Fall 2023 LLAG Newsletter

The Early Childhood Readers Collection

Did you know that between print and electronic collections there are over 20,000 titles in juvenile literature at the DU Libraries? Collaborations with the Graduate School of Professional Psychology’s (GSPP) Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialty, the Caring for You and Baby Clinic (CUB) and the University Libraries led to the creation of a very special subset of children’s literature available on AAC shelves: the Early Childhood Readers Collection (ECRC). Thanks to the generosity of Taylor Kirkpatrick (IMBA ‘04), we have launched this collection that centers stories across a spectrum of diversity including race, ethnicity, disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation for young readers.
 

While the ECRC supports teaching, learning, and research in early learning and literacy, our goal is to increase its visibility and reach beyond the University walls. As a start, we are showcasing the ECRC at FamFair on October 21, an immersive child development play and learning community event for expectant caregivers, children, and service providers.
Social and Emotional Learning through the ECRC: Children’s literature is used for a myriad of reasons in a variety of settings: enjoyment, literacy development, and conceptual learning; those of us (presumably adults) who love the genre can attest to its impact in cognitive, emotional, and artistic domains. Inspired by the origins of the ECRC- collaborations with GSPP to advance the mental health of underserved communities in Denver- we set out to create resources that promote children’s social and emotional learning (SEL) through the collection. The DU Libraries ECRC Social and Emotional Learning Kits were created with objectives for specific SEL skill development using evidence-based frameworks and include book titles from the ECRC, prompts and questions for discussion, and materials for extension and engagement activities.

You can learn more about the growing collection and associated social and emotional kits by visiting the ECRC Research Guide or by contacting Community Outreach & Reference Residency Librarian Natalia Umaña.
 

Natalia Umaña
Community Outreach & Reference Residency Librarian
Natalia.Umana@du.edu

On Display Now

INTO LIGHT: Project Colorado Traveling Exhibit

DUMA - August 31 to September 22; AAC - October 2 to 20; Community Commons - October 30 to November 17.

This traveling exhibit features original graphite portraits and the stories of individuals connected to Colorado who have died from substance use disorders. The exhibition will be displayed in three different gallery spaces on DU's campus.

The Anonymous People documentary was screened on October 6 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the Gregg Kvidstad Special Events Room, AAC 290, and the Dreamland book club will take place on October 19 from 12:00 P.M. – 1:30 pm in the Loft, AAC 340.

 

Selections from DU's Special Collections and Archives' Fine Press and Artists' Books Collection

September 11 to March 20, 2023 
Upper Level, built-in cases near top of main stairwell

This exhibit showcases the University Libraries' remarkable artists' books collection, featuring books that highlight the varied range of themes represented in the collection

 

Jewish Denver's Theater Legacy

September 8 to December 14, 2023
Main Level, AAC 290, Helen Morris cases

This exhibit highlights and celebrates the contributions of Jewish Denverites to the world of theater arts.

 

Gail Watson Artist Book Retrospective

August 21, 2023 to January 21, 2024 
Lower Level, Special Collections built-in cases

This exhibit offers a retrospective of Gail Watson, a Colorado artist, life's work creating artists' books. Watson says, "Many of my books are personal explorations that help me understand and lay claim to my life, where I've been, and where I'm going."

There was an exhibition opening reception on September 21 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, with an artist talk and gallery tour at 6:30 pm.

 

Coming Soon

Art and Observations in Health Care

November 2023 – March 2024 Upper Level, The Loft Walls     

This exhibit will highlight the creative works made by first-year students, reflecting their knowledge and critical understanding of human-centered health care.

 

CAPU Traveling Exhibit and Timeline

January to April 2024
Main Level, New Book Area, and Lower Level

This exhibit will feature traveling exhibit panels about the history of Chinese people living in Colorado curated by CAPU (Colorado Asian Pacific United). The traveling exhibit will be accompanied by a timeline created by DU’s Special Collections and Archives.

There will be an exhibit reception that will be open to the public. Be on the lookout for up-to-date times and dates!

 

Judy Anderson Artist Book Retrospective

April to June 2024
Dean’s Suite Area (upper level, NE corner)

The artist books created by Judy Anderson, a local Denver artist, directly respond to our time's pressing social, political, and cultural issues. Anderson interprets these complex matters through her work, offering unique insights deeply influenced by her background and experiences.

There will be an exhibit reception that is open to the public with a gallery tour given by the artist. Be on the lookout for up-to-date times and dates!