Our April “Chew on This” features Eleanor Stanford, adjunct professor in Creative Writing. Stanford will read from her book of
poetry, Bartram’s Garden.
This event will take place on April 27, 2016 from 12:30-2:00 PM in the Drexel Library CMC Room, 2nd Floor.
Please bring your lunch and join us for what we hope to be an engaging presentation! Cookies and drinks will be available.
Black History is American History. One way to explore our country’s fascinating and complex history is to browse the book display in the PLC 1st floor Lounge.
This little list barely scratches the surface of the diverse selection both in the display and elsewhere in the Library’s collection. Stop by and take a look — books are available for checkout!
A monthly offering from Drexel Library’s staff about the books we’ve read.
New Jim Crow cover from Google Books
The New Jim Crow
Alexander, Michelle
Published in 2010, this book is about an issue that is not new to many people. As someone who missed this title when it came out, I highly recommend it.
Ms. Alexander, a civil rights lawyer and legal scholar, leads readers through the details of mass incarceration in America. She argues that mass incarceration is a new form of systemic oppression that directly grew to take the place of Jim Crow laws. The common misperception is that “guilty” prisoners serve their time in jail and are released. In reality laws against ex-felons discriminate against and disenfranchise them for the rest of their lives. Most people know that our laws are applied discriminatorily against minority groups, especially African Americans, but they may not connect the dots to systemic racism and instead chalk it up to “bad apples” or specific municipalities. This book will convince you otherwise. Thoroughly researched, it could and has been used as a textbook for college classes. As the author brings in stories of real people damaged by our criminal justice system, it remains a riveting read even though it is also a dense and disturbing one.
Reforms that are currently in demand, such as more monitoring of police activity and reducing sentences for most drug crimes, do not obviate Ms. Alexander’s underlying argument. It is even more important to understand the system while we are thinking about these issues. Focusing only on one or two aspects of the system she presents will not be enough to save our American people or our collective soul.
The New Jim Crow is part of the Library’s collection and is available on the second floor. Make sure to check the availability online. It may already be checked out.
WHO:An alum who attended SJU on a basketball
scholarship, Dr. Mitchell is also a graduate of the Perleman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania.
WHAT: Dr. Mitchell is coming to campus to promote his book: The Flow of Life: Keeping Your Dream Alive. “…Every teen, student, student athlete from Generation X, and present millennial should make this book a must-read. You will be inspired by his story to a point of focusing on your life.” – Basketball Hall of Fame Coach, Morgan Wootten, DeMatha High School basketball coach and noted author of multiple books on
principles of basketball.
WHEN: Friday, January 15th 4:00-6:00 PM
WHERE: SJU, Post Learning Commons Atrium
We are excited to host Dr. Mitchell’s book signing and hope that you can join us!
Each year, in lieu of sending a Christmas card, the staff of Drexel
Library share their list of recommended reads, affectionately known as Season’s Readings.
Check out this year’s list (no pun intended). Maybe there is a title that interests you or looks like it might make a good gift for that certain someone on your list!
WHO: Concha Alborg, Professor Emerita from SJU Modern Languages Department, will read from her latest work, Divorce after Death. A Widow’s Memoir. Books will be available for purchase and signing after the presentation.
WHEN: April 15th, 12:30 PM
WHERE: Post Learning Commons, Wachterhauser Seminar Room
WHO: All are invited. Please plan to join us for this engaging talk!
Light refreshments will be served.
WHAT: There will be a presentation
and book signing of Crimson and Gray: The Red-Tailed Hawks of Saint Joseph’s University.Crimson and Gray documents the adventures of two hawks that nested on campus recently. Along with over 50 photos, the book contains supplemental text ranging in topics from Biology to Ignatian Spirituality.
Books cost $25 ea. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go towards improving bird habitat here on campus.