What's Happening at the NEIU Libraries?

As we wrap up the semester, please note the following library reminders and schedule changes:

Services & Materials

• Requests for local and I-Share materials will be accepted but not processed from Dec. 20–Jan. 4; processing resumes Jan. 5.
• Please return laptops, books, and other library items by Dec. 23.
• Watch your Nmail in January for updates about next semester’s laptop-loan program.
• The outside book return at the Ronald Williams Library will remain available (for book returns only) whenever the building is closed.

Adjusted Hours Between Semesters
Ronald Williams Library (Dec. 15–23 and Jan. 5–18)

• Mon–Fri: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Sat–Sun: Closed

El Centro Library (Dec. 15–23 and Jan. 5–18)

• Mon–Fri: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Sat–Sun: Closed

CCICS Library
Regular hours maintained between semesters

Holiday Break
All NEIU Libraries locations will be closed Dec. 24–Jan. 4 for Holiday Break and Winter Recess. Regular hours resume Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Need a boost to power through finals? All three NEIU Libraries locations will be offering Fuel for Finals from December 8–11. Enjoy complimentary snacks during the evening as you study, write, and take your exams.

• At the Ronald Williams Library enjoy snacks and hot beverages from 6-8pm

• The CCICS Library will have snacks available from 4-6pm

• At El Centro, we’re teaming up to bring you an enhanced experience: Fuel for Finals & Stress Free Zone! Join us 2–5pm in the lobby for stress-relief activities and treats, then continue the momentum with snacks in the library from 5–8pm

And to our graduating students, the University Libraries send heartfelt congratulations — we’re so proud of you and all you’ve achieved.

The NEIU Libraries is taking part in #Giving2NEIU for Giving Tuesday this year, and we hope you’ll consider supporting us. Giving Tuesday is 24 hours of collaborative fundraising to support the programs, departments and scholarships of Northeastern Illinois University! 

The work we do—helping students find what they need, keeping our collections strong, and making sure our spaces stay welcoming and useful—depends on the generosity of our community. Please visit our Team Page to make a donation. Your support directly strengthens our services and helps us continue offering resources that make a real difference!

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Alternate Hours Update:

The NEIU Libraries will operate on adjusted schedules during the break between semesters. Please review the hours below and plan your visits accordingly.

Ronald Williams Library

• Alternate Hours Dates: Dec 15–23 and Jan 5–18
• Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Saturday–Sunday: Closed

El Centro Library & Learning Resource Center

• Alternate Hours Dates: Dec 15–23 and Jan 5–18
• Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Saturday–Sunday: Closed

CCICS Library

• Will maintain regular hours between semesters

All library locations will be closed Dec 24–Jan 4 for the Holiday Break and Winter Recess.

Regular hours resume Tuesday, Jan 20.

Each year on November 20, communities around the world observe Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR)—a day to honor transgender and gender-diverse people whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence. What began in 1999 as a vigil for Rita Hester has become an internationally recognized moment of remembrance and solidarity.

At the NEIU Libraries, we see TDOR as a reminder of the ongoing violence faced by transgender people, but also of the resilience, creativity, and community that continue in the face of it. Libraries have an important role in lifting up these stories and making space for learning, reflection, and connection.

To mark the day, we’ve created a Transgender Day of Remembrance Virtual Book Display, featuring memoirs, fiction, research, and other works by and about transgender and gender-diverse individuals. These titles explore identity, history, grief, joy, struggle, and the many ways people build and imagine their lives.

We invite you to browse the virtual display and discover books that deepen understanding and highlight the experiences and contributions of transgender communities. We hope this collection offers space to remember, to learn, and to honor the voices that deserve to be heard.

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native and Indigenous peoples. Our virtual book display features works by Native authors and scholars across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and research. We invite you to explore the collection, discover new voices, and reflect on the diverse stories and experiences that continue to shape Native communities today.

The roots of Native American Heritage Month reach back to the early 1900s, when advocates began calling for a day to honor the achievements and traditions of Indigenous peoples. Those efforts eventually led to a national observance—formally established in 1990—dedicating November as a time to celebrate Native heritage, cultural resilience, and the ongoing influence of Native peoples throughout the United States.

Visit our Native American Heritage Month Book Display to browse the collection and join us in celebrating Native American Heritage Month.

In honor of Veterans Day, Northeastern Illinois University will host Faith, Family & Flag, a book talk with Major General James Mukoyama, U.S. Army (Ret.), on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 3:00–4:30 p.m. in Lech Walesa Hall, Room 1001. A reception with the author will follow in the Library Café.

Major General Mukoyama grew up in Chicago and served thirty years in active and reserve military duty, including tours in Korea and Vietnam. His service earned him the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and other honors. In his talk, he will share stories from his career, reflecting on the role of faith, family, and service in his life.

This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from a decorated veteran about his experiences and insights. The event is open to all students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Get into the seasonal spirit and stop by the NEIU Libraries Annual BOO!k Sale, taking place on the first floor of the Ronald Williams Library:

• October 29 & 30 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• October 31 | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Browse a wide and affordable selection of books (hardcover and paperback), children's titles, CDs, DVDs, LPs, maps, music scores, and more. Whether you're on the hunt for a spooky mystery, a literary classic, or an unexpected find, there’s something for everyone.

All items are just $1.00, and proceeds support NEIU Libraries — costumes are welcome!  
We accept cash, check, and Zelle.

No tricks, just treats — see you there! 🎃

Monday, Oct. 13, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. – Main Campus, Alumni Hall

We’re excited to welcome Yale Law Professor Justin Driver for a conversation about his new book, The Fall of Affirmative Action. In it, he takes a close look at the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard — a ruling that brought big changes to how colleges approach diversity.

Driver argues that both critics and supporters of affirmative action have misunderstood what the Court actually said. Drawing on his background as a constitutional scholar and former Supreme Court clerk, he explores what the decision means and how universities can still work toward equity and inclusion within the law.

Driver’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and PBS NewsHour. This event is a chance to hear from one of today’s leading voices on constitutional law and education.

This event is organized by the NEIU Libraries, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Office of Legal Affairs and is co-sponsored by Heterodox Academy. If you have any questions about the event, please contact Dean of Libraries Steven Harris at s-harris9@neiu.edu.

Banned Books Week (October 5–11) is an annual celebration of the freedom to read and the role libraries play in providing access to a wide range of ideas, perspectives, and stories.

Each year, libraries across the country highlight books that have been challenged or removed from shelves in various settings. While the reasons may vary, these books often represent diverse voices, unique viewpoints, and meaningful contributions to literature, education, and culture.

At our library, we see Banned Books Week as an opportunity to reflect on the value of open access to information, and to encourage curiosity, exploration, and thoughtful discussion.

Explore Our Virtual Display

To mark the occasion, we’ve curated a Banned Books virtual book display featuring titles that have been challenged in the past. Whether you’re looking for a classic you’ve always meant to read, or something new that sparks your interest, we invite you to explore these titles and enjoy the richness of diverse voices and stories.

Why It Matters

Libraries are about more than just storing books—they’re about access, inquiry, and lifelong learning. Banned Books Week reminds us of the importance of maintaining spaces where readers can explore freely and form their own ideas.

We’re proud to support that mission, and we’re here to help you discover your next great read—this week and every week.

October is Filipino American History Month, and NEIU Libraries is excited to join in the celebration! This month is all about recognizing the rich history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans—and we've put together a few ways for you to explore and engage with these important stories.

Stop by Our Library Display

If you’re on campus, be sure to check out our display on the first floor of the Ronald Williams Library. We’ve curated a selection of books, films, and other materials that highlight the experiences of Filipino Americans—past and present. From history and activism to literature and identity, the display offers a glimpse into the many ways Filipino Americans have helped shape U.S. history and culture.

Whether you’re discovering these stories for the first time or looking to dive deeper, we hope the collection sparks curiosity and conversation.

Explore Our Virtual Display Anytime

Not on campus? No problem. We’ve also created a virtual Filipino American History Month display featuring online resources you can access wherever you are. It’s a great way to explore more voices and perspectives—whether for a research project or just for your own interest.