Articles tagged with: Our Collections

  • National Indigenous History Month Reading Collection

    Wednesday, June 03, 2026 | By

    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

  • Spring Featured Collection

    Monday, March 30, 2026 | By

    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

  • Evolution of the Map, Data & GIS Library (MDGL)

    Thursday, March 26, 2026 | By

    A person assists a student at a workstation in the Map, Data, GIS Library at Brock University

    This message is to announce an important update to the Map, Data, and GIS Library (MDGL). Going forward, Brock Library will be providing the MDGL’s services and collections from the Gibson Library. This will make possible improvements such as better access to the collection and increased availability of specialist time to support research and instruction. The MDGL space in Mackenzie Chown will close. Brock Facilities Management is at work planning the conversion of that space to become labs for Engineering and other FMS programs.

    Geospatial analysis techniques have been transformed over the past twenty years through digital maps and GIS software. Use of the physical map collection has dwindled steadily. Meanwhile budgetary challenges have made it difficult to maintain minimum staffing levels. The move to the by-appointment model (May 2025) revealed that the library could continue to offer all the services of the MDGL through staff based in the Gibson Library. This decision is consistent with patterns observed at other universities. Dedicated map library spaces at Yale and University of Birmingham closed in the past few years, with the collection redeployed to other units or libraries. In Canada, the University of Calgary stores only its highest use and geographically relevant materials on site and U of T moved their collection into storage.

    Students and faculty will continue to have access to course-integrated instruction and workshops on GIS skills and mapping, one-on-one support with the library’s Map, GIS and Geospatial Data Specialist, and the distinctive collection of maps, atlases, gazetteers and air photos in physical and digital formats. The collections of the MDGL will benefit from improved access (Gibson is open much longer hours) and increased focus on collection development through the expertise of a specialized Collections Librarian. For students, Gibson offers a wider array of study space options including bookable individual and group study rooms.

    If you have questions about this announcement, please contact University Librarian Nicole Nolan at [email protected].

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    Categories: Main, MDGL

  • Pride Featured Collection

    Thursday, March 05, 2026 | By

    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

  • Freedom to Read Week

    Monday, February 23, 2026 | By

    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

  • Black History Month 2026

    Monday, February 02, 2026 | By

    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

    Tuesday, January 06, 2026 | By

    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

  • Spoken & Written

    Thursday, December 04, 2025 | By

    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.

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    Categories: Featured Collections, Learning Commons

  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

    Monday, September 29, 2025 | By

    On September 30, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.  

    Learn more about the impact of residential schools by exploring our newly updated virtual book display, a mixture of print titles, ebooks, and streaming video.

    Image credit: The Survivors’ flag was designed during six weeks of consultation, discussion and collaboration with Survivors from across Canada. Inuit, Mi’kmaq, Atikamekw, Cree, Ojibway, Dakota, Mohawk, Dene, Nuu-chah-nulth, Secwepemc, Métis Survivors brought the flag to life by sharing their thoughts, ideas and lived experience to identify the important symbolism you see. The NCTR (National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation) ensured the Survivors’ wishes and ideas were conveyed to Vincent Design to complete the flag.

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    Categories: Featured Collections

  • The Write Tools

    Wednesday, July 02, 2025 | By

    Whether you’re new to Brock or back for another term, this month’s Featured Collection is here to sharpen your writing and research game.

    Need help tackling essays, research papers, or thematic analyses? Find books on academic writing, research methods, and discipline-specific strategies on display near the Ask Us desk – plus a curated selection of eBooks.

    Looking for more tools? Check out LIB101: Library & Research Foundations on Brightspace, or the Omni Search Tips guide.

    And if you’re after program-specific help, explore Brock’s full set of Research Guides – including ones tailored to your courses.

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    Categories: Featured Collections, Learning Commons

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