Hutchins Library News Blog - Library Homepage at Berea College

Last, but certainly not least, check our our student worker, Kateryna Poltoratska's top three favorite books:

1) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

2) The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde

3) The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

Recent Posts

Welcome to another edition of “From Our Shelves,” where I read a book from our collection and share a short review for our readers. Today's selection is Words to win by: the Slogans, Logos, and Designs of America's Presidential Elections (link to library record). This is a compact reference book that looks at U.S. presidential election slogans, logos, signage, and other artifacts. The book starts with the election of 1900 and takes us up to the 2016 election. It looks at campaign materials as a way to learn about American politics and society. Reading through allows readers to see how campaigns have evolved from print to radio to television to the internet. We also get to see that certain slogans are not original, and they often get recycled. If you are a history reader, a political junkie, or a trivia enthusiast, you will likely enjoy this book. Locally, book can be of interest for some classes in history, political science, and maybe arts and graphic design. ...

Come view Hispanic Outreach Project's Day of the Dead Altar-- October 23-November 2, 2025

The fall season tradition returns. Hutchins Library is pleased to announced that the Hispanic Outreach Project (HOP), out of CELTS, has set up an altar and display for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). HOP provided the following description of the altar and tradition, which is included on the attached flyer: "Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexicanholiday celebrated on the 1 and 2 of November, wherefamilies gather to honor and remember their deceasedloved ones. It is a time to celebrate the lives of thosewho have passed away, often involving alters (ofrendas)decorated with photos, food, and other offerings. Theholiday emphasizes the importance of family andremembrance. Please come join us in a celebration ofyour loved ones by writing a message in our book ofremembrance or simply stopping by and visiting the alter.¡Celebrando nuestrastradiciones!" The altar is set up at the library's entrance on the main floor. It can be viewed during library regular hours. Visitors are invited to honor their ancestors by leaving a note in the altar's notebook and or adding a small photo of an ancestor to the display. This event is free and open to the public. ...

From Our Shelves: White Poverty

Welcome to a new edition of “From Our Shelves,” where I read a book from our collection and write a short review. Today's featured book is White Poverty: how exposing myths about race and class can reconstruct American Democracy (link to library record).Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II looks at the issue of poverty in the United States, focusing on white poverty. The U.S. as a whole tends to ignore or refuse to see white poverty. Heck, white poor people often refuse to see themselves as poor, and the politicians of both parties take full advantage of that attitude to push their agendas. Barber, a Black minister, writes on white poverty because in the end poverty is poverty, and poverty does not care about the color of your skin nor any other demographic traits. Barber has a lyrical and moving writing style that is also down to earth. You can't help but keep reading as he draws you in with warmth and kindness.On campus, this book may be of interest locally for classes in General Studies, regional studies, ethnic studies, political science, and sociology. ...

I Was Here Project Exhibit at Hutchins Library through December 19, 2025

Hutchins Library announces that the I Was Here Project Exhibit is on display on the main floor of the library. This multimedia presentation can be viewed during regular library hours. Artist statement: “Created in 2016 by the late Patrick Mitchell and Marjorie Runyon, I Was Here began as a series of spirit portraits-- photographing contemporary African Americans as archetypal ancestors. Since then, it has gained international recognition, evolving into a synthesis of art and technology that redefines nation-building by acknowledging the vital role of Africans in our history.” To learn more, you can visit their website. This exhibit is free and open to the public. ...

Staff Picks: Kateryna Poltoratska

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Staff Picks: Kateryna Poltoratska

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