The World Outside the Library

Soundtrack to 2020

Author’s note: Neither the author nor John Tyler Community College owns any of the songs mentioned in the following blog post. No money is being made from this post, nor is any copyright infringement intended.   At the risk of possibly making the understatement of the century, 2020 has been a year. It started off with hope and optimism for the coming months, descended into conflict and confusion, and is now approaching a cautiously optimistic end. If one didn’t know any better, 2020 would almost look like the plot of a book, only…continue reading →

Mental Health Monday: Thankfulness

For many Americans, November & December traditions revolve around feasting, sports, and reuniting with family. Perhaps yours include a parade, baking, gift-giving or a shopping tradition. Our family Christmas traditions start in November with early gift-giving. Maybe your family doesn't celebrate holidays, but still enjoys the seeing each other during rare days off.  Traditions may be different this year. But the benefits of giving thanks have not changed.  Many end-of-year holidays focus on light--the holidays of Diwali, Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice, Christmas, and Kwanzaa all intrinsically celebrate light close to year's end. These…continue reading →

Voter registration deadline extended! Voting resources from the Tyler Libraries

Tomorrow, October 15, 2020 is now the NEW deadline to vote in Virginia!  Due technicals issues Virginia has extended voter registration until October 15, 2020 was the last day to register to vote in the November election.  To register to vote in Virginia, please visit the following resources: Virginia Department of Elections: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/ How to Register: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/how-to-register/ NPR.org Virginia Extends Voter Registration After Site Went Down Hours Before Deadline Washington Post Federal judge extends Virginia voter registration through Thursday Now that you're registered (or perhaps already voting!), the Tyler Libraries want to make sure you…continue reading →

St. Patrick’s Day Origin Story…or Not

As we swing further into the spring semester, and further into March, it can be tempting to shun learning that doesn’t directly relate to classes. I promise there won’t be a test on this. Picture of cookies that have less to do with St. Patrick’s Day and more to do with consumerism. Like most holidays, St. Patrick’s Day barely resembles the original inspiration for it. The man himself was an enslaved European of unknown descent who rid the Irish of certain religious peoples. Not snakes, although that is a theory as to why…continue reading →
International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month

International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month

To celebrate International Women's Day (March 8th), the Tyler libraries have prepared displays to honor the women who have blazed a path for us all.  In addition this day of homage, the entire month of March is Women's History Month!  This month is meant as a "tribute to the generations of women whose commitment to nature and the planet have proved invaluable to society" (Library of Congress, 2016). Women's History Week in 1981, but evolved into a month long celebration in 1987. We all know a strong, courageous, intelligent, caring, and empowering woman that…continue reading →