Alachua County Library District: 5 Things for February

February 2021

News from Your Library

We’re reflecting on the influence of stories this month. Stories as large as novels and as small as magazine briefs can change how we see the world. The stories of Black figures and characters expand our understanding of U.S. history and culture. Science storyteller Emily Graslie will share her adventures for the Big Read Alachua County keynote on Feb. 19. And we’re making it easier to find all your favorite magazine features in one place with the expansion of our digital magazine collections. Enrich your narrative this month with a new story from the library.

Powerful Stories

Each February, we honor the outstanding contributions that Black Americans have made to American history and culture. At the library, we’re celebrating by promoting Black stories in our collection. Learn more about the works of Black artists, scientists, and leaders through books, film, and music. Choose a new book or movie by a Black creator or featuring Black narratives. Our librarians have selected their top recommendations for children and adults to mark Black History Month.

See the Selections

Science Scoop

Discover the power of science and curiosity with YouTube star and Big Read Keynote speaker Emily Graslie on Friday, Feb. 19. Emily’s love of science blossomed into her web series, “The Brain Scoop,” taking viewers behind the scenes to explore museums’ nooks and crannies. Last year Emily made her broadcast television debut on PBS as host of “Prehistoric Road Trip,” a new series about paleontology and geology in the Dakotas, Montana, and Wyoming. The Florida Museum even named a butterfly after her!

Sign up for the event to hear Emily’s thoughts on “The Power of Curiosity.

Register

More Titles than a Checkout Lane

You don’t have to venture to the grocery store to indulge in your favorite magazines. Our digital magazines have no waits and no due dates. Click a box and you’ll automatically receive the newest issues of publications like National Geographic, Good Housekeeping, Sports Illustrated, and Cosmopolitan. Explore hundreds of niche titles for tech junkies, pet lovers, car enthusiasts, and more. Find titles in languages including Spanish and Chinese, too.

Even better, on Feb. 4 our digital magazines are moving to the Libby app, where you can already find thousands of eBooks and digital audiobooks.

Browse the Digital Rack

Homework Help for All

Tutor.com can help students finish strong this unusual school year. This eSource offers one-on-one sessions with professional tutors from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day, plus practices quizzes and learning tools 24/7. Students in kindergarten through college can get help with homework and prep for Advanced Placement tests and college entrance exams. Subjects include math, science, English, Spanish, social studies, and ACT/SAT. Tutors are available for both English and Spanish speakers.

Students working on essays, book reports, college/scholarship application essays, or tough math problems can drop off their work for an overnight review complete with detailed guidance and explanations.

Find your tutor

Homework Help for All

Our Youth Services team is ready to help Gainesville high school students prepare for the Racial Justice Essay Contest with scholarships totaling $5,000. Tune in to Writing Hours sessions from Feb. 9 through April 3 for tips on using library tools for research. Students can also access our special section of resources for the essay competition.

The essay contest is organized by the Alachua County Community Remembrance Project and the Equal Justice Initiative. The contest is open to all ninth- through 12th-grade students attending the following high schools: Gainesville High School, Buchholz High School, Eastside High School, Loften High School, P.K. Yonge Lab School, North Central Florida Public Charter School, SIATech High School, and homeschool students zoned for any of these schools. Submission are due Thursday, April 15.

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