What's New at the UCC Library?

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.

Start Strong at UCC

The first week of the term is already in full swing, and there’s no better way to kick off the new academic year than by getting involved with some of the exciting events happening at the library or around the college this month!

Resource Fair

Umpqua Community College will be having a Resource Fair on Thursday, September 18, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Held right on campus (at the compass). Explore the many services and programs available to support your success. From academic help and career guidance to mental health resources and student organizations, everything you need in one place. Expect giveaways, activities, and helpful info!

Riverhawk Book Talk Book Club

Join us for the launch of Riverhawk Book Talk, the UCC Library's monthly book club, held on the 4th Friday of every month from 12pm-1pm. A casual, no pressure space to share what you're reading, swap recommendations, and connect with fellow book lovers. No assigned reading, just bring a book you enjoy!

Book club welcomes all students, faculty, and staff. Come connect, get inspired, and discover your next great read. Want a reminder? Register here and we will send you a calendar invitation!

We can’t wait to see you there!

It's (very nearly) Inventory Time Again!

Who will be involved with this?

Library Staff are gearing up for our second annual library collection inventory. We will be physically scanning every single item in our library collection. We will also be reaching out to individuals who have items checked out to ensure they are aware of them.

What we need from you!

We are asking you (faculty, staff, students, and community members alike), to see if you have any library items that are past due. If so, please return them to the library as soon as possible. Books can always be returned via our external book drop (in the parking lot), and everything (books, laptops, calculators, etc…) can be returned to our library circulation desk during our regular library hours. 

When will this happen?

The inventory will take place during the month of May. It should not interrupt our normal operations, and we will remain open during our regular library hours. 

Why does this need to be done?

This helps us maintain an accurate list of all library materials currently owned by the college. It also helps us to identify gaps in our collection, and informs us what we need to purchase in the upcoming fiscal year.

Stay tuned for the next update!

Happy December to All!

During Winter Intersession Library, Tutoring, and building hours change. They will be as follows from Monday, December 2, 2024 - Friday, January 3, 2025. For our complete calendar of hours click here.
 

Library & Tutoring

Monday - Thursday: 8am-5pm
Friday: 9am-4:30pm

Building Lobby

Monday - Friday: 7am-6pm

Closures

Winter Break: December 23 - 27
New Year's Day: January 1

What is Banned Books Week?

Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a suddent surge in the number of challenges in libraries, bookstores, and schools. By focusing on efforts to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. 

The theme for Banned Books Week 2024 (September 22-28) is “Freed Between the Lines.” 

We can find freedom in the pages of a book – but book bans and censorship threaten that freedom, along with many other rights and institutions. During the Banned Books Week, let's share our love of right to read and the freedom found in books. Let's be Freed Between the Lines!

https://www.ala.org/bbooks/banned 

New term, new hours!
Monday-Thursday 7:45am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

The UCC Library is here for you! 

We're here to help you with research for your assignments, technology, citations, finding and accessing library resources, getting started at the library, questions about the college, and so much more. Stop on by and ask us all your questions, or send us a message via the chat feature or email.
The Sue Shaffer Learning Commons & Library is open to the public and offers comfortable seating, access to the library computer lab, WiFi, and access the physical and digital collections while in the library.

Check out our Library Services page for more information!

Welcome to Summer Term at the UCC Library! 

During this term, the library will have the following hours:

Monday - Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

We will be closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

What the Library Offers You

As a student you have access to our computer lab and reserve collection. You can also reserve a study pod and ask for reference help from our library staff. 

Need a computer and/or calculator for class? The library has you covered with term-long check outs! 

Need help with citations? Try NoodleTools by clicking here. 

Did you know that you have access to more than 30,000 independent and documentary films with Kanopy? Find out more here. 

The library will also host the Library Olympics on July 24th. Who will take home the gold? Find out by registering here.  

There is a lot happening this term at your library! 

We look forward to seeing you!