University of Minnesota Libraries

06/10/2026

Last month at The Cedar Cultural Center, the Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life presented Flowers Now!, a celebration of Black elders of the arts community. This performance and awards ceremony honored the contributions of artists and arts leaders who have left indelible and sustained crucial contributions to the artistic culture of the Twin Cities. ⁠
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The event was hosted by poet Tish Jones, with performances by Cornbread Harris, Libby Turner, Queen Drea, and Lela Pierce. ⁠
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Thanks to everyone who attended! (Photos/Bruce Silcox)

06/09/2026

Summer break means more time for fun reading! Did you know that your U Card gives you access to thousands of FREE e-books, audiobooks, and magazines from anywhere in the world via the Libby app?⁠
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Check out this quick guide to get started with Libby. See more detailed instructions: https://libguides.umn.edu/funreading

You can also learn more about our 2026 summer reading challenge at z.umn.edu/read2026!

06/08/2026

Did you know our awesome Librarians publish books too?⁠
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Congrats to Aubree, our Humanities and Design Librarian, on the publication of her book, "Women Architects Worldwide: Building a Diverse and Inclusive Canon." It features the name and work of a woman architect from almost every country and territory in the world! She was inspired to make this tool after noticing a common research need through her work in the Architecture Library helping researchers discover information. Aubree hopes to uplift the names of women architects from around the world, inspire scholars to complete more in-depth biographical research on women architects worldwide, and expand the current architectural canon.⁠
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Access this e-book for FREE at: open.lib.umn.edu/womenarchitectsworldwide/

Swipe to see a sampling of the architects featured in this e-book!⁠
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Visit the Architecture Library in Rapson Hall on East Bank to learn more, and find great spaces with cool furniture and natural light to study or hang out this summer. Don’t forget your U Card to get in the building!

06/04/2026

Craftsmanship drew UMN Psychology senior Amanda Lossef to the Health Science Library’s Makerspace and Virtual Reality Studio, where she’s worked for the past year. She introduces students to the various tools and resources in each space, answers questions, and troubleshoots problems and equipment malfunctions.

“There’ll often be someone who walks in for the first time, and I get to welcome them in and give them a tour. And I’m always excited when people come in again, and I see their progress and growth. That’s my favorite part,” Lossef said.

💛 https://ow.ly/qcka50Z6kbm

06/04/2026

The Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine has partnered with colleagues across the Libraries and the University to advance three strategic initiatives, thanks to internal funding from the Libraries. ⁠
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Projects include custom enclosures that will ensure the long-term preservation of rare and unique historical East Asian texts, a pilot project that will use 3D scanning and printing technologies to create replicas of 15 Japanese pharmaceutical woodblocks, and efforts to develop international standards for the digitization of moveable books. Each of these projects tell the story of the global reach and impact of this renowned collection, and the expertise that makes the collection shine. ⁠

The Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine has partnered with colleagues across the Libraries and the University to advance three strategic initiatives, thanks to internal funding from the Libraries.

06/04/2026

The Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine has partnered with colleagues across the Libraries and the University to advance three strategic initiatives, thanks to internal funding from the Libraries. ⁠
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Projects include custom enclosures that will ensure the long-term preservation of rare and unique historical East Asian texts, a pilot project that will use 3D scanning and printing technologies to create replicas of 15 Japanese pharmaceutical woodblocks, and efforts to develop international standards for the digitization of moveable books. Each of these projects tell the story of the global reach and impact of this renowned collection, and the expertise that makes the collection shine.
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The Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine has partnered with colleagues across the Libraries and the University to advance three strategic initiatives, thanks to internal funding from the Libraries.

06/03/2026

As part of the 100th anniversary of Carter G. Woodson's founding of Black History Week in 1926, join the Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life for the opening of a new community exhibit, 100 Years of Black Freedom. Through literature, archival imagery, and live performance, the exhibit highlights Black Freedom Tradition across generations.

There will be an exhibit opening and live performance on June 20 from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC). The exhibit will be on display at UROC through Aug. 20.

The Givens Foundation For African American Literature

Celebrate a century of Black history and storytelling at UROC. As part of the 100th anniversary of Carter G. Woodson’s Black History Week, The Givens Foundation for African American Literature is presenting a special community exhibit featuring the Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life. Through literature, archival imagery, and live performance, the exhibit highlights Black Freedom Tradition across generations. Stop by UROC for the opening exhibit and live performance on June 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The exhibit will be on display at UROC through August 20, 2026. Funding provided by the Minnesota Humanities Center.

06/03/2026

Take a walking tour with us! Wilson Library construction edition 🚧⁠
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Wilson Library is open during construction, which is expected to last through the summer. Follow pedestrian detour signs around Rarig Center to access the building. (Note that the specific route is subject to change; stay tuned for updates, and be sure to keep following the signs!)

06/02/2026

This summer, all UMN Civil Service and P&A staff are invited to participate in One Read. The featured book is "Dear Committee Members," a novel by Julie Schumacher, UMN Regents Professor of Creative Writing and English. Read the novel at your own pace, and then join Julie in conversation with Civil Service Chair-Elect Daryl Richard Lawrence for a webinar on Aug. 20. Program participants who attend the webinar can receive 1,000 Wellbeing Points. ⁠
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See more info, including information about where to find the book and discussion questions, at the link in bio or at z.umn.edu/OneRead26.

05/28/2026

Wilson Library is OPEN during construction! Follow pedestrian detour signs around Rarig Center to access the front entrance. Construction work is expected to run through the summer.⁠ (Note that the specific route is subject to change; stay tuned for updates, and be sure to keep following the signs!)
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Stay cool this summer, Gophers ☀️