Celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month

 Parks in Douglas County

 

Why Parks Matter

Library Resources to Explore Parks and Recreation

Parks Are for Everyone

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!

Memorial Day

In observance of Memorial Day, The Sue Shaffer Learning Commons & Library will be closed on Monday, May 26. We pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. Regular hours with resume on Tuesday, May 27. We wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday.

For a complete list of hours click here.

Thursday, April 10: Take Action for Libraries Day

This celebratory day is held annually on Thursday of National Library Week.

It's a day to rally advocates to support libraries. A specific action will be announced by ALA's Public Policy & Advocacy Office during National Library Week.

Follow @librarypolicy and @amlibraryassoc on Bluesky and other American Library Association social media channels for updates.

This year, as library funding is under attack, ALA encourages every library advocate to Show Up for Our Libraries by telling Congress to protect federal support for libraries. Use our tools below to take action and go to ala.org/showup for even more ways to take action for libraries.

What you can do right now:

1. Call Your Members of Congress.

Use this form to make a call in support of federal library funding. Enter your address in the form, and then click the call button to receive a phone call that connects you with your elected officials.

Call on Congress to protect IMLS

2. Email Your Members of Congress.

Use this form to email your members of Congress. Enter your address in the form, and then click the "Send email" button to contact your elected officials. Your message can be customized--tell your story!

Email Congress to protect IMLS

3. Help spread the word on social media.

Follow this link for social media graphics and sample social posts to help get the word out!

Social Media Toolkit

National Library Week 2025: Drawn to the Library

Wednesday, April 9: National Library Outreach Day (formerly National Bookmobile Day), a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.

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Library outreach at a Community College looks different than it may at a public library. We may not operate a bookmobile, but we offer a variety of services beyond traditional library services. 

Did you know that we offer a digital chat service? Did you know that we offer Library Instruction sessions in your classrooms? Did you know that the library will lend resources (including staff) to help promote the College? 

Do you have an idea of a way the UCC Library can provide more outreach? Tell us! You can reach library staff via the library website, your Canvas course shell, or text (541-835-8146, standard text-messaging rates apply)! You can also fill out the  

Stay tuned for more information tomorrow on Take Action for Libraries Day!

National Library Week 2025: Drawn to the Library

Tuesday, April 8: National Library Workers Day

Today is a day for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers. 

About this day:

On January 25, 2003, a resolution was proposed:
That in order to recognize the hard work, dedication, and expertise of library support staff and librarians that the Tuesday of National Library Week be designated National Library Workers Day; and, that on that day, interested library workers, library groups, and libraries should advocate for better compensation for all library workers and, if the day coincides with Equal Pay Day, these individuals, groups, and libraries should recognize both days together.

UCC Library Workers:

Your friendly UCC Library Staff is here to help! They include:

• Liz Teoli-Thomason, Library Director
• Peggy N., Library Specialist
• Austin J., Library Desk Clerk
• Mindy M., Library Desk Clerk

They can help you with course reserves, technology check outs, book recommendations, database tutorials, citation help, research help, and so much more!

Stay tuned for more information tomorrow on National Library Outreach Day!

Celebrate National Library Week at the UCC Library April 6–12, 2025

What draws people to the library? Everything! From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.

National Library Week, April 6–12, 2025, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning.

At the UCC Library, we invite the community to join the celebration! Whether you're a longtime patron or haven’t visited in a while, now is the perfect time to explore all the library has to offer. Our library provides services to students, faculty, staff, and community members alike! We offer Wi-Fi, comfy seating, a safe and cozy space, and access to library collections for all. Current UCC students can check out various technology pieces, and course reserve items to help ensure their success at UCC. Faculty can work one-on-one with a credentialed librarian to help build stronger connections to resources for them and their students. No matter what you're looking for, we aim to provide access to resources that educate, inspire, and connect.

For more information on different services to different groups please see our Library Services page.

Whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone. Whether you’re preparing for a career change, launching a business, raising a family, or embracing retirement, the UCC Library is here to support your journey. Libraries serve as hubs for learning, creativity, and connection, helping people of all ages explore new ideas and opportunities.

First celebrated in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April.

Stay tuned for more information tomorrow on  Right to Read Day!

Free Tax Help!

Employees from the Department of Revenue and volunteers from free tax assistance groups will be at the UCC Library, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, February 28 to guide you through electronically filing your federal and state income taxes for free using the new IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon options.

Computers & WiFi

The UCC Library offers the use of public computers and WiFi internet connections. Demand for computers will be high, so you are encouraged to bring your own if you have one.

Mobile Phones & Tablets

Both IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon are mobile friendly, so you can complete your return on your phone or tablet, as well.

Further Information

For more information on this program, please click here.

Here are some helpful tips to make your experience as productive and enjoyable as possible: 

Tip 1: Use the IRS’s eligibility checker prior to coming to the library. https://directfile.irs.gov/ 

You will not be eligible if you have any income from these sources:  

• Foreign income,  

• Dividends or Capital Gains,  

• Retirement (retirement income not from an IRA will be eligible starting in March),  

• Self-Employment and Gig economy (Uber Eats, Door Dash),  

• Rental Income,  

• Gambling or Lottery. 

Tip 2: Create an ID.me account if you do not have one for IRS. https://directfile.irs.gov/ (Before you begin, take a clear photo of your ID and save to your photo library.)  Watch this 5 Easy Steps to Register an ID.me Account with IRS video to learn how.  

• You must be at least 18 years old to create an ID.me account.  

• Address and phone number are editable but not the email address. 

Tip 3: Create a Revenue Online account if you do not have one for Department of Revenue. https://www.oregon.gov/dor/programs/individuals/Pages/direct_file_OR.aspx Watch this How to Set Up and Log In to Your Revenue Online Account for Individuals video to learn how. 

Tip 4: You will need access to your smartphone (text message) or email for verification purposes for both ID.me and Revenue Online.  

Tip 5: Bring all eligible documents.  

• Forms W-2 (wages from a job) 

• Forms 1099-G, 1099-INT (other income) 

• Form 1099-R (retirement income other than IRAs) will be supported later in March. 

• Form SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits) 

• Alaska Permanent Fund Dividends 

• Social security card or individual tax identification number for everyone on your tax return 

• Government picture ID for taxpayer and spouse if filing jointly (driver's license or passport) 

• Canceled check or bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit. 

• Last year's tax return 

Tip 6: Live support is available from IRS staff, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time inside IRS Direct File. If you have Oregon specific questions, please contact 503-378-4988 or 800-356-4222, or email: questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov