Did you know....
That the first state to grant legal status to the holiday was Oregon? Woo! Just one more reason that Oregon is awesome. đ
That being said, don't forget about the holiday weekend - all campus services will be closed on Monday, September 4th, 2023.
Check out this article from the Library of Congress for more information on the history of this holiday weekend.
The First Labor Day

On September 5, 1882, some 10,000 workers assembled in New York City to participate in America’s first Labor Day parade. After marching from City Hall, past reviewing stands in Union Square, and then uptown to 42nd Street, the workers and their families gathered in Wendel’s Elm Park for a picnic, concert, and speeches. This first Labor Day celebration was eagerly organized and executed by New York’s Central Labor Union, an umbrella group made up of representatives from many local unions. Debate continues to this day as to who originated the idea of a workers’ holiday, but it definitely emerged from the ranks of organized labor at a time when they wanted to demonstrate the strength of their burgeoning movement and inspire improvements in their working conditions.
New York’s Labor Day celebrations inspired similar events across the country. Oregon became the first state to grant legal status to the holiday in 1887; other states soon followed. In 1894, Congress passed legislation making Labor Day a national holiday.
For many decades, Labor Day was viewed by workers not only as a means to celebrate their accomplishments, but also as a day to raise awareness about and discuss strategies for securing better working conditions and salaries. Nowadays, Labor Day is associated less with union activities and protest marches and more with leisure. For many, the holiday is a time for family picnics, sporting events, and summer’s last hurrah.
Labor Day parade, Main St., Buffalo, N.Y. ca. 1900. Detroit Publishing Company. Prints & Photographs Division
Speaking of Labor...
Take a gander at the photo to the right. In case you haven't noticed various construction crews from many local companies (Songer Construction, Roseburg Roofing, Cascade Electric, UCC's very own facilities & warehousing team to name a few) have been hard at work all summer to get things ready for fall term.
Remember that old brown carpet that the library had? GONE. Or the "American Airlines" style carpet that was on the Success Center side of the building? GONE. Remember that large (mostly unused) space where the bookdrop was located and dust bunnies congregated? No? Well, we can assure you that it's GONE too! In place of the dust bunnies is a new interior room that will house upcoming trainings, technologies, meetings, and so much more. #potential!
Best Laid Plans...
These crews have all been working non-stop, but as you know nothing ever goes quite according to plan. Due to circumstances outside of our control (forest fires, power outages, server issues, horrendous air-quality....that was just this past week alone!), things are going to be just a bit delayed. Don't worry, the building will be open during fall term, just a bit later than planned. Stay tuned for more information about how you can access library & tutoring services, and when the shiny new interior will be ready for unveiling!
P.s. Did you know that you can subscribe to this blog to get the most up to date information from the UCC Library in your inbox?!?!?!
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