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The Bookend


Drawn In: Stories that Stick
Graphic novels aren’t just “pretty comics.” Over the past decade they’ve become a powerful literacy tool, a booming segment of the book market, and a respected storytelling form that bridges art and text in ways traditional prose can’t. Why graphic novels matter for literacy Graphic novels combine visual storytelling with written text, and that combination helps readers decode meaning, follow complex narratives, and practice inference skills—especially readers who struggle w

Debbie Brown
Nov 19, 20255 min read


1620: The Foundations of a New America
Though the Pilgrims, the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock, and the First Thanksgiving are often discussed in the month of November, we would be remiss if we did not stop, take a moment, and celebrate and reflect on the beginnings of the Thanksgiving holiday. The unity of the Native Americans and the settlers of the Plymouth Colony laid the foundation for what would become an important American holiday, celebrated more than 400 years later. In 1620, a small ship called the Mayflower s

Debbie Brown
Nov 12, 20253 min read


Novel November: Stories to Savor
As the leaves turn and autumn settles in, there’s no better time than “Novel November” to reconnect—or begin connecting—with the simple, profound joy of reading for pleasure. Far beyond a textbook or a Kindle “to-do” list, leisure reading is a habit that nourishes mind, heart, and soul. Let’s explore the benefits, the evidence, and how you can make this month (and beyond) a true celebration of books. 📚 Why Reading for Pleasure Matters Leisure reading—selecting texts out of d

Debbie Brown
Nov 5, 20254 min read


The Salem Witch Trials: Fear, Power, and Legacy
Background of the Trials In 1692, the small Puritan community of Salem Village, Massachusetts, became the epicenter of one of the most infamous events in colonial American history: the Salem Witch Trials. Between February 1692 and May 1693, over 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft, 30 were found guilty, and 19 were executed by hanging. One man, Giles Corey, was pressed to death for refusing to enter a plea (Miller, 2015). The trials reflected not only religious f

Debbie Brown
Oct 29, 20255 min read


The Story of Prehistoric Art: Humanity’s First Expressions
The First Findings Prehistoric art refers to the earliest visual expressions created by humans before the development of written...

Debbie Brown
Oct 22, 20253 min read


The Power of the Pulpit: How Sermons and Theologians Shape Thought, Culture, and America
Sermons have for centuries been one of the central vehicles by which religious ideas, moral values, social orders, and intellectual...

Debbie Brown
Oct 9, 202513 min read


Jamestown: The First Permanent English Colony in America
Introduction The founding of Jamestown in 1607 was a pivotal moment in American history, representing the first permanent English...

Debbie Brown
Oct 1, 20256 min read


Small Creatures, Big Impact: The Hidden Power of Insects, Arachnids, and Arthropods
Insects and arachnids are often overlooked or regarded as pests, but they play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance. From...

Debbie Brown
Sep 24, 20256 min read


The Mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke
Our Digital Display series will explore turning points in American history. From the struggles of the earliest European settlers to the...

Debbie Brown
Sep 17, 20253 min read


Celebrating Literary Milestones: 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 Years of Iconic Books
Welcome back! We begin this academic year by celebrating the milestone birthdays of books that have become part of the fabric of our...

Debbie Brown
Sep 9, 20255 min read


The Evolution of Photography as Art: From Invention to Instagram
Enjoy our final post of the 2024-2025 academic year. We will be back in August with more posts for you! We hope you are inspired to share...

Debbie Brown
Apr 29, 20255 min read


Celebrating Earth Day: The Imperative of Conservation
Earth, our shared home, is a marvel of biodiversity and natural beauty. Human activities, however, have increasingly threatened its...

Debbie Brown
Apr 21, 20255 min read


Three Mile Island and Gov. Dick Thornburgh: A Crisis, A Leader, and a Legacy
Governor Richard "Dick" Thornburgh’s legacy is marked by his steady leadership during one of the most harrowing crises in U.S....

Debbie Brown
Apr 8, 20256 min read


Henry's Helpful Hints
In this post let’s talk about a very helpful feature of the library catalog: search history . It’s something that you never knew you...
Gretchen Maxeiner
Apr 3, 20254 min read


From Pastures to PGA: A Storied History of Golf
Golf is a game of precision, patience, and perseverance. It has been enjoyed for centuries, attracting both the most dedicated athletes...

Debbie Brown
Mar 24, 20255 min read


William Shakespeare: The Bard Who Shaped Literature
William Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language and the world's preeminent dramatist. His...

Debbie Brown
Mar 17, 20254 min read


Frank Lloyd Wright: A Legacy of Beauty
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959) remains one of the most influential architects in history, known for pioneering organic architecture—a...

Debbie Brown
Mar 13, 20254 min read


Rails Across the Heartland: The Legacy of Railroads in Western Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio
The history of railroads in the United States is a story of innovation, expansion, and profound economic impact. From the early 19th...

Debbie Brown
Feb 24, 20253 min read


The Fight for Equality: The Story of Women's Suffrage in America
The struggle for women’s right to vote in the United States is a defining chapter in American history. The movement spanned nearly a...

Debbie Brown
Feb 17, 20257 min read


Luminous Lives: Journals and Biographies of People Who Changed the World
The power of a single life to illuminate the world is an enduring truth of human history. From the quiet revolutionaries to the bold...

Debbie Brown
Feb 10, 20253 min read
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