Articles by author: Connor Wilkes

  • National Indigenous History Month Reading Collection

    June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to learn about and reflect on the histories, cultures, achievements, and ongoing contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. This collection brings together a range of Indigenous voices and perspectives through fiction, memoir, poetry, history, art, film, and scholarship.

    The books and resources featured explore themes of community, identity, language, storytelling, resilience, and creativity. They offer opportunities to engage with Indigenous experiences, celebrate Indigenous knowledge and cultures, and deepen our understanding of the diverse peoples and nations that have shaped and continue to shape Canada.

    We invite you to browse the collection, discover new authors and artists, and spend time with stories that challenge, inspire, and inform.

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    Categories: Featured Collections

  • On display: National Indigenous Histories Month

    Members of the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre set up a display at the Thistle entrance of the Library highlighting First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures and histories. This display marks National Indigenous Histories Month, and Indigenous Peoples Awareness Week.

    The display includes a variety of items including Wampum belts; a drum and rattle; beaded gloves and moccasins; seal and rabbit pelts; various Métis sashes; Inuit embroidery and carvings, and a variety of other tools and handcrafted items.

    Members of the Brock University and wider community are invited to a week full of learning, reflection and crafting during Indigenous Peoples Awareness Week, hosted by the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre beginning June 23rd. Students, staff, faculty and community members can visit brocku.universitytickets.com to see a full list of events and reserve their tickets now.

    Be sure to follow Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre on Instagram and Facebook to be the first to hear about events, news and updates.

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    Categories: Learning Commons, Main, Uncategorised

  • Spring Featured Collection

    Spring is here, and there’s no better time to reconnect with the natural world. We invite you to explore a curated selection of books to inspire everything from backyard planting to a deeper appreciation of the environment around us. 

    Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this collection features guides on sustainable gardening, plant care, native species, and nature writing that celebrates the beauty of the outdoors. Discover practical tips, creative inspiration, and stories that will help you see Niagara’s landscapes in a whole new way. 

    Ready to get outside? Borrow one of our Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) passes and explore local conservation areas from peaceful forests to scenic trails, completely free. It’s the perfect way to bring what you’re reading to life. 

    Don’t forget to check out our Seed Library, where you can pick up free seeds to start your own garden. Whether you’re planting herbs on a windowsill or building a backyard garden, it’s a simple way to grow something of your own this season. 

    Stop by the library to browse the collection, borrow a pass, and pick up seeds—everything you need to make this spring a season of growth.  

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    Categories: Featured Collections

  • Pride Featured Collection

    In celebration of Pride Week 2026 at Brock University, the Library is highlighting a curated collection of books that explore the richness and diversity of 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences, histories and scholarship. This collection brings together works from across disciplines literature, history, film, religion, education and cultural studies to showcase the many ways queer and trans voices shape our understanding of identity, community and social change.

    From academic studies and cultural criticism to poetry, memoir and fiction, these titles reflect global perspectives on queer life and creativity. Readers will find works examining topics such as queer activism, drag performance, LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing, queer media and popular culture, and the intersections of sexuality with race, class and religion.

    This Pride Week display celebrates the resilience, creativity and scholarship of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities while encouraging students, faculty and staff to explore new perspectives and stories. Browse the collection at the Matheson Learning Commons or online and discover titles that honour Pride, foster understanding and amplify queer voices.

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    Categories: Featured Collections, Learning Commons

  • Learning Commons display highlights UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

    Discover the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through an engaging visual display that highlights the global roadmap for building a more just, equitable, and sustainable world by 2030.

    Each goal—ranging from quality education and gender equality to climate action and responsible consumption—invites viewers to reflect on the challenges facing our world and the collective action needed to overcome them. Explore how these interconnected goals shape international cooperation, local initiatives, and everyday choices, and be inspired to consider your own role in advancing sustainable change. The SGD goals are currently on display in the Matheson Learning Commons.

    Brock International curated this display.

    Please take a look at the Library’s Sustainable Development Goals book collection here.

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    Categories: Learning Commons, Main

  • We are hiring Student Library Assistants

    We’re hiring three Fall/Winter Semester Student Library Assistant positions!

    Do you know someone looking for a great campus opportunity?

    Student Library Assistants work at the Ask Us Desk! You’ll be the friendly face helping students, staff and faculty with:

    • Borrowing & returning materials
    • Printing & copying
    • Directional help and basic research support

    Applications close March 6 at 11:59 PM

    Contract Term:
    Monday, August 24, 2026 – Friday, April 30, 2027

    Availability Required:
    Evenings & weekends

    If you or someone you know is interested, be sure to apply before the deadline! Don’t miss out on this opportunity.

    Apply here!

    Categories: Main

  • Freedom to Read Week

    In celebration of the 42nd Freedom to Read Week (Feb. 22 – February 28), we’ve curated a list of challenged and banned books that you can explore in print and online.

    Many of these once-controversial titles went on to become literary classics, including:

    While it’s often assumed that book bans and challenges are a thing of the past, the number of challenges continues to grow. In Canada, the Canadian Federation of Library Associations Intellectual Freedom Committee, together with the Book and Periodical Council Freedom of Expression Committee, created an annual survey to track challenges in Canadian public libraries. Since 2007, this survey has documented challenges to materials in library collections, as well as to displays, programs, room bookings, and computer access.

    Freedom to Read Week highlights the importance of intellectual freedom and encourages Canadians to defend their right to read, write, and publish freely. Browse the full list of featured titles and discover books that have sparked conversation, debate, and lasting impact.

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    Categories: Featured Collections

  • Celebrate Open Education Week with Us!

    The Brock Library and Brock’s Centre for Pedagogical Innovation invite you to join us in celebrating Open Education Week 2026 

    Running from March 2-6, 2026, OE Week is an annual global celebration of our collective achievements in Open Education (OE). Brock is one of many institutions all over the world that is participating in hosting events that share leading practices, highlight faculty and student experiences, and advocate for the inclusion of more open practices within education.  

    Throughout the week, the Library and CPI will be hosting several workshops and events, all of which can be found on ExperienceBU: 

    You can also attend events that are hosted globally! See the OEGlobal events calendar for hundreds of workshops, panels, and more. 

    We look forward to celebrating with you from March 2-6!  

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    Categories: Main

  • Black History Month 2026

    This Black History Month, we invite you to explore a wide-ranging collection of books that highlight Black history, culture, scholarship, and lived experience across Canada, the United States, and beyond. Spanning disciplines such as history, literature, education, social justice, feminism, and political thought, this collection centres Black voices and perspectives that have shaped and continue to shape our world. 

    Readers will find critical works on policing, abolition, education, environmental justice, and Black liberation movements alongside memoirs, poetry, fiction, and cultural criticism. The collection also emphasizes Black Canadian histories and scholarship, highlighting stories that are often overlooked but essential to understanding Canada’s past and present. 

    Visit the display to discover new authors, revisit foundational texts, and engage with stories that challenge, inspire, and affirm the richness and complexity of Black life. This collection contains a series of print and digital books. 

    Whether you’re looking for something for a class, personal growth, or simply a great read, this collection invites you to learn, reflect, and connect with stories that matter this month and the future. 

    Learn more about Black History Month 2026 at Brock here, and see the 2026 event listings

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    Categories: Featured Collections, Learning Commons

  • Goals, Growth, and Good Habits

    The start of a new year often brings goals for better focus, healthier routines, and improved balance. But lasting change doesn’t come from pressure or perfection. This collection highlights books that support student wellbeing, mental health, and academic success through realistic and compassionate approaches to self-care.

    Featuring titles on managing stress and burnout, building sustainable habits, mindfulness, movement, nutrition, and emotional resilience, these books recognize the realities of student life. Whether you’re navigating a heavy course load, adjusting to new routines, or simply looking for ways to feel more grounded, this collection offers practical tools and thoughtful perspectives to support both your studies and your well-being.

    While you move into the new year, explore some of these resources that encourage progress over perfection, balance over burnout, and care for both mind and body—because academic success is strongest when it’s supported by good mental health.

    As a reminder, Brock’s campus offers a lot of support for students. The Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre has implemented many different services and programs to meet the increasing mental health needs of Brock’s constantly changing student population. There are also several on-campus and off-campus food security resources for students to explore.

    At the Library you can explore our Games and Recreation Collection for a study break or engage with more wellness books and popular new reads in our Badger Book Collection.

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    Categories: Featured Collections, Learning Commons