July fun @ Whitewater’s public library

Posted on July 9, 2018 by Barbara

The Irvin L Young Memorial Library, Whitewater’s public library (431 W Center St), is providing some fun and free summer events in July! No registration required. Mark your calendars:

  • Thurs., July 12, 4pm: Hillbilly Silly Science Spectacular Comedy Show – Performing artist Curt Strutz will appear as Dr. Cletus Beaker, MD, to provide a humorous but educational experience about basic science concepts and conducting experiments safely. You can get a taste of the presentation via YouTube.
  • Sat, July 14, 10am-noon:Make your own terrarium – The Library will have all supplies needed until they run out! No registration required.
  • Thurs, July 26, at 4pm: Experience Rhythm for Unity with Tom Gill – “Rhythm For Unity uses hand drums and other percussion instruments to create and cultivate commUNITY! All ages! All abilities!” from Facebook

book cover

Andersen Library may be able to help you learn more if you’d like, with resources such as the articles “Community building through drumming” (The Arts in Psychotherapy, 2002, vol.29:no.5, pp.261-264), “Drumming and mindfulness: Integrations into an evidence-based group intervention” (Social Work with Groups, 2017, pp.1-14), and “Synchronized drumming enhances activity in the caudate and facilitates prosocial commitment – If the rhythm comes easily” (PLoS ONE, vol.6:no.11, E27272, doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0027272). Andersen Library also has books that can help you enjoy silly science at home with kids, such as Weird science: 40 strange-acting, bizarre-looking, and barely believable activities for kids (Curriculum Collection, Nonfiction, 507.8 Wie), Where puddles go: Investigating science with kids (3rd-floor Main Collection, QC26 .S77 1995) and Catch the wind, harness the sun: 22 super-charged science projects for kids (3rd-floor Main Collection, TJ808.2 .C33 2011).

These examples are just the tip of the iceberg! If you’d like assistance with finding additional information, please ask a librarian (choose chat or email, phone 262-472-1032, or ask to see a reference librarian in Andersen Library).

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New Stuff Tuesday – July 3, 2018

Posted on July 2, 2018 by James Castrillo

Reconstruction book cover

Bunk:
Reconstruction : voices from America’s first great struggle for racial equality
by Brooks D Simpson (editor)
E668 .R4245 2018
Main Collection, 3rd floor

In Reconstruction: voices from America’s first great struggle for racial equality , Brooks Simpson has organized the diversity of voices calling out for racial equality during the 12 years after the Civil War ended, known as Reconstruction. The voices are collected from a variety of primary sources including diaries, newspaper articles, letters, interviews, and more. The works are presented chronologically and show that with the end of the Civil War, America’s struggle over racial equality was really only just beginning. We have works that show the controversy over the passing of the 14th and 15th amendment, and one’s that reveal the tension that lead to the first impeachment of a president in Andrew Johnson. Reconstruction highlights a complex and aspirational time in America’s history that ultimately ended tragically.

For more by Brooks Simpson, check out his edited work The Civil War: the third year told by those who lived it.

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New Stuff Tuesday – June 26, 2018

Posted on June 27, 2018 by Martha

Bunk book cover

Bunk:
The Rise of Hoaxes, Humbug, Plagiarists, Phonies, Post-Facts, and Fake News
by Kevin Young
HV6691 .Y674 2017
New Arrivals Island, 2nd floor

Poet and critic Kevin Young writes with humor about “bunk” in this country. Call it what you will, balderdash, bosh, fakery, flimflam, forgery, fraud, spin, or twaddle; these are all variations on the theme of bunk and are things to think seriously about. This book is filled with many examples of bunk that will entertain you while getting across the message of the book. Far from being a new phenomenon, bunk has existed for centuries in many forms. The time frame covered includes recent and more distant stories. Not only the “fake news” of Donald Trump, but also the “humbug” of PT Barnum, and other falsehoods of people who lived either recently or long ago. Bunk is woven from stereotype and suspicion. Kevin Young considers race to be the most insidious American hoax. According to Young, “the hoax reminds us, uncomfortably, that the stories we tell don’t just express the society of the self, they construct it” (p. 432).

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Celebrate July 4! Library hours, local events

Posted on June 27, 2018 by Barbara

It’s almost July 4th! How will you celebrate? Andersen Library will be open until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3rd, but the Library is closed on Wed., July 4th. Then it’s back to normal summer session hours as of 7:30 a.m. on Thurs., July 5th.

While the physical library is closed, online access to databases (including articles), the library holdings information listed in Books, media and more (UW Whitewater) (including access to ebooks) and Ask a Librarian online assistance via chat will be available.

Flag and fireworks imageNow, about celebrating…there are a lot of choices!

On Tuesday, July 3rd, enjoy the next Summer Concert outside Andersen Library on the Wyman Mall from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Enjoy music by King Solomon (world, reggae and ska), catering by various food trucks (Flying Cow Pizza, Smoked on Wheels BBQ, Lefty’s Two, Stormy’s Grilled Cheese, Yang’s Thai food, Pops Kettle Corn) and all the offerings of the Whitewater City Market vendors! There will be guided tours featuring campus history at 5 and 6 p.m, and lots of other fun for the whole family.

Whitewater’s Family Festival runs Fri.-Wed., June 29-July 4. The schedule includes a parade at 10am on Wed., the 4th (parade entries), preceded by the 11th annual Whippet City Mile Run along the same route and starting at about 9:50am. The Festival also includes midway games, food, music, the annual car & bike rally (on the 4th, beginning at 8am), Minneiska ski show on Cravath Lake (on the 1st at noon; on the 4th at 12:30 p.m.), fireworks, and more.

Many nearby communities will be celebrating as well, e.g., Milton offers softball games, carnival, parade (1pm on Wed. the 4th), music, fireworks, and more. The Hoard Historical Museum (401 Whitewater Ave, Fort Atkinson) will host its 39th annual ice cream social on the 4th from 1-3pm with music and patriotic readings. Fort Atkinson also has fireworks on Sun., July 1, at 9:45pm at the high school (925 Lexington Blvd, Fort Atkinson) and a Community Band Concert on Mon., July 2, at 7:30pm in Barrie Park (210 Robert St), with an ice cream social that starts at 6:30. Events listings are available for Jefferson County communities or Walworth County communities by selecting a date or date range on their calendars. To find events in other communities, please search the Internet or ask a librarian (call 262.472.1032, come in, email or chat) for assistance.

Enjoy. Happy Fourth!

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New Stuff Tuesday – June 12, 2018

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Naomi Schemm

Bonnie and clyde CD cover

Bonnie & Clyde: The Original Broadway Cast Recording
Composer, Frank Wildhorn
New Arrivals Island, 2nd floor, SOU Wil Bon

Close your eyes, and from the first tinkling piano and smoky brass notes in this show’s prologue, you are transported back to a different time and place: perhaps a dark backroom of a bar, in some down-and-out rural town, where people in the depths of the Depression have lost their hopes and dreams but still can get swept up in the story of an illicit love affair, of two rebels with a downtrodden origin story who still manage to give the finger to “the authority” in all its forms.

This is the story of the criminal duo Bonnie and Clyde, who became sensational fodder for the day’s newspapers for a time thanks to their daring bank robberies, but who quickly became public enemy #1 when their escapades turned to murder. This original Broadway CD uses a wide variety of jazz, honky-tonk, country, and gospel styles to tell the story in a way that feels authentic to the time period. The historical parallels are there too, from Bonnie smuggling Clyde a gun to help break him out of jail in 1932, to sheriff’s deputy Ted Hinton’s unrequited crush on Bonnie – Ted eventually participated in the 1934 shootout that killed both criminals. In reading about the characters, I was also amused by the historically-accurate dress that Bonnie wears on the cover of the CD booklet, which then led me down the rabbit hole of the internet to the incredible collection of memorabilia and photos maintained here by some dedicated fan.

Indeed, the ill-fated pair’s enduring presence in pop culture in the decades since their death is an ironic parallel to the show’s opening, with a young Bonnie and Clyde both singing about how “This world will remember me!” Perhaps not in the way the young ones first intended, but this CD is evidence of that very remembrance.

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Summer Concert Series

Posted on June 7, 2018 by Barbara

The campus is hosting a free Summer Concert Series on the Wyman Mall (on the west side of Andersen Library) as part of its Sesquicentennial celebration! Bring your picnic (no carry-in of alcohol) or purchase food and beverages at the concerts. Additional activities, including kids’ activities and tours of the campus featuring historical information will be offered as well. Restrooms will be available in the Andersen Library building. More information, including a map showing the free parking areas and a listing of the food options for each concert, is available online.

Here’s the line-up (all concerts run from 4:30-6:30pm), with something for almost everyone:

In the event of rain, concerts and other activities will be relocated to the University Center.
♫

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Summer Renovations Bring Welcoming Change

Posted on June 6, 2018 by Nancy Bennett

Change is underway here at the Andersen Library! In response to the feedback of students and staff, the Andersen Library is revitalizing the second floor space to better serve students’ needs. While this process includes new carpet for the space, the changes go far beyond this simple gesture. Concurrently, the Andersen Library is altering the flow of the second floor, offering more collaborative work-spaces throughout and removing several stacks to increase visibility – providing a more open concept, congruent for group work. As a result, the Andersen Library will be more equipped to provide the space that students need as they navigate the demands of their classes.

Caution Tape Close-Up
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As these renovations continue to move forward, access to the second floor will be limited. Although it is still accessible, many of its services – printers, scanners, etc. – have been moved to the first and third floors to limit traffic on the second floor. Additionally, the library entrance is now on the first floor, where the Circulation Desk is temporarily located, allowing patrons to continue to check out items and receive help from librarians, despite the work being done upstairs.

Although this process creates temporary inconvenience, the revitalization of the second floor will foster more inviting environments for students when they return in the fall, and for many semesters to come. Students will benefit from a space that better fits their needs and encourages collaboration throughout the journey of a higher-level education.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue renovations at the Andersen Library!

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Summer fun: June events @ Irvin L Young Memorial Library

Posted on June 6, 2018 by Barbara

The Irvin L Young Memorial Library, Whitewater’s public library (431 W Center St), is providing some fun and free summer events! No registration required. Mark your calendars:

  • Thurs., June 7, 6-7:30pm: State of Craft Beer – Matt Janzen, author of State of Craft Beer, will talk about his two years of research on Wisconsin breweries. Copies of the book will be available for sale. After the presentation, attendees (of legal drinking age, of course) may join him for some locally-brewed beer at Second Salem Brewing Company (111 W Whitewater St).
  • Mon, June 11, 4-6pm: “Bob Ross Night” – The library will provide painting supplies (limited, available until they run out!) for painting along with Bob. If you don’t know who Bob Ross was, see Wikipedia or read more information about him below.
  • Tues, June 19, at 6pm: Rick & Rise of Mourning Dayze – musical performance (Copies of the book Mourning Dayze: A Wisconsin Garage Band will be available for sale; Andersen Library has a copy in Special Collections, 1st floor, at ML3534.3 .P6)
  • Sun, June 24, 10am-2pm: Whitewater Food Truck Festival – Purchase food from a variety of local food truck vendors to please your palate and help raise funds for the public library!
  • Tues, June 26, at 4pm: The Dark Web: What You Should Know – Rose Trupiano, Research and Instructional service librarian at Marquette University will tell you all about it.

You may be able to learn more if you’d like!

book coverInterested in more information about breweries? Andersen Library has books such as Breweries of Wisconsin by Jerry Apps (2nd ed., from 2005, in 1st-floor Special Collections, at TP573.U6 A66 2005; or preview some text via Google Books) and A spirited history of Milwaukee brews & booze (3rd-floor Main Collection, at HD9397 .U53 M554 2011; preview some text via Google Books). Travel Wisconsin.com offers suggested stops to “Tour Wisconsin’s Craft Breweries,” a searchable directory to plan your own brewery tour, and a page of “Sconnie Brews: 5 Beers with Wisconsin-Inspired Names” (which includes Second Salem in Whitewater).

book coverInspired to try your hand at painting? UW-Whitewater students and employees may obtain a copy of the book Happy clouds, happy trees: The Bob Ross phenomenon from another UW campus library by using the free UW Request service (requested items arrive in 2-5 weekdays), or preview some text via Google Books. There also is a YouTube channel for The Joy of Painting episodes from PBS. Especially check out Season 1, Episode 1 because it goes over the equipment to be used. If the session at the public library is full, you can use the YouTube videos of all 403 episodes (31 seasons) to paint along with Bob anytime! Also see the Bob Ross website for more information about painting supplies.

These examples are just the tip of the iceberg! If you’d like assistance with finding additional information, please ask a librarian (choose chat or email, phone 262-472-1032, or ask to see a reference librarian in Andersen Library).

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New Stuff Tuesday – June 5, 2018

Posted on June 5, 2018 by Ellen Latorraca

Dazzle Ships

Dazzle Ships: World War I and the Art of Confusion
by Chris Barton; illustrated by Victo Ngai
E Bar
Curriculum Collection, E Books, 2nd floor

There is much to be learned from a well-crafted picture book whether or not there is a child available to help with interpretation. The collection for this week’s New Stuff Tuesday offers many lessons, all in time for  fishing season.

Dazzle Ships provides a perfect example of a children’s non-fiction picture book that is rich in information and design. Barton describes the American and British naval dilemma of how to make a vessel less easily targeted by German U-boats. A Royal Navy volunteer reservist, Lieutenant-commander Wilkinson, after a weekend respite of fishing and observing passing ship traffic, was struck with the inspiration to paint their hulls in such a way as to visually confuse using eye-popping geometric and other patterns. While it is difficult to prove whether this strategy had actually spared any ships and lives, it illustrates the need for creativity and a willingness to try the improbable. Both may be just what’s needed to confront seemingly impossible challenges. (If Dazzle Ships sparks your interest in this aspect of art and design during World War I, see the Smithsonian Magazine Special Report World War I: 100 Years Later: When the British Wanted to Camouflage Their Warships, They Made Them Dazzle.)

Roger is Going Fishing

If it is, instead, the the power of fishing to inspire as it did Lieutenant-commander Wilkinson, then check out Roger is Going Fishing by Koen Van Biesen, translated from Dutch by Laura Watkinson. In this zany read-aloud, Emily and her neighbor Roger head off on Roger’s bike for an afternoon of fishing. The city sidewalk is so crowded that Emily inadvertently catches one person’s belonging after another, until quite the crowd is in the chase to the lake. Instead of flaring hot tempers because of Emily’s mishaps, all make the best of a good splash on a hot day, unlikely friends are made, and festivities ensue.

In another fishing-inspired new addition to the Curriculum Collection, The Fishing Lesson, Heinrich Böll spins a fine allegorical yarn. A camera-toting tourist offers entrepreneurial advice to a fisherman. On each page, the tourist advises yet one more thing the fisherman could do to grow his business bigger and bigger until it would be what he believes to be a successful fish empire – only to find that the fisherman has a somewhat different idea of what success looks like.

The Fishing Lesson

If you lack the gear, don’t care for the inevitable deer flies, and can’t stand the thought of hooking a leech, these stories will illustrate a modicum of the benefits that the fine pastime of fishing offers.

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New Stuff Tuesday – May 29, 2018

Posted on May 29, 2018 by Carol

Atlas of a Lost World

Atlas of a Lost World: Travels in Ice Age America
by Craig Childs
BE77.9 .C55 2018
New Arrivals Island, 2nd floor

For history buffs, pre-history can be alternately frustrating and exciting. Lacking written texts to guide the way, uncovering the keys to the past can be a bit more involved. And yet, the clues are there, waiting to be discovered, analyzed, and pieced together like so many shards of pottery.

Craig Childs explores the mysteries of the migration of the first peoples to the Americas that began 20,000 years ago when temperatures warmed and the glaciers of the last Ice Age began to melt. Come join him for an adventure across continents as he journeys with the first immigrants into the new world.

If you’d like to learn more about Craig Childs’ nature and science writing, see his web site or explore other books by him in the UW System Libraries.

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