“Black Love Matters”: Celebrating Love and Legacy

By Ardent Brownfield

This February, we’re featuring a unique book display that’s centered on the power of love and legacy—because why settle for just one celebration when you can have two? 

Whether you’re swooning over a romance, celebrating self-love, or just enjoying the bond of friendship, our display has something for everyone! From heart-thumping love stories to hilarious rom-coms and personal self-love narratives, we’ve got you covered this Valentine’s Day. And what’s more, they're all stories written by--you guessed it!--African American authors.  
 
This month is Black History Month and so, in conjunction with Valentine’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the brilliance and resilience of Black culture. In addition to love stories in the more traditional sense, you can expect inspiring biographies, heart-felt poetry, and all-together dazzling works from African American authors that remind us how the Black experience is a tapestry of strength, passion, perseverance and love. 

Not-So-Fun Fact: Did you know 90% of the books offered by traditional publishers in the romance genre are not about Black people in race or experience? (See our titular book, “Black Love Matters: Real Talk on Romance, Being Seen, and Happily Ever Afters” for some interesting commentary on the publishing industry from black authors, librarians, academicians, etc. And, yes, we have it at the library.)

Each book you’ll meet on our display, you’ll notice, are of the wrapped and unwrapped variety. If you haven’t heard of “Blind Date with a Book,” it’s usually a quirky bookish event whereby the books are wrapped in plain paper with hints written on the outside. The idea is to create an element of surprise and mystery, much like going on a blind date! Whether you’re a risk-taking reader or you find comfort in knowing just a little more, don’t miss the gorgeous quotes by these authors tucked either into the book or penned on the wrappings. Quite simply, the quotes speak for themselves. So, find the one that speaks to *you* and give it a whirl.

Furthermore, you’ll find some interesting resources as part of our “Black Love Matters” display. My favorite? The list of carefully curated Valentine’s Day date ideas that support our local Black-owned businesses. Whether you’re looking for that unique gift or an unforgettable experience to share with that special someone or alone—because say it with me: “we love self-love!”— Chattanooga has it all!

So, come to Kolwyck Library located in IMC 103, fall in love with some new books, get some Valentine’s Day inspiration, and celebrate the rich legacy of Black history—all in one fabulous display. It’s the best of both worlds this February!

The 2022 Edible Book Festival Winners!

After a two-year hiatus, the Edible Book Festival returned as an on-campus event in the library! This year's Writers@Work author, Karen Russell, was in attendance to help judge the entries!

And the Winners Were....

Winning both Most Creative and Best Departmental Entry awards: "IT" by the Bookstore

 

Winning Best Overall: "The Shire" by Olivia Sanders

 

Winning both Author's Choice and People's Choice: "Alice in Wonderland" by Alyssa Bulkeley

 

Congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone who entered with their edible entry. Thank you to our judges, everyone who came to see the entries, the library staff, and to the Writers@Work program!

Book Review of E.R. Nurses by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann

 

E.R. Nurses: True Stories from America’s Greatest Unsung Heroes
By James Patterson and Matt Eversmann
Call Number: RT 120.E4 P38

Review by Dwight Hunter

Dispatches from the front lines of nursing. This book is a curated collection of essays from nurses all over the country in first-person narratives. The book is divided up by types of narratives: day shift, night shift, flight shift, and thank you. The book is packed with gut-wrenching scenes.

James Patterson has put together brief essays in this book from multiple nurses with diverse backgrounds and memorable experiences. The stories are compelling - in turn, funny, amazing, heart breaking, and heart stopping. A great read for anyone not in the medical field who wonder what nurses truly do. Great short stories for nurses to help remind them why they do what they do.

This collection of personal stories include a short bio and pictures. Not only the compelling stories makes this book relevant, but the connection of nurses from varied backgrounds makes it feel like a national connection in a career helping people.

I recommend this book for everyone, but especially, for our students in the allied health field to read about the chaos of emergency rooms, the work itself, and the connection that all nurses have.

New Year, New Book Suggestions from the KLIC Shelf Elf

 

 

 

 

 

 

By the KLIC Shelf Elf

Happy New Year from the Shelf Elf! Hopefully your semester has gotten off to a good start.  A good start can include learning about someone or something new.  Discover some of KLIC’s newest books, either on the shelf or online:

 

Photo Ark Wonders continues mission to photograph all animals in human care by highlighting the diversity of species showcasing shape, size, or unique features; each animal is stunningly displayed in front of a white or black background.  It’s like a photo album of fascinating creatures with brief explanations

 

Fixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem Solving uses works of art to present a new paradigm for problem-solving that focuses on critical thinking skills to help recognize and overcome biases that prevent us from seeing problems clearly.

 

Nina: a Story of Nina Simone tells of the acclaimed singer, who was born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in a beautifully illustrated picture book.  Well-researched but brief text shows Eunice’s struggles with prejudice as she travels from North Carolina to New York.  Illustrations use collage, acrylic and a little digital
 

                                                                                                                                              

Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I am Today by Valerie Bertinelli, actor and Food Network host, shows in a warm and inviting way how food can heal and unite as well as issues that women in midlife face: elderly parents, grief, and career change.

 

We are still here!  Native American Truths Everyone Should Know introduce in a colorful way, some important facts about the history and current conditions of indigenous people. The book includes a timeline for context as well as more details about the presented topics.

 

The Rise : Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality traces the lesser-known beginnings of legendary Bryant and includes never released interview segments that reveal Bryant’s thoughts.

Look for these books on the display racks near the entrance or ask at the Service Desk. 

Electronic Books – check these out using your Tigerweb email & password

Embracing Your Power may have women in its title but it provides any professional with specific tools to be more authentic, establish boundaries, and manage conflict better.

Exploring Southern Appalachian Forests: An Ecological Guide to 30 Great Hikes in the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia invites exploring the rich forest ecosystems that visitors encounter along the trails nearby. Includes best time to visit and illustrations of most common vegetation.

Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, a Life in Balance is the audio book of Simone Biles’ own triumphant story through 2016.  Hear her tell of her entry into gymnastics, ways to persevere in one’s own journey, and how to stay focused.

 

 

Shelf Elf has discovered OverDrive electronic books!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By the KLIC Shelf Elf 

Shelf Elf is going virtual!  He has discovered the newest collection to arrive at the KLIC (Kolwyck Library and Information Commons): OverDrive electronic books.  Sign in to read the books with your Tigermail address and your Tigerweb password. 

  

See these intriguing reads that celebrate women:
 

Just as I Am by Cecily Tyson,  
In her own words, the award-winning actress chronicles her fascinating work in film and television but also recounts her life, lessons learned along the way, and her never-failing determination to succeed.
 

Crazy Brave by Joy Harjo,  
The only Native American poet laureate tells her determined story about finding shelter from an abusive stepfather, becoming a poet, and her strong connection to the natural world.
 

Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis by Ada Calhoun,  
The author, herself in the middle of a mid-life crisis, discovers women from Generation X struggle with the idea of “having it all” with interviews and research, learn more about how to possibly feel better.  
 

Wonder Women of Science by Tiera Fletcher and Ginger Rue 
Get to know 12 women who are active in technology and science professions.  Each short biography gives a profile, the woman’s inspiration, and their words to inspire others.
 

A Girl Like Me by Angela Johnson and illustrations by Nina Crews 
Inspirations words in this poem picture book can inspire girls, particularly those who are imaginative or adventurous.  Crews’ photo collage illustrations add a realism to the visionary words.
 

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. 
In an audio book, hear Dr. Brown, in her relatable, honest style, identify skills that allow for transformative leadership, leading with empathy and courage.

Fall Break Suggested Reads from the KLIC Shelf Elf

 By the KLIC Shelf Elf

 

As midterm draws near and Fall Break comes, Shelf Elf suggests some new titles in the library to keep mid-semester blues at bay.  Here are half a dozen possible suggestions to uplift, amuse, or entertain: 

 

Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis  

Call Number: BF637.S4 H595 2019 

With a challenge to women everywhere to stop talking themselves out of their dreams, Rachel Hollis identifies the excuses to let go of, the behaviors to adopt, and the skills to acquire on the path to growth, confidence, and believing in yourself. 

 

 

Finding Comfort During Hard Times by Earl Johnson 

Call Number: BF789.D5 J64 2020

Whether you're a first responder, a care professional, a victim of a disaster, a family member, or following a disaster on television or social media, Finding Comfort gives readers guidance and support. This book is a ready resource to both those in need looking for help and to those wishing to provide it. 

 

 

Live Green by Jen Chillingsworth; illustrations by Amelia Flower 

Call Number: GE196 .C55 2019

For each week of the year Live Green is a practical guide of sustainable living changes to be more self-sufficient and reduce the impact on the environment. We often wish we were doing more and it can be overwhelming to know where to start - Live Green is a good place to start 

 

In the Valley: Stories and a Novella based on Serena 

Call Number: PS3568.A698 A6 2020 
In ten stories, Rash (a Writers@Work author) spins a haunting allegory of the times we live in-- rampant capitalism, the severing of ties to the natural world in the relentless hunt for profit. Yet he illuminates acts of extraordinary decency and heroism as well and height revisits his troubled heroine, Serena.

 

Coco 

Watch Pixar’s recent story set in the colorful Land of the Dead, aspiring musician, Miguel finds himself and joins trickster Hector on an extraordinary adventure and learn more about Miguel’s heritage.  [Cool library factoid: Up to 5 DVDs can be checked out for 3 weeks] 

 

 

   

Thank you, Omu by Oge Mora   

Call Number: PZ7.1.M6682 Th 2018

When the aroma of Omu's homemade stew fills the air, her neighbors arrive, one by one, for a taste until all is gone except for her generous spirit.  To Omu's surprise, her neighbors know how to thank her by providing a feast in return for her generous gift of the stew. 

 

Make a Request: For these or other titles to check out, remember to make a request.  Go to OneKLIC, sign into your account with your TigerID and password.  Click on item you want àRequestàRequest.  The library staff can check out an item to you and then place it on the cart outside the library, ready for pickup.  You will receive an email letting you know the date the item is due back.