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Where Nature Meets Community: Why Parks Matter
07/31/2025
Biology & Physical Sciences, Library & College Resources

Celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month

“Treat Yo' Self.”
Donna Meagle (Parks and Recreation, Season 4, Episode 4)
 
July is National Parks and Recreation Month, a time to “treat yo' self,” to the outdoor spaces and community programs that make our lives brighter, healthier, and more connected. Whether it’s a sprawling national park or your neighborhood playground, these spaces are essential for both personal well-being and community strength.
 
At the Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library, we’re proud to recognize the parks, people, and programs that make Douglas County, and all of Oregon, such a beautiful place to live and learn. We invite you to take this opportunity to explore the history, science, and significance of outdoor recreation through the resources we offer.
 
 Parks in Douglas County
 
From the rugged beauty of Umpqua National Forest to the charming walking trails at Stewart Park, Douglas County is home to some of the most diverse and awe-inspiring outdoor experiences in Oregon. Local parks, trails, waterfalls and recreation programs offer countless ways to connect with nature, stay active, and strengthen community ties. The book Land of the Umpqua opens with vivid photos and descriptions of some of the region’s most stunning sites, many of which can be explored by hiking through local parks, such as Lemolo Falls. It also highlights numerous places of historical significance, offering great ideas for anyone looking to experience the cultural and natural beauty of the Umpqua area.
 
Oregon Parks and Recreation is responsible for some of the most breathtaking and diverse destinations in the state. From the windswept beaches of Cape Lookout State Park to the dramatic cliffs and rock formations at Shore Acres, Oregon’s coastal parks offer unforgettable ocean views. Inland, visitors can explore the towering waterfalls and dense forests of Silver Falls State Park, or hike among the ancient lava flows at Smith Rock, a world-renowned climbing destination. Crater Lake National Park is a breathtaking destination, known for its deep blue waters, dramatic cliffs, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the deepest lake in the United States, formed within the caldera of an ancient volcano.  For a taste of history, places like Fort Stevens and Champoeg State Heritage Area connect visitors to Oregon’s past. With over 250 parks, trails, and heritage sites, the department offers a wide range of landscapes and activities that showcase the natural and cultural richness of the state, and for a detailed guide with maps and tips for hikers, backpackers, climbers, cross-country skiers, and paddlers, Exploring Oregon's Wild Areas by William L. Sullivan is a great resource.
 
Why Parks Matter
Parks are more than just green spaces, they’re tools for physical and mental wellness, environmental stewardship, public education, engagement, equity and access to safe, open spaces. They provide room to breathe, grow, and reflect. In the immortal words of Ronald Ulysses Swanson,
 
Go outside. Remain. There. Until morning.”
 (Season 3, Episode 2)
 
Wise advice, especially in July.
 
 
Library Resources to Explore Parks and Recreation
Books & eBooks: Hiking and Backpacking by Marni Goldenberg and Bruce Martin, offers practical guidance on how to make your outdoor adventures safe, eco-friendly, and enjoyable.  Science, Conservation, and National Parks, edited by Steven R. Beissinger, David D. Ackerly, Holly Doremus, and Gary E. Machlis, explores how scientific research informs conservation efforts within U.S. national parks. The book brings together perspectives from ecology, policy, and law to address the challenges of protecting natural and cultural resources in a changing world. The book The National Parks of America by Michael Brett is a visually rich photographic guide showcasing more than 50 of the United States’ national parks, from Grand Canyon and Yosemite to Glacier Bay and Acadia. Across its 240 pages, it blends breathtaking full color images, 54 maps, and concise visitor information, such as access, lodging, hiking, and wildlife; to both inspire and inform travelers and nature lovers. This Land Is Your Land: The Story of Field Biology in America by Michael J. Lanoo is great for those interested in ecology and field science.
 
 
Films on Demand: Watch enlightening films such as The National Parks: America's Best Idea, Ken Burns’ moving series on the history and power of public lands. Also check out Going to Green a sustainability series is inspired by the award-winning PBS documentary series Edens Lost & Found, which focuses on revitalizing America’s urban landscapes by building sustainable neighborhood ecosystems.
 
Kanopy: Stream films such as National Parks Adventure a film narrated by Robert Redford is a film that celebrates 100 years of America’s national parks, taking viewers on a breathtaking journey through iconic landscapes like Yellowstone and Yosemite with adventurers Conrad Anker, Max Lowe, and Rachel Pohl. Also stream a very engaging film called Assembling North America, Park by Park. This film is about surveying parks and assessing the geology of the diverse continent. Rebels with a Cause is a documentary on preserving open spaces near urban areas from rampant development.
 
 
Parks Are for Everyone
“It's pointless for a human to paint scenes of nature when they can go outside and stand in it.”
Ron Swanson (Season 3, Episode 11)
 
From Douglas County’s trails and day-use areas to America’s vast network of national parks, outdoor spaces connect us to the land and to each other. They remind us that public resources, when protected and nurtured, offer lifelong benefits for everyone. So, this Parks and Recreation Month, take Ron Swanson’s advice (well, maybe not all of it), get outside, and celebrate the places that make our communities whole. Whether you’re hiking, reading under a tree, or joining a summer rec program; remember, the UCC Library is here to support your journey with knowledge, inspiration, and resources for every kind of explorer.
 
Happy adventuring!

 

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Read, Watch, Breathe: Celebrate International Self-Care Day
07/22/2025
Library & College Resources, Health Sciences

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.

 

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A Beginner’s Guide to Renaissance Faires: Costumes, Crafts, and Chivalry
07/17/2025
History & Anthropology, Arts, Writing, Communication, & Literature

 

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!

 

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New Books, New Hours: Your Summer Reading Starts Here
07/10/2025
Writing, Communication, & Literature, College Resources

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

 

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Stars, Stripes, and Stories: Celebrating the 4th of July
07/03/2025
History & Anthropology, Education

Celebrate Independence Day

 

Umpqua Community College and the Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

The Fourth of July commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking the birth of the United States as a sovereign nation. It’s a time to reflect on the values of liberty, democracy, and unity, while also engaging in thoughtful conversations about the ongoing work of shaping a more equitable and inclusive society.

The UCC Library invites you to explore the founding, evolution, and complexities of American democracy through a variety of digital resources. Whether you're researching historical events or examining modern civic issues, we offer access to a rich array of scholarly and streaming materials:

Books and eBooks – Discover works like 1776 by David McCullough, A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn, and Alexander Hamilton: Making of America. These books provide varied perspectives on America's founding and evolution.

ERIC (Education Resources Information Center) – Research how civic education and American history are taught in schools, and how critical thinking and historical literacy are shaped in the classroom.

Gale OneFile: U.S. History – Dive into scholarly articles and historical records about the American Revolution, the writing of the Constitution, and key figures like Thomas Jefferson and Frederick Douglass.

Films on Demand – Watch educational documentaries like American Revolution, a powerful video on dissatisfaction of the American people under British rule.

Kanopy – Stream titles such as America the Story of Us and The Constitution Did Not Create a Democracy. These films are ideal for understanding the ideals and contradictions woven into U.S. history.

Explore JSTOR – Dive into journal articles, artwork, and more, including insightful pieces like this article on Fourth of July Myths—perfect for uncovering the stories behind the celebration.

America’s founding ideals, and the tensions between them and our lived realities, are essential to being informed, engaged citizens. The UCC Library is committed to fostering a space where historical inquiry, civic awareness, and thoughtful reflection thrive.

We hope you enjoy a safe and meaningful Fourth of July!

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