Welcome to Our Library Blog!

Happy Geeky, Nerdy Friday, everyone!

Books or movies? This is the theme of this blog post today.

Which do you prefer? Do you like to read the book before seeing the movie or would you watch the movie straight on?

Choose your favorite by either clicking this link or by scanning the QR code below.

We will be making an events page soon. Please check back when it is live to see and reminisce with us the events that we have put on throughout these last two semesters!

The Library -partnered with and along side of many departments- will be doing end of semester stress relief events in the next few weeks leading up to finals week. Dates, events, and times are still being decided. Please check our website, the WIT website, and WIT socials for updates.

Nerd Blogger: Morgan, Library Specialist: "Books or Movies"

There are very few things in life that are better than going to the movies. Or reading a good book, for that matter. The imagination they conjure you takes you away to a new place. Both set the scene differently. Both have their own set of rules. Both do a job that seem almost opposite of each other.

When I am asked the dreaded question: "Books or movies?" I have to pause. How can I compare the two? How can I compare something so limited on the screen to something so limitless as my imagination. And how can that be fair?

When I answer the question, I usually feel like I am copping out. It feels like a non-answer. A real book-lover would say books win. A real movie-goer would say the same for movies. But the answer almost always fits between the two. There are no winners in adaptation.

Movies are limited to the technology and the budget of the studio. The book is filtered through a script, through the studio, through the actor, through the camera, through the director, through the editor, through the music, and then (finally) through the viewer. Directors have to meet a deadline and appease their studios in whatever direction that may take them. Books are limited by publication and filtered by the editor and by the reader. My imagination is a streamlined event, constantly moving and churning.

Have I watched movies that were great adaptations to the big screen? Absolutely. One of these days, I'll do a post about how Twilight was perfect and, no, I won't take questions at the end. Have I watched adaptations that were less successful in translation? Yes. But they still made pretty decent stand alone movies.

The phrase that comes to mind is "you can't please everybody". In this case, it is true. You really can't. But you shouldn't compare two. Sometimes movies and books are like eyebrows...sisters or even cousins in the same universe.

WITcha reading?

Let us know WITcha reading, WITCC by emailing the library at library@witcc.edu and let us know if we can put you in our Blog!

Librarian Morgan is reading:

• Heaven Official's Blessing Vol. 3 by Mo Xiang Ton Xiu
• The Duke and I: Bridgerton Book 1 by Julia Quinn

WITcha recommend? Let us know what books you recommend. You can find recommended books in our books tab!

WITcha Listening To?

What podcasts are you listening to? What are you recommending?
 

Let us know WITcha listening, WITCC by emailing the library at library@witcc.edu and let us know if we can put you in our Blog!

Want to Know What's on Display?

Don't forget to stop by our books display webpage for our display books. 

Thank you for relaxing with us!

We hope to see you again next week!

See you then

Welcome to Our Library Blog

Thank you for all of those who came to the TEDx event. It went great! We hope that you come again next year.

Please check back with us on our finals and summer hours.

Autism Acceptance Month

Autism Acceptance Month and Autism Awareness Month came from National Autistic Children's Week which was formed in 1972. The week was initially created to educate people about those on the autism spectrum and offer support for who have family members on the autism spectrum. Eventually, the week shifted to a month-long support advocacy.

Currently, it is used to focus on raising awareness about spectrum disorders and being aware of the discrimination that autistic people face. Just as the week used to celebrate, the month awareness continues to celebrate and support autistic people and the families of autistic people.

National Donate Life Month

April is National Donate Life Month lead by the organization Donate Life America (DLA). This month highlights the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation as well as the important decision of registering to be a donor. According to the DLA's website, this month is to "honor deceased and living donors and to celebrate the lives they saved". "It is the generosity of donors and donor families that makes saving lives through transplantation possible".

To learn more about organ transplants and the history of, listen to this recommended podcast episode of Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine.

External Link: https://maximumfun.org/episodes/sawbones/sawbones-organ-transplants/

Arab American Month

Taking hold since 2017, Arab American Month is a celebration of rich and diverse culture that Arab Americans bring to the United States. This month is to celebrate our citizens as well as expose and prevent racism, bigotry, and violence against them.

President Biden was the first president to declare April as Arab American Month in 2022.

Further recommended reading:

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The 1970s saw a significant increase of the prevention of sexual violence with the increase of social wide acceptance and activism. The first rape crisis center was opened in 1971 for victim services. Moving into the 80s, the National Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCASA) rallied for a Sexual Assault Awareness Week. As soon as the 90s, advocates started advancing the awareness week to an awareness month. 2001 was the first month-long awareness month celebrated nationally. Currently, this month offers awareness, voice, and education for the prevention of sexual assault.

Community College Month

Did you know that April is also Community College Month? We are glad to be a part of your education and are so happy to help you on your education journey! We would also like to thank our coworkers who make assisting our students so enjoyable!

You are doing fantastic! You are doing amazing things! You will keep doing amazing things! Keep up the good work!

WITcha reading?

Let us know WITcha reading, WITCC by emailing the library at library@witcc.edu and let us know if we can put you in our Blog!
 

WITcha recommend? Let us know what books you recommend. You can find recommended books in our books tab!

WITcha Listening To?

What podcasts are you listening to? What are you recommending?

If you like true crime, our work study recommends listening to Park Predators. A podcast that examines the dark secrets of some of the most beautiful places: parks. 
 

Let us know WITcha listening, WITCC by emailing the library at library@witcc.edu and let us know if we can put you in our Blog!

 It was nice chatting with you! We would love to see you in our next blog where we will have:

• Nerd and Geek Week!
   

See you then!

Welcome to Our Library Blog

Happy first week of April! Just a few more weeks until the semester is over.
 

Remember, if you are having any issues with any of our Library services, please stop by or send us an e-mail so we can assist you.
 

With the beginning of a new month, we have a whole new set of new monthly book displays. Please stop in or check out our online book displays. 
 

As a reminder, we have TEDx on campus next week. Please check out the WITCC TEDx website for more information.

We are going to spend some time updating the Library website this summer. What would you like us to include that we do not currently have? Please let us know! library@witcc.edu

WITcha reading?

Librarian Morgan is reading:

• A Taste of Gold and Iron

Let us know WITcha reading, WITCC by emailing the library at library@witcc.edu and let us know if we can put you in our Blog!
 

WITcha recommend? Let us know what books you recommend. You can find recommended books in our books tab!

WITcha Listening To?

What podcasts are you listening to? What are you recommending?
 

Let us know WITcha listening, WITCC by emailing the library at library@witcc.edu and let us know if we can put you in our Blog!

Did you know...? And Other Fun Holidays Worth Celebrating

April 1st- April Fools

The origins of April Fools can't exactly be pinned down. What can be expected are the jokes and the (hopefully painless) laughs that today brings.

April 3rd- National Find a Rainbow Day

April showers bring May flowers...

April 4th- National Burrito Day

Wrap yourself in a nice burrito blanket while you treat yourself with a burrito today! Let's learn about some folk history about burritos.

Burritos rolled in cuisine in Cuidad Juarez. Did you know...a lot of the folk history burrito-ing the burrito's history comes from the wording of "small donkey".

April 5th- National Nebraska Day

Nebraska was admitted into the Union on Match 1st, 1867. This state has a circle of cars in replication of Stonehenge called Carhenge.

April 6th- National Student- Athlete Day

We would like to take the day to celebrate our student-athletes on our campus and in our classes! Keep up the hard work, everyone!

April 9th- National Name Yourself Day

Put on a name tag and give yourself a new name today. Sometimes it is nice to remember that you can choose your own name sometimes.

April 11th- National Eight Track Tape Day

This near obsolete music device is a staple for every second-hand store and once a part of the complete car system. Did you know...it was invented in 1953 by George Eash. Although Librarian Morgan knew about the 8-track, she was completely floored when learning that the tape was a continuous loop and doesn't need to be rewound.

April 12th- National Colorado Day

Colorado became a state on August 1st, 1876. Did you know...this 38th state has had 525 recorded earthquakes since 1973!

April 13th- National Thomas Jefferson Day

Thomas Jefferson was the first Secretary of State, second Vice President, and third President of the United States.

April 14th- National Gardening Day

Librarian Morgan loves to get elbow deep into her garden. There are several books in the catalog she recommends depending on your level of gardening. Stop in or give Librarian Morgan an e-mail for her recommendations.

April 16th- National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day

Don't forget to be cozy today while you wear your pajamas to work!

April 18th- National North Dakota Day

North Dakota was formed on November 2nd, 1889 as the 39th state. While both North and South Dakota were formed on the same day, William Clark and Meriwether Lewis and the Corps of Discovery spent the most time in what later turned out to be North Dakota.

April 22nd- National Earth Day

The first Earth Day was celebrated 1970. Did you know... this year's theme is "Planet vs. Plastics"?

April 26th- National South Dakota Day

Although both South and North Dakota became states at the same time, South Dakota is the 40th state and North Dakota is the 39th state.

April 30th- National Bugs Bunny Day

"Eh... What's up, doc?" Did you know...Bugs Bunny's first appearance was first seen April 30th, 1938 in Porky's Hare Hunt as a prototype. The bunny that Porky the Pig tries to hunt in the short film later evolves into the iconic Bugs Bunny. Bugs Bunny later returns in his official appearance in A Wild Hare with Elmer Fudd in July 27, 1940 in their typical Elmer/Bugs banter.

 It was nice to talk to you! Thank you for taking the time to stop in and chat with us. Next week we will talk about the national holidays this month!

See you then!

Welcome to Our Library Blog!

Happy Geeky, Nerdy Friday, everyone!

We do not have any news this week. Please have an enjoyable weekend!

Nerd Blogger: Morgan, Library Specialist: "Don't Get Me Started on the Telly"

It is 2013, and I'm on the tube. All I can think is "I'm really here".

I am walking along the business side of Thames because we missed our scheduled event in our travels. (Not by the water because who actually does that?) All I can think is "I'm really here".

I rode a double-decker bus (sadly, not red and half the size). All I can think is "I'm really here.

I (sorta) fought with a cashier when ordering fries because I called them chips on the first go. I ordered black tea and never drank it because it really sucked. I went to a fish and chip shop but didn't order any fish. I really was there. I was on a trip to the UK. The place that I have seen in movies and shows that I have tried to consume like a hungry lion. And I was more excited than I ever pretended to be and felt I had way more knowledge than I actually did. 

Thinking back on what media I had consumed then, I would have been a whole lot of Tudor England knowledge, some Beatles history, some Graham Norton episodes, Sherlock (I'm going to say I watched it by now. I've watched it so much that I don't actually remember what year is my "awakening"), and Doctor Who. Sure, I watched documentaries on several castles, a good number of British specific movies, and some niche BBC series that no one actually knows the name of except me and a handful of people.

There was a time when I had watched or at least tried to start almost all the BBC shows being shown on Netflix. At the beginning, it was pretty easy as there were only a few, but it grew to be too many. Although, I have not seen a BBC produced show in quite some time, I can tell you it probably is one of the better set of drama writing that I have seen. As watching as a foreigner, I find the script usually non-formulaic most of the time. When it comes up in conversation, I bring up that Broadchurch (ITV) was remade for a US audience and titled Gracepoint (Fox). Although this has not been the first show to cross the ocean and will not be the last, the ending was switched in a terribly predictable American way. The show promised the viewers new twists, but delivered a drama filled heavily with lead while its parent show produced drama that whipped like the wind from the overlooking cliffs.

I find myself watching BBC series less and less as the amount of shows becomes increasingly more available. When I do watch and see the familiar logo flash across the corner of the screen, I feel the familiar feeling of comfort and feeling of "hey, I was there once!" as I settle down to some twisting British drama.

WITcha reading?

Let us know WITcha reading, WITCC by emailing the library at library@witcc.edu and let us know if we can put you in our Blog!

WITcha recommend? Let us know what books you recommend. You can find recommended books in our books tab!

WITcha Listening To?

What podcasts are you listening to? What are you recommending?
 

Let us know WITcha listening, WITCC by emailing the library at library@witcc.edu and let us know if we can put you in our Blog!

Say 'Hello' To Our New Books

Don't forget to stop by our books webpage for our new books and see what books are being recommended!

Thank you for joining us for our geek week!

We hope to see you again next week!

See you then!

Welcome to Our Library Blog

We hope you had a great Spring Break!

 We would like to take this time to remind everyone about the TED X event on campus Thursday, April 11th. TED X is an independently ran TED event with multiple speakers. Description of the event is available on the WITCC TED X website.

Thank you for all those who joined in our Bookmark Contest! You can look at the bookmarks at the bookmark contest page.

Women's History Month

Women's History Month started as Women's History Week in 1980 when President Jimmy Carter issued a Presidential proclamation. Congress passed a resolution soon after for the following year (1982) to establish a national celebration. However, Women's History Week could be seen as early as 1978 in Sonoma County California. In 1987, Congress passed a statute that set up the month of March of that year as Women's History Month. Congress passed additional resolutions authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year between 1988 to 1994 to be for Women's history. Each president since then have continued to do so.

Women's History Month celebrates the contributions women have made to the United States. It is to recognize achievements women have made over history in their diverse fields and to lift up women's voices to be heard.  

Developmental Disabilities Month

This month (and all months), the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) raise awareness for the inclusion of people with disabilities and to bring awareness of barriers that people of disabilities still face while connecting and partaking in the communities in which they live in. This month is to highlight how communities with all different abilities can come together and form strong connections and stronger communities. While forming these bonds and creating the awareness, barriers are removed.

National Library Week

First started in 1957, National Library week was put together by the American Library Association (ALA) with libraries across the country to promote library usage and to support local libraries. Countries across the globe have different weeks in which they celebrate libraries, but the idea has spread.

Every year, the ALA has an overreaching theme for the year while each day has a celebratory day.

Monday: Right to Read Day- "a day for readers, advocates, and library lovers to take action to protect, defend, and celebrate the right to read".

Tuesday: National Library Workers Day

Wednesday: National Library Outreach Day- a day dedicated to professionals who are "meeting their patrons where they are"

Thursday: Take Action for Libraries Day- "a day to rally advocates to support libraries".
 

Check out our display both online and in our library to celebrate National Library Week

Review: Morgan, Library Specialist: If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood by Gregg Olsen

As someone who has occasionally will watch a true crime series or will listen to a true crime podcast, I have not read very many true crime books. When it comes to seeing something and hearing true events, I find the story more interesting while hearing and seeing than reading. The story generally seems more impactful to me this way. However, I found this book while scrolling through my phone and the story of it (however horrible it may be) sounded so interesting. The story felt much like a movie plot or a mini-drama you would find that you didn't know existed (for the record, there is an episode of a true crime show about this). I needed to know how it ended without even reading a single word of what was inside.  

Michelle "Shelly" Knotek is a parent. A strict parent. But not one of those strict parents where maybe you can see it comes from a place of love or even misplaced love. She just needed the upper hand. Her rules are arbitrary. Her rules compound. Her rules are not equal between her children. She does not make deals. She does not care if someone is sick. She abuses family and non-family alike. Shelly is psychologically and emotionally manipulative. And she is relentless.

Sisters Nikki, Sami, and Tori are in it together. One is the favorite. One has balanced between favoritism and being at the bottom end of Shelly's blows. The other...well. Receives some of the worst. As family, step-fathers, and friends came into this family's life, the more horrible and more fantastical this story seemed to be. Who is actually missing? Who is actually murdered? Is anyone actually cared for deep down? How can something as safe and as comforting as family and love be turned around in these children and then adults' lives? And is when it seems the most real.

I couldn't stop reading. There is so much that happens to these children turned teens turned adults that I needed to know that these people would come out at the end.

Olsen has great writing style in the books that I have read, started to read, or had read samples of. He knows the language that keeps an audience engaged as if this were a novel, but doesn't let you forget that this is a true story.

We do have a copy available on campus if interested.

WITcha reading?

Librarian Morgan is reading:

• Abandoned Prayers: The Incredible True Story of Murder, Obsession and Amish Secrets by Gregg Olsen
• The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 3 by Natsu Hyuuga
• The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 4 by Natsu Hyuuga

Let us know WITcha reading, WITCC by emailing the library at library@witcc.edu and let us know if we can put you in our Blog!
 

WITcha recommend? Let us know what books you recommend. You can find recommended books in our books tab!

WITcha Listening To?

What podcasts are you listening to? What are you recommending?

This week's recommendation is from Amanda Heilman, Administrative Program Coordinator. She recommends 'Just Jack & Will with Sean Hayes and Eric McCormack'

The actors who played Jack and Will are back again and host a podcast . Sean Hayes who played Jack and has never seen the show, and Eric McCormack who played Will and "may have seen it too much" talk behind the scenes of the beloved sitcom with cast members and guest stars. 
 

Let us know WITcha listening, WITCC by emailing the library at library@witcc.edu and let us know if we can put you in our Blog!

 It was nice chatting with you! We would love to see you in our next blog where we will have:

• Nerd Week/ Guest
   

See you then!

Welcome to Our Library Blog

Women's History Month is upon us! Join us in celebrating women by stopping in and checking out our book display or viewing our Books On Display page.

Ramadan Mubarak to all those who are partaking in Ramadan next week. May you have a blessed and generous month.

Our Emotional Support Pickle has a new friend just in time for midterms! They as well as everyone here in the Library and WITCC wish you the best of luck on your midterms and the healthiest spring break.

A reminder: The Campus and Library will be closed March 11th and 12th for Staff Development.

Campus will also be closed Friday, March 15th. The Library will be closed Sunday, March 17th.

WITcha reading?

Librarian Morgan is reading

• The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 1 by Natsu Hyuga
• The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 2 by Natsu Hyuga
• A Power Unbound by Frey Marske
• Heaven Official's Blessing Vol. 2 by Mo Xiang Ton Xiu

Our Workstudy is reading:

• Evil Boys by Clarissa Wild
   

Let us know WITcha reading, WITCC by emailing the library at library@witcc.edu and let us know if we can put you in our Blog!
 

WITcha recommend? Let us know what books you recommend. You can find recommended books in our books tab!

WITcha Listening To?

What podcasts are you listening to? What are you recommending?

This week's recommendation is from our workstudy! She recommends "Two Hot Takes" by Morgan Absher. Morgan and her team rummage through Reddit and listener write-ins and give their hot takes on various topics. 
 

Let us know WITcha listening, WITCC by emailing the library at library@witcc.edu and let us know if we can put you in our Blog!

Did you know...? And Other Fun Holidays Worth Celebrating

March 1st- Self-Injury Awareness Day

Please know that we think you are amazing. You are wonderful. You are powerful. If you feel that you need to talk to someone, there are people more than willing to spend the time to listen. Counseling on campus is confidential and have experience talking through a variety of topics. You can find more about them on their website.

Suicide Hotline- 988

Siouxland Health Center- 712.252.3871

Safe Place, Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Services- 712.258.7233

Campus Safety- 712.274.6414

Crisis Text Line- 741741

The Trevor Project- 678-678

March 4- National Grammar Day

Is it... it's or its? Their or their? Whom or who...?

Whichever is the case, the grammar lovers are celebrating today!

March 6th- National Dentist's Day

You don't need to tell us if you are flossing everyday in order to thank your dentist...or even say 'hello' to our dental students!

March 8th- National Oregon Day

Admitted to the Union on February 14th, 1859, Oregon is the 33rd state. Located in the Siskiyou National Forest, this state has the world's only Big Foot Trap. Do you believe in the well known Sasquatch?

March 9th- National Barbie Day

Introduced on this day in 1959, this year Barbie will be turning 65. Happy birthday, Barbie!

March 12th- National Girl Scouts Day

Girl Scouts of America was founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912 on this day. As they say on the Girl Scout's website, it was "at a time when women in the United States couldn't yet vote and were expected to stick to strict social norms, encouraging girls to embrace their unique strengths and create their own opportunities was game changing". Did you know...to this day, a troop with just a single girl is called a 'Juliette'?

March 14th National Write Down Your Story Day

We have a variety of autobiographies in our collection to celebrate today! Don't forget to take time an reflect on your own story and journey as well. We believe in you and your journey you are on!

March 14th- National Pi Day

3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419716939937510.... or my favorite pie is apple.

March 17th- St. Patrick's Day

This British born Saint of folklore and legend is the basis of this holiday.

March 18th- National Awkward Moments Day

No need to stay awake thinking about the "why did I do that?" thoughts tonight. You have our permission to embrace the awkward moments and hopefully be able to shrug them off today.

March 21st- World Poetry Day

Our catalog has many poetry collections to choose from in anticipation for this day.

Love poems? Poems about the world? Heck! Make your own poem today! No experience needed.

March 25th- Tolkien Reading Day

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born January 3rd 1892. Of course, any avid fan would recognize that March 25th would be the day that the Ring was destroyed. Don't believe us? Well, you'll have to check out the Lord of the Rings series in our Collection then.

March 27th- World Theater Day

"All the world's a stage/ And all the women and women merely players"- William Shakespeare.

March 29th Nevada Day

Nevada is the 36th state after it's introduction to the Union on October 31st, 1864. Did you know...That Nevada was the second of two states to be added during the Civil War?

March 31st- International Transgender Day of Visibility Day

Today is a day to be informed, to listen, and to celebrate the voices that should be amplified today as we grow to understand our neighbors in society and become better people in return.

 It was nice chatting with you! As it will be Spring Break next week, we will take our monthly week off next week. We will see you the following week.

See you then!