Spooky Season at the Library

Halloween is the perfect time to explore the eerie side of our library! Whether you’re in the mood for a classic ghost story or curious about the history behind Halloween traditions, we’ve got plenty of books and databases to satisfy your spooky curiosity.

On the Shelves:
 

Looking for something to send chills down your spine? Try these timeless favorites:

• The Annotated Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: the original tale of science and horror.

• Novels and Stories: The Lottery, The Haunting of Hill House, we have always lived in the Castle, other stories and sketches by Shirley Jackson: haunting psychological masterpieces.

• The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury: Short tales of aliens, only if you like sci-fi, but who doesn't.

In Our Databases:
 

Our digital collections are full of fascinating Halloween finds:

• Gale Literature (LitFinder): You can read such classic stories such as Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, or if you are looking for something a little less scary such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, by Victor Hugo.

  History Reference Source: See the Origins of the Jack O Lantern.

  Kanopy: stream classic horror films and documentaries right from home, like The Fog.

Whether you’re reading, researching, or just looking for a frightfully fun film night, the library has you covered. Stop by, or log in, and celebrate the season of scares with us.

Don't Forget!

Join us this Friday, October 31, for Spooky Movie Time! in the Library's Innovation room from 11 AM-4 PM!

Drop in at any time, whether you stay for one movie or the whole afternoon, you're welcome to come relax, hang out, and enjoy a lineup of spooky (but fun) films. It's the perfect way to take a break and get into the Halloween Spirit. We can't wait to see you there!

Happy Halloween!

Early Detection Saves Lives

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to promote early detection, education, and support for those affected by breast cancer. At the UCC Library, we provide access to trusted academic resources to help you stay informed. Whether you're researching for an assignment or want to learn more for personal interest, our databases offer reliable, up to date information.

Explore Key Resources:

CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature)
Find nursing-focused articles like: Advances in breast cancer screening and prevention from Contemporary OB/GYN or Mitigating Disparities in Breast Cancer Among Black Women from Building Professionals.

Health and Medicine (Gale OneFile)
Access articles that are raising awareness: Breast cancer in men: the importance of teaching and raising awareness.

Kanopy and Films on Demand

Watch documentaries such as Beauty and the Breast and Breast Cancer.

Come Browse our Collection

Read books in the library such as: ‪Stop breast cancer before it starts by Samuel S. Epstein, and ‪Living well beyond breast cancer: a survivor's guide for when treatment ends and the rest of your life begins by Marisa C. Weiss and Ellen Weiss‬‎. We also have eBooks through our databases such as ‪Black Women and Breast Cancer : A Cultural Theology by Elizabeth A. Williams. and for those who are studying to be in the medical field: ‪Breast Cancer: Visual Guide for Clinicians by MD Barber, J StJ Thomas, and JM Dixon.

You can access these resources through our Library Databases A-Z or ask library staff for help finding what you need. Let’s use this month to raise awareness, empower ourselves with knowledge, and support those impacted by breast cancer.

Riverhawk Book Talk Book Club

Love books? Join us for a relaxed, no pressure chat about whatever you're reading! No assigned books, just good conversation and great recommendations.

No assigned books. No pressure. Just good conversation.
Open to all students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Next meeting: Friday, October 24th
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Library Innovation Room

Don't forget to sign up here.

And don't forget to stop in during library hours and see our new exhibit: The Black Pioneers

Check out our calendar of library events here.

International Pronouns Day: Respecting Identities, Building Inclusive Communities

October 15 marks International Pronouns Day, a time to reflect on the significance of respecting, sharing, and correctly using personal pronouns. At its core, this observance affirms the dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals while encouraging inclusive practices across classrooms, workplaces, and communities.

Why Pronouns Matter

Pronouns are a fundamental aspect of respectful communication. When misused, they can contribute to exclusion and marginalization; when affirmed, they strengthen belonging and support mental health. A Rainbow of Voices: The Experiences of Middle School LGBTQIA+ Students (via ProQuest: Publicly Available Content Databases) highlights how correct pronoun use contributes to improved emotional well-being and mental health for transgender and nonbinary youth.

Higher Education and Inclusion

On campus, pronoun awareness helps create a culture of respect and equity. Faculty, staff, and students who model inclusive language foster stronger community and better learning environments. Articles in ERIC (via EBSCOhost) and Gale OneFile: Gender Studies examine how inclusive practices contribute to student success and positive campus climate.

Explore Library Resources

The UCC Library provides access to databases where you can learn more:

• ProQuest: Publicly Available Content Databases – Research on LGBTQ+ issues and mental health, such as “What is known about gambling in lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) communities? A scoping review.”

• JSTOR – Cultural studies on gender and identity, including “Gender Bias in the Classroom.”

• ERIC – Education focused research, like “Modelling Inclusive Education. The Didactic Model for Inclusive Teaching and Learning as a Heuristic for Inclusion Research and Teacher Education.”

• Gale OneFile: Gender Studies – Social and policy perspectives, for example “Indigenous social exclusion: insights and challenges for the concept of social inclusion.”

• EBSCO Discovery Service – Links you to reviews and scholarly commentaries, such as Gender: Your Guide: A Gender-Friendly Primer on What to Know, What to Say, and What to Do in the New Gender Culture by Lee Airton, a scholarly cited work that offers practical insight into navigating pronouns and gender-inclusive communication in everyday life.

Moving Forward

International Pronouns Day is more than symbolic; it’s an invitation to reflect on how language shapes experience. Small acts, like asking and sharing pronouns, contribute to a more welcoming and affirming community.

Library Exhibit: The Black Pioneers

This exhibit is open to all UCC students, faculty, staff, and community members, and will be available for viewing during regular library hours from October 13, 2025 - December 5, 2025.

Between 1840 and 1870, Oregon’s provisional and territorial governments passed laws excluding Black people from rights afforded to white settlers. Despite this, a small number of Black Americans settled or remained in Oregon, challenging the discriminatory laws and laying the foundation for the state’s future Black communities.

This exhibit highlights some of those Black pioneers who risked everything to build a better life for themselves and their families in Oregon. Swing by the UCC Library to learn more!

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Deep Thoughts and Documentaries

Join us Thursday, October 16, at 3:00pm for Deep Thoughts and Documentaries. This monthly event is a great way to explore big ideas and connect with others. Deep Thoughts and Documentaries will be held once a month in the library, so if you enjoy this one, mark your calendar for the next. Did you know you can preregister here?

Calendar of events

Check out our calendar of library events here.

What is Banned Books Week?

Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Held in the last week of September or first week of October, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas. 

2025 Banned Books Week Theme: “Censorship Is So 1984 — Read for Your Rights.” 

By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) compiles lists of challenged books as reported in the media and submitted by librarians and teachers across the country. 

Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024:

(the 2025 list will come out in April of 2026)

1. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/allboysBR
2. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/genderBR
3. (TIE) The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/bluestBR
4. (TIE) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/wallflowerBR
5. Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/tricksBR
6. (TIE) Looking for Alaska by John Green
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/alaskaBR
7. (TIE) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/earlBR
8. (TIE) Crank by Ellen Hopkins
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/crankBR
9. (TIE) Sold by Patricia McCormick
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/soldBR
10. Flamer by Mike Curato
    Why this book matters: bit.ly/flamerBR

The most common justifications for censorship provided by complainants were false claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and covering topics of race, racism, equity, and social justice.

From Cover to Cultura

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) is a time to recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the U.S. At the UCC Library, we are proud to support this celebration by offering resources that highlight the depth and diversity of Latinx voices.

Featured Titles:

Explore fiction, poetry, and memoirs by influential writers. Our physical and digital collections also feature scholarly and contemporary titles such as:

• The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros

•  One Hundred Years of Solitude, by Gabriel García Márquez

• Nuestra América 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States by Sabrina Vourvoulias

• ‪The Latino Student's Guide to STEM Careers‬‎ ‬‎By Laura I. Rendón and Vijay Kanagala

Watch and Learn on Kanopy

• Latino Americans: A landmark documentary series chronicling over 500 years of Latinx history in the U.S.

• Dolores: A compelling portrait of civil rights leader Dolores Huerta

Dig Deeper with Databases:

Leverage the library’s academic databases such as Gale Diversity Studies, and ERIC to explore Latinx history in Film, social movements, and key figures in depth. These platforms provide access to peer-reviewed articles, historical documents, and multimedia resources.

We also encourage participation in local events, exhibits, and programs that celebrate Latinx culture, through music, cuisine, art, and storytelling, to build greater understanding and connection beyond the classroom.