WELCOME TO MARCH
While many remember March as Women's History Month, other big themes and holidays happen to take place at the same time this year. In fact, each of the Abrahamic faiths have a holiday involving fasting -- Lent, Purim, and Ramadan.
Ramadan Mubarak!
"Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims commemorate the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). For Muslims worldwide, Ramadan is a month of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, empathy, and charity. One of the key practices during this time is fasting from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food and drink as a means of physical and spiritual purification. Along with fasting, many use this time to engage in prayer, Qur’anic study, and strengthen their connection with God and others.
"This year, Ramadan begins on March 1 and continues until March 30 or 31, 2025. For many of our Muslim friends, students and colleagues, this means fasting for approximately 12 hours each day. As a community, we strive to create an environment of respect and support during this time. Please take note of the resources and events available to help celebrate and honor Ramadan together."
-From the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, along with Dr. Elizabeth Sartell and the Muslim Student Organization
For more information on events happening around campus in relation to Ramadan, the Interfaith Calendar does an excellent job of pooling each event in one place.
We have an exhibit about celebrating Ramadan on the north end of our Library's first floor. If you cannot make it out to see, here are photos instead:
Women's History Month
The focus for this year's month on the history of equal rights for women is "Women Educating & Inspiring Generations," which you can read more about at the National Women's History Alliance website.
Beside book displays and eBook lists we have on this topic, we worked with the Lewis University Archives to depict women deans and faculty who really blazed new trails at our campus. The promotion letters that led them into their leadership positions are highlighted in the vestibule's display case. The glare of the lighting does make photos more difficult, but here is an idea of what we have set up.
Developmental Disability Awareness Month
At the top of the same display case, the Archives and the Library found past programs and local news articles about Lewis University's Best Buddies student organization. March was set aside by President Reagan to focus America's attention on the needs of our neighbors with developmental disabilities, like dyslexia, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and ADHD. To learn more about the initiatives to support our loved ones with developmental disabilities, you can visit the National Association of Councils on Development Disabilities website. And if you would like more information on Best Buddies, you can find that on their student organization's campus webpage or their Instagram.
Basketball is what one thinks about when hearing March combined with Madness, but with the blessings of Mardi Gras, fasting, and St. Patrick, we think gladness is on order. So, join the Library as well as lots of your favorite offices or departments from around campus for a special community hour in the Brother James Gaffney Student Center Lobby on Wednesday the 5th. We will show you how to make origami bookmarks that you can decorate how you gladly want. We will have books about basketball too!
Lastly, our two book displays for March are:
Women Educators & Trendsetters (for eBooks)
Women Authors of Fantasy (for eBooks)
We look forward to seeing you in the library, assisting you with homework, and checking out some really good books to you!
Brought to you through the collaboration of:
0 Comments.