Upcoming Book Sale

Coming up this fall the library will be having a book sale and would like to invite faculty students and members of the community to come and look though our collections of books donated by an assortment of people, with the chance of purchasing books for a great price. While looking briefly at some of the titles that will be in out upcoming sale; I have seen some of William Shakespeare’s classics, many books about travel and the world,  and quite a few books about art and art history. There are many other books that will be available during our sale and we hope to see you there. ~Gordon

Lost – A TV Series Review

Chances are, you know someone (or know someone who knows someone) who watched Lost. Most likely, you’ve heard people complain about how confusing it is, how dumb it got near the end of the show, etc etc. Despite all of the problems Lost does have, I can tell you that it is one of the most artfully made shows of our generation.
In case you don’t know, the show revolves around a group of survivors of flight 815, who crash on a mysterious island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The island is far from ordinary and the survivors are faced with challenges extending far beyond the usual detail for one stuck on a tropical island. Flashbacks allow us to get the know characters backstory, and we become very closely acquainted with characters like Jack, a surgeon who quickly takes on a leadership role but is dealing with some deep seated family issues.
The show spans six seasons, jam packed full of new characters, new storylines and an unbelievable amount of plot twists. But what makes the show truly exceptional is the way the characters develop and change. Truly good television has the ability to show us that we are all capable of being “the bad guy” and “the good guy” sometimes at the same time. Lost displays the complexities of human nature, wrapped up with some very complex timey-wimey stuff and a lot of breaking the laws of physics. Also, it’s super addicting. Super, duper addicting. If your curiosity is getting the best of you and you’re dying to watch, you’re in luck- the library owns all six seasons! Good luck and happy watching! Whitni S.

Remembering VHS

Many of the students at Coe seem to forget about our wonderful AV department. To me, this place has and always will occupy a special place in my heart. You don’t just browse through films in the AV department but rather you browse through history. Looking through the VHS tapes, personally, brings back fond childhood memories of rewinding a tape before watching it or the pure frustration of renting un-re-winded movie. To many this experience is foreign but to me, and surely many others, it takes me back to simpler times I dearly miss. Unfortunately, technology has made places like the AV Theater more obsolete, since with a click of a mouse you could find any thing you desire. However, I would like to challenge everyone to take a moment and walk through the aisles of not just film but history, before it is too late. Yafet M.

Did Monkeys Invent the Monkey Wrench-Book Review

Ever wonder what it's like to visit an old hardware store? Ever wonder how rubber came to be or who invented the Vice Grips? Look no further than the book, Did Monkeys Invent the Monkey Wrench, by Vince Staten. This book is chalk full of witty humor along with quite an insight into the world of selling nuts and bolts. Believe me, this is not a book that will bore you to sleep. It may just keep you up in the wee hours of the night, just like the running toilet did in your home. This easy to read book is perfect for those that like tinkering with hand tools, even if you are not very successful. Even the author claims to not be a handyman, but he has a plethora of knowledge on the tools handy persons use. Pick up this book and get a glimpse into a culture that may one day be gone. Tyler G.

Time Away

These last couple of semesters I have spent less time in the library, and more time over in Dows keeping up with art projects, as well as in Eby and the Racquet Center for track. But now every time that I am here things look different and even new. As I walk from computer to printer I see these paintings that I must have seen a hundred times and stop to re-examine them. While I am putting books back on shelves one catches my eye and I open it to see what it’s about, and catch myself reading it later that night. I have worked here for 3 and a half semesters, and am realizing how awesome it is to see all the new faces come in and ask questions, the stillness of the 11pm to 1 am shift, and excitement of finding a book that I will read(not just for class). I remember just starting this work study job thinking that this could be an awful job, but now I barely think of it as a job at all, I come to Stewart Memorial Library because I work here, but I stay because I just don’t want to leave. Gordon R.

Bones of Paris--Book Review

The Stewart Memorial Library has much to offer to people with all types of interests. For example, if someone is just looking for something to read for leisure and have an interest in suspenseful fiction and like France, and more specifically Paris, they may be interested in The Bones of Paris by Laurie King. This book involves a little bit of history, especially about the lives of those famous writers and artists that made up the infamous Jazz Age of the 1920's. In this book you will be following an investigator from the United States who was hired by an American family from Boston who's daughter moved to Paris to pursue her dreams of being an actor/model, but then suddenly lost all contact with her family who began to worry. The investigator, Harris Struyvesant, was more than happy to take the job and have the opportunity to walk the streets of Paris and sit in all the wonderful cafes and bars. He saw this as more of a vacation because he felt that he would find the young woman in the arms of some up and coming artist, which happens to many. But as his search continues it takes a turn he wasn't expecting because now the trail leads him in search of a....murderer.

If this book sounds interesting to you then don't hesitate to come check it out, it'll be waiting just for you! It is located in the Browsing Area on the first floor of the library. The call # is PS3561 I4813 B66 2013.

If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask, anyone from the Circulation or Reference desk would more than willing to assist you! Rachel S.

Even though we're not supposed to talk about it, Cat Widder found the Fight Club squirrel!

Fight Club is a book about a man finding an outlet in punching people--leading up to a dramatic twist end!

Whipple Browsing Area

Many Coe students use the library to study, check-out materials for class, read items their professors have put on hold, and request books and articles using the interlibrary loan system. What they often forget is that Stewart Memorial Library has a large variety of newly released books to read for pleasure. These books are located in our Whipple Browsing Area right as you enter the library across from the circulation desk. This area is full of books for all ages that are current releases. Patricia Cornwell, James Patterson, John Sandford, John Grisham, and Marjane Satrapi are a few popular authors who have multiple works located in our Whipple section. If you are looking for some popular children’s books we also have those as well. A few of my favorites in the Whipple section are The Princesses of Iowa by Molly Backes and Wonder Struck by Brian Selznick. If you want a break from homework and are looking for a good book to read check out the Whipple Browsing Area at the library this weekend.

Megan

Unbroken by Hillenbrand

One of the best books that I have ever read is Unbroken. The story of an Olympic level sprinter, he was in the 1936 Games in Berlin, who was drafted into the Army Air Force during World War II. The book details Louis Zamperini’s incredible story of being shot down during a mission, spending over two months floating in a small rubber raft in the Pacific and being rescued by a Japanese boat. He then spends the remainder of World War II stuck in a variety of prison camps. Written by the same woman as Seabiscuit, also a really good book and movie, this tale runs the full gamut of emotions. ~Andrew, Reference student

The library owns a copy of this book.  The call number is D805 J3 Z364 2010 and is located on the 2nd floor.  I agree with Andrew.  This book was an amazing testament to human suffering, loss of dreams and the ability to forgive. ~Sandy

One Second After

One day last week Tyler came into work tired because he stayed up too late reading a book.  When I asked him about this book and why he found it so captivating we had a short discussion about how we would react to an emergency situation and how Cedar Rapids reacted to the flood.  I asked him to write a review so maybe others would have an interest.  Currently the Coe Library does not have the book on the shelves but it is a current topic about our society.  Here's his review......Sandy

Imagine living in a world where there was no electricity.  Imagine not being able to take a normal shower or going to get food at the nearest grocery market.  In the book, One Second After, written by William R. Forstchen, a father and his family must learn to adapt and survive after an electromagnetic pulse has disabled all electronics around him.  He has to do things no one in their lifetime should have to do, all for the safety and survival of those he loves.  This riveting book does not hold back as it throws countless obstacles and problems at the main character, John.  If you have ever wondered what the significance of learning the history of our nation or why you had to read Animal Farm in high school, this book can show the value of such information.  Once this book starts, it is a slippery slope down to the end as you read about how morality and civilization can change only one second after an EMP strike.   T. Gunderson

 

Study, Study, Study Part 2

So, you need to get some studying done and you’ve come to the library. Chances are you’ve gone done this path before and it has, of course, resulted in lots of finished homework (hooray!).  But there’s a twist- today you’re studying with someone else, maybe even a group of people, and you guys need somewhere to get some serious studying done without annoying the rest of the library.

Good thing Stewart Memorial Library has so many choices! If your group is small try one of the group study rooms on the 2^nd floor. They’re comfy, made for two or three people and have a whiteboard. The rooms are located on the left side and there are two, so it’s no sweat if one is occupied. Equally comfy,  there is a small group study room to the right of the stairs on the 2^nd floor and one in the basement.

If your group is a little bigger try the Eaton room on the 2^nd floor, to the left to the stairs. It’s almost impossible to miss and has lots of space, enough room for roughly four or five people, a whiteboard and a great view. On the right side is another room identical to the Eaton named the Bodey room. There’s also the Engle room on 2^nd, notably the biggest study room. Its historical feel makes for a great study atmosphere. In case you need a computer, there’s always the group study room in the basement, to the right of the stairs, which also has a whiteboard.

On 1^st floor there’s a quiet little nook in the Reading Room called the Knapp room. Although there’s no whiteboard it’s got plenty of space for a study group! Last but not least, there are the Dougie Peters (to the right) and Frank McDonald (to the left) study areas on 1^st floors. Both areas are open to the rest of the library, but have cozy couches and lamps to make for a great study atmosphere. No matter where you pick, we’re sure you and your friends will have a great and productive time! ~Whitni

Student recommends "Animal Farm"

Book Review: Animal Farm

               Animal Farm is a rather short book, and is a very easy read as it is very hard to put down. It raises very interesting and frighteningly realistic issues by putting forth a scenario in which farm animals, fed up with the treatment given to them by their human owner, rebel and take over the farm on which they’ve spent their entire lives. The pigs, being the most intelligent of the farm animals, naturally take over as the leaders, thus setting the mood for future trouble. What ensues is not, as the animals had hoped, freedom, but rather a coup of sorts. As the story continues, it is obvious that the same problems from before have been reestablished tenfold, and now the animals must find a permanent solution. However, this proves to be an immensely difficult task, and the animals go through much strife and conflict in their attempts to achieve this goal.

This book has excellent themes and raises very interesting questions, with countless ways to view each question. One person might say that there can’t ever be both a functioning and completely satisfied society while there is present a leadership class, while another might say that the animals simply perceived their previous situation as much worse than it actually was. No matter how you approach it, however, this book will definitely challenge you to think.  ~Circ student John Clark

Check out some animated fun from Studio Ghibli!

Looking for a fun summer movie? Our Studio Ghibli collection is a great place to start, and good for all ages. Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio founded by acclaimed directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. Studio Ghibli focuses on films filled with whimsical fantasy elements and often features strong heroines. Here’s just three of the 18 that have been produced by the studio:

My Neighbor Totoro (1988) tells the story of two young girls who move with their father to the Japanese countryside and encounter many friendly woodland spirits, named Totoros. The main Totoro helps older sister Satsuki find her 4 year old sister Mei when she turns up missing.

Spirited Away (2001) is the story of Chihiro, a strong-willed 10 year old girl. She moves with her parents to the suburbs and one night discovers an alternate reality inhabited by thousands of mysterious spirits. When Chihiro’s parents are transformed into pigs by a witch, she takes a job at a bathhouse for these spirits to free herself and her parents from this alternate reality.

Pom Poko (1994) chronicles the struggle of shapeshifting raccoons, called tanuki, that are fighting to save their home from urban development. The lazy tanuki put themselves through a strict training regimen so they are able to utilize their shapeshifting powers to trick the humans and evil foxes invading their habitat.

The AV Department has the majority of films by Studio Ghibli, come check them out!

--Laura, Head of Audiovisual

Film Clubs on Campus

Looking for some fellow students that appreciate film as much as you do? The AV Department is glad to partner with three film clubs on campus:

--The Film Appreciation Society meets Saturday nights from 7:00 to 10:00 in Kesler Auditorium. Contact Colin Morris at crmorris@coe.edu for details.

--The Horror Flicks Club meets from 7:00 to 10:00 PM on Fridays in Kesler Auditorium. Contact Ryan Chavez at rcchavez@coe.edu or horrorflick@coe.edu for details.

The Kohawk Otaku Anime Club meets from 7:00 to 10:00 on Thursday nights in the AV Preview Room (downstairs in the AV Department). Contact Alexis Berman at amberman@coe.edu or anime@coe.edu for details.

Each group holds special screenings complete with catering and related events, so make sure to check your email inbox for upcoming events!

--Laura, Head of Audiovisual

What's Up Front Right Now

While the library is a wonderful place to study, research and get help from librarians, the library offers some leisure choices.  The Whipple Browsing area is filled with best sellers and current interest books with such authors as Stephen King, James Patterson and Tami Hoag.  There is also a display of on the first floor for Black History Month.  And for something completely different, stop by the circulation desk and help us finish the puzzle.