The University Libraries invites you to join us for National Library Week, an annual event held April 11 through 17, which celebrates libraries and the people they serve.

Finals Prep Kits and READ Posters

We’ll be outside the library walls handing out finals prep kits with supplies to help you survive the end of the semester (while supplies last). You can also grab a book and make your own READ poster. You’ll find us from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the following locations:

• Tuesday, April 12: Coffman Union
• Wednesday, April 13: West end of the Washington Ave Bridge (rain site: Willey Hall)
• Thursday, April 14: St. Paul Student Center

Book Drive

On behalf of the Minnesota Literacy Council, the University Libraries will host a donation site for non-religious-themed children’s books particularly appropriate for K-3 grade reading levels; however, the following are also welcome: Bilingual and multicultural children’s books, Non-fiction children’s books, Board books for early readers, Early chapter books for 3rd-6th grade level. Donation sites include: Wilson, Walter, Bio-Med, and Magrath Libraries from April 10 through April 16.

Kebed Mat Weaving 

Tuesday, April 12, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Magrath Library Lobby

Kebed mats are traditionally woven by Somali nomadic women to serve as roofs and walls of their houses; the mats can be rolled up and packed with the rest of the house onto camels when the family moves to a new location. This weaving is done entirely by hand, without a loom, and is considered a core craft that girls learn to become self-sufficient women. Because the nomadic lifestyle is not present for Somalis in Minnesota, Somali weavers here employ modern adaptations of kebed: instead of large mats, they create decorative wall hangings and purses; and instead of using grasses, they use colored yarn. The weavers will be on hand to share examples of their work! Artists: Ardho Ismail, Hawa Aden, Halwa Daud, Amina Shire.

Bees! Bees! Bees! 

Tuesday, April 12, Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Magrath Library, Room 2

Join us for a presentation by University of Minnesota Bee Lab apiculture technician and bee expert Gary Reuter as he leads a lively, informative discussion of honeybees in Minnesota and beyond. Light refreshments.

The Nuts and Bolts of Insect Illustration

Thursday, April 14, Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Magrath Library, Room 2

University of Minnesota Department of Entomology Professor Ralph W. Holzenthal discuss contemporary insect illustration techniques and processes involved in rendering natural representations of our insect friends. Discover the art and science of capturing nature’s beauty with Dr. Holzenthal.

USlam at Magrath Library!

Thursday, April 14, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Magrath Library, Basement

The University of Minnesota’s own USlam team takes its spoken word show on the road, showcasing diverse young voices and transcending boundaries along the way. Join us for an evening of rousing and thought- provoking performances.

Share Your Library Story

You can also join the fun from home! Share your library story using #nlw16 and don’t forget to tag the University Libraries (@umnlib). We’re a colorful group, so follow us on Instagram and Twitter to see our rainbow of places, people, and resources featured with #colorfulcollectionsumn. We will also be highlighting a few of our recently digitized collections on the University of Minnesota Libraries Facebook page.

Please contact Kaia Sievert (ksievert@umn.edu) or Renoir Gaither (rgaither@umn.edu) with questions.