Posts

Juneteenth: A Day of Reflection, Resistance, and Renewal – June 19, 2025

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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...

Claiming Space: A History of LGBTQ Advocacy at UWSP

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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...

🎥 Streaming Films for Learning and Leisure

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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

📚 Explore the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)

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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 Reads from Your Library

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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 ...

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Contributions at UWSP

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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...

Summer Hours and Upcoming Closure

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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!