Hutchins Library News Blog

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 Mexican
holiday celebrated on the 1 and 2 of November, where
families gather to honor and remember their deceased
loved ones. It is a time to celebrate the lives of those
who have passed away, often involving alters (ofrendas)
decorated with photos, food, and other offerings. The
holiday emphasizes the importance of family and
remembrance. Please come join us in a celebration of
your loved ones by writing a message in our book of
remembrance or simply stopping by and visiting the alter.

¡Celebrando nuestras
tradiciones!"

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. 

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. 

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.