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...

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...

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! 

National Library Week (April 6–12, 2025) is here, and we're celebrating everything that makes libraries vital and even magical. Every week, millions of people visit libraries. What draws them in? Everything. Sure, books—but also research expertise, reliable access to information, quiet study spaces, digital tools, creative projects, community, and support when it matters most. This year’s theme? Drawn to the Library. What draws you to the library? 👉 Check out our National Library Week Contest We’ve got a fun and creative contest running for students this week—[ click here for details ]. Mark Your Calendar: Monday, April 7 – Right to Read Day Take a stand against book bans and celebrate intellectual freedom. Tuesday, April 8 – National Library Workers Day Recognize the librarians and library staff who support your learning, teaching, and scholarship. Wednesday, April 9 – National Library Outreach Day Shout-out to the people who meet students where they are—on campus,...

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the UWSP Libraries is excited once again to celebrate  Poem in Your Pocket Day  on April 10th! This event is all about sharing the joy of poetry, and we’re excited to offer you the chance to connect with others through the power of words. How It Works: On April 10th, we’ll be distributing poems across campus in various locations for you to take, enjoy, and share. Grab one, take a moment to appreciate it, and spread the love of poetry with others. Ways You Can Participate: Check out our Curated Poetry Display (CCC 130). ( Hint: A professor in the English department has work displayed :-) ) Share on Social Media: Select a poem and share it with the world using the hashtag #pocketpoem. Pass It On: Hand a poem to a friend or colleague—bring a little poetry to someone’s day! Poems from Home: Check out the recorded Poems from Home readings available on the UWSP Libraries Guide and enjoy some local talent. Record & Sha...

Join us for a special Earth Day event featuring local author and award-winning journalist Dave Greschner , as he shares insights from his book, Soul of the Outdoors . Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast or simply curious, this event will inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Enjoy a reading, interactive discussion, and the chance to connect with the author! Event Details 📅 Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 📍 Location: University Archives, TNR 110 🎤 What to Expect: Reading, Q&A, and interactive participation 🥤 Refreshments: Will be served 🎟 Admission: FREE and open to the campus community and public 📝 Registration: Seats are limited— register here !  📚 Books: Copies will be available for purchase, and the author will sign books after the event. About the Author Dave Greschner is an award-winning outdoor writer and columnist. He spent over 40 years as the sports and outdoors editor at the Rice Lake Chronotype in ...

National Library Week is April 6-12! This year's theme is DRAWN TO THE LIBRARY. We're asking the amazing artists of our Pointer community to help highlight what draws us together in these exciting physical and digital spaces. What draws YOU to our UWSP Libraries? The winning design will receive a $25 gift card! Submission Form: https://forms.office.com/r/mDULFiG5YW

March is Women’s History Month , a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and ongoing contributions of women throughout history. This year’s theme, “Women Moving Forward,” highlights the progress women have made in all areas of society and their continued push for equity, innovation, and leadership. Women Who Paved the Way Women have been at the forefront of change, breaking barriers in science, activism, sports, politics, and the arts. Here are just a few trailblazers who moved history forward: National Figures Mae Jemison – In 1992, Dr. Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to travel in space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Malala Yousafzai – A Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, Malala continues to advocate for girls' right to education worldwide. Amanda Gorman – An American poet and activist, Gorman became the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, inspi...

As finals approach, take a well-deserved break at the library during Exam Cram !  We've planned a day of activities to help you relax and recharge for those final exams and papers. What’s Happening? Get Creative:  Make friendship bracelets and beaded charms to share with friends or keep as a memory. Game On: Challenge your friends to board or video games. Warm Up & Snack: Enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, and tasty snacks to fuel your brain. When & Where? 🗓️ Friday, Dec. 13th ⏰ 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 📍 CCC 130 -   Library Whether you need a quick break or a day-long retreat, the library is here to support you. Come relax, have fun, and get ready to conquer finals!

2022 AIRO POWWOW (Willerbee Photography) Uncovering the AIRO Legacy   by Shane Olsen November marks Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the rich culture, contributions, and history of Native American communities. The UWSP Archives houses a range of primary source collections on the experiences and impacts of Native Americans at the university and within the Stevens Point community. Among these resources are the records of American Indians Resisting Ostracism (AIRO), a student organization founded in 1971. The student organization continues today as the American Indians Reaching for Opportunities, and it aims to “enlighten mankind to Indigenous pride, philosophy, and our way of life. [1] The AIRO Records include a comprehensive history of the organization, along with correspondence dating from the 1960s to the 1980s. These documents include meeting minutes, communications with university administrators, and interactions with other Native American student organizati...

The UWSP Archives, in collaboration with the UWSP GIS Center, unveils an innovative project, " Stevens Point Through the Years ," that breathes life into historical census records through an interactive mapping experience. This project serves as a gateway to understanding immigration and settlement patterns in Stevens Point, WI, by transforming census data into a dynamic digital format. From Census Schedules to Interactive Maps The foundation of this project lies in converting original census schedules into a structured database with clearly defined parameters. By transcribing essential details from federal censuses of 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940, we can overlay this historical data onto modern street maps using geocoding procedures. The transcribed data includes: Last and first names Relation to head of household Street and house number Dwelling number Place of birth Father’s and mother’s place of birth Language spoken Trade or profession This meticulous process makes i...

  Our collection includes a wide range of resources that explore the stories, experiences, and sacrifices of veterans. Below, we've highlighted notable fiction and nonfiction titles that celebrate and reflect their journeys.  We also have numerous streaming videos and ebooks you can explore.  Daily lives of civilians in wartime modern America : from the Indian wars to the Vietnam  war  / edited by David S. Heidler and Jeanne T. Heidler. Against all odds  :  a true story of ultimate courage  and survival in World War II / Alex Kershaw. Brothers in valor  :  battlefield stories  of  the 89 African Americans awarded  the  Medal  of  Honor  / Robert F. Jefferson Jr. Invisible storm  :  a soldier's memoir of politics and PTSD   / Jason Kander. The Colonel's Dream Additionally, the Library of Congress offers an extensive array of resources on veterans, including the Veterans History Project Col...