Library News
Public Presentations Announced for EIU Children’s Literature Symposium
Posted on February 11th, 2026
CHARLESTON – Booth Library invites the campus and community to join us Wednesday and Thursday, February 25 and 26, for two featured public talks as part of the EIU Children’s Literature Symposium.
The EIU Children’s Literature Symposium is a two-day celebration honoring the importance, craftsmanship, and rich history of literature created for children. Through partnerships between Booth Library’s Ballenger Teachers Center, the EIU College of Education and Department of English, Charleston CUSD #1 elementary schools, and St. John’s Lutheran School, the symposium exemplifies the strong and collaborative bonds between Eastern Illinois University and the surrounding community.
The talks will allow the campus and greater community to engage with two accomplished professionals in the field of children’s literature. Both presentations are free and open to the public.
Wednesday, February 25:
5:00 p.m. Reception
5:30 p.m. Jan Spivey Gilchrist, Ph.D.
Making Books for ALL Children: A Celebration of My Life’s Work
Dr. Gilchrist will join us for an Alumni edition of our speaker series, Authors@EIU. She has illustrated 109 children’s books, authored 5 children’s books and a host of academic and textbook illustrations. Dr. Gilchrist holds a B.S. degree in Art Education from EIU; an M.A. in Painting from the University of Northern Iowa; an M.F.A. from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a Ph.D. in English from Madison University.
*The Black Student Union RSO is co-hosting a documentary screening of Colors of Love: The Jan Spivey Gilchrist Story, on Monday, February 23 at 5 p.m. in the Library’s Center for Student Innovation. The documentary illustrates Gilchrist’s triumph from the dark shadows of the civil rights era to ascend as a heralded children’s book illustrator and author.
Thursday, February 26:
5:00 p.m. Reception
5:30 p.m. Suzan Alteri, Ph.D.
Racism and Representation in Children’s Literature
Dr. Alteri is Assistant Director of the Center for Children’s Books at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. She previously served as Curator of the Baldwin Library of Historical Children’s Literature at the University of Florida, one of the world’s most significant collections documenting the history of children’s books.
Each presentation will be followed by question-and-answer sessions. Parking is free and open to the public after 5:00 p.m.
Also publicly available Thursday, February 26, at 4:00 p.m. will be Children’s Literature Research Lightning Rounds in which Faculty scholars who conduct research in the field of children’s literature will share their findings.
Community members, students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend our public events to celebrate the importance of literature for children and early learning, and to engage with leading voices in children’s literature scholarship, including a distinguished EIU alumna.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Diane Highland
Events & Exhibits Coordinator, Booth Library
dehighland@eiu.edu / 217-581-6061
Thousands of new resources were added to Booth’s collections in January
Posted on February 6th, 2026
Booth Library’s collections added a multitude of new items last month! During January 2026, Booth Library acquired and cataloged 376 physical items (books, DVDs, government documents, archival resources, and more) and over 14,400 electronic resources (including ebooks, ejournals, digital audiobooks, EIU student theses, and streaming videos). Please find the lists of new items at the links below. Individual issues of current periodicals are excluded. All items are discoverable through the library’s online catalog.
New acquisitions include items selected for purchase by Booth’s subject librarians, donations, re-cataloged library items, freely available government publications, and consortium-wide purchases.
Please contact your subject librarian with any questions.
Hands-On Tech Experience: Center for Student Innovation Workshops in February
Posted on January 30th, 2026
Throughout February, the Center for Student Innovation at Booth Library will be hosting four events dedicated to helping you learn more about the growing world of technology! These events are open to people of all expertise; from beginners to experts, you are welcome to participate! Look through the list of events happening this February:
- Stressed out? Learn how to print fidget toys and other gadgets during the 3D Printing 101 workshop hosted on Wednesday, February 11th from 4-5 p.m.
- Up your photography game during the Green Screen 101 workshop hosted on Wednesday, February 11th from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Learn about the CSI’s Podcasting Studio in the Podcasting 101 workshop hosted on Tuesday, February 17th from 6-7 p.m.
- Design your own 3D models from 2D images during the Basic 3D Design learning lab hosted on Wednesday, February 18th from 4-5:30 p.m.
All events take place at the 1000 level of Booth Library in the Center for Student Innovation. Register to attend CSI workshops and learning labs through LibCal. For more information, please contact the CSI at csi@eiu.edu.
Eastern Illinois University to Host Traveling Holocaust Exhibit in Honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Posted on January 14th, 2026
News originally submitted by the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation, dated December 30, 2025
*NOTE UPDATED TIMES BELOW AS OF JANUARY 9, 2026*
(Champaign, IL) — The Auschwitz Experience in the Art of Prisoners, a traveling exhibit about the Holocaust, will be displayed in the West Reading Room at the iconic Booth Library on the Eastern Illinois Campus, located at 600 Lincoln Ave in Charleston, IL from January 11th to January 29th, 2026.
The exhibit, created by the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland, features artwork by 12 Holocaust survivors who documented their experiences in the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, the largest German Concentration and extermination camp during WWII. Visitors will be able to see these profound pieces of art, which include 60 paintings and drawings displayed thematically on 24-panels, in docent-led small groups or independently.
This will mark the second year that the Booth Library has partnered with the CUJF Holocaust Education Center to host a traveling Holocaust exhibit surrounding International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th. The two organizations hope to continue this partnership as an annual tradition, seeking to expand Holocaust education opportunities and develop an atmosphere of tolerance and community amongst Central Illinois students.
Students have the amazing opportunity to serve as volunteer docents at the exhibit – no prior experience is needed! This experience gives students a chance to complete service hours while sharing deeply meaningful content with the community. Volunteer docent training will be held virtually prior to the exhibit. Click HERE for the docent sign up link.
The exhibit will be open to the public during the following days and times:
- Sunday: 2 to 6 p.m.
- Monday through Thursday: Noon to 6 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: Noon to 5 p.m.
We invite you to attend these accompanying events, with more events to be announced next month.
- Sunday, January 11th at 2 p.m. – Exhibit officially opens to the public with Dr. Brian Kahn.
- Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 1:00 PM – International Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony with remarks from EIU President Jay Gatrell. Press are encouraged to attend.
This exhibition is in partnership with the CUJF Holocaust Education Center (HEC) and the Booth Library at Eastern Illinois University. Group and classroom tours may be arranged by contacting the HEC by email at hec@cujf.org or by phone at 217-367-9872. For more information, visit www.cujf.org/hec
Over 4900 items added to Booth’s collections in December
Posted on January 5th, 2026
Booth Library’s collections are constantly growing to meet the research and information needs of the EIU community. In December 2025, Booth Library acquired and cataloged 383 physical items (books, DVDs, government documents, archival resources, and more) and 4519 electronic resources (including ebooks, ejournals, digital audiobooks, EIU student theses, and streaming videos). Individual issues of current periodicals are excluded. All items are discoverable through the library’s online catalog.
New acquisitions include items selected for purchase by Booth’s subject librarians, donations, re-cataloged library items, freely available government publications, and consortium-wide purchases.
Please contact your subject librarian with any questions.
Winter Wonderland: Finals Week Activities at Booth Library December 15-19
Posted on December 10th, 2025
As the end of the fall semester approaches, Booth Library will offer many activities to help students focus, relax, and succeed. Join us for our Winter Wonderland Finals Week at Booth Library for festive and fun activities! Look through the list of events happening during finals week this semester:
- Retro-Gaming: Try your hand at retro games from Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, and Game Cube on our “Retro PI” Raspberry PI computer. The retro-gaming station, located on the 4000 level near the central elevator, will be available daily, Dec. 11-16.
- Therapy Dogs: Members of All Things Pawsitive will bring certified therapy dogs to greet students from 2 pm-4 pm at the library’s south entrance (by the clock tower) on Monday (12/15) and Tuesday (12/16).
- Hot Cocoa and Popcorn Bar: During our finals-week edition of Bite-Size Study Hour, hot cocoa and popcorn will be provided for students to snack on while they study. The hot cocoa and popcorn bar will be located on the Atrium Bridge at the 3000 level from 5 pm-7pm on Monday (12/15).
- Santa Photo Booth: Snap some festive green-screen photos with Santa to create memories you can share with family and friends. This photo booth will be available on the CSI Landing from 5 pm-7 pm on Monday (12/15) and Tuesday (12/16).
- Toys and Games: Coloring pages, a variety of puzzles, and grab & go games will be available on the 3000 level throughout the week, as well as Legos on the 4000 level for you to build your own creations.
- Postcards: Let your friends and family know you’re preparing for final exams at Booth Library by sending them a postcard. Fill out and address a postcard, then leave it in the mailbox at the 3000 level anytime throughout the week. Your friends at Booth Library will mail it for you!
- Zero Balancing: EIU’s Dr. Misty Rhoads will offer her popular Zero Balancing sessions in the library’s Edgar Room (Room 3202). During the sessions, participants will remain fully clothed and lay face-up on a massage table while Rhoads works with pressure points in the body to relieve stress. Reserve your appointment at https://calendly.com/dochealthed2010/zero-balancing-sessions for a free, 15-minute session. Sessions are offered 9 am-11:30 am on Monday (12/15) and 10 am-noon on Tuesday (12/16).
All activities and refreshments are free.
For more information on Booth Library, visit our website, www.eiu.edu/booth ; call 581-6072; or find the library on Facebook or Instagram.
New library acquisitions for November
Posted on December 5th, 2025
Booth Library’s collections are constantly growing to meet the research and information needs of the EIU community. In November 2025, Booth Library acquired and cataloged 449 physical items (books, DVDs, government documents, archival resources, and more) and 1275 electronic resources (including ebooks, ejournals, digital audiobooks, EIU student theses, and streaming videos). Individual issues of current periodicals are excluded. All items are discoverable through the library’s online catalog.
New acquisitions include items selected for purchase by Booth’s subject librarians, donations, re-cataloged library items, freely available government publications, and consortium-wide purchases.
Please contact your subject librarian with any questions.
Network Outage Nov. 22nd, from 5 pm to 7 pm
Posted on November 21st, 2025
Information Technology Services will be conducting network maintenance on Saturday, November 22 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. All network services may be unavailable during this time. Therefore, the Booth Library website and electronic resources may be inaccessible during this time period from both on and off campus.
Create and Optimize with Tech: CSI Events in November
Posted on November 6th, 2025
Throughout November, the Center for Student Innovation at Booth Library will be hosting five events dedicated to helping you learn more about the world of technology! These events are open to people of all expertise; from beginners to experts, you are welcome to participate! Look through the list of events happening this November:
- Up your photography game during the Green Screen 101 workshop hosted on Thursday the 6th from 4 pm to 5:30 pm.
- Turn virtual concepts into 3D objects at the instructor-tailored Resin 3D Printing workshop hosted on Tuesday the 11th from 5 pm to 6 pm.
- Develop your videography skills during the Green Screen Image & Video Production learning lab on Wednesday the 12th from 4 pm to 5:30 pm.
- Learn about the CSI’s Podcasting Studio in the Podcasting 101 workshop hosted on Tuesday the 18th from 4 pm to 5:30 pm.
- Get crafty and creative during the instructor-tailored Sewing Machine workshop hosted on Wednesday the 19th from 4 pm to 5:30 pm.
All events will take place at the 1000 level of Booth Library in the Center for Student Innovation. Sign up to attend events and workshops through LibCal. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the CSI at csi@eiu.edu.
Booth Library adds over 2200 items in October
Posted on November 5th, 2025
Booth Library’s collections are constantly growing to meet the research and information needs of the EIU community. During October, Booth Library acquired and cataloged 370 physical items (books, DVDs, government documents, archival resources, and more) and 1864 electronic resources (including ebooks, ejournals, digital audiobooks, EIU student theses, and streaming videos). Individual issues of current periodicals are excluded. All items are discoverable through the library’s online catalog.
New acquisitions include items selected for purchase by Booth’s subject librarians, donations, re-cataloged library items, freely available government publications, and consortium-wide purchases.
Please contact your subject librarian with any questions.
