Notices, Podcasts

Banned Books Week 2014 – ESL students share their thoughts

Banned Book Week 2014Once again, this year Professor Shirley Nuhn’s ESL students are creating podcasts that discuss Banned Books Week, which runs from Sept. 21-27.  Links to their podcasts are included below.  NOVA Annandale ESL students have been helping the library recognize Banned Books Week for many years, with their podcasts on the subject first added to the library’s website in 2009.

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating essential American freedoms:  to read, to seek knowledge and to express ideas. Even if the ideas are unorthodox or unpopular, we are supposed to have access to them without limitations. By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to censorship and its results.  It is sponsored by the American Library Association and the National Coalition Against Censorship, among others.

The books displayed in the library during Banned Books Week have all been targeted with removal or restrictions in libraries and schools. While books have been and continue to be banned, part of the Banned Books Week celebration is the fact that, in a majority of cases, these books have remained available.  Come on in and check them out!

Hear what everyone has to say:
Aydin Bekiroglu
Farahnaz Mahvi
Ha Quan 

Professor Shirley Nuhn

Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2013

  1. Captain Underpants (series), by Dav Pilkey
    Reasons: Offensive language, unsuited for age group, violence
  2. The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison
    Reasons: Offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group, violence
  3. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie
    Reasons: Drugs/alcohol/smoking, offensive language, racism, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group
  4. Fifty Shades of Grey, by E.L. James
    Reasons: Nudity, offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group
  5. The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
    Reasons: Religious viewpoint, unsuited to age group
  6. A Bad Boy Can Be Good for A Girl, by Tanya Lee Stone
    Reasons: Drugs/alcohol/smoking, nudity, offensive language, sexually explicit
  7. Looking for Alaska, by John Green
    Reasons: Drugs/alcohol/smoking, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group
  8. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
    Reasons: drugs/alcohol/smoking, homosexuality, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group
  9. Bless Me Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya
    Reasons: Occult/Satanism, offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit
  10. Bone (series), by Jeff Smith
    Reasons: Political viewpoint, racism, violence
Display, Notices

Mandala: Art Installation — A Sacred Space

Mandalas are spiritual symbols representing the Universe. In some traditions, they establish a sacred space.  At the end of spring semester, the Learning and Technology Resources department embarked on a creative project of upcycling old CDs.  The CDs were transformed into works of art as a creative outlet for staff.  The results were so impressive that the Library decided to open the activity to the students and staff of the NOVA-Annandale community.  The culmination of the fine works of art inspired us to install the CDs on a blank wall next to our instruction room.  A great big thank you to all who participated, designed, installed, and admired. Come see our latest creation!

Layout design of installationTwo people on ladders installing art with an observerGroup of staff responsible for project.

Notices

Summertime in the library

flowerdisplay
Flowers are blooming inside and outside of the library. But it is wonderfully cool inside. Stop by to escape the heat and enjoy our display of botanicals and botanical books.

On Wednesday July 16, 2014 you are invited to join us for some mandala making. From 9 a.m. to noon we will be upcycling CDs to create mandalas for a new wall art installation in the library. Refreshments will be served. No special skills are required.
mandala2

Display

New June Displays

The summer is a great time to catch up on reading and movie-watching that’s been put on hold. If you need some ideas for what to read or watch, the library has several displays you can browse.

You can re-watch your favorite movies or discover new movies. Perhaps there’s a classic movie that you haven’t seen. This display is located in the library’s lobby.

Film Display Film Display

Do you want to learn a new (and useful) skill? Why not try your hand at growing herbs? You don’t need a huge yard–many herbs can be grown in an apartment with just enough sunlight, water, and TLC.

Books about Herbs

Perhaps there is a hidden gem within this Father’s Day display….

Father's Day Display

Or, if you’re unfamiliar with the life and works of Maya Angelou, you can read some of  her works and become acquainted with her.

Maya Angelou Display

Of course, all of these items are available for check out. A staff member would be more than willing to help you. If you’re unable to visit the Annandale Campus Library, never fear! Visit our New Books Pinterest board to check out what we have to offer. Follow our board to keep up with our latest purchases. You can request books online and pick them up at a NOVA campus of your choice.

Annandale Campus Library on Pinterest.

We hope to see you around the library this summer!