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!
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:
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!
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