"Raucous" the Vote: Your Alexandria Campus Library Celebrates Women's History Month

Since 1987 the month of March has been designated by the United States Congress as Women’s History Month. This month is meant to educate citizens about the contributions of American women to the political and social life of the nation, and to more fully integrate the narratives of women into the teaching and understanding of American history as a whole. 

Alice Paul, women's suffrage activist, on her way to a protest

Your Alexandria Campus Library is observing Women’s History Month with a display that highlights the long and difficult struggle American women went through to earn full citizenship and voting rights. 

Many leaders in the women's suffrage movement were imprisoned in D.C. and Northern Virginia

American women only received the right to vote in 1920 when the US Congress ratified the 19th Amendment to the constitution, after a prolonged and bitter battle against equally passionate opponents.

 

 See some of the more bizarre reasons given for opposing women's suffrage

So come to the library and peruse the women’s history and suffrage display to learn more about the remarkable people and events that expanded and extended the American definition of full citizenship. For a list of items in the Alexandria Campus library on women's suffrage, click here.

For more information on events being held in the D.C. area to commemorate Women’s History Month, check here.

Fast Five Friday: Ukraine

After the recent developments in Kiev and the Crimea, are you eager to learn more about the people, culture, and politics of Ukraine? Your Alexandria Campus Library has you covered.

DK 508.4 .H45 2009

The volume provides a basic overview of social, political and artistic life of Ukraine. Topics covered include religion, language, gender, education, customs, media, literature, music and cinema.

DK510.28 .B55 2011

Get a sense of the landscape, borders, history, and issues at stake in Ukraine’s decision to pivot East or West through this geographic exploration. Blinknikov’s book is chalked full of insightful and informative maps, charts, and photographs designed to enhance understanding of modern Russia and the states formerly included in the Soviet Federation.

DK 293 D55 1993b

This book, written in the immediate aftermath of the Soviet dissolution, provides color and context for the events that shaped former U.S.S.R. countries back into independent states.

DK 214 .R69 2000

Readers can use Royle’s detailed account of the Crimea War to learn how this now roiling Ukrainian territory was once at the center of a 19^th century global dispute.

JC 328.3 .C58 2011

This anthology explores the political uses of non-violence, and its chapter on the Orange Revolution explicates the internal tensions still very much alive in Ukraine. Read about Viktor Yanukovych first failed attempt at winning the Ukrainian presidency, how his bid was blocked by peaceful protests, and Moscow's reactions to events.

Do not forget that the Alexandria Campus Library also holds many databases that can help you understand current events. Monitor trending global news using Lexis-Nexis, delve into the culture and customs of Ukrainians using A-Z World Cultures, and examine world borders utilizing A-Z Maps.

Poetry for Patrons: Please Handle (Our Non-Handles) With Care

When journeying to the college,

And standing on the cusp of knowledge,

We understand your zeal and glee,

To rush into the library

But this excitement is not without a toll,

For when students whack upon their entrance handle goal,

They leave it bruised, abused, corroded,

With the door’s spring-mechanism exploded

So do your fellow students a favor,

And save the college the cost of parts and labor,

And be so gentle, and use no force,

When using handicapped access buttons to open doors

Fairy Good Tales

Come celebrate Read a Fairy Tale Day, February 26^th, with your Alexandria Campus Library.  

Serial specialist Michelle Jerney-Davis has put together a beautiful display of materials of that includes classic myths and stories from all over the globe.Patrons can visit the library’s fairy bower and pick up a tale to puzzle over and enjoy.

For a complete list of Fairy Tales available in the Alexandria Campus Library, click here

Celebrating by Remembering

The Alexandria Campus Library is observing Black History Month by celebrating the many extraordinary African-American women who contributed to the civic, social, and artistic life of the United States.

In keeping with the Civil Rights theme of the 2014 Black History Month celebration, the display features books on influential female activists, artists, and politicians instrumental in securing the rights and freedoms of all American citizens.

So come into the library, and check out a title that celebrates these ladies and their contributions to American history.

For a list of books included in this display, click here.