Greetings from YOUR college library. We are all wrapping up an academic year like no other. There has been a lot of transitions, new ways of presenting coursework or providing services, and new ways of meeting and communicating. There has been so much new technology being utilized YOUR library staff tried to capture it all in a glossary for students and faculty, and it went on for 10 pages with everything from Adobe Spark to Zoom. With all of that said, this is usually the issue where tears of joy need to be wiped away from these pages from acknowledging everyone’s accomplishments at graduation time and completion of important coursework this past academic year but the joy and pride is doubled with what had to be overcome. Please take a moment to pat yourselves on the back!
“People wonder why the novel is the most popular form of literature; people wonder why it is read more than books of science or books of metaphysics. The reason is very simple; it is merely that the novel is more true than they are.” —G. K. Chesterton
YOUR college library is here to provide the services and resources needed for student success as well as to be available for our community’s needs but we are also champions of literacy in general. This is why we strive to provide programming as well as tools like research databases and relevant print materials. Despite the pandemic, YOUR college library staff were determined to carry on our traditional outreach efforts around the literary program known as Dia de los Niños/Dia de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), or commonly known as Dia. According to their website (dia.ala.org), “Día is a nationally recognized initiative that emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children from all backgrounds.” YOUR college library has been celebrating Dia since 2008. Last year was the first year we were unable to put on a program as the COVID-19 pandemic had just begun. You are welcome to see the history of literary programming YOUR library has provided at https://taoslibrary.unm.edu/ eventsarchive/dia. We are excited to get back on track and this year we are collaborating with the Tiwa Babies home visiting program and Taos Pueblo Head Start. Tiwa Babies provides qualified family support specialists to visit the homes of expectant parents, and families of children 0-5 years old. They promote child and family development, and the staff are firm believers in reading even as early as the time of conception. YOUR college library has provided a copy of a children’s book by native author Carole Lindstrom entitled “We are Water Protectors” along with an activity kit for 35 families being served by Tiwa Babies and Taos Pueblo Head Start. Our plans are to exhibit the children’s artistic interpretations of protecting our waters, or anything or anyone they care about after they have read this book together in their homes. The Taos Center for the Arts organization (TCA) has teamed up with us and offered the Stables Gallery space for this extra special exhibit. If state health protocols allow, please watch for this special art event planned for the first weekend in June. Until then, know that YOUR college library is open to help you finish your Spring semester, get ready for Summer semester, or just provide a good book to relax with.