UMass Amherst Libraries

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Snowman decoration with top hat, scarf, smiling face, and buttons. Text: "Finals Fun Fall 2025. Button Making December 10-11 W. E. B. Du Bois Library, RECESS: 2-4 p.m. Science and Engineering Library: 4-6 p.m. Free Coffee & Cookies December 10-12, approx. 2 p.m. Both Libraries Passive Programming (Coloring, LEGOs, etc.) December 11-17 Both Libraries." UMass Amherst Libraries logo.

Happy last day of classes for Fall 2025, UMass Amherst! The Libraries are here for you during finals with resources, spaces, services, and study break options. Stop by tomorrow through Friday for free coffee & cookies and button-making!

Due to the continued inclement weather, both Du Bois & SEL will close at 7 p.m. this evening, 12/2/2025. We encourage you to plan your visits accordingly. We apologize for any inconvenience this early closure may cause and appreciate your understanding as we prioritize the safety of our community.

Black and white photo of Heitor Guimarães. Text over a magenta banner at the bottom: "Heitor Guimarães. Visiting Scholar, Dept. Afro-American Studies. Thursday, December 4. Noon-1 p.m. W. E. B. Du Bois Library, Du Bois Center. Dark Labor in the Amazon: a Du Boisian Analysis of Modern Slavery Under Volkswagen in Brazil (1974-1986). RSVP: bit.ly/guimaraes25." QR Code. UMass Amherst Libraries and Du Bois Center logos.

Join the Libraries for a special lecture by visiting scholar Heitor Guimarães, "Dark Labor in the Amazon: a Du Boisian Analysis of Modern Slavery Under Volkswagen in Brazil (1974-1986)," Thursday, December 4, noon-1 p.m., in the Du Bois Library, Du Bois Center.
RSVP: bit.ly/guimaraes25

Autumn leaves around black square border with text inside: "Holiday Hours: Wednesday, Nov. 26 Du Bois: Closes early at 7 p.m. SEL and Mount Ida: Close early at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 27 All Libraries closed Friday, Nov. 28 Du Bois and SEL: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mount Ida: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 Du Bois: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., limited services SEL and Mount Ida: Closed"

Libraries' holiday hours for the week. For full schedule, visit libcal.library.umass.edu/hours

Black and white photo of Heitor Guimarães. Text over a magenta banner at the bottom: "Heitor Guimarães. Visiting Scholar, Dept. Afro-American Studies. Thursday, December 4. Noon-1 p.m. W. E. B. Du Bois Library, Du Bois Center. Dark Labor in the Amazon: a Du Boisian Analysis of Modern Slavery Under Volkswagen in Brazil (1974-1986). RSVP: bit.ly/guimaraes25." QR Code. UMass Amherst Libraries and Du Bois Center logos.

Join the Libraries for a special lecture by visiting scholar Heitor Guimarães, "Dark Labor in the Amazon: a Du Boisian Analysis of Modern Slavery Under Volkswagen in Brazil (1974-1986)," Thursday, December 4, noon-1 p.m., in the Du Bois Library, Du Bois Center.
RSVP: bit.ly/guimaraes25

New unbanded female peregrine falcon standing on the Du Bois Library roof.

A new unbanded female is on the roof today. Webster was in the nest box and head-bowing to her when she flew in and landed on the camera arm, then the roof next to the box.

Green leafy upside-down semicircle with text "Undergraduate Sustainability Research Award." Bubbles with photos of leafy plants and trees. Text: "$1,000-$2,500 scholarships! Multiple scholarships available, funded by the award-winning UMass Amherst Libraries’ Sustainability Fund. January 29, 2026: Submissions Open January 29 - March 13, 2026." QR code with link "bit.ly/usraguide." Green leaf decorations. UMass Amherst Libraries logo.

The Libraries are pleased to announce the annual Undergraduate Sustainability Research Award (USRA), funded by the award-winning UMass Amherst Libraries' Sustainability Fund. Submissions open January 29, 2026.
Submission link and guide: bit.ly/usraguide

Rainbow abstract background with text/logo "GIS Day. Wed. Nov 19. 2025." Schedule text: "Daytime events: Morrill 245 + Zoom. Mappy Hour: Hangar Pub & Grill. 11 a.m.: Keynote: Garrett Dash Nelson. 12 p.m.: Free lunch! 1 p.m.: Faculty Slam. 2 p.m.: Silly Map Competition. 3 p.m.: Humanitarian Mapathon. 4 p.m.: ESRI YPN Crash Course. 5:30 p.m.: Mappy Hour + Trivia." Text: "More info: tinyurl.com/magisday2025." QR code. Text: "Hosted by the UMass Amherst Department of Earth, Geographic, and Climate Sciences and the UMass Amherst Libraries."

Schedule released for GIS Day 2025 at UMass Amherst! Check it out below.
"A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system that analyzes and displays geographically referenced information. It uses data that is attached to a unique location" (USGS).
Link: tinyurl.com/magisday2025

Students wearing VR headsets playing a zombie virtual reality game in the Digital Media Lab.

3D printing, VR/AR, podcasting, and more are available through the Digital Media Lab! They'll be tabling in the Du Bois Library Lobby this week, November 17-18 and 20-21, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., so stop by and ask them how to turn your ideas into reality.

L to R: Geoff Muldaur, Caitlin von Schmidt, Tom Rush, Chris Smither sitting onstage, performing. All but Caitlin are playing guitars.

The Libraries' annual fall reception, "An evening with Folk New England: A tribute to Eric von Schmidt, Featuring Tom Rush, Chris Smither, Geoff Muldaur, and Caitlin von Schmidt," celebrated both Eric’s legacy and the partnership between FNE's musical preservation efforts & our Special Collections.

Rows of tables in a Library room where staff and librarians were showcasing and selling baked goods, knit items, and artwork.

Last Friday, staff and librarians put their creativity on display in an internal Craft Fair-Bake Sale-Art Show. Baked goods, knit items, paintings, and prints were available for viewing and purchase, with live music from Ben Paul’s Machine Shop Band completing the festive atmosphere.

Rainbow abstract background with text/logo "GIS Day. Wed. Nov 19. 2025." Schedule text: "Daytime events: Morrill 245 + Zoom. Mappy Hour: Hangar Pub & Grill. 11 a.m.: Keynote: Garrett Dash Nelson. 12 p.m.: Free lunch! 1 p.m.: Faculty Slam. 2 p.m.: Silly Map Competition. 3 p.m.: Humanitarian Mapathon. 4 p.m.: ESRI YPN Crash Course. 5:30 p.m.: Mappy Hour + Trivia." Text: "More info: tinyurl.com/magisday2025." QR code. Text: "Hosted by the UMass Amherst Department of Earth, Geographic, and Climate Sciences and the UMass Amherst Libraries."

Schedule released for GIS Day 2025 at UMass Amherst! Check it out below.
"A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system that analyzes and displays geographically referenced information. It uses data that is attached to a unique location" (USGS).
Link: tinyurl.com/magisday2025

L to R: Mrs. Maritza Reyes, Chancellor Javier Reyes, Archivist Kirstin Kay, Dean of Libraries Curtis Brundy

The Libraries celebrated the "Nature of Change" exhibit reception at Hillside, with selections of art from the Robert S. Cox Special Collections and University Archives Research Center, the University Museum of Contemporary Art, and Worker Artists from the Partnership for Worker Education.

The UMass Amherst Libraries have signed an agreement with the Institute of Physics Publishing (IOPP) that provides UMass Amherst readers with access and corresponding authors with fee-free open access publication in all IOPP’s journals.

Link: www.library.umass.edu/news/institu...

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries are pleased to announce a new journal, The Open Journal for Students’ and New Scientists’ Research (OJSSR).

Link: www.library.umass.edu/news/umass-a...

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries are pleased to announce the publication of The Theoretical Essentials of Intermediate Microeconomics by Donald W. Katzner (Professor, Economics).

Link: www.library.umass.edu/news/umass-a...

Adult male peregrine falcon standing outside nest box which has a "Spirit Halloween" banner Photoshopped onto it.

What happens to the nest box after nesting season concludes for the year? Well...

30th Annual W. E. B. Du Bois Lecture: “Whoopty Doo: W. E. B. Du Bois on Do It Anyways” RSVP here. This lecture by Dr. Karida L. Brown, Professor of Sociology at Emory University, explores W.E.B. Du Bois’ logic of praxis around his public sociology to reflect on the...

Join us for the historic 30th annual W. E. B. Du Bois Lecture, 10/31, 5-8 p.m., Old Chapel. The lecture, entitled “Whoopty Doo: W. E. B. Du Bois on Do It Anyways,” will be given by Dr. Karida L. Brown, Professor of Sociology at Emory University.
RSVP here: libcal.library.umass.edu/event/15557469

Fall leaves background. Text: "Libraries Outreach Series Family Weekend A Cappella Concert. Vocal Suspects, Duly Noted, Doo Wop Shop. October 18, 2025. 3-4 p.m. Student Union Ballroom."

Tomorrow! Join us for the annual Libraries Outreach Series Family Weekend A Cappella Concert, featuring Vocal Suspects, Duly Noted, and Doo Wop Shop! 3-4 p.m., Student Union Ballroom.

30th Annual W. E. B. Du Bois Lecture: “Whoopty Doo: W. E. B. Du Bois on Do It Anyways” RSVP here. This lecture by Dr. Karida L. Brown, Professor of Sociology at Emory University, explores W.E.B. Du Bois’ logic of praxis around his public sociology to reflect on the...

Join us for the historic 30th annual W. E. B. Du Bois Lecture, 10/31, 5-8 p.m., Old Chapel. The lecture, entitled “Whoopty Doo: W. E. B. Du Bois on Do It Anyways,” will be given by Dr. Karida L. Brown, Professor of Sociology at Emory University.
RSVP here: libcal.library.umass.edu/event/15557469

Large fluffy white Samoyed.

Fluffy white golden retriever.

Comet the golden and Yukon Cornelius the Samoyed are here for hugs! Thanks to the Bright Spot Therapy Dogs and UMass Peer Health Education for bringing dogs to both Libraries and the Campus Center Auditorium today until 12:30 p.m.!

Brown background with pawprints and a photo of a golden retriever in a therapy dog vest. Text: "Paws Event. Wednesday, October 15th. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Locations: Campus Center Auditorium; W. E. B. Du Bois Library; Science & Engineering Library." Logo for Peer Health Education.

We love partnering with Peer Health Education to bring the Bright Spot Therapy Dogs to both Libraries and the Campus Center Auditorium for some much-needed cuddles during midterms! Stop by any and all of those locations to say hello to the goodest doggos tomorrow, 10/15, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Kimberly Ann Harris.

Tonight! Join the Libraries for "The Truth of Race: The Philosophical Thought of W. E. B. Du Bois" by Du Bois Center Visiting Scholar Kimberly Ann Harris. 6-7 p.m., Du Bois Library, Floor 22, Room 2220, Du Bois Center.

Link: libcal.library.umass.edu/event/15354994

Black background. Text: "Censorship is so 1984." The word "censorship" is crossed out with a red line. Line of rainbow stars underneath that text. More text: "Read for your rights. October 5-11, 2025. BannedBooksWeek.org." Banned Books Week logo of a red book wrapped in yellow caution tape that says "Banned Books Week."

In honor of Banned Books Week (October 5-11, 2025), the Libraries are offering a workshop, "Book Bans & Your Rights to Read," on Friday, October 10, 11-12:30 p.m., Du Bois Library, Floor 19, Room 1920.
Link: libcal.library.umass.edu/event/15405321

Tom Ricardi holding a large golden eagle on his glove.

A huge thank-you to Tom Ricardi for bringing his Birds of Prey program to the Libraries! Tom brought five unreleasable raptors in his care, including a golden eagle, saw-whet owl, barred owl, black vulture, and, in the spirit of our own rooftop residents, a peregrine falcon. #UMassHomecoming

Tan background with staff of music notes running across it and black and white photos of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and W. E. B. Du Bois. Text: "An Evening with Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and W. E. B. Du Bois. October 9, 2025. 7-9 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall. Bromery Center for the Arts - East Wing." QR code with text: "Registration required: bit.ly/sctconcert25." UMass Amherst Libraries logo.

Join us on October 9, 7-9 p.m., Bezanson Recital Hall, for a special celebration of the composer, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, and W. E. B. Du Bois, the scholar and activist.

Light green background with darker green wavy borders on the upper left and right corners. Illustration of a woman sitting in a meditative pose in front of greenery surrounded by coffee cup, clock, laptop, and phone. Text: "Wellness Kits. September 29, 3-5 p.m. Science and Engineering Library, Learning Studio."

Undergrads and grads are welcome to join us at the Science and Engineering Library Learning Studio to put together wellness kits and learn more about wellness resources on the UMass Amherst campus. Monday, September 29, 3-5 p.m.
*Space and supplies may be limited; first come, first served.

Photo of Tom Ricardi holding a peregrine falcon. Text: "Tom Ricardi's Birds of Prey. Friday, October 3, 1-2 p.m., Du Bois Library, Lower Level."

Sunset-colored ombre background with silhouettes of people playing music and dancing. Text: "Latinx Dance Lessons. October 3rd, 2025. 3:00-5:00 p.m. W. E. B. Du Bois Library Promenade (between the Du Bois Library upper deck and Old Chapel). Rain location: RECESS space, 2nd floor, Du Bois Library."

Gearing up for Homecoming Weekend with two special events on Friday, October 3!

Tom Ricardi's Birds of Prey
1-2 p.m., Du Bois Library, Lower Level

Latinx Dance Lessons with LACC and Contagio
3-5 p.m., Du Bois Library, Promenade (rain location: Floor 2, RECESS)

Tonight! Join the Libraries at 5 p.m. at Amherst College for "Indigenous Archival Activism: Mohican Interventions in Public History and Memory."