Pi Day (March 14)

Mathematicians, among others, observe Pi Day due to Pi being 3.14 (or extended as, 3.1415926535...) or otherwise, as March 14. While you could commemorate the occasion with some clever calculations, I suggest another formula. Check out some "pie" from Steenbock’s cookbook collection!

A few slices, among others:

Author: Chattman, Lauren
Title: Icebox Pies: 100 Scrumptious Recipes for No-Bake, No-Fail Pies
Publisher: Boston, Mass. : Harvard Common Press, c2002.

Author: Clarkson, Janet, 1947-
Title: Pie: A Global History
Publisher: London: Reaktion Books, 2009.

Author: Cherkasky, Lisa, 1956-
Title: The Artful Pie: Unforgettable Recipes for Creative Cooks
Publisher: Shelburne, Vt.: Chapters Pub., c1993.

Author: Olstein, Judi.
Title: Desserts: Pies, Cakes, Puddings, Tarts, Crêpes, Sorbets, Ice Creams & Cookies for the Sweet Tooth in All of Us
Publisher: New York: Triangle Group, 1993.

For assistance finding these and others, speak with your librarians.

Tales from Planet Earth, March 28-31

Tales from Planet Earth is a week-long film festival featuring environmental films from around the world. From the fanciful to the profound, the films selected should engage audiences in thoughtful discussion of environmental issues and film media to capture and to examine those issues.

The festival is a public outreach event from the Center for Culture, History, and Environment (CHE) and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.

All festival events are free and open to the public as space/seating accommodates.

View film schedule; speaker schedule, Facebook page.

This year's film festival runs in conjunction with the meeting of the American Society for Environmental History (ASEH), March 28-31, 2012. Visit the Registration and revised session schedule for more information.

How do you Steenbock? Tell us your stories!

Steenbock staff seeks your feedback about how you use our library collections, services and spaces.

Please reply to this post, reply to us on Facebook, or email us with your comments, reflections and stories.

By way of example, a reflection from one of our staff:

"Years before I ever imagined a career working in libraries, I studied here, even though by academic department and major classes were not in this neighborhood. Thanks to a search in the catalog and a visit to Steenbock to pick-up a book, I knew instantly that I liked the look and feel of the place. I would return to make it my study space, reading and writing papers in "my spot" on the third floor at tables near the windows facing Babcock Drive. Funny, how life is--two degrees later and a return to Madison, I now work here--and smile whenever I pass "my spot" on third."

Help keep Steenbock vital!

Madison Reads Leopold, March 3

Come visit the UW Arboretum for a special public reading from Aldo Leopold’s seminal treatise on life in the natural world and conservation ethos, A Sand County Almanac, Saturday, March 3 (beginning at 9:30 AM).

Scheduled readers include Kevin McSweeney (Director of the Arboretum), Madelyn Leopold, Ray Guries, Ron Seeley, Marie McCabe, and Chuck Quirmbach, among other students, naturalists and leaders from community organizations.

The "Madison Reads Leopold" events are free and open to the public with light refreshments to be served in the visitor center lobby.

The Arboretum Visitor Center is located at 1207 Seminole Highway.

On Sunday, the Arboretum will host a "Walk with Leopold" tour beginning at 1:00 PM.

For more information about these events, phone the UW-Arboretum Visitor Information Desk (608-263-7888) or visit the Website.

View the campus press release.

Campus Blood Drive, March 8

Less than a year ago, campus library staff lost one of its own to unexpected and tragic circumstance. In memory of this colleague, Maureen Grant, the libraries will host a blood drive--a cause that was near and dear to her. The libraries invite eligible donors to stop by Memorial Library, Room 116 (from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM) on Thursday, March 8 to donate a pint through the American Red Cross.

For additional information about how to donate, phone 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit the Red Cross Website. All blood types are desired and necessary. Donors will be asked to present a blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of ID to check-in.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of those needing your donation.

Blood Drive in Memory of Maureen Grant
Date and Time: Thursday, March 8 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Place: UW-Madison Memorial Library, Room 116, 728 State Street

View the press release.