip: Did you know that if you pre-register for these events then you will automatically get a calendar invitation & 1-hr reminder? You can do so by using this link.

About the Film

Banned Together: The Fight Against Censorship is about a diverse cast of visionary teenagers, stirring public protests, private threats, criminal charges, and drama-filled school board meetings. The film pulls back the curtain on two of the most controversial issues in America today, book bans and curriculum censorship in public schools.

Celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month

 Parks in Douglas County

 

Why Parks Matter

Library Resources to Explore Parks and Recreation

Parks Are for Everyone

We Recognize International Self-Care Day

July 24 is International Self-Care Day, a global reminder that caring for our physical, mental, and emotional health is a daily commitment, 24/7. It encourages individuals and communities to take active roles in their well-being through rest, connection, movement, or reflection.

At the UCC Library, we understand the many demands on students, faculty, and staff. This day invites us all to pause and ask: What do I need to feel well today? To support that reflection, the Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library offers a range of digital and streaming resources focused on wellness, balance, and self-care. Reading is a powerful form of self-care—so come spend some meaningful time with these resources.

Books and eBooks: Some insightful books include Self-Care for Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson, which focuses on honoring your emotions, nurturing yourself, and building confidence. If Our Bodies Could Talk by James Hamblin offers a fascinating guide to understanding and maintaining the human body, covering a wide range of topics such as aging, diet, and sleep. And for all the mothers out there, Mother Nurture by Rick Hanson, Jan Hanson, and Ricki Pollycove is a comprehensive guide to supporting a mother’s health physically, emotionally, and in intimate relationships.

Academic Search Complete: Browse peer-reviewed research on mindfulness-based stress reduction, mental health among college students, burnout prevention, and the role of self-care in healthcare.

Films on Demand: Watch the film Stress Management to gain a deeper understanding of how stress affects the body and discover practical strategies for managing it in daily life. For those interested in maintaining emotional well-being or simply learning more about mental health, the film Maintaining Mental Health offers helpful tips and insights to support a healthier mindset.

Kanopy: This streaming platform offers a variety of self-care and wellness focused films. The Mindfulness Movie: The Benefits of Mindfulness, explores the science and practice of mindfulness, providing practical tools for reducing stress and increasing awareness. Another stand out title, Minimalism, examines the rise of the minimalist lifestyle as a response to consumer culture, encouraging a more intentional and meaningful way of living.

Gale OneFile: Health & Wellness: There are plenty of insightful articles and resources available that explore overall well-being. A few noteworthy articles include: Self-Care Practices and Relationships with Vitality and Health Complaints in Self-Employed Workers. This article is especially relevant for small business owners or anyone thinking about launching their own venture. It highlights how consistent self-care can support both physical health and long- term vitality in demanding work environments. Self-Care Alone Will Not Solve Burnout; Deeper Approach to Well-Being Is Key, challenges the idea that bubble baths and quick fixes are enough. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of burnout through meaningful lifestyle changes, boundaries and systemic support.

Supporting You, 24/7

International Self-Care Day is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a reminder that your well-being is important, not just once in a while, but every day. At UCC, we are committed to fostering a learning environment that values balance, inclusion, and compassion.

Whether you’re beginning a self-care routine or deepening your understanding of mental health and wellness, the UCC Library is here to support your journey with meaningful resources and a welcoming space to reflect and grow.

Take a moment on July 24, and every day, to listen to your needs. Because when we care for ourselves, we’re better able to care for others, learn deeply, and live fully.

Step into the Past: Celebrate Renaissance Faires

Umpqua Community College is hosting a Renaissance Faire on July 19, 2025. This coincides with the College's production of Spamalot, a lovely musical based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library invites you to celebrate the enchantment and educational value of Renaissance Faires, joyful gatherings that blend entertainment, history, and embrace the Riverhawk community spirit. 

Renaissance faires, often held throughout the summer and fall, celebrate the art, culture, and daily life of the Renaissance period (roughly the 14th to 17th centuries). These events invite attendees to engage with a world of historical reenactments, artisan crafts, period music, live theater, and educational demonstrations that illuminate one of the most dynamic periods in human history.

Don't forget beautiful paintings created in the Renaissance, such as the Mona Lisa (pictured above).

Whether you're donning a doublet or simply curious about life in the 1500s, the UCC Library offers a variety of resources to explore the rich tapestry of Renaissance life and learning:

Books and eBooks – Explore Fashions from that time period with Costume and Fashion Source books Elizabethan England, and The Medieval World, both by Kathy Elgin. Check out books about the Renaissance with: A Short History of the Renaissance in Northern Europe by Malcolm Vale, these works offer insight into politics, art, science, and society during the Renaissance.

Gale OneFile: Fine Arts – Access articles on Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael and Titan and how their art helped to shape the cultural rebirth of Europe by blending science, beauty, and human emotion in groundbreaking ways.

Gale OneFile: World History- Check out the thinkers of the time such as Galileo, and Machiavelli and explore how their ideas shaped the modern world.

Films on Demand – Watch engaging documentaries such as Renaissance, or Leonardo da Vinci: a two-part film series by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon which highlights Leonardo da Vinci's Life. 

Kanopy – Stream historical dramas and educational films like The Middle Ages around the World or The Private Life of Henry VIII, perfect for a deeper understanding of the theatrical and political world brought to life at fairs.

JSTOR – Delve into scholarly research about Renaissance festivals themselves—how they originated, what cultural purposes they serve today, and their educational potential as living history.

Renaissance faires are more than entertainment—they’re an opportunity to reflect on innovation, humanism, and the power of creativity in shaping societies. They encourage curiosity and community through playful yet profound connections to the past.

The UCC Library is here to support your journey into this fascinating historical period with curated resources and helpful guidance. We encourage you to visit a fair, explore our collections, and let history come alive.

Huzzah and happy exploring!

Fresh Reads

Discover What's New This Summer!

Our New Books section is overflowing with fresh reads just in time for your summer adventures! We've recently added over 100 new titles, and there are more on the way.

Whether you're looking to dive into a gripping novel, learn something new with a thought-provoking nonfiction title, or relax with a beautifully illustrated graphic novel — we've got something for everyone. Our new arrivals include:

• Fiction –  The Vegetarian by Han Kang is a haunting surreal novel about a woman who stops eating meat and how that decision upends her life and those around her. Eruption by Michael Crichton and James Patterson is a fast-paced thriller about a dormant volcano in Hawaii that suddenly threatens to explode. 

• Non-Fiction – Explore history, science, memoirs, and more. Finding Your Style in Pastel by Jean Hirons, is a hands-on guide to pastel painting that helps artists build skills while discovering their own unique artistic voice. Teaching Fiercely: Spreading Joy and Justice in our Schools, by Kass Minor, offers powerful insights and practical tools for educators committed to bringing joy and justice into classrooms- despite the challenges of and inequitable system.

• Graphic Novels – For teens, adults, and fans of visual storytelling. We are excited to feature new takes on classic tales alongside powerful new stories in our latest collection. Fahrenheit 451, originally written by Ray Bradbury and reimagined by Tim Hamilton, following fireman Guy Montag as he begins to question a world where books are banned and burned. The Girl Who Sang by Estelle Nadel, illustrated by Sammy Savos, tells the true story of a young Jewish girl who survived the Holocaust by hiding and finding hope through song.

• Children’s Books – Perfect picks for young readers and family reading time. Jump into Cranky Chicken by Katherine Battersby — a funny and heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship between a grumpy chicken and an enthusiastic worm as they learn to embrace their differences.

Be sure to stop by our New Books display and find your next favorite read. And don't forget — more books are arriving soon, so check back often!

Summer Hours

Also, don’t miss our updated summer hours:

 Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

 Friday-Sunday: Closed