A Summer's Reading

One of the interesting and pleasantly-challenging aspects of our work in libraries is to match a library user with the texts that he or she will most want to read, be it for research or entertainment.

If you intend to read for fun this summer, chat with us, check out our campus libraries’ Pinterest Board to "Summer Reads", revisit the 2014 "Book Madness" selection or try some of the tools, below. Each one of these additional resources enables you to explore a genre or factor a recommendation based upon authors, books or themes you already enjoy.

• Fiction Connection (and nonfiction connection)
• Novelry 
• Which Book?

Locate available copies of books on campus or within the UW-System by using the library catalog and its UW System search feature. The Madison Public Library, as part of the South Central Library System, is also an amazing resource for satisfying popular reading interests--search its catalog to locate items of interest.  (Subscribe to its MadReads Daily for book recommendations).

And, if you haven’t yet discovered it, Steenbock Library hosts its very own "Little Free Library" in which you can also freely exchange popular reading materials.

Free Summer Reading Club (for adults!)

When was the last time that you participated in a summer reading program?!  If you’re in town this summer, stop in to one of our Madison Public Library branches to register for its Adult Summer Reading Club, or, you can also register online. 

Log your finished reads, in person, at your local branch or do so online to qualify for weekly prize drawings beginning the week of June 17 (all summer reading clubs began June 1).  You can also browse by branch to see what other participants have been reading and enjoying--all the better to discover something new to add to your reading list.

In addition to the copies, you can check-out from our public libraries, do consult our campus library catalog, if more convenient, to find available copies of a desired read.

Sowing Seeds

After weathering the recent polar vortex, spring, for many, cannot come soon enough.  Plan your next garden with inspiration from our selection of seed catalogs.  Current issues of these catalogs can be browsed in-house and are located on the first floor near the rear stacks and vending area (older copies are in the neighboring filing cabinets).

Use the collection to record ideas for particular garden products and to locate suitable vendors for your plant hardiness zone. Otherwise, do speak with our librarians to assist you with using the campus library catalog to determine specific titles within your gardening topics of interest.

What we've been reading...

Are you looking to dig into some reading (apart from your required texts)?  If so, take a break and consider the list of titles generated by campus librarians (and via Pinterest) during their annual book discussion.  Use the book list to find something to distract you from the local wintry scene or to take with you as you venture out from campus for the winter semester break.

And, not to be outdone, our student staff has also generated a favorites list.  Visit the Pinterest board, "Our Favorite Books" to discover more reading selections.

Consult with your campus or public libraries to find available copies.

• UW-Madison Library Catalog
  (Don’t forget the option to borrow from UW System Libraries!)

• LinkCat, South Central Wisconsin Library System Catalog (and check-out its “Don’t Miss Lists)
• WorldCat (find library copies nationally, some internationally)

Wicked Reading

Ever wonder what goes bump in the night?  Feed that imagination with a selection of the creepy books haunting the shelves of campus libraries.  The SpookyUW Pinterest board exhibits some popular titles suggested by library staff--and guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.  Click on each cover to pursue the link to campus library holdings.

For more fun library discoveries, follow our boards: UWMadLibraries or Steenbock Memorial Library!

Takes a Licking!

As temperatures climb, what better way to beat the heat than to pick up some ice-cream from the Babcock Dairy Store?! Conveniently located in our neighborhood, the Dairy Store supplies its signature ice-cream (standard, feature and super-premium flavors), milk, cheese and other treats. Additionally, a deli-counter prepares coffee, breakfast and lunch items.

Enjoy your break and we will see you back at the library (where, incidentally, we have books on ice-cream production and its culinary use).  Run a search in the catalog or ask your librarians for assistance should you wish to browse these titles from our collections.

Photo courtesy of University Communications.

Book Discovery Tools

One of the interesting and sometimes challenging aspects of our work in libraries is to match a library user with the texts that he or she will most want to read, be it for research or entertainment.

If you intend to also read for fun this summer, chat with us, check out our Pinterest Boards, or try some of the tools, below. Each one enables you to explore a genre or factor a recommendation based upon authors or books you already enjoy.

Fiction Connection

Novelry (New! Sign up for its July launch)

Which Book?

Goodreads and Shelfari (for those who appreciate the added social networking)

Locate available copies of books on campus or within the UW-System by using the library catalog and its UW System search feature. The Madison Public Library, as part of the South Central Library System, is also an amazing resource for satisfying popular reading interests--search its catalog to locate items of interest. 

And, if you haven’t yet discovered it, Steenbock Library hosts its very own "Little Free Library" in which you can also freely exchange popular reading materials.

A Cozy Winter's Reading...

Are you looking to dig into some reading (apart from your required texts)?  If so, take a break and consider the list of titles generated by campus librarians during their annual book discussion.  While you wait to dig out, use the bibliography to find something to distract you from the anticipated local wintry scene.

Consult with your campus or public libraries to find available copies.

Handy links:

UW-Madison Library Catalog
Don’t forget the option to borrow from UW System Libraries!

LinkCat, South Central Wisconsin Library System Catalog

WorldCat (find library copies nationally, some internationally)

Catch the CreativeBug!

DIY Crafters never fear--there are how-to videos for all of us!  The CreativeBug site has brought together a variety of craft artisans who share their inspiration, tips and tricks in video format so that you, at your own pace, may similarly craft a project.  While introductory chapter content can be viewed for free, subscribers to the site ($25.00 per month) enjoy unlimited access to all site workshops.  A percentage of monthly subscriptions are donated to a variety of non-profit arts programs.

But, if you are given to crafting among like-minded individuals, there are many venues in the Madison area (and some quite near to campus) where you can find supplies, take a workshop, or simply spark your creativity by browsing some fine examples.  See what these spaces have to offer:

Anthology

Glitter Workshop

LakeSide Fibers | Sow’s Ear (Verona)

Sewcial Lounge

What will you make today?  Reply to this post with your suggestions about other favorite crafting spots.

P. S. There are any number of titles from campus library collections (many to be found in Steenbock stacks) that can inform your creative endeavors. Run a search of the Library Catalog (try a "Words Anywhere" search) on your craft or hobby-of-interest or speak with your librarians for assistance. Should titles from our campus collections be out to other users, do consider searching the UW System or Madison Public Library.

Libraries Launch New Catalog!

On May 21, UW-Madison Libraries will officially launch its new library catalog.  This new catalog, which has engaged the talents of campus library staff in its design, development and user-testing, will serve as the primary catalog interface.  Catalog users will enjoy a more effective searching experience to successfully retrieve resources from the wealth of campus and UW-System library collections.

The new catalog is also designed for your mobile lifestyle, working seamlessly with iPads and other mobile devices.  Do note that although this new catalog interface has been developed, access to "MadCat" will remain available.

Contact your Steenbock librarians today should you wish to schedule an opportunity to review the new catalog interface. Our librarians can provide assistance with your use of the catalog and supply a customized orientation to your students.

• Search the catalog

• Tell us about your experience