Library Learning Commons

Amajority of the Bishop’s University library is papered wall to wall with textbooks or dense nonfiction publications dealing with subjects ranging from coup d’états to theoretical physics to early childhood education. But did you know that it also houses an impressive fiction collection in a small section of the basement? I did not until I started throwing my favourite authors’ surnames into the online directory and a few popped up.

This is how I happened upon a stack of Cormac McCarthy novels, my first thought being: wow these look old! McCarthy is an eccentric writer, first published in 1965 and gaining fame in the 90s. I became enamoured with his descriptive prose and unorthodox style when reading his 2006 Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Road. Here in the basement of the Library Learning Commons I spread out the half dozen or so books. The Orchard Keeper and Suttree looked especially old and worn. Turns out they are both the first editions of the hardcover publications.

Wow. These are some of McCarthy’s earliest works. The Orchard Keeper was his debut novel in 1965 and Suttree was published in 1979. Both came out when he was relatively unknown and therefore neither had large scale printings for their first editions (making this even more rare!).

I love that this means Bishop’s likely has had them since they came out. I love the thought that I am sitting here on campus analyzing the themes of a novel just like a student over 50 years before me did. Reading a physical copy that is so old

Rossiter - Contributor

makes me romanticize the timelessness of this hobby.

Looking up the value of these editions for fun, I see that in certain conditions they could be quite expensive. In perfect condition and with a nice dust jacket (which none of the hardcover books in the library seem to have), these two novels are sometimes sold for a few thousand dollars each!

However, that is not super important to me, since I cannot keep my favourite books in that kind of condition for five years. How could people enjoy them for over 50 years and be expected to do the same?

What I think is cool is that this may be just the tip of the iceberg. What is the oldest original physical book in the Bishop’s University collection? What is the rarest? The most valuable?

Ways to break up the winter blues

Connor Kay - Staff Writer

During the timeframe of seasonal depression which begins in the fall and lasts until the end of winter, students of Bishop’s University look to preserve their mental health and stability through a large selection of personal activities and hobbies.

A commonly known tactic in improving one’s mental health is listening or playing music. In saying this, Bishop’s will be hosting a concert by Duo MacDonald-Picard, a traveling pianist and guitarist set to perform Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. in Bandeen Hall, and George Canyon is set to perform on Feb. 20 in Centennial Theatre. In terms of playing music, the Golden Lion Pub hosts acoustic Tuesdays among other musically-cen- tered events where people can dance and socialize.

Exercise is one of the most noteworthy aspects when relieving stress, making the Bishop’s Sports Centre a favored feature of the campus since it is backed with multiple gymnasiums including basketball, badminton, and volleyball courts within the facility; this also includes one of the most popular places in the complex, the weight rooms. Being able to care for one’s own body and be healthy boosts overall mood and reduces anxiety for those who pride themselves on taking advantage of the Sports Complex.

Though the programs and courses offered at Bishop’s students do a fair share of reading and writing, being able to read for pleasure when time permits can be beneficial in breaking up the standard of having to read for academic purposes. Getting a break from academic reading offers the opportunity for students to enjoy personal selections of literature and not associate all literature with academia, thus making it more enjoyable in the long run. As for writing, students often use journal entries to unload stress in a fun and playful manner to reflect on one’s thoughts and document success and progression.

According to research done by York University, taking part in outdoor activities improves positive emotions and decreases anxiety, which is why club organizations such as BU Snow and the Outdoors Club bring a lot to the table.

To learn more about the International Mobility Program, you can participate in the next information session during the fall 2023 semester or reach out to the administrative team by emailing exchange@ubishops.ca

If you find this as interesting as I do, maybe you will search for your favourite authors in the fiction section and wonder how many decades of Bishop’s students have handled the same books as you.

The two clubs hold events throughout the year, most recently the cross-country skiing and snowshoe getaway at Mt. Megantic or the tailgate and rail jam as a way to break up the academics with leisure and fresh air.

Christina Lépine, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com