Tips on How to Compile The Best Summer Reading List

While enjoying the warm months of summer, students and patrons are advised to continue their pace of studies and start with their summer reading. Whether it’s a graphic novel, works as long as Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings or a magazine article, be sure to review suggestions on how to compile the perfect summer reading list or simply how to become a better reader.

Reading is one of the most prolific kills to have. Reading improves your writing and comprehension skills, increases one’s ability to focus and concentrate as well as improves one’s chances of excelling academically and professionally. 

Reading lists give readers something to look forward to and help readers to set academic objectives and goals. Summer reading lists continues one’s pace of studies, outside the academic fiscal year; expands one’s vocabulary, and helps readers to understand other cultures and languages, not of his or her own.  

Suggestions for Finding the Best Reads

1. When in search of a good novel or book, search for similar subjects, topics, or genre that is associated with the topic you are looking for or have in mind. 
   
2. Use databases such as GALILEO, Lib Guides and Gil-Find to narrow and filter your search results to find the best sellers, popular picks, or to help compile your summer lists. 
   
3. Browse literary journals, magazines, and reviews for contemporary and current reads that are popular or recommended. 
   
4. For readers interested in movies that began as novels, search Movie indexes like, IMBM  for popular and well respected productions. 
5. Plays, poetry chapbooks and collections, graphic novels and magazines are not excused from summer reading lists. Include works like these to add color to your selections.   
6. Readers that are attracted to specific genres or certain authors are advised to follow up on their favorites by requesting favorite authors at your local or school’s library. 
   
7. Find a cozy and comfortable place to read. A comfortable environment to go to may help a reader's passion to read. Find your own nook or private place to read. 
   
   
   

CSU Libraries encourages and advises all students and patrons to compile their summer reading list with the above suggestions. For more information, be sure to visit CSU Libraries Page.

Friends of Libraries Book Sale

Spring into summer with a good book! Be sure to check out the Friends of Libraries Book Sale April 21st through 22nd, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the Simon Schwob Library. 

CSU libraries encourages all patrons, faculty and staff members, and students to browse or purchase their favorite works. The book sale will take place from in the forum area on the first floor of the Simon Schwob Library. 

For more information about Friends of Libraries, the book sale or CSU Libraries, feel free to browse CSU official pages and websites.

Casting a Long, Long Shadow: The Brilliance of Col. Richard Hallock

Join the Simon Schwob Memorial Library and CSU Archives in celebrating the opening of the Colonel Richard R. Hallock papers, Monday April 20^th at 6 p.m. The opening will feature guest speaker Pierre Sprey, former defense analyst under Robert McNamara.

Following the presentation, a reception will be held afterwards. Students, patrons, and faculty and staff members are advised and invited to this special occasion.

Don't miss out on an occasion to celebrate veterans, military and American military history. For more information, feel free to browse CSU Archives or CSU Libraries.

Drawing Contest, Scavenger Hunt, and Online Trivia Winners Revealed

Congratulations to CSU's winners of National Library Week events, so far! Cheers to winners of the Online Trivia, Trevor Comeau and Abolanle Abikoye. The first to answer all five correctly, on Friday, will receive a gift certificate for the Friends of Libraries Book Sale along with a tote bag, notepad, and pens.

Congratulations to this year’s winner of the scavenger hunt, Erika Shea. Scavenger Hunt winners received $25 Amazon gift card after Language out Loud celebration, on April 15.

In under a hundred creative words, patrons were asked to describe ways they creatively use a library.Kevin Simmons as awarded for winning the Drawing Contest, that took place on Monday. Prizes are awarded every day of Library Week, here at CSU. 

CSU libraries congratulates all its winners and thanks all that participated throughout the week. A special thank you is extended to all patrons and students during the National Library week for helping to make the week such a success.

Patrons and students are encouraged and greatly advised to participate and become involved with the remaining event of National Library Week, at CSU libraries. For more information about similar events to National Library Week, feel free to browse American Library Association or CSU National Library Week Itinerary.

Languages out Loud: Classics in Their Own Words

Join CSU libraries and celebrate numerous languages at this year's Languages out Loud: Classics in Their Own Words. This celebration will be held on April 15, from 12:30pm - 1:30pm in the Forum Area of the Simon Schwob Library.

This is one of the many events CSU libraries will host for 2015 National Library Week.  After the presentation, winners of the Drawing and Scavenger Hunt will be announced. Winners will receive a $25 Amazon gift card. Patrons and Students are advised to attend the language celebration.

For more information, please browse this CSU’s National Library Week Itinerary and CSU Official Libraries page.

Friends of Libraries Book Sale at CSU Libraries

Not only can check out many books and novels in a library, but you can also purchase some of your favorite novels and works at the Friends of Libraries Book Sale April 17, 21 & 22, with the CSU libraries. CSU libraries encourages all patrons, faculty and staff members, and students to participant.

CSU Libraries encourages the passion to read and literacy after National Library Week with the book sale. April 17, a book sale on the RiverPark Campus will take place form 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in front of Saunders Center for Music Studies. A rain date is scheduled on April 24.

On the main campus, the book sale will take place April 21-22 from 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The book sale will take place from in the forum area on the first floor of the Simon Schwob Library.

For more information about Friends of Libraries, the book sale or CSU Libraries, feel free to browse CSU official pages and websites. 

Library Week Kickoff Features Barbara Moushon at CSU Libraries

Come celebrate literacy and education with the CSU libraries April 12^th – 17^th! This year’s National Library Week celebrations will begin on Monday, April 13^th, with a Kickoff, from 12:30pm - 1:30pm featuring the kickoff’s guest speaker, Barbara Moushon of The Literacy Alliance.

                          

Barbara Moushon has been with the Literacy Alliance since 2003. She also serves as the Executive Director.

The Literacy Alliance, established in 1990, serves Columbus, Georgia and surrounding communities as part of the State of Georgia’s Certified Literate Community Prom (CLCP). In 2000 Columbus/ Muscogee County officially was recognized as the first “Certified Literate Community” having surpassed the state guidelines. For more details about this state program visit CLCP: Georgia State Program.

Patrons and students are advised to attend the kickoff and participate. Cake and sandwiches will be served during this event.

Following the event, a drawing will take from 12:30 -9:00p.m. In under a hundred words, participants are asked to write down creative ways you’ve used your library. The winner will be drawn from a pile and announced on Wednesday, April 15^th.

For more information, please browse this CSU’s National Library Week Itinerary. 

CSU Libraries Sponsors Bookmark and Online Trivia Contest for Library Week

Throughout April 12^th - 17^th, the CSU libraries will celebrate National Library Week, a week where communities around America celebrate the contributions of their library. CSU Libraries invites all CSU students and patrons to visit the library and explore their services and resources.

On Thursday, April 16, between 10:00am - 4:00pm the Schwob Library will exhibit submitted contest bookmarks, for viewing and judging. Bookmark submissions must be a 2" x 6" bookmark
design and sent to jones_michelle@columbusstate.edu by 3:30pm on April 14^th. The winner will have 100 copies of his/her bookmark made as well as receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

  Link: Bookmark Submission Guidelines .

For the Online Trivia, prizes will be awarded every day of the week. Online Trivia and Bookmark Contest winners will be announced, online, on our Facebook page, Twitter account, and website. To enter the 2015 bookmark contest, please see the link below.
Online Trivia Quiz

$25 Amazon gift cards and other prizes will be awarded for a Drawing, a Scavenger Hunt, a Bookmark Contest, and Online Trivia. For more information about other events, hosted by CSU libraries, browse this year’s Library Week Itinerary .

National Library Week at CSU Libraries

"Unlimited possibilities @ your library."

"Unlimited possibilities @ your library". It's the theme for this year's National Library Week, a week where communities around America celebrate the contributions of their library. From April 12th - 18th CSU Libraries invites all CSU students to visit the library and explore their services and resources. $25 Amazon gift cards and other prizes will be awarded for a Drawing, a Scavenger Hunt, a Bookmark Contest, and Online Trivia. 

Monday 

•Kickoff 12:30pm - 1:30pm - Listen to guest speaker Barbara Moushon of The Literacy Alliance. Cake and sandwiches will be served. 

Drawing 1:30pm - 9:00pm - In under a hundred words write down creative ways you've used your library. The winner will be drawn from a pile and announced on Wednesday.

Online Trivia Quiz

Tuesday 

•Scavenger Hunt 10:00am - 4:00pm - Walk through the different service areas of the library and answer questions about them. Those who answer every question correctly will be put in a drawing. The winner will be announced on Wednesday.

First Trivia Quiz Question 
Second Trivia Quiz Question
Third Trivia Quiz Question

Wednesday 

•Languages out Loud: Classics in Their Own Words 12:30pm - 1:30pm - After the presentation winners of the Drawing and Scavenger Hunt will be announced. Winners will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.

Thursday  

•Bookmark Contest 10:00am - 4:00pm - Submit a 2" x 6" bookmark design to jones_michelle@columbusstate.edu by 3:30pm on April 14th and have your bookmark displayed at the library where CSU faculty, staff, and students will vote for their favorite design. The winner will have 100 copies of his/her bookmark made as well as receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

Bookmark Submission Guidelines 

Friday  

•Online Trivia and Bookmark Contest Winners Announced Online on our Facebook page, Twitter account, and website. 

All Week 

•Online Trivia - Prizes awarded every day of the week. The first to answer all five correctly on Friday will receive a Gift Certificate for the book sale, a tote bag, notepad, and pens.

*All CSU employees will be ineligible for prizes. However, they are encouraged to visit the Kickoff and Languages out Loud presentations. 

Last Faculty Research Forum of 2015 Fiscal Year

CSU libraries will host the last Faculty Research Forum April 7, 2015 at 12 p.m. on the first floor of the Simon Schwob Memorial Library. The lecture will feature Dr. Jennifer Newbrey, Assistant Professor of Biology, and Dr. Gary Sprayberry, Chair of the History and Geography Department.

This faculty forum will conclude the CSU libraries’ Faculty Research Forum for the fiscal year. Newbrey will present “Eastern Bluebirds in West-Central Georgia” and her discussion will be followed by the Department Chair’s presentation over “The Atlanta Pop Festival.”

The Assistant Professor, Newbrey, will discuss the features and importance of Eastern Bluebirds in the West-Central Georgia area. “Effects of West Nile Virus Infection and Immune Function on Female Yellow-headed Blackbird Reproduction” is one of the many works by Newbrey. She earned her PhD from North Dakota State University and also earned her Master and Bachelor of Science at the University of Wisconsin.

Sprayberry’s most recent professional works include his latest “One Doesn’t Integrate on Sunday: The Creation of the Human Relations Council and the Origins of Desegregation in Anniston, Alabama, 1961-1963” in the April 2008 edition of the Alabama Review. The Jacksonville State University alumni will discuss the iconic 1970 Atlanta International Pop Festival that features many musicians such as Canned Heat, Jimi Hendrix, the Chamber Brothers, and Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee, Johnny Jenkins.

All patrons, students, faculty and staff members are encouraged to attend this Faculty Research Forum. Before each faculty member’s presentation, a lunch will be provided in the Forum Area of the Schwob library. For more information, review and browse the CSU libraries official page.

CSU Libraries’ Suggested Novels and Dramas to Read

In 2013, Republican and Idaho State Senate Education Committee Chairman, John Goedde, introduced legislation for all high school students in the state to read Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged, in order to graduate. This requirement, and novel, greatly encourages and is referenced by many Tea Party members, before the legislation and now. This signifies how literature is still a significant, administrative influence and inspiration outside a library or college campus.

The Simon Schwob Memorial Library encourages the reading habits of its patrons and students; however, not all books closed are meant to stay that way. On any campus, a collegiate environment inspires many to become more serious about his or her studies. Regardless of students’ major, of study, or a patrons’ intent to conduct their research, there is simply a list of novels and dramas that many are presumed to, and should be, familiar with.

Each year the New York Best-Sellers list features familiar and new authors and writers. The British and Western canon is becoming larger with new, contemporary contributions; however, certain literary works are not as appreciated or read by millennials and bibliophiles, as they should. Here are CSU Libraries’ suggested novel and dramas lists.
**Lists are not in any order of significance.

Novels

 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Night, Day, and Dawn by Elie Weisel

Middlemarch by T.S. Eliot

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand            
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

How the Other Half Lives by Jacob Riis

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

Hard Times by Charles Dickens

The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Wuthering Heights by Elizabeth Brontë

For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski

Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce

The Awakening by Kate Chopin

Animal Farm and 1984 by George Orwell

The Color of Water by James McBride

Walden by Henry David Thoreau

A Good Man is hard to Find by Flannery O’Connor

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora N. Hurston

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

Beloved by Toni Morrison

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

Songs of Innocence and of Experience by William Blake

On the Road by Jack Kerouac

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce          
Candide by Voltaire
Curious Wine by Katherine Forrest

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angeluo

                                                                       

Dramas

The Histories, Tragedies, and Comedies of William Shakespeare

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

Six Characters in Search of an Author by Luigi Pirandello

Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind

The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe

She Stoops to Conquer by Goldsmith

The Way of the World by Congreve

Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring

Mother Courage and Her Children by Bertolt Brecht

The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World by Suzan-Lori Parks

A Streetcar Names Desire by Tennessee Williams

Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett

A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen

Long Day’s Journey into Night by Eugene O’Neill

After reading a few pieces of literature, one is not considered a literati; yet, it is advised that readers maintain their passion to read. As the semester comes to an end, CSU libraries encourages many, particularly bibliophiles, to review the list of canonical literature. For more information about reading selections, browse CSU libraries official page and CSU Gil-Find Catalog to locate items.