Latest news with #Library
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Madeleine Keane on books: Oscar Wilde's reader's card is ‘uncancelled' by the British Library, 130 years on
Plus the Cork Midsummer Festival, and something for Beatles fans too Today at 09:30 After 130 years, the British Library plans to symbolically reinstate the reader pass that belonged to Oscar Wilde. Wilde was officially excluded from the Library on June 15, 1895, following the trial and conviction he faced as a result of the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885, which criminalised acts of 'gross indecency' between men.
News18
2 days ago
- General
- News18
National Reading Day 2025: How To Cultivate A Reading Habit?
Last Updated: National Reading Day 2025: The day honours P.N. Panicker, the "Father of the Library and Literacy Movement," for promoting literacy and establishing public libraries. National Reading Day 2025: Observed in India every year on June 19, National Reading Day to honour Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker (P.N. Panicker), a visionary who played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of reading across Kerala. Widely revered as the 'Father of the Library and Literacy Movement", Panicker dedicated his life to promoting literacy and empowering communities through books. His tireless efforts laid the foundation for a knowledge-driven society and continue to inspire generations to embrace the transformative power of reading. Though the national observance of Reading Day is a relatively recent initiative, Kerala has been commemorating P.N. Panicker's contributions since 1996. The state began observing June 19, the day Panicker passed away in 1995, as a tribute to his transformative role in Kerala's literacy movement. In 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially declared June 19 as National Reading Day, extending the observance to a national level. The day honours P.N. Panicker's unparalleled efforts in ushering Kerala into an era of universal literacy. A teacher by profession, Panicker spearheaded a grassroots library movement in the early to mid-20th century, significantly expanding access to books and knowledge. His mission to instil the habit of reading among the masses laid the foundation for what would become one of India's most literate states. Through his leadership in establishing public libraries across Kerala, Panicker earned lasting recognition as the 'Father of the Library and Literacy Movement." The first library that he dedicated to the public was established in 1926. At the time, it was called the 'Sanadanadharmam Library". The various public libraries that he helped set up across Kerala over the next several years laid the foundation for the formation of the Travancore Library Association in 1945. The association, initially comprising 47 local libraries, later evolved into the Kerala Granthsala Sangham (KGS). After Kerala gained statehood in 1956, the KGS grew significantly to include nearly 6,000 libraries. The body ultimately became the Kerala State Library Council after being taken over by the Kerala government in 1977. National Reading Day 2025 is the perfect occasion to rekindle one's love for reading or to instil it if they never had one to begin with. It is also a great opportunity to bring together like-minded people to build a community of readers. National Reading Day focuses on the importance that books and the wisdom contained in them hold for the holistic development of humanity. How To Cultivate A Reading Habit Join a community of book readers online or at a local library. Exchange literary takeaways with fellow readers. Buy a collection of books of your favourite genre. Be patient. Do not get discouraged if the initial chapters of a book do not interest you. Read till the end. First Published:
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Bringing history to life: GU-Q students create graphic novels from interviews
Tribune News Network Doha This summer, the Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) library is home to a compelling collection of graphic novels that delve into historical events such as war, migration, and political upheaval—offering powerful insights into how these moments have shaped the lives of individuals and communities across generations. But these works are not part of a newly acquired collection—they are the creative outcome of an innovative course offered on campus: History and the Graphic Novel. Taught by Dr. Karine Walther, Associate Professor of History, the course studies graphic novels as secondary history resources. 'Graphic novels can show history, not just describe it. There's a unique emotional weight when you see history unfold through art, it feels more personal and real than just reading facts or dates,' said Mohamed Jaski, a culture and politics major with a minor in history, who was one of 12 students enrolled in the class. Teaching history in novel and interesting ways is not new to Dr. Walther, who was voted 'Faculty Member of the Year' by the graduating class at this year's Tropaia senior award ceremony.'I first took Professor Walther during my freshman year for proseminar, and since then, she's remained my absolute favourite professor,' said Jaski, who took a total of four classes with Walther, culminating in this course in spring of his senior year. Another cornerstone of the class was a technical workshop on how to use Canva, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and Artificial Intelligence to generate images and develop storyboards for their graphic novel, taught by Associate Director of the Library Robert Laws. 'The course introduced us to so many diverse graphic styles, which inspired me to blend techniques in my own way,' said Jaski. His graphic novel, titled 'Maryam,' which explores the loss and grief of war, blends Marvel-style design with a transition to stark black-and-white visuals for a dramatic, immersive feel. 'Seeing the students take ownership of the history-making process is always the best part of a class,' said Dr. Walther. 'In this class, they interviewed a member of their family or a community member, and translated those memories into a graphic novel. Although I guided them through the process of creatively engaging with their own history in conversation with historical texts, they were the ones who made this class all that it could be.' 'We taught each other, shared resources, and pushed each other to improve. There was a beautiful sense of collaboration,' shared Jaski, who was also able to offer his peers support through his role as an assistant in the Innovation Lab, a library-based technology lab with specialized software and equipment. 'Many students booked sessions with me to brainstorm, finalize their edits, and polish their visuals,' he added. The course culminated in an exhibit of student work in the Library, which, due to its essential role in supporting the class, had become an extension of the classroom. 'It played a key role in this course, both in terms of accessing graphic novels and providing space for collaboration,' Jaski explained. 'A lot of students used the library as a creative space for drafting, scanning, and editing their graphic novels.' 'The class was made possible through the ongoing support of the library staff, who helped the students at every stage of the process,' said Dr. Walther. In addition to advice provided by Laws and Jaski, Library Coordinator Mirta Lendić organised the display space, printed and bound the novels, and created materials to help promote the display campus-wide. The graphic novels produced were also printed professionally by the GU-Q bookstore and gifted to the students as a tangible reminder of the power of creative expression in academic settings. 'The course transformed my understanding of historical storytelling,' recalled Jaski, who saw the class as an important culmination to his time at GU-Q. The sentiment, he said, was shared by his classmates. 'We all showed up to the exhibition during the madness of graduation week, which I think speaks volumes about how much we loved the course and our professor.'
CTV News
12-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Barrie council backs $375M south-end multi-use complex after some tweaks to the plan
A sign for the future home of the south Barrie mixed-use Recreation Complex and Library. Barrie city councillors took another step forward with plans for a $375 million south-end recreation and library complex at Wednesday night's meeting, but not without making a few tweaks first. While most of the changes were modest, a few stood out, particularly a decision to scale back the size of the library component. The facility, which will eventually be built on a 100-acre site along McKay Road East, is being described by councillors as a game-changer for the city's fast-growing south-end. The centre will include a quad-pad arena, an eight-lane 25-metre swimming pool, therapy pools, a triple gymnasium, a fitness centre, and multi-purpose rooms. 'I just wanted to emphasize how well received this has been in south-end Barrie," said Councillor Bryn Hamilton during the meeting. Library Space One of the more notable amendments saw the planned library space reduced from 45,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet. Council also directed staff to explore shared-use options for certain amenities, like washrooms, rather than constructing separate facilities for rec centre workers. Councillor Sergio Morales said the reduction wasn't a statement on the importance of library services overall. 'Just because we're reducing here specifically, it's not indicative of library need in general.' Sports Hall of Fame Another amendment will establish a permanent space inside the complex for Barrie's Sports Hall of Fame, currently housed at the Sadlon Arena. Councillor Gary Harvey supported the move, saying it would have more exposure at the new site. 'It's going to have a lot more foot traffic than what the Sadlon [Arena] will ever see.' Housing Development Council also gave the green light to a related housing development in the south end, rezoning a property near Essa Road and Mapleview Drive to allow for 458 street and block townhouse units, with an additional 66 optional dwellings for future purchasers. The revised proposal was given council's stamp of approval after a troubled first pitch. 'The first application was basically creating a small city within one stretch of about 25-acres,' said Harvey. 'Thankfully, a new applicant came in, but I think this is going to be a very positive addition to the area, opposed to having an empty field or a driving range at this location.' The recreational complex and all its amenities were passed by council, with construction still years away.
The Herald Scotland
12-06-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow Women's Library earns UK sanctuary award
The announcement is being made during Refugee Festival Scotland, which celebrates the diversity and cultural richness in Scotland's communities by providing people from refugee backgrounds with a platform to showcase their creativity. As well as inclusive programming, language support and creative workshops, Glasgow Women's Library has also supported people through a literacy project which includes the Conversation Café to provide support for women who are new to speaking English. The title was awarded by the City of Sanctuary UK and is the first in Scotland to be recognised despite there being 30 others across the UK. Read More Wendy Kirk, GWL Librarian, said: 'We are beyond thrilled to become part of the Library of Sanctuary network, and the wider City of Sanctuary network, which is building a movement of welcome all across the UK. This is needed now more than ever. 'Libraries are much-loved community anchors, and are perfectly placed to be spaces of welcome, hope and connection for people who have been forcibly displaced. We hope that our commitment to being a welcoming space for people seeking sanctuary will be even more visible now that we have received our award. I look forward to more libraries in Scotland joining this vital network of solidarity, inclusivity and compassion.' Zahra Adams, GWL volunteer with lived experience of seeking sanctuary said: "When I first joined Glasgow Women's Library in 2022, I didn't feel confident because all the people were new to me. But realised everyone was so kind and welcoming, I quickly felt at ease. 'GWL helped me improve my English, make new friends, and learn about other cultures. Volunteering in the garden and craft sessions gave me confidence, teamwork skills, and a voice as well as communication skills. GWL is a safe and supportive space where I feel valued and able to grow." Adele Patrick, GWL Co-Director, said: 'Gaining Library of Sanctuary status is an absolute honour for the team at Glasgow Women's Library. We know that libraries are amongst the special few places that people trust. 'At this time, when so many are experiencing the world as threatening, hostile and violent, ensuring our libraries are indeed safe harbours is all the more crucial. Glasgow Women's Library strives to be a place where people seeking sanctuary — in whatever form — find a place that actively welcomes them over the threshold, that reaches out to them in their neighbourhood or online. Our library offers a non-judgemental, kind space, connections and resources that can bring joy, laughter and friendships; a sanctuary filled with information, learning opportunities and support that help equip people to live their lives, express and be themselves.' Syma Ahmed, Development Worker at GWL said: It's an absolute honour to receive the Library of Sanctuary award. We deeply value our role in providing a safe, inclusive space where women from every walk of life truly feel seen, heard, and respected. 'Through our projects, we continue to build bridges of understanding, celebrate diverse cultures, and ensure that every woman who walks through our doors feels a sense of belonging. Being designated a Library of Sanctuary affirms our role not just as a library, but as a sanctuary - supporting women in their pursuit of learning, connection, and empowerment.'
