UWSP Libraries

Today we commemorate Juneteenth , a pivotal day in American history and a celebration of Black freedom and resilience. What is Juneteenth? Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, its promises remained unfulfilled in many parts of the Confederacy for more than two years. Enslavers in Texas, in particular, delayed the announcement. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865 , when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas , with Union troops and General Order No. 3, that more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom. That moment—now observed as Juneteenth —marks the official end of slavery in the United States, and the beginning of a long, ongoing struggle toward justice and equity. Why Juneteenth Matters Juneteenth, officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, is more than a historic date—it is a call to action. It reminds us of the strength, endurance, and determination of Black Americans thr...

By Shane Olsen This June, in honor of Pride Month, the UWSP Libraries highlights the rich history of LGBTQ students, faculty, and staff on our campus. Much like their peers across the country, the LGBTQ community at UWSP have long faced discrimination, erasure, and institutional barriers. Today, with book bans and attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on the rise, preserving these histories feels more urgent than ever. As archival theorist Terry Cook has noted, traditional archival practices often silence marginalized voices. [1] If we are to tell a complete and honest story of UWSP’s past, we must intentionally center those voices that were too often ignored or deliberately excluded. But the history of LGBTQ organizing at UWSP is not just a record of struggle—it’s a story of courage, joy, creativity, and community. GPU Newsletter 1980 The Early Years of LGBTQ Organizing LGBTQ history at UWSP is often fragmented—an absence shaped by decades of social ostr...

Watch critically acclaimed films, documentaries, and more – anytime, anywhere. With platforms like Kanopy , Swank , Films on Demand,  and others, you can stream movies that support coursework or just take a study break with a great film. Discover diverse perspectives, award-winning documentaries, international cinema, and classic literature adaptations — all free with your campus login. 👉 Start streaming here  https://libraryguides.uwsp.edu/findingVideos/streamingVideos

More than just definitions. The Oxford English Dictionary is the gold standard for anyone curious about where words come from, how their meanings change, and how they’ve been used over time. Perfect for English majors, creative writers, linguists, and anyone who loves language. Explore word histories, pronunciation, and surprising connections across centuries. 👉 Access the OED now  https://libraryguides.uwsp.edu/az/databases?a=o

Summer is the perfect time to unwind with a good book—whether you’re stretched out in your backyard, lounging at the lake, or taking a break from your busy schedule.  We have just what you need to make the most of long, sunny days with our specially curated Leisure Reading Collection and convenient digital reading options through OverDrive and the Libby app . 📖 Discover Your Next Favorite Book Our Leisure Reading Collection (CCC 130) features an ever-changing selection of: Popular fiction Current bestsellers Nonfiction gems Mysteries, memoirs, sci-fi, romance—you name it! Whether you're in the mood for a page-turning thriller or a heartfelt memoir, there's something for everyone. 📲 Prefer to Read (or Listen) on Your Device? Try Libby! Can’t make it to campus? Traveling this summer? Want to keep your backpack light? Our library also gives you access to OverDrive , a digital library platform where you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks anytime, anywhere—for ...

Article By Shane Olsen, Archives Assistant As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this May, we reflect on the lasting impact that AAPI students, faculty, and staff have made at UW-Stevens Point and in the Stevens Point community. From enriching our campus with diverse perspectives to creating opportunities for cultural exchange, the contributions of AAPI community members continue to shape and strengthen the fabric of our university and beyond. This month, we spotlight just a few of their stories that have left a lasting legacy. Dedication to the Wisconsin Idea T. K. Chang arrived in Stevens Point in 1956 to teach geography, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and accomplishments. Chang had studied English and Chinese literature in China before earning a doctorate in geography at the University of Nebraska. His intellectual passions didn’t stop there—he also pursued interests in poetry, photography, and botany. [1] Photo by T. Chang As a teach...

As we transition into summer, please take note of our updated hours and an important closure announcement: 🌞 Summer Hours Begin Next Week! Starting next week, the Libraries  will shift to our summer hours. Please check hours for all library locations.  ⚠️ PLEASE NOTE : Campus-Wide Power Outage on Monday, May 19 The Main Campus  Library and Archives will be CLOSED on Monday, May 19 due to a scheduled campus-wide power outage . We’ll reopen Tuesday with our regular summer hours. Thank you for your understanding! We’re here all summer to help with your research and more, so stop in, email us, or  visit our website  to connect with our resources! 

It’s the last week of classes —and that time of the semester again! As finals approach, we know things can feel overwhelming. That’s why the Library is here to help you float through the end of the semester with our annual Exam Cram event! What’s Exam Cram? Think of it as your academic tide pool: a chill, supportive space to take a break, refocus, and gather your energy for finals week. Here’s what you can expect: 🧜‍♀️ Free snacks to keep you fueled 🎮 Ocean-themed games & video games to give your brain a breather 🐚 Stress relief activities to help you decompress. 📍 Location:  Library Circulation (CCC 130) 📅 Date: Monday, May 12 ⏰ Time:  8:00 am - 6:00 pm You’ve worked hard all semester—now let us help you ride the wave through finals! 

Jarita Bavido  and Assoc. Prof. Kyle Neill The UWSP Libraries and the John Anderson Spirit of Community Award Selection Committee are proud to announce that Jarita Bavido, a standout student on our campus, is the recipient of the 2025 John Anderson Spirit of Community Award . Her winning submission, “ Gold Mountain in the Pinery: Chinese Laundries in the Small Towns of Wisconsin, 1878–1940 ,” is a remarkable piece of original scholarship. Jarita's project shines a light on the often-overlooked lives and labors of Chinese immigrants who operated laundries across Wisconsin’s small towns. Her research uncovers connections between entrepreneurship, migration, and belonging in communities where these laundries once stood—and where traces of their presence linger today. The selection committee, chaired by Assoc. Prof. Kyle Neill,  praised Jarita's project as a "methodical and exhaustive" undertaking, one that relies not only on secondary sources, but also deeply rooted p...

Please join us in congratulating Darcy on receiving UWSP's Outstanding Work Performance Award! A well-deserved recognition of her creativity, dedication, and behind-the-scenes magic in the library! Whether she’s tracking down rare resources, scoring Open Access articles, or starting dance parties with her kids, Darcy brings heart, humor, and a collaborative spirit to everything she does. Find out her go-to way to unwind and which classic duo she vibes with most in our full interview below. Name: Darcy Hannon-McFarland Title: Library Specialist Hometown: Go Point! Education: B.S. Environmental Education and Interpretation Years at the Library: 6 What does receiving this award mean to you? Receiving this award has left me a bit speechless. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all my coworkers. I absolutely cannot do what I do without each and every person here. What do you love most about working in the library? What I love about working in libraries spans everythin...