Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 1d

A reading list with several articles you can access via MCC Libraries' databases is also available from the NYSDEC here: dec.ny.gov/about/dei/na...

#NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #IndigenousHeritageMonth

Native American Heritage Month

DEC observes Native American Heritage Month in November as a time to reflect on our relationships with our Indigenous friends and neighbors here in New York and beyond.

dec.ny.gov

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 1d

"...who deeply enrich their communities and the quality and character of the nation, including the many Native American veterans who have sacrificed to defend this country." – @dec.ny.gov

Learn more about what this upcoming month observes by visiting our display at the Downtown Campus LC.

Native American Heritage Month

DEC observes Native American Heritage Month in November as a time to reflect on our relationships with our Indigenous friends and neighbors here in New York and beyond.

dec.ny.gov

1

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 1d

We observe National Native American Heritage Month in November as "a time to recognize the traditions, languages, & stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, & affiliated Island communities. It is also a time to celebrate the diverse culture & heritage of Indigenous Peoples..."

The glass table-top display case features ten books, a couple small woven baskets, a few flyers about Native American Heritage and Ganondagan State Historic Site, and decorative Shutterstock printouts depicting Native American people and design patterns. Books from the display can be checked out; please ask at the Information Desk.

One of the flyers posted on the wall above the display case is entitled Honoring Native American Heritage: A Journey Through Rich Traditions. "Native American culture is a beautiful tapestry woven through centuries, rich with history, art, and spiritual beliefs. Each tribe has its own unique traditions, languages, and customs that contribute to the overall diversity and heritage of these indigenous peoples. By understanding and celebrating these traditions, we can foster a deeper appreciation for their contributions to our society. Embracing these cultures allows us to learn from the past and promote unity and respect." reallygreatsite.com

Books inside the display case on the left side include: Where WHite Men Fear to Tread; Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians but Were Afraid to Ask; Native American Folktales; Powwow: Photographs by Ben Marra; and a book open to two pages with illustrations depicting various Native American attire from different tribes and different climates.

Inside the display case on the right site are brochures from Ganondagan State Historic Site; a book open to a page with an abstract illustration of blue waves and the text, "We come from water. It nourished us inside our mother's body. As it nourishes us here on Mother Earth. Water is sacred, she said;" the book My Heroes, My People: African Americans and Native Americans in the West; War Against the Seneca: The French Expedition by John Mohawk; Spirit Moves: The Story of Six Generations of Native Women; and Native American Animal Stories Told by Joseph Bruchac.

1 1

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 4d

Here is Librarian Cami testing students' knowledge at the academic carnival today with MCC Library Trivia and Library Pong!

Cami is wearing a white sweater with horizontal black stripes and holding a clear cup full of popcorn. On the table in front of her is the MCC Library Trivia board with 9 questions arranged in 3 rows by 3 columns, a basket of snack bars, stickers, and other goodies, and yellow raffle tickets with stars. On the easel to her left is "Library Pong" with 7 cups ranging in point values from 10 to 50 and labeled Study Rooms, Printers, Librarians, books, computers, comfy furniture, and textbooks.

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 4d

Tomorrow, 12-12:50pm in room 8-100, visiting poet Phil Metres discusses portions of his critically acclaimed book Shrapnel Maps, a sensitive and humane investigation of themes connected to the Palestinine-Israel war. Sponsored by: Creative Arts Committee of MCC. Free & open to the public.

Posted in the Daily Tribune by Anthony Leuzzi (English and Philosophy). Philip Metres is the author of twelve books, including Fugitive/Refuge (Copper Canyon, 2024), Shrapnel Maps (Copper Canyon, 2020), The Sound of Listening: Poetry and Refuge and Resistance (University of Michigan, 2018), Sand Opera (Alice James, 2015), and I Burned at the Feast: Selected Poems of Arseny Tarkovsky (Cleveland State, 2015). His work - poetry, translation, essays, fiction, criticism, and scholarship - has garnered fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Lannan Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Ohio Arts Council, and the Watson Foundation. He is the recipient of the Adrienne Rich Award, three Arab American Book Awards, the Lyric Poetry Prize, and the Cleveland Arts Prize. Metres has been called “one of the essential poets of our time,” whose work is “beautiful, powerful, magnetically original.” He is professor of English and director of the Peace, Justice, and Human Rights program at John Carroll University. He lives with his family in Cleveland, Ohio. Additionally, the Creative Arts Committee has archived a 35-minute video of Metres reading portions of Shrapnel Maps. In this video, the poems appear on screen as he reads them. https://monroecc.video.yuja.com/v/GuestSpeaker_PhilipMetres_PoetryReading

1

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 7d

Today is the Let Freedom Read Day of Action, when communities unite against book bans. The freedom to read is shared American value, a cornerstone of democracy, and the right of everyone, no matter their color, background, zip code.

#LetFreedomReadDay #BannedBooksWeek #UniteAgainstBookBans

2

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 8d

"The 2025 theme of Banned Books Week serves as a reminder that censorship efforts persist to this day," ALA President Cindy Hohl said. "We must always come together to stand up for the right to read."

#BannedBooksWeek #UniteAgainstBookBans

Censorship is so 1984. Read for your rights. Oct. 5-11, 2025. BannedBooksWeek.org

Censorship by the Numbers. The American Library Association documented another year in an unabating deluge of efforts to censor library materials in 2024, continuing an extremist campaign to suppress access to books that began in 2021. Last year, 2,452 unique titles were challenged, the third highest number ever documented by ALA and significantly exceeding the annual average of 273 unique titles over the period from 2001–2020. Learn more at ala.org/bbooks

Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024. The American Library Association documented 821 attempts to censor materials and services at libraries, schools, and universities in 2024. The most common reasons for challenges were false claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and dealing with topics of race, racism, inclusivity, equity, and social justice. Of the 2,452 unique titles that were challenged or banned in 2024, here are the top 10 most frequently targeted. 1. All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson. 2. Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe. 3. (TIE) The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. 3. (TIE) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. 5. Tricks by Ellen Hopkins. 6. (TIE) Looking for Alaska by John Green. 6. (TIE) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews. 8. (TIE) Crank by Ellen Hopkins. 8. (TIE) Sold by Patricia McCormick. 10. Flamer by Mike Curato.

Banned Books Week is Oct. 5-11, 2025. Censorship is so 1984. Read for your rights. ala.org/bboks

1

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 8d

We're happy to see Yankee and Dr. Beth Walker until 1:45pm today, October 10! #MCCLibraries #TherapyDogs

Dr. Beth Walker sits looking cozy in a purple sweater and green skirt with a mosaic pattern including blue and yellow. Two students sit on the floor to visit with Dr. Walker and Yankee, who is laying down and wearing a bow tie on his collar with pumpkins on it.

Here's the schedule for Therapy Dogs at LVG: Marilyn will bring Taz on Wednesdays from 11:45am to 12:30pm, and Dr. Beth Walker will bring Yankee on Fridays from 12:45pm to 1:45pm.

1

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 8d

There is still time to join the MCC AI Challenge! This free, hands-on program, designed by faculty and staff at FLCC, is ideal for beginners and includes 10 short, practical challenges, starting the week of October 13. Sign up at: www.aichallenges.org/mcc/

The letters A and I in heavy, bold, serif font. The A is green and the I is blue, in FLCC colors.

Recognize: Identify where AI exists in your world and how it can be useful.
Investigate: Explore AI tools and their potential.
Supercharge: Leverage AI to enhance creativity, productivity, and decision-making potentiating your actions.
Exchange: Collaborate with AI in a dynamic, interactive way, blending human expertise with AI's capabilities.

1 2

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 9d

Freedom of Expression is a Human Right. Learn more about Amnesty International's Banned Books Week action to defend freedom of expression: bit.ly/amnestybanedbooksweek2025

#BannedBooks #AmnestyUSA

The poster for Banned Books Week 2025 features a man and a woman setting at a large open book emitting 4 speech bubbles with musical notes, a paintbrush and palette, a typewriter, and a megaphone and picket sign with a heart on it.

"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers." Article 19, Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The books featured on this poster represent authors, artists, and others who have faced persecution, imprisonment, exile, or death for sharing their ideas. During Banned Books Week, Amnesty International USA works in solidarity with the American Library Association (ALA) and in partnership with the Banned Books Coalition to promote and advocate for freedom of expression. In 2013 the ALA recognized Amnesty International with the John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award: "For an approach to Banned Books Week that focuses on the logical consequences that follow when governments are allowed to censor .. beyond the removal or burning of books comes the removal and physical harm to authors, journalists and others."

Freedom Pages: a youth banned books art and literature competition. 1st prize: $300. 2nd prize: $200. 3rd prize: $100. Accepting submissions: September 15 - October 15, 2025. Open to youth (under 25). Prompts and submissions: amnestyusa.or/campaigns/aiusa-freedom-pages/

1

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 10d

Every year, @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Frequently Challenged Books based on reports from the field and media coverage. Learn more at ala.org/bbooks

MCC Libraries has each of these books in our collection and on display. Visit us to check one out! #BannedBooksWeek

The American Library Association documented 821 attempts to censor library books and other materials and services at libraries, schools, and universities in 2024. The most common reasons for challenges were false claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and dealing with topics of race, racism, equity, and social justice. Of the 2,452 unique titles that were challenged or banned in 2024, here are the top 10 most frequently targeted.

1. All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson
2. Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe
3. (TIE) The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
3. (TIE) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
5. Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
6. (TIE) Looking for Alaska by John Green
6. (TIE) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
8. (TIE) Crank by Ellen Hopkins
8. (TIE) Sold by Patricia McCormick
10. Flamer by Mike Curato

3

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 11d

See visiting fiction writer Kristen Gentry at the following events:

Tonight: fiction reading from 7pm to 8pm in Monroe A on the Brighton Campus.

Tomorrow: fiction workshop from 12:00 noon to 12:50pm in Building 8, Room 200 on the Brighton Campus. Free and open to the public.

kristengentry.com

Sponsored by MCC Creative Arts and the Office of Student Life and Leadership Development. The flier for the events features a portrait of Kristen Gentry and a background with colorful silhouetted faces in shades of sunset colors ranging from red to purple. Kristen Gentry is the author of Mama Said, longlisted for the 2024 PEN/Robert W. Blingham Prize for Debut Short Story Collection. She received her M.F.A. from Indiana University. Her award-winning fiction has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and appeared in Electric Literature, Crab Orchard Review, and other journals. She lives and writes in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

Kristen Gentry is the author of Mama Said, longlisted for the 2024 PEN/Robert W. Blingham Prize for Debut Short Story Collection. She received her M.F.A. from Indiana University. Her award-winning fiction has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and appeared in Electric Literature, Crab Orchard Review, and other journals. She lives and writes in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

1

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 11d

The @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social documented another year in an unabating deluge of efforts to censor library materials in 2024, continuing an extremist campaign to suppress access to books that began in 2021. Learn more at ala.org/bbooks

#BannedBooksWeek

Last year, 2,452 unique titles were challenged, the third highest number ever documented by ALA and significantly exceeding the annual average of 273 unique titles over the period from 2001–2020. Who challenges books? Nearly 72% of censorship attempts in 2024 were initiated by pressure groups and decision makers who have been swayed by them. The majority of library censorship can be tied to organized campaigns. Pressure groups and the administrators, board members, and elected officials they influenced targeted 4,190 total titles in 2024. From 2001–2020, this constituency attempted to remove an average of 46 titles per year. Where do challenges take place? Multi-title challenges at schools remained alarmingly expansive in 2024. The trend of attempting to censor materials and services available to entire communities through their public library continued. Books and Beyond. Books are not the sole target of attacks orchestrated by pressure groups and government officials. ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 821 censorship attempts in 2024. Here’s the breakdown: 76% Books and graphic novels; 6% Hate crimes (Vandalism, theft of materials representing marginalized groups); 6% Displays; 3% Programs; 3% Access (Library closures, funding, bomb threats); 2% Films; 4% Other. Number of Unique Titles Challenged by Year. Various factors contributed to the decline in reported censorship attempts in 2024, including legislative pressure, intimidation of library workers, fatigue, and attrition. 2024: 2,452; 2023: 4,240; 2022: 2,571; 2021: 1,858; 2014: 183; 2004: 390. Percentage of Total Titles Targeted by Pressure Groups and Decision Makers, 2001–2024. Pressure groups and the decision makers they influenced targeted 4,190 total titles in 2024. From 2001–2020, this constituency attempted to remove an average of 46 titles per year. 2024: 72%; 2020: 25%; 2015: 14%; 2010: 8%; 2005: 6%.

1

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 12d

Today (Tue 10/7) from 12:30 to 1:30pm, join the TAAC & MCC Libraries on the Brighton Campus in Building 11 Room 106 to Chill, Plan, & Write! Get ready for midterms and assignments with practical tools and guidance (and free snacks)! Questions? Email [email protected]

Academic coaches, writing consultants, and librarians invite you to a supportive space for learning and developing study plans and practices, and research and writing strategies. The poster graphic for this event includes graphics of a page-a-day calendar, an apple with arms and legs showing a peace sign and wearing sunglasses, a red location pin, a pencil with arms and legs holding a rolled up document in one hand and showing an OK sign in the other and wearing a bow tie, and three bags of snacks (chips, stix, and wafers).

2

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 12d

Tonight, we were treated to the rising "Full Harvest Moon" and a colorful sunset. These images were taken indoors and do not do justice to the astronomical and atmospheric spectacles! #MCCLibraries

The Moon is visible looking out over the patio from the main floor of the library, between two flagpoles. More details of the Moon are discernible in the reflection of the Moon on the pane of glass, which appears above and to the left of the actual Moon in the image.

Clouds appear dark purple, fiery red, and golden yellow above Buildings 1 and 7, looking west out a window on the 3rd floor of the library and over the courtyard.

1

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 13d

Visit the LeRoy V. Good Library to check out our display of banned books, & borrow one (or more)! This year’s theme reminds us that the right to read belongs to all of us, that censorship has no place in contemporary society, & that we must defend our rights. #MCCLibraries #BannedBooksWeek

See the display of banned books underneath the Banned Books Week sign in the LeRoy V. Good Library, including the top ten books banned in 2024.

The American Library Association and Banned Books Week Coalition are pleased to announce the theme for Banned Books Week 2025: “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.” Banned Books Week will take place October 5 – 11, 2025. Visit ala.org/bbooks

2

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 15d

Come to the LeRoy V. Good Library to see The Ephemeral Undead: a selection of rare vampire ephemera from the Glenn Tolle Collection. The display case is on the main level of the library down the hall from the elevator. For more, follow theglenntollecollection on Instagram.

#MCCLibraries #Vampires

In the middle of the display case, there is a Film Daily magazine open to a feature on Dracula starring Bela Lugosi, with the tag line, "It draws like the very Devil! Hand in hand with Prosperity--that's unusual!" "$73,781.95 -- a week's business in 4 days at Roxy New York... Opened Fox, Syracuse biggest midnight show in history beating 1st Sunday "All Quiet Western Front." Also displayed are Editorial Moderna 2: El Enigma de El Vampiro por Cecil Hodge; a postcard ad for Lon Chaney in London After Midnight, a Tod Browning production, advertised as "The Man Of A Thousand Faces in a Great Detective Thriller!"

The right side of the display case features Liberty Comics No. 10 in a solid, clear case labeled CGC Universal Grade 7.5 (off-white to white pages). The cover features a vampire dashing down a patch away from a castle carrying a damsel in distress and being pursued by a man wearing a mask covering his eyes like Zorro. Also displayed is Volumen 41 de Narraciones Terrorificas con Dracula.

1

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 18d

Tomorrow (Wed. 10/1), join the Henrietta Public Library for card sign up from 11am to 1pm in the LeRoy V. Good Library atrium. Your MCC Photo ID allows you to check things out on campus, & a public library card can give you access to additional resources off campus.

#LibraryCardSignUpMonth

Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card! An illustration of five people lounging together on a wood floor reading books, surrounded by square shelving with plants, clocks, and more books, and a pet cat.

2

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 20d

Roof construction work will affect the LVG library over the next several weeks. The project will begin today & continue through mid-November. The library will remain open throughout the entire project. Thank you for your flexibility & patience as this essential work is completed! #MCCLibraries

A photo of the outside of the LeRoy V. Good Library taken on August 18 is slightly transparent, over which a graphic of a yellow construction crane lifting an orange cone with its claws is superimposed, and the text "Library Roof Project" is typed over the blue sky. Some construction noise is expected, but facilities does not anticipate significant disruption. Most work will occur early in the morning through early afternoon. For the few days that the crane is in use, the emergency exits out to the back patio may be unavailable. Facilities and Public Safety will identify alternate routes and update signage as needed.

1

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 22d

Thanks for sharing your favorite Halloween movies and fall traditions last week, and your favorite Halloween candies this week! You're welcome to share more of your favorite seasonal candies, movies, and traditions in the comments below. #MCCLibraries

Some favorite Halloween candies written on the tall whiteboard include Mounds, Butterfinger, Kit-Kat, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey chocolate bars, candy corn, Twix, Peanut M&Ms, Almond Joy, Nerds, Airheads, Twizzler, Payday, Nestlé Crunch, and Mike & Ike.

Some favorite movies include Hocus Pocus, Friday 13th, Five Nights at Freddy's, Scream, Jeepers Creepers, The Shining, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Halloween, IT, and The Strangers. Some favorite pastimes include knitting, soccer, baking, apple picking, carving pumpkins, soup, and It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.

1

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 22d

Yankee, a yellow Labrador and Guiding Eyes for the Blind dog, will be available for snuggles & visits from 12:45pm to 1:45pm at the LVG Library, escorted by his handler, math professor Dr. Beth Walker. Please come and get some hugs and love from Yankee! #MCCLibraries #TherapyDogs

Yankee will be available for snuggles and visits Fridays, 12:45 to 1:45, at the 2nd floor entrance to the LVG Library. Yankee will be escorted by his handler, math professor, Dr Beth Walker. Additionally, Taz, the other therapy dog and his handler, Marilyn, will continue therapy pet visits as well. Taz will be at the entrance of the library, 11:45 to 12:30 Wednesdays.

Yankee is a yellow Labrador retriever, seated on the floor wearing a green bow tie with colorful fruits and vegetables. Yankee is surrounded by three smiling students kneeling on the floor to pet him. The picture was taken on August 29, 2025.

1

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · 26d

Visit the Downtown Campus Learning Commons this week to see our display observing National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15). Books from the display can be checked out: please ask at the information desk!

#NationalHispanicHeritageMonth #MCCLibraries

The table display case with a glass top and sides has a background above it decorated with blue paper and red letters spelling out Hispanic Heritage Month. It is further decorated with 5 cut-out white paper snowflakes, the Spanish words "bienvenidos," "fiesta," and "ole," and "muy bueno," paper cut-outs of maracas, a sombrero, margarita with lime, a cactus, chili peppers, a taco, two potted cacti, and a pinata.

On the left half of the display case are the books Dance Between Two Cultures; The Prentice Hall Anthology of Latino Literature; A History of the Cuban Revolution; The Mexican Revolution; Latin America Since Independence; and Martí’s Song for Freedom.

Books on the right half of the display case are Everything You Need to Know about Latino History; Latinos in America: Philosophy and Social Identity; Latino Almanac: From Early Explorers to Corporate Leaders; Hispanic, Female, and Young: An Anthology; and Growing Up Puerto Rican. There is also a banner that says, "Pura Vida."

3

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · Sep 17

What's your favorite Halloween movie or favorite fall pastime? Let us know by writing it on our whiteboard in the LeRoy V. Good Library or in the comments below! #MCCLibraries

2

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · Sep 16

As many as 1 in 4 eligible Americans are not registered to vote or are unsure of their registration status. Be part of the solution and get your community Vote Ready today on National Voter Registration Day. Check your status at: www.vote411.org/ALA

#VoteReady #NationalVoterRegistrationDay

Graphic with monochrome digital illustration of a hand inserting a ballot into a ballot box. Get Vote Ready with your library and VOTE411. Reader. Voter. Ready. From the American Library Association and the League of Women Voters Education Fund.

2

MCC Libraries @mcclibraries.bsky.social · Sep 10

September is Library Card Sign-up Month! At MCC, your Photo ID acts as your library card to check out books, study room keys, textbooks on reserve, & more! Get yours at the MCC Photo ID Office: www.monroecc.edu/depts/associ...

www.monroecc.edu/depts/library/

#MCCLibraries #LibraryCardSignUpMonth

1