Deadliest Sea

On March 23, 2008 the Alaska Ranger (a fishing trawler) began taking on water in the Bering Sea. After placing calls for help, the crew of 47 would eventually abandon ship to the frigid water. Many knew if they weren't rescued soon they would either drown or freeze to death. Two Coast Guard helicopters were dispatched to the scene to try to rescue them under less than ideal circumstances.

Why I picked it up: I know little about the Coast Guard and this branch of our military.

Why I finished it: I wanted to see who survives and the details of their rescue.

I'd give it to: There is ample description not only of the rescue, but also what goes on when a fishing boat sets sail for an expedition. So I'd give it to anyone who wants to know more about open sea fishing as an occupation as well as how the Coast Guard operates.

call # - G530.A193T466 2010 (currently in New Books)

Thompson, Kalee. Deadliest Sea. c2010

New webpage!

The University has a new webpage. This means the library also has a new webpage: www.dickinsonstate.edu/library.aspx

At the University webpage, you will find a library link at "current students."

If you encounter any difficulty accessing library resources, please call us at 701-483-2135.

Stoxen Library Hours for the week of Thanksgiving

Monday November 22 – Tuesday November 23

8:00 am – 11:00 pm
Wednesday November 24

8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Thursday November 25 – Saturday November 27

CLOSED
We will reopen Sunday November 28

4:00 pm – 11:00 pm

They called themselves the K.K.K.

Six young men started a "club" in 1866 in Pulaski, Tennessee. This club came to be known as the Ku Klux Klan. At first they limited their actions to riding the countryside at night, crashing parties while wearing their ghostly ornate costumes. Soon they recruited more men and, modeling their club after a fraternity, had secret handshakes and passwords, initiation rituals and other secret rites. Their actions soon took a turn towards violence and former slaves were on the receiving end of threats, whippings, beatings and even lynchings. The book is filled with photos, illustrations and interviews.

Why I picked it up: I know little about the Ku Klux Klan and this seemed like a good way to find out about its origins.

Why I finished it: It was interesting to read about this time in our history.

I'd give it to: Anyone who doesn't know much about the Ku Klux Klan. The book is well-researched and is a fairly easy read.

call # - HS2330.K63B37 2010 (currently located in New Books)

They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: the Birth of an American Terrorist Group by Susan Campbell Cartoletti c2010

Banned Books Week - September 25 - October 2, 2010

We have collected some of the books in our collection that have been banned or challenged in libraries around the country and placed them on display to encourage you to celebrate your freedom to read. Please stop by the library and see if any of your favorite authors or books have been challenged. Each year Banned Books Week serves to draw attention to the harms of censorship. You may view a list of the Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books: 2000-2009 by clicking here.

Killer Thrillers!

This summer the National Public Radio (NPR) audience nominated their top 600 "killer thrillers" and we now have the list of the top 100! The newest display on the "cube" right inside the library door has the complete list of the winners. The titles that Stoxen Library owns have been pulled and are displayed. So check it out and see how many you have read!

Game night at the library

Check out the photos from Game Night at the Library. The photos are on the Library's Facebook page. Look for Stoxen Library - Dickinson State University!

And the winners are....

Thank you to all who participated in the Summer Reading and Film Challenges. We look forward to hearing any comments or questions you may have that could help improve our summer program. And without further ado:

The winner of the special drawing for reading books from 20 or more categories:

Rachel Ogubunka

The winner of the special drawing for viewing films from all 21 categories:

Carol Eacret-Simmons

Additional prize winners from both categories:

1. Lisa Dolechek
2. Susie Kapelovitz
3. Krystal Thomas
4. Cindy Thronburg
5. Joseph Jones
6. Susan Mellmer
7. Diane Melbye

The Poker Bride: the First Chinese in the West

This book is about the gold rush years in California and the Chinese immigrants that were so much a part of that time in history. There is much about Chinatown in San Francisco, the sex trade and the laws of the "hatchet men" (the Chinese version of the mob). Some of the book is about Polly, a Chinese concubine smuggled to San Francisco, who eventually is "lost" in a poker game and marries Charlie Bemis. I will admit that I was disappointed in how little of the book is actually about Polly...with its title I expected the book to be almost entirely about her and it isn't. Doesn't make it a bad book...just a deceiving title in my mind.

Why I picked it up: I will admit I found the title to be intriguing...deceiving, but intriguing!

Why I finished it: It was an interesting book and I did want to find out more about Polly and her life story.

I'd give it to: Anyone interested in history...especial the Gold Rush days.

call # E184.C5C67 2010

The Poker Bride: The First Chinese in the West by Christopher Corbett c2010.

Horrors of Andersonville: Life & Death Inside a Civil War Prison

Andersonville existed only for the last 14 months of the Civil War and conditions there were horrific! The prison was designed to house 10,000 prisoners, but held 32,000 at one point! Food was scarce and medical supplies practically nonexistent. Almost 1/3 of the prisoners died. At the end of the war, the prison's commandant, Captain Henry Wirz, was tried and hanged.

Why I picked it up: I have read few things about the Civil War and this looked interesting...but awful at the same time!

Why I finished it: I wanted to see who survived and how some of the issues would be resolved. Even though the events described were almost unbelievable, I was astounded at the human spirit's determination to survive.

I'd give it to: Anyone interested in the Civil War.

call # - E612.A5G685 2010

The Horrors of Andersonville: Life and Death Inside a Civil War Prison by Catherine Gourley c2010.

Final Display for the Reading Challenge

We have assembled the final displays showcasing books from two genres on the Reading Challenge list. For the next couple of weeks you will be able to browse displays of Fables & Folklore and Travel.

The Film Display features Staff picks.

Please note the deadline for turning in your reading and viewing logs has been extended to Wednesday August 18th. Anyone who turns in their logs will receive a complimentary beverage card for Common Grounds as well as the opportunity to have your picture taken for a personalize READ poster. We will be drawing for prizes on Friday August 20th.

New Displays for the Reading and Film Challenges

We currently have on display books in the categories of Poetry and Western/Pioneers.

For the film challenge we have selected DVDs and videos on Art and Agriculture.

Just a reminder that the deadline for the summer challenges is Friday August 13. Please turn in your reading/viewing logs at the Main Circulation desk at the Library and you will receive a complimentary beverage certificate for the Common Grounds Coffee Bar. If you are interested in your very own personalized READ poster we can make arrangements at the time you turn in your logs.

Summer Reading Challenge continues

There are two new displays for the summer reading challenge... animals and food/cooking. Stop by the library and check them out!

Summer Film Challenge

July is right around the corner and hopefully you are working

toward your Film Challenge goals.

To help you, we have set up a new display of videos and dvds featuring Health/Fitness and Religion. With the evenings so enjoyable, consider popping some corn and taking to the outdoors by viewing your films in the backyard on a portable DVD player!

Summer books

Two more displays for the summer reading challenge...adventure/adventurers and science fiction/fantasy. Come in and browse!

Now Playing

Suggestions are now

on display for the

Film Challenge

in the categories of

Animation

&

Dance

Reading challenge

The next two displays are up for the Summer Reading Challenge. Now displayed are biographies/autobiographies (on top of the New Book shelving) and foreign locations (on two sides of the cube as you enter the library). Stop by to see what's available.

Summer Reading Challenge

The next two displays for the Summer Reading Challenge just went up! The first is books relating to military experiences and these books are located on the top of the new book shelving. The second display is books relating to medical/fitness and these items are located on two sides of the cube just as you walk into the library. Come in and take a look.

Film Challenge - next display!

If you are participating in the Summer Film Challenge, you may be interested to know that the next display has just gone up. This time we are featuring action/adventure DVDs and videos. The films are located on the display cart at the bottom of the stairs on the lower level of the library. Remember it is still not too late to sign up for either the Film Challenge or Reading Challenge!

Making rounds with Oscar: the extrordinary gift of an ordinary cat

Oscar is a cat that resides at Steere House, a nursing home where many of the residents have Alzheimer's. Oscar could be characterized as not necessarily liking most humans. He doesn't spend much time with anyone...until their last few hours. It seems that Oscar has the ability to sense when a resident is about to die and then proceeds to stand vigil with them.

Why I picked it up: Sister Faith recommended it to me.

Why I finished it: I really got involved with the staff at Steere House, the residents and, of course, Oscar.

I'd give it to: Anyone with aging parents. Anyone who loves a good cat story.

call number: RA1000.D67 2010 (currently shelved in the "suggestions from Eileen" display as soon as you walk in the library)

"Making Rounds With Oscar: the Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat" by Dr. David Dosa c2010

Jordan Romero has reached the summit of Everest

Click through to read Jordan's blog: http://www.jordanromero.com/weblog/

Letters to Jackie: condolences from a grieving nation

This is a collection representing the thousands of letters received by Jacqueline Kennedy following the assassination of President Kennedy. They are touching, some in their eloquence and some in their simplicity. Interspersed with the letters is some explanation of the events surrounding the assassination and of the lives of the Kennedys.

Why I picked it up: I was in grade school when President Kennedy was killed and I still remember where I was when I heard the news. And I always admired Jackie Kennedy for her grace.

Why I finished it: I found the history particularly interesting as I had forgotten some of the details of that time.

I'd give it to: Anyone who likes history.

call number - E842.9.L388 2010 (currently shelved on the cube right inside the library door on the display "Suggestions from Eileen")

Letters to Jackie: condolences from a grieving nation edited by Ellen Fitzpatrick c2010.

Summer reading challenge

The first display is up for the Summer Reading Challenge. A variety of graphic novels have been pulled and are located on top of the New Book shelving. It's still not too late to pick up a registration packet. Happy summer, everyone!

Summer Film Challenge

The first display is up for the summer FILM challenge. A variety of travelogue DVDs and videos are on display on the lower level of the library. Stop by and check it out!

Film Challenge

Join the Challenge!! Pick up information at the Main desk!

Broaden your viewings! Try something outside your usual fare. This challenge is designed to help us try the “new and different.” You can complete this challenge and still have plenty of time to view other films you saved for this summer!

Challenge Guidelines

There are 21 film categories. You may choose ten (10) from those on the enclosed sheet or pick something we haven’t thought of. Just be sure to choose ten (10) different categories.

View a minimum of 30 minutes of each. (Or watch many more minutes if you like!)

If you choose to include your favorite category, try a different production. Your choice must be in some way new to you.

You do not have to choose materials from Stoxen Library. Friends, the public library, or other venues are great places to find new and different.

Stoxen Library staff will display featured materials of the different categories on a regular basis.

Keep track of your viewing time on the enclosed reading log.

Turn in your log by August 13th to be eligible for prize drawings.

In addition, participants who turn in their viewing log by August 13th will receive:

A complimentary beverage certificate to the Common Grounds Coffee Bar

Your own personal READ poster with your favorite film in hand).

Advanced challenge:

Those who view all 21 film categories will be entered into a drawing for a special prize.

Reading Challenge

Join the Challenge!! Pick up information at the Main desk!

Expand your reading zone! Try something outside your usual fare. This challenge is designed to try the “new and different.” You can complete this challenge and still have plenty of time to read your favorites that you saved for this summer!

Challenge Guidelines

*There are 27 categories. You may choose ten (10) from those on the enclosed sheet or pick something we haven’t thought of. Just be sure to choose ten (10) different categories.

*Read a minimum of 15 pages of each. (But you can go for 600 pages if you like!)

If you choose to include your favorite category, try a different author. Your choice must be in some way new to you.

You do not have to choose materials from Stoxen Library. Friends or the public library are also great places to find something new.

Stoxen Library staff will put up displays featuring materials of the different subjects/categories on a regular basis.

Keep track of your reading on the enclosed reading log.

Turn in your log by August 13th to be eligible for prize drawings.

In addition, participants, who turn in their reading log by August 13th will receive:

A complimentary beverage certificate to the Common Grounds Coffee Bar

Your own personal read poster (see samples featuring students and staff)

Advanced Challenge
Those who read 20 or more categories will be entered into a drawing for a special prize.