Posts

Banned Books Week 2025: “Censorship is so 1984”

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Today kicks off Banned Books Week , an annual event started more than 40 years ago in response to a sudden surge in book challenges in libraries, schools, and bookstores.  This year’s theme — “Censorship is so 1984” — draws inspiration from George Orwell’s 1984 , a timeless warning about the dangers of censorship. The message is clear: the right to read belongs to everyone. Why It Matters Banned Books Week began in 1982, when the number of book challenges sharply increased across the U.S. Since then, libraries, educators, publishers, and readers have joined together to celebrate the freedom to read and to resist efforts to restrict access to diverse stories and ideas. The American Library Association (ALA) continues to document a rise in book challenges and removals — particularly those targeting materials by or about LGBTQ+ people and people of color. These trends underscore why this week is more relevant than ever. How You Can Get Involved Here are a few ways to stand up f...

Resource Spotlight: Westlaw Campus Research

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Looking for reliable legal and policy information? Westlaw Campus Research is a powerful database that makes it easy to explore cases, statutes, law reviews, and more—all in one place. Why use it? Students can find primary and secondary legal sources and law review articles to support history, criminal justice, or public health policy papers. Faculty may find it valuable for teaching case-based analysis, supporting research on law and society, or tracking legal developments in their disciplines. How to access You can explore Westlaw Campus Research directly through the UWSP Library website, Databases menu.  Learn more Check out this helpful tutorial video from the Gallagher Law Library  to get started.

A Legacy of Opportunity: Honoring Mary E. Reinhart at UW-Stevens Point

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We are very excited to announce that the main campus library will be named the Mary Reinhart University Library , opening in late 2026 when we move into the new Library and Student Resource Center building. This new name recognizes the extraordinary generosity of Mary E. Reinhart , whose estate gift will impact generations of UW-Stevens Point students. Through her gift to the UWSP Foundation, Mary created two endowed scholarships designed to meet students where they are and open doors to their future: The Mary E. Reinhart Retention Scholarship , which provides immediate financial assistance to students facing unexpected emergencies—so one obstacle doesn’t force them to abandon their education. A  scholarship for student library leaders who, through their involvement in the library, coursework, or demonstrated interest, have made a meaningful contribution to the library. Mary’s ties to UW-Stevens Point run deep. Her father, Harold Reinhart , graduated from what was then the S...

Success with PrepSTEP

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Looking for extra support with classes, placement tests, or career prep? PrepSTEP for  is here to help—and it’s built right into Canvas for easy access. What’s inside? PrepSTEP includes n ine targeted learning centers with practice tests, self-directed tutorials, microlessons, e-books, articles, and flashcards. It’s designed to help you: Strengthen core skills in math, English, and science Build college success skills like time management and communication Prepare for graduate school entrance exams (DAT®, GMAT®, GRE®, LSAT®, MAT®, MCAT®, PCAT®) Explore careers in health, teaching, law enforcement, trades, and more Study for occupational licensing exams Access support in Spanish through the Recursos Para Hispanohablantes center Why use it? PrepSTEP is more than just test prep—it’s a toolkit for success in college and beyond . Whether you want to raise your placement test scores, prepare for grad school, or sharpen professional skills, you’ll find resources ta...

Welcome back, Pointers—and a special welcome to our new students, faculty, and staff!

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Whether you’re on Main Campus, Wausau, or Marshfield, our libraries are here to support you with: ✨ Research help & 24/7 chat with real librarians ✨ Study spaces & leisure reading ✨ Archives & special collections 📍 Find us: Library (CCC 130) Reference (CCC 104) Archives (TNR 110) Check out our brand-new website , and stay tuned—the new library opens late spring 2026! We’ll be busy filling the shelves to welcome you in. Here’s to a great Fall 2025 semester! 

Need Help? Chat with a Librarian—Anytime, Anywhere!

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Research questions don’t always happen between 9 and 5. Whether you’re finishing a paper late at night, stuck on a citation before class, or working on a new project on the weekend, our librarians are here for you—24/7. Here’s what you can expect when you use the library’s Ask  a Librarian service: Available 24/7 – Get research and library help any time, day or night. Immediate support – Connect instantly when you need answers fast. Real humans, not chatbots – Every chat is with a professional librarian. Personalized help – Guidance tailored to your specific question or project. Convenient access – Just click the chat button in the bottom-right corner of library webpage to start a conversation. No matter where you are or what time it is, help from a librarian is just a click away!

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...