Category: News

Library Staff Book Recommendations

Need to relax on winter break? Enjoy reading or listening to a good book? Library staff have some great recommendations for you! 


Book cover for The Artificial Silk Girl b Irmgard Keun
The Artificial Silk Girl by Irmgard Keun
From Joanna Anderson, Medical Librarian:

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
This is a **really** slow burner, but TOTALLY worth the read/time it takes to read.
(Available through SearchOhio)

The Artificial Silk Girl by Irmgard Keun
This book is set in Weimar Germany and was banned by the Nazis in 1933. I love the book because Doris writes about surviving obstacles still experienced by women today, but also trying to navigate pre-war Berlin. She does what she needs to do to survive, pushing the envelope of what is morally correct.
(Available through OhioLINK)
Book cover for Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
From Lisa Bleeke, Fiscal Services Manager 3:

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See
Very good insight to ancient medicine and other practices in China.
(Available through OhioLINK)

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
A fun book!
(Available through OhioLINK)

Someone Else’s Shoes by JoJo Moyes
If you like JoJo Moyes you’ll like this one, too!
(Available through OhioLINK)
Triptych by Karin Slaughter
From Leigh Duncan, Head of Library Technology Services:

Triptych by Karin Slaughter
The first book in her Will Trent series features Trent, from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, trying to solve a series of murders and determine which of many players could be the killer. A riveting story!
(Available through OhioLINK)

Susan, Linda, Nina, and Cokie by Lisa Napoli
A biography of four women who defined NPR and served as the voice of American news for decades. A fascinating history of the origin of National Public Radio in the 1970s.
(Available through OhioLINK)
Book cover of Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
From Phil Flynn, Head of Instruction and Research Services:

Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
In a world where magic is dismissed, but real, only a contest can decide which of two teaching methods produces the better more stylish result. The venue is a Circus filled with imaginative tents, each contestant trying to out-awe the other. The contest has consequences for those who design the venue, work in the circus, and, unexpectedly, for those who visit. Morgenstern builds a sumptuous environment and multi-dimensional characters with her descriptive text.
(Dunbar 3rd Floor PS3613.O74875 N54 2010)

Earth Abides by George Stewart
A young hiker rebuilds society following a plague in the ’70s. The arc of the novel follows problems of immediate survival through successful and unsuccessfully rebuilt social groups. Stewart’s narrative is part journey quest, part social commentary, and an always intriguing post-apocalyptic what-if.
(Available through OhioLINK)
Book Cover for Astoria by Peter Stark
Astoria by Peter Stark
From Marty Jenkins, Head of Content Acquisition and Management:

Astoria: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson’s Lost Pacific Empire: A Story of Wealth, Ambition, and Survival by Peter Stark
A fascinating account of a corner of American history I knew little about, the establishment of a colony at the mouth of the Columbia River.
(Available through OhioLINK)
Book cover for Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin
Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin
From Adam Randolph, Library Operation Specialist 2:

Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin
(Dunbar 3rd Floor E185.61 .V744 2001)
Book Cover for Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman
Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman
From Adrienne Savage, Library Associate:

Beastie Boys Book by Michael Diamond and Adam Horovitz
It’s especially great as an audiobook, as it has a collage sort of feel with both of them taking turns narrating. I recommend frequently pausing it to stop and listen to the bands they mention, as it paints a vivid picture of the musical and cultural landscape of the ’80s & ’90s.
(Available through OhioLINK)

Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman
This is one of those books that I’d heard of and always meant to get around to, but then didn’t for a few decades. When I finally did, I expected that it’d feel outdated due to the changes in technology/media, but instead it was shockingly relevant.
(Available through OhioLINK)

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
It’s rare to have two of your favorite authors write a book together and have it retain exactly what you love about each of them, and also to have a tv adaptation that manages to get everything exactly right. It’s a great excuse to read it for the first time, or to revisit it.
(Available through OhioLINK)


Book Cover for Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson and Hachette Go
Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson and Hachette Go
From Matt Shreffler, Head of Resource Delivery Services:

Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution by Rainn Wilson and Hachette Go
I am a fan of The Office TV show, and I enjoy discussions on faith. This seemed like a good fit, and the tone makes this a fun read!
(Available through SearchOhio)
Book cover for The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
From Jane Wildermuth, Head of Special Collections and Archives:

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
A suspenseful historical fiction novel about an Ohio woman who uses historical materials to unravel the story of an 18th-century murderous apothecary.
(Available through OhioLINK)

Extended Library Hours for Finals Week

Dunbar Library Finals Week extended study hours begin on Wednesday, December 6th and run through Thursday, December 14th. We have a number of Destress for Success activities scheduled during finals week as well.

Extended finals week study hours are:

  • Monday through Thursday – 7:30 am to 2:00 am
  • Friday – 7:30 am to 8:00 pm
  • Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Sunday – 10:00 am to 2:00 am

These extended hours are part of our mission to facilitate student success. Please refer to our website for detailed building hours.

Clock surrounded by books

Break Hours

Following finals week, the library will transition to break hours:

  • December 17th to 21st – open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, closed weekends
  • December 22nd to January 1st – Closed
  • January 2nd – 6th – open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, closed weekends
  • January 7th – regular hours resume

Libraries Honor the Fall Semester Library Student Assistant Award Recipients

The University Libraries held our biannual Library Student Assistant Award reception on October 27, 2023. Three students were selected for the Fall semester awards and received a $500 award for their excellent job performance in the University Libraries. Library Student Assistant Awards are funded by contributions to the Campus Scholarship Innovation Campaign from the University Libraries’ staff and other donors, and interest earned from the Friends of the Libraries endowment fund. To date, 433 awards have been distributed to 251 students totaling over $202,650.

University Libraries staff and the Friends of the Libraries Board would like to congratulate this semester’s winners:

Alanah Culbreath

Alanah Culbreath, a sophomore majoring in Fine Arts, has worked for the Instruction & Research Services department since August 2022. She is always helpful and courteous with co-workers and patrons; she has an upbeat, can-do attitude and is willing to try different approaches and techniques to help our patrons. When answering patron questions, she takes her time and does her research, being conscientious and thorough in her work. Alanah demonstrated an eagerness and determination to learn the equipment in the Information Commons so she can assist patrons in the Educational Resource Center as well as offer in-depth assistance on the photocopier/printer/scanners. She is always eager to volunteer for extra projects in the Dayton Holocaust Resource Center, assist with Destress for Success week, and other special events. Alanah is a treasured addition

Mikai Dixon

Mikai Dixon is a junior majoring in African-American Studies and has worked for the Resource Delivery Services department since spring 2022. Kai is a rock-solid worker and helps keep the department running; they have a strong sense of responsibility and takes their jobs seriously. They frequently volunteer to cover shifts and steps up when extra help is needed, including covering the front desk, checking out study room keys, sorting books, processing OhioLINK requests, and collaborating with fellow student assistants. Kai is very good at multi-tasking between their work at the library, a second job, and their studies. They stepped into a leadership role within the RDS department, demonstrating a positive work ethic and an interest in learning more about other library departments. Kai’s experience, efficiency, dedication, and responsibility are a huge help in the library. They are a valued part of the RDS team.

Julie Murphy

Julie Murphy, a senior majoring in Acting (with a musical theatre emphasis), has worked for the Resource Delivery Services department since July 2021. She has a thorough job knowledge and is quick to spot potential problems. Her strong work ethic and calm professional demeanor make her a valued member of the team. She can be relied upon to be efficient and accurate in her work. As a theater major, she has a complicated, demanding, and hectic schedule; however, she manages to balance her work, theater, and school responsibilities extremely well. She can be relied upon unpack and process the daily OhioLINK shipments, ensuring that patrons receive their materials in a timely manner. Julie’s reliability, attention to detail, and professionalism make her a valued student assistant. Her positive attitude makes her a joy to work with.

Join us at Wright Brothers Day!

Visit our archivists at Wright Brothers Day to learn more about the Orville and Wilbur Wright’s spirit of innovation and the history of flight—and test your knowledge of Wright Brothers trivia!

The University Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives is home to one of the most complete collections of Wright material in the world. It includes the Wrights’ own technical library, personal library, and family papers, including letters, diaries, financial records, genealogical files, and other documents detailing the lives and work of Wilbur and Orville Wright and the Wright Family.

Wright Brothers Day
October 5, 2023
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Student Union Atrium

Wright Brothers Day display table with images related to the Wright Brothers and the history of flight
Special Collections and Archives display at Wright Brothers Day