Unexpected Treasures

Old and retro things have fascinated me since I was a little girl. When I was nine years old my dad decided to clean out his office and sell or give away a lot of his books. I don’t remember most of them (there were quite a lot) but I do remember one, mostly because it is now mine.

My copy of Great Inventors and their Inventions by Bachman was an old school book from the Wilkes Barre District. It was published in 1918– keep in mind that’s the year that World War One ended– and it now resides, instead of on the desk of an eighth grader, on the bookshelf in my room.

Since my dad gave that book to me I have grown quite the appreciation for old books, so when I discovered the one-dollar-book-tables and free books carts in the library I was naturally drawn to them. Since I found out about them I have searched through the carts for old books and, to my great delight, found several of interest. Since last fall, I have acquired a copy of Whittier’s poems (from the 1830s!) and an old German reader (from the early 1900s). More recently, and to my great surprise, I stumbled upon a copy of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation album!

Quite honestly, there a lot of strange and fantastic things to be found in on the free carts in the library, so don’t forget to look through them when you stop by.

~Hannah Stange

Staying Sharp Over Christmas Break

We all love to spend the break having fun and savoring every moment of home-cooked meals and no responsibilities.  However, sometimes it can be really tough to come back to school in January if you’ve spent the past three weeks waking up at 10 AM.  Here are just a few ways that I’ve found help me stay healthy and productive, yet still allow for an extremely relaxing holiday season.

Make a plan
The best way to make your Christmas productive and relaxing is to make a plan!  It doesn’t have to be super detailed, but in the evening, think about what you want to accomplish the next day, what time you will wake up, and make a rough schedule.   This is a great strategy because you don’t have to fill your plate with more than you want, but you can certainly accomplish a lot of tasks now that you have so much time on your hands!  Don’t sleep the day away unless you go to bed super late, and try to maintain some type of routine, even though it can be tough.

Exercise
I know this sounds like the last thing you want to do while you’re all warm and curled up with your dog, but there are some super fun ways to get moving and sweating! Go out with your siblings for a hike or trail jog if there’s a warm enough day, or maybe even hit the gym for a little bit in the morning.  Exercise can be a great way to bring the family or friends together – meet up with a friend you haven’t seen in a while and try a kickboxing class together.  You could take the train into the city and just walk for a few miles, a sure fire way to feel ready for bed by the end of the day!  Getting your heart rate up and your blood pumping also gives your metabolism a boost for the rest of the day, minimizing the damage done by that fresh batch of cookies your mom will be pulling out of the oven.

Keep track of what you consume 
This may sound like overkill for the holiday season, but there’s some real truth to the importance of breakfast and veggies.  Make sure your meals are all balanced and spaced out correctly, that way you don’t undereat or overeat at any given time of the day.  This will help you stay full, eat less, and still allow you to enjoy reasonable amounts of your holiday favorites.

Stimulate your mind
During the semester, I am way too busy for watching Netflix, so my plans this break will definitely consist of all of Stranger Things season two.  I totally understand the urge to pull up Netflix at every free moment, but skip the season-long binge watching sessions and fill your time with other brain-stimulating activities as well.  This could include games with your family, practicing an instrument, learning a new recipe, or taking up a new hobby.

~Maya Neal

On to Christmas Break!

Christmas time is here! Christmas break can mean many things, especially for us college students. Sleep, relaxation, or anxiety (depending on what home is like), catching up with old friends, new adventures, and did I mention SLEEP?! It’s a time for us to take a break, to either love or hate how commercialized Christmas has become and repeat another year of family and friends. Christmas time can be crazy and it can speed by quickly. So, make sure you enjoy it. The library offers not only a great atmosphere with all of the decorations that were put up (like the awesome 6 foot tall tree of books in the lobby.. come check it out!), but it also has, guess what? Books. I know that we all “read”a lot during the semester, but there is nothing like kicking back with a good book that can bring you to all different types of worlds and make you relax simultaneously. Although, if it’s a really good book, you might lose some sleep. Reading is so important and while there are many academic books in the library that are necessary for our college careers, there are also novels like The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver which I am enjoying immensely right now and which I checked out of the library not too long ago.

So, I encourage all of you to breathe, relax, and not only remember the reason why we celebrate Christmas, but ask God to show you Himself in new ways this holiday season. Enjoy new books; go on adventures with both old friends from home and new friends you find in the characters. Don’t let it be another cliché time of year; press in and see all of the wondrous things that can happen this Christmas. And don’t forget to sleep.

~Kiana Schwab

There are bean bag chairs in the library!

Bags of beans!

Bags of beans!

(I swear I’ve seen some crazier things)

But the joy! The glee!

Dispelling despair

Is that I may be apt

To sit in this chair!

By Danielle Redden

Solomon

The other day, I was down in the stacks shelving some books (as I do most days) when I came across a book on the shelf. This was no ordinary book though! This book had a little slip of paper coming out of the top, just barely noticeable to the common person browsing the shelves. BUT! Having been trained in the skill of noticing things that are out of place, I noticed this little slip. Carefully, I pulled the book off the shelf. Making sure none of the other books got out of place as I did so. Once I got the book off the shelf, I slowly opened the book to reveal the slip so preciously placed between the pages. I cautiously removed the slip from the book and began to read the words so meticulously typed on the paper. I didn’t know it then, but the words I read would change my life forever. “Now I know why Solomon had 700 wives… He never met you!”

I returned to the front desk with this slip in hand. I decided it was too important to just toss aside into the trash can, so this little slip can currently be found framed between my phone and its case.

~KC Carothers

Interested in Learning a New Language?

So you know how the Masland Library has Databases? Well, we have a new database and its call Mango Languages. Now I know Cairn offers Greek, Hebrew and Spanish (only one of which you can speak), but if you want to learn a new language, are interested in a language, or simply want to brush up on a language, Mango is the place to go.

Mango offers French, Hawaiian, Arabic, Yiddish, Pirate (yes pirate is what you think it is), Tagalog, Icelandic, and even sign language. Altogether they offer 72 different languages that you can choose from (including English as a foreign language courses). Having explored the site myself, it is very user friendly and easy to use, it also incorporates all of your senses (minus taste and smell), so it makes learning that much easier! By all means, go check it out you won’t regret it!

~Kristen Holmes

We do not own this image.

LexisNexis, for up to date news

Students constantly come to the library looking for sources for assignments or just to investigate in topics of interest to them.  One of the Masland Library’s databases, LexisNexis offers insight to “hot topics” in the world today. Specifically, the database has published numerous articles on the Zika Virus, a disease hitting headlines daily here in the US and throughout the world.

The virus starts from an insect bite and causes fever, rashes, and joint pain, yet what may even be worse than these bad sensations are the effects it has on newborns when the virus is spread from mothers to fetuses. Babies infected with the virus are being born with microcephaly, a defect in which the baby’s head is abnormally small and effects the brain.

Students should take advantage of sources such as LexisNexis because they inform us of issues happening all around the world today.  If it wasn’t for articles I found I wouldn’t know about this dangerous issue going on throughout various nations. These resources provide us with information about politics, weather, health, and so much more. Once you know about all that’s going on it’ll make you want to do something about it, even if it’s something as simple as raising awareness through sharing the information with people you know. Don’t waste time being uniformed, get into the world and experience what’s really going on in it.

Other databases with news:

ABI Inform, Chronicle of Higher Education, New York Times, and Newspaper Source

Kaitlin Smith

Things You Didn’t Know about Your Cairn University Library

Well friends, you have a great resource at your fingertips. Unfortunately there are those who have no desire to use it or have no idea how to use it. Your Cairn University Library has the ability to increase the value of your education, to which you give so much of your time, effort, energy, and money. I am saddened to meet people on campus who have never checked out a book, spent any amount of time studying in the library, or even have no idea that the school gives you free prints to use in the library printers. I have met graduating seniors who have never even set foot in the library. This scares me. So, in light of this catastrophe, I am making a “did you know” list for our beloved “bibliotheque . ”

1. Your prints.

Oh yes, Cairn student, you are given free prints to use during the semester. This seems
obvious, but there are some people out there that have no clue. So maybe you knew you had
prints, but maybe you didn’t know the copier upstairs is the only place you can print with color?

Sure maybe you knew that too, but I’ll bet you didn’t know that you can print your paper and
have the PRINTER STAPLE YOUR WORK FOR YOU. Yes. With a simple click of a button on
the print menu, the Multifunction printers (MFP) (aka the big copiers downstairs and upstairs)will staple things for you right in the machine. Easypeasy.

2. There are records, and a record player.

This is for all you hipsters out there. Let’s say you were down at Sunday Breakfast or some
other local thrift store and you saw a killer vinyl for just a couple bucks. You have a phonograph at home, but home is oh so far away. Problem solved!

3. During finals week, there is free coffee.

That’s right. Your heard me. Free coffee. ‘Nuff said.

4. Rare book archives.

This one is actually pretty cool, and it’s what I do every day, so ask about it! We have a large
collection of rare books, some even dating back to 1700. Let’s say you’re working on a project and trying to come up with a unique angle to impress your prof. You can find sources from the 1800’s and see what the theologians of that time thought and compare it to what you’re learning in your classes today. The possibilities are endless. These sources must stay in the library, but you can come during office hours (84:30) and get special permission from a full time librarian to use a certain book. You can find titles by searching on the website just like any other book.

5. There are study rooms.

If you have a group project, or maybe need to find an even quieter place than the library, these rooms are spacious and allow you to spread your homework out in a private space.

6. Free books and book sale.

I meet lots of people who don’t know that the library has a book sale. If you go through the
lobby, down the stairs, and to the right, there’s a table with some hidden treasures at great
prices. And there is usually a cart of free books hanging around the front doors of the library for anybody to take advantage of.

7. RESERVE BOOKS

Or maybe your professor didn’t tell you. For a good number of classes here at Cairn, the
professor will put the required textbooks/books on reserve at the library. So instead of spending all those extra bucks, check with the front desk! You can check out reserve books at the front desk and have them for 2 hours. You can simply read, or scan what you need at a copier, send it to yourself, and be ready to go.

8. Movies.

The library also has a collection of movies behind the front desk, and it is a decent selection. Check it out!

9. Online Renewal.

I think this one is most surprising to people. You can simply go to “your account” on the library home page, and renew any books you have, unless you’ve renewed too many times. Just a heads up…

10. Databases.

The library has amazing collection of eBooks, as well as DATABASES. These resources are an incredible asset to writing any paper ever. There is an extensive list that allows you to choose a database that specifically fits the subject of your paper, and then you can do a detailed search. The best part is that these resources are accessible from anywhere. So check them out.

Footnote: Ask your librarians anything. If you have any questions, we love to help if we can, and find out if we don’t know. We also like it when people acknowledge our existence and talk to us,even if it’s a smile. So embrace your library. Learn the ways of the books.

Caitlin Williams

PS: The library has social media. Look them up. Trust me. There are gift card giveaways,
events, competitions with lucrative rewards… Do it.

Keep Calm: It’s Almost Summer

By: Amy Faust

These are 6 super easy steps to help you stay on track and have a great last couple weeks of the semester! Good Luck!!

1.    Stay Organized and Utilize what is around you

One of the top things with preparing for the end of the semester is staying organized. It is super easy to become unmotivated was the semester comes to an end and the weather becomes warmer. However, it is still important to stay organized and finish strong. It is also important to prioritize your work to make sure everything gets done. (Tip: Do not wait until the last minute to do everything, work ahead and efficiently to avoid unneeded stress.) If you are struggling with any of this or want a few pointers you can always stop on in at the Academic Resource Center. Along with that they are offering a Studying for FInals Workshop on April 26th at 2:00 in BLC 222A and 7:00 in the conference room at Heritage. Another great took to utilize is the writing lab. They are willing to help you out with organizing all those papers you need to write. If you have a research paper, do not be afraid to stop on in at the library and see all databases that might be able to help you out! (Library Assistance are always willing to help you find the one that is best for you topic!)

2.    Study with others

Studying with other people can be really helpful! They can help you stay on track or even remind you of that definition you alway forget. I know sometimes working in a group can be hard because you are not sure where to study at. Well, did you know that the Library has study rooms that are available for your convenience? These study rooms are located on the Main Floor in the library near the back on the right. They are really great places to meet with friends to have a study session or work on a project together. It is a quiet place where you can talk freely with each other and avoid distractions.

3.    Find a good place to study

Finding a place to study is not always easy. You need to find a place where you can stay focused and not get too distracted. This means that it is not a good idea to watch Netflix while studying (I know! I know! The last episode was a real nail bitter and you NEED to see what will happen! But it will not help you study… suggestion: use that next episode as your motivation or break talked about in number 4 and 5.) If you live on campus, you know that the RA’s and RD’s try and help us out by enforcing 24 hour quiet hours during Finals week. However, this is not always helpful. Try studying in a new spot to rejuvenate your mind. Some suggestions are: sit outside (why miss out on the warm weather just because you have to study? Plus, Vitamin C is good for you anyway), find a nice spot in the library (we will have extended hours during finals week), or maybe even try going to somewhere like the Langhorne Coffee House or Panera and get a yummy snack or energizing coffee while you study.

4.    Set Realistic Goals

Setting goals for yourself can be very important. I know that the end of the semester can be hard to stay motivated. Try setting a goal for yourself, but keep it realistic. It might be something like “I want to finish this paper by 3:00 and then I can eat that brownie over there” or “Just a few more days of this and then I can go sit by the pool” or  it might be something more along the lines of “I want to have all of these notecards down by heart so that I can get an A on the exam.” Whatever it is that motivates you and keeps you going, use it! It is really important to have a goal to work towards!

5.    Take a Break

Studies actually show that it is not good to study for a long amount of time. It is really important to take breaks. You brain will get fatigued while you are studying. Therefore, it is best to study for about an hour to an hour and a half before taking a 10-15 minute break. Sometimes it is good to take a bit of a longer break as well. These breaks help to refresh and refocus your mind! As suggested in number 3, this might be the time where you want to want that next episode (warning: this might not be something you want to do if you know you cannot stop after that ONE episode). Some other suggestions of things to do are going for a walk (physical activity is a great stress reliever and it is healthy), take a quick trip to Dunkin Donuts or Rita’s and get a tasty treat (remember to show your student ID because we get a discount at both places!), or even take a 15 minute nap (which will reset your system and make you more alert).

6.    CELEBRATE!!!!

Once you have finished all of your papers, projects, and exams, CELEBRATE!!! YOU ARE DONE! IT IS SUMMER TIME! WOOOOO! You might even want to reward yourself with one last Cafe smoothie or even one last lunch of the semester with those friends you might not get to see by going Chick-fil-a and then rewarding yourself with one of their amazing milkshakes!!! (Don’t forget your student ID so you can get the Cairn discount on your meal!) Then head on home, or on your must needed vacation and enjoy the beautiful blessings of summer! ENJOY!!!

Things you may not know…

ï  There are DVDs you can check out.  That’s right; the Masland Library has a collection of DVDs that you can check out as a student.  Here are just some of the movies that are available: Gone With the Wind, Planet of the Apes, Pride and Prejudice, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Hobbit, Downtown Abbey, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Star Wars (episodes 4, 5, 6), and Shakespearean plays.  So, if you want a movie night with some friends, but you’re in need of a good movie, come over to the library and we’ll help you out.

ï  There is an ongoing book sale.  The book sale is down the steps and to the left on the first level of the library.  There are many books as well as some cassettes and VHS tapes.  Everything is very well priced and is worth a look.

ï  There are free books.  FREE?!  Yes.  FREE!  As college students, we love free things; and guess what, you’re in luck.  The library has a section of free books between the two entrance/exit doors.  If you’re looking for a good read and a book you can keep – for free – check out the free book section during your next trip.

ï  There is a color copier/printer.  There are large copiers/printers on the first and second (mezzanine level) floors.  However, the copier/printer on the first floor only uses black and white ink.  If you want to copy or print something in color, make sure you head up to the second floor (mezzanine level) and utilize the large color copier/printer up there.  It works in the same way as the way on the floor, so you should be a pro at operating it.  However, if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask one of the library workers.

ï  There is a juvenile section and a curriculum lab.  If you have a love for children’s books or if you’re an education major, this is just for you!  These two sections are located on the second floor (mezzanine level) in the back right.  Feel free to utilize and enjoy them as much as you desire and relive some of your childhood.

ï  There are conference rooms you can utilize.  Are you and your friends (or study group) looking for a quiet place to study?  If so, come to the front desk and ask to check out a key for one of the three conference rooms.  You can check these out in two hour increments any time that the library is open.  You can also renew them if you need to, just not overnight.

Rea Fearson