Category Archives: Just for Fun

What We’re Reading Online for Black History Month

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Dogwood Digital Library

The Durham Tech Library is a member of the Dogwood Digital Library, a collection of online ebooks and audiobooks through the Overdrive/Libby app. Durham Tech faculty, staff, and students can check out books using their Durham Tech username and password, just like they can access databases off-campus. Ebooks and audiobooks check out for 21 days and can be read on your phone, tablet, or computer. 

Check out some of our staff recommendations that celebrate Black authors and experiences for Black History Month. 

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What We’re Reading: The Vanished Birds by Simon Jimenez

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the vanished birds by simon jimenez
Available at the Orange County Campus (PS 3610 .I54 V36 2020)

Title: The Vanished Birds
Author: Simon Jimenez
Genre: science fiction; fantasy; dystopia; literary fiction
Read Great Things 2021 Categories: A book about or set in space; A book about family; A book that takes place outside the continental United States; and A book suggested by a Durham Tech Librarian

My own category: A book about travel, longing, and trying to find beauty in something that’s broken

This book was read by Meredith Lewis, the [mostly] Orange County Campus Librarian. 

Earth has been ruined, so space habitation and travel to various colonies is the norm. The only problem is that it takes so long, so those who have to make the journey find themselves literally out-of-time with anyone they leave behind. A genius scientist, a lonely spaceship captain, and a boy who falls from the sky all converge in a story about ethics of technological development, love, and family. I also need to tell you that I found the writing particularly beautiful. 

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Crafternoon: Pop-Up Valentine’s Day Cards

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Can you believe that February 14th is right around the corner? It’s like it popped up out of nowhere! 

(See what I did there?)

The Student Government Association and the Library are giving out pretty scrapbook paper for you to create your own pop-up cards. If you would like some, email us at library@durhamtech.edu and we’ll schedule a time for you to pick it up.

What kind of pop-up cards, you ask? Well, there are so many choices!

Check out these delightful options below, and keep scrolling to see my own creation!

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Reading Great Things in 2021: New Year, New Categories

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Need to fill out your 2020 challenge form? Here it is! If you’ve already filled it out, no need to do it a second time. We’ll be in touch shortly about prizes. They arrived while we were away for Winter Break. 

Durham Tech Library Read Great Things Challenge 2021

What is the Read Great Things Challenge?

The Read Great Things Challenge is a personal reading challenge sponsored by the Durham Tech Library that encourages folks to diversify and/or increase their reading goals by completing books throughout 2021 that fit into at least 10 of the following 12 categories:

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Don’t Miss Our 2020 Reading Challenges!

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Despite the fact that sometimes it still feels like April and that yesterday was August 1, the big ol’ year that has been 2020 is almost over.

Owl watching hourglass flipping up and down

What does that mean? Well, it’s time to make your “what I read” list and check it twice to make sure you finished your Read Great Things 2020 Challenge categories and see how many books you read to see if you finished the Above Average Reading Challenge.

Prizes will be available for winners in December, and we’ll have a virtual celebration in January both to reveal the 2021 categories and share what our beginning-of-year reads are.

Need info about the reading challenges or how to claim your victory? Keep reading!

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Durham Tech Virtual Crafternoon: Paper Stars!

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It’s time for another virtual Crafternoon! Crafternoons are a partnership between the Durham Tech Student Government Association and the Library. 

Video with step-by-step images on how to create paper star wreaths.
How to make paper stars in 11 seconds. 

Today, I’ll walk through how to make paper stars, which–depending on the size of paper you use– can be used as a decorative wreath or just decoration. Heck, if you want to make a lot of them, you can even make a paper star garland! 

Do you want six pages of scrapbook paper to make your own paper star wreath? We have some scrapbook paper kits available for current students to pick up at the Main Campus Library. Request your paper through our Wufoo form– current students only, please. 

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It’s Election Day!

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Happy Election Day 2020! 

Today is the last day to cast your vote! Join your Durham Tech community and cast your vote if you’re eligible and haven’t already! 

Durham Tech Early Voting pictures and Selfies, including some pens, thumbs up, and celebratory shoes. We voted!

In order to vote today, you’ll need to go to your assigned polling place and can vote until 7:30 p.m.– if you’re in line at 7:30 p.m., no matter how long the line may be, you can cast your ballot. Learn more from the NC State Board of Elections about what to expect when voting on Election Day, including links to download a sample ballot.

No ID is required. 

As a voter, you have rights! Here’s a concise list from Democracy NC about your Voter’s Bill of Rights. (Also available in Spanish.) Remember that voter intimidation is against both state and federal law. Report any instances of voter intimidation to the election official at your polling place 

If you’d like to drop off your Vote-by-Mail/Absentee Ballot in person, you can do so on Election Day at your county’s Board of Elections office by 5:00 p.m. All ballots sent through the mail must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 12. 

Unfortunately, if you have not registered to vote, you can no longer do so, but if you have registered and your name is not found at your polling place, you have the right to complete a provisional ballot. 

Out Loud in the Library: A Durham Tech Library Podcast

The second episode of the Durham Tech Library podcast, Out Loud in the Library is out today! Check out Episode 2: Action Plan with Angela Davis about Durham Tech’s Action Plan for Equity, Inclusivity, and Diversity.

Durham Tech Crafternoon– Making Decorative Masks… for your Eyes!

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Crafternoons are a partnership between the Durham Tech Student Government Association and the Library. 

Masks have taken on a different meaning this year, but let’s decorate the top part of your face to go along with the mask that covers your nose and mouth. 

Durham Tech Crafternoon: Make Your Own Mask
Does this remind anyone else of the putties from Power Rangers?

What you need for a basic mask:

  • Paper (I’d recommend a lightweight sheet to make your ideal template and then–if you like– something heavier to give it structure, but since you’re going to decorate it, feel free to use those political fliers)
  • OR a blank mask template (Many printables are available online, but for something a little fancier, you can purchase one at craft supply stores.)
  • Decorations! Felt, sequins, feathers, leather, paint, or anything else to decorate that brings you joy! 
Current students can request a blank mask to pick up at the Main Campus Library.

Do you want your own blank mask to decorate? We have some masks available for current students to pick up at the Main Campus Library. 

Request your mask through our Wufoo form– current students only, please. 

Are you a reluctant crafter who needs some advice on how to get started? We’re here for you. Read on. 

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Your Vote, Your Voice: Early voting ends this week in NC

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Your vote, your voice. Be heard. Vote by November 3.

Need some info on your ballot, your rights, and other information about voting early (by Sat., Oct. 31) or on Election Day (Tues., Nov. 3) in NC?

Check out our first Library podcast episode: Out Loud in the Library– Early Voting with Erin Riney with your host Courtney Bippley

You can also check out the Library blog’s Informed Voter Resources post. 

Various "We Voted" pictures from Library staff

Hey, Durham Tech faculty, staff, and students! Have you already voted? Send me (Meredith Lewis– lewisma @ durhamtech . edu) your voting selfie and we’ll post a Durham Tech group “picture” on Election Day!