Learning Commons

• Goals, Growth, and Good Habits

  Tuesday, January 06, 2026 | By Connor Wilkes

  

  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.

  Tags: display, Our Collections, Virtual Book Display
  Categories: Featured Collections, Learning Commons

• Spoken & Written

  Thursday, December 04, 2025 | By Connor Wilkes

  

  Explore a curated collection that brings together the best of modern voices and timeless classics. From contemporary poets who challenge and redefine the art form to the enduring works of writers who shaped literary history, this selection invites you to experience poetry’s full range—its emotion, rhythm, insight, and imagination.

  Perfect for longtime poetry lovers and curious newcomers alike, this display encourages you to reconnect with familiar favourites, encounter new perspectives, and celebrate the timeless art of verse.

  The Spoken & Written display features several print-only titles. Find them on the display shelves next to the Ask Us desk until January.

  Tags: display, Our Collections, Virtual Book Display
  Categories: Featured Collections, Learning Commons

• Early mathematics learning

  Friday, November 28, 2025 | By Connor Wilkes

  

  Brock Library thanks Olga Fellus for this display and blog post. Visit this exhibit at the Learning Commons Thistle display case until December 5.

  Imagine a teacher sitting with a group of schoolchildren for their daily read-aloud. The teacher has chosen the picture book ‘Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race.’ Following the read-aloud, one child turns to her neighbour and says, “Katherine Johnson was amazing! But I never see numbers floating in the air, I guess I’m just not a math person.”

  Dr. Olga Fellus from the Faculty of Education created two displays featuring quotes from her study on children’s picture books that tell stories about the experience of doing mathematics. The displayed picture books reflect stories of developing confidence in mathematics. This stance is promoted in the PJ math methods courses in the teacher education program to support and sustain the flourishing of students in mathematics.

  We invite the Brock community to visit the displays and engage with the stories behind each artifact.

  Tags: display
  Categories: Learning Commons, Main

• Exam Supports at the Library

  Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | By Connor Wilkes

  

  This month, the Learning Commons display cases feature a little bit of encouragement to all those writing exams and completing final assignments.

  The Library offers group, quiet and silent spaces for student work. Learn more about room booking here. We host de-stress events during the exam period, and have curated an array of relaxation links in a newly updated library guide. Visit the display today to learn more or check out our Exam De-stress Guide. Don’t forget to check our Badger Books Collection for popular reads, wellness titles and more!

  To all writing and marking exams this month, we wish you success.

  Tags: display, Exams, Services
  Categories: Learning Commons, Main

• International Education Week in the Library

  Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | By Connor Wilkes

  

  During International Education Week, Brock International created two displays in the Brock University Library featuring cultural, traditional, and historical artifacts from countries around the world. Each item was contributed by members of the Brock International team, reflecting their global journeys and the diverse communities they are connected to.

  Each item reflects a personal connection – whether a family story, a cultural tradition, or a meaningful experience abroad. Together, they showcase Brock International’s deep global roots, our commitment to cultural understanding, and the passion that drives the programs we offer.

  We invite the Brock community to visit the displays and engage with the stories behind each artifact.

  Tags: display
  Categories: Learning Commons, Main

• Holocaust Education Week, 2025

  Thursday, November 13, 2025 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  Brock Library thanks Brooke Braverman and Perla Zaltzman of Brock Chabad for this exhibit and blog post. Visit the display in the Matheson Learning Commons until November 14. 

  Places can be deceiving. Where grass and trees now grow, once were scenes of unspeakable horror — killing fields where more than 2 million people 
were murdered before the creation of concentration camps. “Holocaust by
Bullets” documents this lesser-known side of the Holocaust. This exhibit makes sure that the victims won’t be forgotten.

  Between 1941 and 1944, thousands of killings took place across seven Soviet republics. The estimated number of Jews exterminated was at least 2.2 million. This included 1.6 million victims in Ukraine, 500,000 in Belarus and at least 120,000 in Russia. Over 80% of the victims were shot, while the rest were deported or murdered in the death camps or in gas vans. The death of Soviet Jews was not called “Holocaust by Bullets” for nothing. The statistical murder by shooting was used in Eastern Europe, in small towns or in a large Soviet occupied city. Often these shootings were done outside of villages and towns, against women, men and children.

  During Holocaust Education Week, Chabad at Brock presents “Holocaust by Bullets,” an exhibit featured in the Thistle Corridor and the Learning Commons of the Brock University Library. Curated by Perla Zaltzman and Brooke Braverman, this display brings together the “Holocaust by Bullets” story in the Thistle Corridor from Yahad in Unum, while highlighting the Brock students who are descendants of Holocaust survivors, in the Learning Commons. Through these narratives, we reflect on the fallen Jewish people forgotten during the Soviet Holocaust, while commemorating the resilience needed to carry the memories of the survivors.

  In the Thistle Corridor, the organization, Yahad in Unum, devotes its research to the Holocaust, fighting antisemitism, and fostering relations between Catholics and Jews. By combining both Catholic and Jewish relations, the organization uses “Yahad”, which is the Hebrew word for “Together”, while in Latin, “In Unum” means “in one”. The organization seeks to uncover the lesser-known chapter of history, “Holocaust By Bullets”, which has been silent for too long.

  Additionally, the library has curated a collection of books to support Holocaust Education Week, offering historical insights, survivor testimonies and scholarly perspectives on antisemitism and resilience.

  We invite you to explore and reflect on the stories, messages and meaning of the exhibits. In bearing witness to this history, we commit to fighting antisemitism, hatred, bigotry and silence, wherever they may appear.

   

  Tags: display, Virtual Book Display
  Categories: Learning Commons, Main

• Global Connections and International Education

  Tuesday, November 04, 2025 | By Connor Wilkes

  

  Enjoy this curated collection of books and ebooks focusing on international education, studying abroad, and global connections. International Education Week (IEW) is celebrated globally on the third week of November each year. IEW highlights the importance of a globally oriented learning experience and showcases the impact that international education has on preparing students for the world. 

  International Education Week events, held November 17-21, are a great opportunity to get involved, expand your knowledge and connect with the world. 

  Tags: Book Display, Collections
  Categories: Featured Collections, Learning Commons

• A reflection on Islam’s timeless love of learning and beauty

  Monday, October 27, 2025 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  October is Islamic History Month in Canada. In celebration, the Brock Muslim Students’ Association has developed an exhibit at the Learning Commons Thistle entrance highlighting the work of Islamic scholars and artists throughout history. Visit the exhibit until October 31.

  Brock Library thanks the Muslim Students’ Association for this blog post. 

  Knowledge as Light

  Guided by the Quran’s call to “seek knowledge”, a duty for men and women alike, Muslim scholars sparked a civilization of learning.

  Between the 8th and 14th centuries, cities like Baghdad, Cairo, and Cordoba became centers of ideas, where scholars preserved ancient knowledge, and expanded it with new discoveries in medicine, astronomy, and mathematics.

  It is widely argued that the European Renaissance was primarily made possible due to the Islamic Golden Age.

  Knowledge as Light – the Quran

  The Qur’an teaches Muslims to seek knowledge as a lifelong duty and a form of worship. From the first revelation — “Read in the name of your Lord” (Qur’an 96:1) — believers are urged to learn, reflect, and understand the world as a way of recognizing Allah’s signs. It promises high ranks for those who gain knowledge (Qur’an 58:11) and reminds us that true understanding deepens faith (Qur’an 35:28). In Islam, learning isn’t limited to religious study; it includes all knowledge that benefits humanity. By seeking wisdom with sincerity, Muslims grow closer to Allah and help build a more enlightened and just society.

  Al-Khwarizmi (c. 780–850) – Father of Algebra

  His Kitab al-Jabr introduced systematic solutions to linear and quadratic equations and gave us the word ‘algorithm’.

  Ibn al-Haytham (c. 965–1040) – The Scientific Method

  Through experiments on light and vision, he laid the groundwork for modern optics. His studies helped shape the design of cameras and lenses centuries later.

  Ibn Battuta (1304–1369) – The greatest traveller of the medieval world

  Over 30 years, he journeyed across Africa, Asia, and Europe, documenting cultures and geography in vivid detail. His Travels expanded the world’s understanding of global civilizations.

  Art & Architecture

  Islamic art includes not only religious works like mosques and their furnishings but also the rich art and architecture created across Muslim lands. Drawing on Byzantine, Sasanian, and Greco-Roman traditions, it evolved a distinctive visual language under the guidance of faith.

  A defining feature is aniconism (the avoidance of human or animal figures in religious contexts) which encouraged artists to explore abstract designs, intricate geometric patterns, and the flowing beauty of Arabic calligraphy.

  Arabesque & Patterns

  Islamic art heavily involves patterns, especially arabesques, with repeating geometric shapes and flowers. They symbolize the endless and perfect nature of God, and sometimes small “mistakes” are left on purpose to show humility. These designs make walls, doors, and floors feel alive with movement and rhythm.

  Islamic Calligraphy

  A central pillar of Islam is the belief in one God; therefore, any form of idolatry is forbidden. Muslims avoid depicting humans and animals mainly to prevent idolatry, as creating living forms is considered a unique act of God. This led to a greater focus on incredibly intricate Arabic calligraphy, written in beautiful, flowing styles on books, walls, and objects. Calligraphy serves both as decoration and as a way to highlight the importance of the words themselves.

  Islamic Architecture & Mosques

  Mosques are the heart of Islamic cities, inspired by Muhammad’s home in Medina. They mix Roman, Byzantine, and local styles, with big domes, tall minarets, and open courtyards. Famous examples like the Dome of the Rock and the Blue Mosque with both beauty and clever design.

  For More on Islamic Art & Architecture

  • Masterpieces of Islamic Art, from the Umayyad Empire to the Ottomans • FRANCE 24 English
  • How Muslim Art Challenges The Dark Ages Myth (Waldemar Januszczak Documentary)

   

   

   

   

  Tags: display, Student Collaboration, Students
  Categories: Learning Commons, Main

• Doing OK? – a campus-wide mental health campaign

  Friday, October 24, 2025 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  Brock Library thanks Bailey O’Hagen, Wellness Navigator in the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre for this exhibit and blog post. Visit the display in the Matheson Learning Commons until October 31. 

  This year, The Wellness Navigators and The Wellness HUB are shining a spotlight on their “Doing OK?” mental health campaign—an initiative focused on building a compassionate campus where students have the skills and confidence to reach out and support one another.

  Our library display highlights the campaign’s key message of “Doing OK?”—a reminder to check in on a friend. University life can get busy with classes, deadlines, and everything in between, and it’s easy to get caught up in the rush. Through this display, we wanted to reflect on how important it is to take the time to pause, connect, and reach out. Sometimes, it can be as simple as sending a friend a message asking, “How are you doing?”—a small question that can open the door to meaningful conversation and support.

  This campaign encourages students to regularly check in on their friends and loved ones. It focuses on building awareness around the importance of reaching out, recognizing when someone might need extra support, and knowing how to have these conversations with their friends.

  The campaign follows these five steps to guide your check-ins:

  1. Recognize the Signs – Noticing the Changes in mood, behaviour, or routine may signal that someone is struggling.

  2. Ask – A simple “Are you doing OK?” can go a long way.

  3. Listen – Be present, and let them share without judgment.

  4. Encourage Action – Gently support them with next steps – whether it’s reaching out to a resource, a trusted person, or using a coping strategy.

  5. Check Back In – Continued support shows you care and builds trust.

  Together, we can create a campus where compassion and connection thrive.

  The “Doing OK?” campaign is part of the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC). To learn more about the campaign and explore mental health supports and resources, visit our Doing OK? page.

  Tags: Collaboration, display, Wellness
  Categories: Learning Commons, Main

• A 10-minute European vacation awaits

  Friday, October 03, 2025 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  “Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”
  ― Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad

  The Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures welcomes you to browse through its latest exhibit in the Library and at the Thistle entrance to the Learning Commons. The display exemplifies the languages and unique cultures explored by MLLC students. May your curiosity be piqued and perhaps some of the questions rooted in the history of these cultures will be raised by the materials on display.

  Tags: Collaboration, display
  Categories: Learning Commons, Main