Library News
‘The Hungarian Revolution at 65: An Exhibit’ now on display
Posted on October 5th, 2021
Sixty-five years ago, thousands of determined Hungarians — mostly young people — swarmed into the streets of Budapest to demand change. A brutal, corrupt communist government dominated their country since the end of World War II, and they had enough.
Eventually, hundreds of thousands participated. October 1956 heralded both great hopes and great dangers. In the end, Soviet troops poured into Hungary and drove all resistance into the ground.
“The Hungarian Revolution at 65: An Exhibit” at Booth Library showcases real artifacts from the revolt and honors the brave civilians who risked everything. Some of the protesters retreated into exile, some even coming to central Illinois. Among them was Dr. Bela Szigethy, who later settled and practiced medicine in Oblong, Illinois, and for whom this exhibit is dedicated.
The exhibit runs through November on the 3000 level of Booth Library. The public is invited to the exhibit opening at 5 p.m. on Oct. 11 in the Marvin Foyer of Booth Library.
For more information contact: Edmund Wehrle at efwehrle@eiu.edu.
Moon exhibit on display at Lake Land
Posted on October 29th, 2019
“On the Shoulders of Giants: The Moon and Beyond,” an exhibit commemorating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, as well as examining current and future space exploration, will be on display at the Lake Land College Library from Nov. 7 through Dec. 2. The exhibit was curated at Booth Library on the campus of Eastern Illinois University.
“On the Shoulders of Giants” will include a look at Apollo 11 and other Apollo missions; Astronauts who Walked on the Moon; Women in Space; Space and Literature, Movies, and TV; and more. These exhibits will contain details of the Apollo 11 mission and how other Apollo missions were different in their objectives; how women contributed to space exploration, including the first woman launched into space in 1963; and the stories and details of the 12 astronauts who had the opportunity to walk on the moon.
For more information on “On the Shoulders of Giants,” visit https://library.eiu.edu/exhibits/space/.
Fall exhibit focuses on health care reform
Posted on September 16th, 2019
“For All the People: A Century of Citizen Action in Health Care Reform,” an exhibit that celebrates the citizen groups that have tried to make quality health care accessible to all, is on display at Booth Library through Nov. 2, 2019.
Health care reform has been a political issue for over a hundred years, according to the National Library of Medicine. In the early 20th century, the influx of industrialization, immigration and poor health conditions created a national concern. Health care reform has inspired citizen groups like farmers or activists in changing the shape of health care discourse.
Citizen activist groups have fought against all different types of discrimination in health care. For example, women have fought for the right to decide what is right for their own bodies, creating feminist health clinics. Civil rights organizations have also fought to combat infant mortality rates in African American communities and racial discrimination in the American health care system.
This exhibit shows the historical impact that U.S. citizens have had in the fight for national health care. This exhibit also brings awareness to the role of citizens in the debate for health care. A variety of topics will be covered such as abortion reform and the HIV crisis.
This exhibition was developed and produced by the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, visit https://library.eiu.edu/exhibits/forallthepeople/.
Space exhibit on display in Effingham
Posted on August 2nd, 2019
“On the Shoulders of Giants: The Moon and Beyond,” an exhibit commemorating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, as well as examining current and future space exploration, is on display at the Effingham Public Library, 200 N. Third St., through Sept. 2. The exhibit was curated at Booth Library on the campus of Eastern Illinois University.
“On the Shoulders of Giants” includes a look at Apollo 11 and other Apollo missions; Astronauts who Walked on the Moon; Women in Space; Space and Literature, Movies, and TV; and more.
It was 50 years ago on July 20 that American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first humans ever to land on the moon. About six and a half hours later, Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon.
For more information on “On the Shoulders of Giants,” visit https://library.eiu.edu/exhibits/space/.
Space exhibit on display at Charleston Public Library
Posted on July 1st, 2019
“On the Shoulders of Giants: The Moon and Beyond,” an exhibit commemorating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, as well as examining current and future space exploration, is on display at the Charleston Carnegie Public Library, 712 Sixth St., until Aug. 1. The exhibit was curated at Booth Library on the campus of Eastern Illinois University.
“On the Shoulders of Giants” includes a look at Apollo 11 and other Apollo missions; Astronauts who Walked on the Moon; Women in Space; Space and Literature, Movies, and TV; and more.
It was 50 years ago on July 20 that American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first humans ever to land on the moon. About six and a half hours later, Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon.
For more information on “On the Shoulders of Giants,” click here.
Exhibit celebrates space exploration
Posted on March 15th, 2019
Booth Library will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, as well as examine current and future space exploration, in a new exhibit, “On the Shoulders of Giants: The Moon and Beyond.” The exhibit will be on display from Jan. 17 through May 31, 2019.
“On the Shoulders of Giants” will include a look at several of the Apollo missions, with a focus on Apollo 11, the lunar landing of July 20, 1969; EIU alumni connections to the space program; biographies of specific astronauts; space exploration today and in the future; female contributions to space exploration; and more.
The exhibit is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit the exhibit web site here, or follow Booth Library on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Schools and other groups who would like to tour the exhibit are encouraged to contact Andy Cougill, aacougill@eiu.edu, or call 217-581-7548 to schedule a visit.
Darwin Day Display
Posted on January 23rd, 2019
In honor of Darwin Day, February 12, 2019, we have set up a display table in the 3000 S hallway about using DNA to elucidate our ancient and modern ancestry. Darwin Day is a worldwide celebration of Charles Darwin’s birthday, February 12, 1809, and his contributions to science. The International Darwin Day website has a page showcasing the different events celebrating Darwin Day around the world, three of which are happening on the Eastern Illinois University campus at the Doudna Fine Arts Center on February 10, 11, and 12 from 7pm-8pm.
For more information about Darwin’s life and contributions, check out the books available for rental at the Darwin Day display table.
Exhibit examines 1918 flu pandemic and flu prevention today
Posted on September 6th, 2018
“The Flu Then and Now: 1918 to 2018,” an exhibit commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 1918 flu pandemic, will be on display at Booth Library from Sept. 13 through Dec. 27, 2018.
In 1918, an estimated 500 million people (one-third of the world’s population) were infected with the H1N1 flu virus, and at least 50 million died. This exhibit and related programs take a closer look at this historic flu pandemic and how the flu affected life at EIU and in Charleston, both in 1918 and today.
This series provides historical information on the 1918 influenza pandemic as well as providing a current public health perspective on influenza. Topics of contagion, vaccination and infection will be covered from a historical, medical and social perspective. Coverage of the flu epidemic in the press will be explored. Local public health experts will cover measures taken to control future epidemics.
Following is a complete schedule of programming related to the exhibit:
Opening program: Sept. 13, 7 p.m., “1918 Influenza: Impact, Implications and Uncertainty,” by Sheila Simons, professor of health promotion; library West Reading Room.
Oct. 1, 4 p.m., “Influenza and Infection Prevention – Can you say FLU, SARS, MERS CoV?” by Ramona Tomshack, RN, infection preventionist, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center; library Witters Conference Room 4440.
Oct. 9 and Oct. 11, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 1918 menu at The Café, led by Richard Wilkinson, professor; 1414 Klehm Hall; $6.
Oct. 16, 4 p.m., “The Importance of Vaccinating for the Flu … Vaccinate Your Crew,” by Michele Hartke, nurse practitioner, Health Education Resource Center; library Witters Conference Room 4440.
Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., flu shot clinic for EIU students, faculty and staff, Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
Nov. 7, 3 p.m., film screening and discussion: “1918” (Foote, 1985), discussion led by Lynne Curry, professor of history; library Witters Conference Room 4440.
Nov. 14, 3-4:15 p.m., poster presentations by History 4950 students of Professor Lynne Curry, library West Reading Room.
Nov. 27, 4 p.m. (RESCHEDULED from Oct. 30) “Immunity and Contagion: Living in the Age of Bio-politics,” by C.C. Wharram, professor and director of Center for the Humanities; library Witters Conference Room 4440.
All programs are free unless otherwise noted, and the public is invited. “The Flu Then and Now: 1918 to 2018” exhibit can be viewed anytime the library is open. For more information, visit http://booth.eiu.edu/flu.
Veterans exhibit visiting area libraries
Posted on May 10th, 2018
“Designs of Duty,” an exhibit featuring East Central Illinois veterans and their service-related tattoos, is visiting libraries throughout the region through Dec. 3, 2018.
“Designs of Duty” was curated by staff members at Booth Library. It tells the stories of seven military veterans who served our country over a 45-year period throughout Asia and Europe. Veterans featured in the exhibit are Eric Hiltner and Wilson Reynolds of Charleston, Ken Fernandes of Newman, Random Clavin of Nokomis, Adam Griffy of Olney, Shane Wright of Shelbyville and Lyle Gordon of Towanda.
Tattoos are a common symbol among the military, and this exhibit aims to explore the inspiration and meanings behind them, as well as the stories of the veterans themselves. Pride, patriotism and honor are common themes in the artwork chosen by the veterans showcased in “Designs of Duty.”
The exhibit was on display at Booth Library from Jan. 22-May 11. Following is the traveling exhibit schedule:
May 14-June 4, 2018 – Nokomis Public Library
June 4-July 2, 2018 – Charleston Public Library
July 2-Aug. 6, 2018 – Mattoon Public Library
Aug. 6-31, 2018 – Newton Public Library
Aug. 31-Sept. 28, 2018 – Olney Public Library
Sept. 28-Oct. 31, 2018 – Effingham Public Library
Oct. 31-Dec. 3, 2018 – Lake Land College Library
Dec. 3, 2018-Jan. 3, 2019 — Newman Regional Library
“Designs of Duty” is free and open to the public. For more information click here.
Exhibit features veterans and their tattoos
Posted on January 18th, 2018
“Designs of Duty,” an exhibit featuring East Central Illinois veterans and their service-related tattoos, will be on display at Booth Library from Jan. 22 through May 11, 2018.
“Designs of Duty” tells the stories of seven military veterans who served our country over a 45-year period throughout Asia and Europe. Veterans featured in the exhibit are Eric Hiltner and Wilson Reynolds of Charleston, Ken Fernandes of Newman, Random Clavin of Nokomis, Adam Griffy of Olney, Shane Wright of Shelbyville and Lyle Gordon of Towanda.
Tattoos are a common symbol among the military, and this exhibit aims to explore the inspiration and meanings behind them, as well as the stories of the veterans themselves. Pride, patriotism and honor are common themes in the artwork chosen by the veterans showcased in “Designs of Duty.”
Related exhibits on display include military flags; “Symbols of Service,” featuring University of Illinois student veterans; aircraft nose art from World War II to today; and Vietnam War helmet graffiti.
“Designs of Duty” is free and open to the public. For more information click here.
Booth Library’s regular hours are 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 1 a.m. Sunday. For more information on the library, call 581-6072 or find the library on Facebook or Twitter.
