Banned Book Week

From September 22-28 we celebrated Banned Book Week, an annual event which commemorates our freedom to read. A banned book is a book which has been censored for its content. This causes a book to be removed from public schools, libraries, or bookstore shelves. Here at the Annandale Campus Library, we think readers have the right to interpret and judge a book for themselves, and celebrate our freedom to do so.


Students were surprised to see the books that at some point in their publication have been banned. At the library, we held an informal survey to see which of the banned books had been read by our students. The graph below shows how many students have read each of the selected titles.


Events like this remind us of how important our freedoms are, and helps us remember not to take them for granted. Even if a book has an element deemed controversial or deviant, we should be allowed to read them. Ideas were meant to be shared.
Which book surprised you most to see on the banned book list? If you want to read a banned book, you should consider joining NOVAReads! Banned Books is a category for this year’s reading contest, so feel free to start with one of the books on this list! To sign up for NOVAReads, visit https://learn.vccs.edu/enroll/B3HM6B and join with your myNOVA username and password.

Cameras Available in the Library

Are you interested in photography? At the library, your academic success is our first priority, and for some, academic success includes a wide variety of creative projects! That’s why we have cameras that can be loaned to you for free with your NOVACard! Whether you need some quality photos for class, or want to try your hand at photography, you can come to the circulation desk and try out one of our DSLR cameras.

We have Canon Rebel T5i and T6i, Nikon D7200, a Sony CyberShot, as well as a variety of digital cameras and camcorders. In addition, we have tripods and memory card readers available. The cameras are available for a 3-day loan. For more information on technology available in the library, visit http://libguides.nvcc.edu/technology/annandale

Yarn Storm the Library

Want to get involved in a creative project that can teach you a new skill and benefit the Annandale Campus Library? Join us for yarn storming! This semester, students, faculty, staff, and interested community members can lend their creativity by knitting or crocheting six-inch squares. These squares will be collected throughout the semester with the goal of covering some of the library chairs.

Even if you don’t know how to knit or crochet, you can get involved!  We will have meet-ups where materials and instructions will be provided. Drop in and stay as long as you can! Below are the yarn storming meet-up dates for the semester! If you can’t make the meet-ups, feel free to contribute your yarn squares!

Opening Reception
Date:  Tuesday, October 8
Time:  10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Place:  CG300

October Meet Ups
Dates: Tuesday, October 8
Wednesday, October 9
Wednesday, October 16
Wednesday, October 30
Time:  10a.m. – 2 p.m.
Place:  CG300

November Meet Ups
Dates: Tuesday, November 5
Monday, November 25
Tuesday, November 26
Time:  10a.m. – 2 p.m.
Place:  CG300

December Dates
Tuesday, December 10 Squares due
Wednesday, December 11 Installation
Thursday, December 12 Closing Party(details TBD)

Technology Accessories

We’ve all had those days, where there’s an itching feeling that you’ve forgotten something, and you get to campus and realize you’re missing your calculator that you need for class! Or, you’re trying to study, and all you wish is for a way to cancel out the noise and focus. Or maybe you’ve gotten halfway through the day, and that dreaded “battery running low” notification pops up on your phone. If you’re in a bind, the library is here to provide you the resources you need.

At the circulation desk, we can provide you with a basic function calculator, a scientific calculator, a TI-83 or a TI-84, available for a 24-hour loan. If you want noise cancelling headphones, a headset, or a charging cord for your phone, we can provide you one for library use only. All these accessories are free for you with your NOVACard.

Additionally, you can charge your phone in a charging station locker located within the library. Don’t let one forgotten thing throw off the rhythm of your day. The library is a resource for you, so next time you need something, all you have to do is ask!

Is there a technology accessory you want the library to provide that isn’t listed here? Email your suggestions to anlibtechteam@nvcc.edu, or ask for a tech team member at the library.

Digital Media Studio

Calling all creative souls here at Annandale! Sometimes, projects require a little more creativity that the campus computers can’t accommodate for. That’s why we want to remind students that the Digital Media Studio can be found in the Library and is equipped with the software you need for your photo, video, and graphic design projects.

Choose to work on a Mac or PC and access Photoshop, Audacity, Final Cut Pro, and more! For a complete list, go to https://libguides.nvcc.edu/andigitalmediastudio/software
In conjunction with the software, you can use cameras, tripods, microphones, and more, available to check out at the circulation desk.

Ready to get started? It’s easy to set up an appointment! Just go to https://libcal.nvcc.edu/booking/ANMediaStudio and book your seat! While booking, you will have the option to request tutoring during available hours.

Have you used the Digital Media Studio to create a multimedia project before? We would love to display student work in the library! Send us your submissions at anlibtechteam@nvcc.edu