What's Happening at the NEIU Libraries?

New Displays Alert! Explore a unique collection of vintage U.S. political campaign buttons, mostly from the mid-20th century, featuring presidential races, Illinois state elections, and Chicago city campaigns. These buttons capture key moments in American politics and offer a nostalgic glimpse into the candidates and causes that shaped those decades. Don’t miss this chance to see a colorful piece of political history!

Also, be sure to check out (ha!) our display of books related to voting and elections. Check out the images of the displays below:

Hey, NEIU community! It’s that time of the semester—midterms are here, and we know the struggle is real. 😫 Whether you’re a student juggling exams and assignments or a faculty member knee-deep in grading, the pressure is ON. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back!

We all know the NEIU Libraries have amazing academic resources, but did you know we’re also here for your much-needed study breaks? We want to remind everyone that we offer more than scholarly articles and textbooks. Much more! That’s where our Just For Fun resources come in. 🎉

Explore the Just For Fun Databases

Need a breather? Maybe a laugh? A puzzle to get your mind off that research paper? Check out our Just For Fun databases. We’ve curated a list of all our best recreational resources. Seriously, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few databases to try:

• Hobbies & Crafts Source: With books and magazines on everything from cooking to guitar playing to bird watching, you’ll find something to take your mind off of school for a little while.
   
• NoveList Plus: Want to read something other than your textbooks? Find your next fiction or non-fiction book in this database. Halloween is coming…how about something Atmospheric and Creepy?
   
• Naxos Music Library: Escape into a world of classical music, jazz, or world sounds. With over 3,000,000 musical pieces available on your computer or phone, you can chill with your favorite composer.

Catch a Movie Night In 🎬

Craving a movie break? We’ve got you covered! The library also provides access to a fantastic collection of streaming films. From documentaries to classic cinema to recent hits, there’s plenty to choose from. A few staff favorites to get you started:

• Persepolis (Academic Video Online): an animated coming-of-age film that tells the story of a young girl growing up in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution, exploring themes of identity, rebellion, and resilience.
   
• Nine Days (Academic Video Online): a thought-provoking drama about a reclusive man who interviews souls for the opportunity to be born, delving into the meaning of life, existence, and human experience.
   
• Selections for Hispanic Heritage Month (Films On Demand): 

So, whether you’re taking a quick 10-minute breather between study sessions or want to settle in for a movie night, check out one of over 2,000 feature films or 15,000 documentaries available to stream from the NEIU Libraries.

Need Help Finding the Perfect Break?

Not sure where to start? Drop by the library, chat with us online, or shoot us a message. We can help you find the perfect fun read, show, or activity to dive into.

Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself 💖

As always, remember that taking breaks and caring for yourself is essential for staying productive and healthy during these stressful weeks. So, hit pause on your work, explore something new, and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation time.

Check out our full Just For Fun list, and happy midterms from all of us at NEIU Libraries!

See you around—and good luck with those exams! 💪

About National Hispanic Heritage Month

From www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.

This year, the NEIU Libraries is celebrating with a physical and virtual book display - be sure to check them out!