A New Semester, A New Building, And A New Beginning

Fall Semester 2021 officially kicked off in full swing August 23rd at the School of Health Sciences in Central Islip, housed with the Touro Law School. This new semester brings to students a chance to either continue their excellence or turn over a new leaf and start the path toward excellence that is found in the hallowed halls of Touro.  Speaking of halls, a brand-new building awaits the School of Health Sciences students who were previously housed at the now defunct Bay Shore location.   

Ice Cream Social: Facts for National Ice Cream Month

(CC0 image via Pexels)

Being that it is summer I figured I would write a lighthearted blog on a lighthearted topic – Ice Cream.

July is National Ice Cream Month. Yes – National Ice Cream Month (and National Ice Cream Day) are officially recognized holidays designated in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan after receiving a joint resolution from Congress on the matter. It seems that even Congress can agree on their love for this sweet treat.

Earth Day: Celebrating Conservation and Nature

(CC0 image via Wikimedia)

This post was originally published on April 21, 2015. In response, Librarian Aviva Adler shared her experience celebrating the first Earth Day in 1970:

As a teenager living in the Washington DC area, I volunteered with the EPA and helped with activities for the very first Earth Day. I made a tie-dye batik “earth day” flag (haven’t seen it in years, but I’m sure it’s in a box somewhere) in my parents’ kitchen. I stood on street corners with environmental literature, educating passers-by and asking for their support and signatures on petitions to pass environmental laws. I clearly remember having collected hundreds of signatures, and then handing my clipboard full of signatures to one man who took the clipboard and threw it into the Reflecting Pool … and I remember fishing it out and trying to salvage the signatures!

Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22^nd. The purpose of Earth Day is to bring awareness to environmental issues, lobby for environmental policies, and promote changes in human behaviors in order to maintain the ecosystem. Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970. Today, it is observed in more than 192 countries with more than 1 billion people participating. It is largest civil observance in the world.

Remembering Martin Luther King

Martin Luther King, Jr. Montgomery arrest, 1958 (CC0 image via Wikimedia)

As we approach this long weekend, take some time to look back on the life and achievements of its honoree, Martin Luther King Jr. Librarian Annette Carr contributed this history of MLK Day and resources from our collection available to learn more. 

Martin Luther King Day occurs each year on the 3^rd Monday of January. This federal holiday was established in order to commemorate Martin Luther King’s birthday (which was January 15, 1929) for his vision of an America where equality and freedom is extended to all citizens.

The Gift of Animal Helpers

Meet Elvis (photo by Annette Carr)

I don’t need an alarm clock. I have Elvis for that. No, not the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. Elvis is a black cat who I adopted several years ago at an animal shelter where I volunteer. Elvis has taken over my home, my heart, and my pillow. He acts like a supervisor and treats me like his staff. In the early hours of the morning, I am slapped from my dreams by a soft paw demanding attention, food, or just because he finds it amusing.

The Librarian’s Image Problem

(CC image via flickr)

When I tell people I am a librarian, one of the first responses I get is, “You don’t seem like a librarian.” I sometimes get an innocuous response like, “But you don’t wear glasses” (no, I don’t). I have also had humorous quasi-insults like, “So do you live alone with 30 cats?” (well, only 4 so I guess I’m still working on it).

The Future of Alzheimer’s Disease

(CC0 image via Pixabay)

Alzheimer’s disease is not a topic most college age people think about. It is often thought to be an “old person’s disease”. But Alzheimer’s has far reaching implications for many people due to the fact that it affects so many families and loved ones. Alzheimer’s is not rare. It is actually the 6^th leading cause of death in the United States with one out of three seniors dying with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

Earth Day: Celebrating Conservation and Nature

(CC image by D Debraj)

Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22^nd. The purpose of Earth Day is to bring awareness to environmental issues, lobby for environmental policies, and promote changes in human behaviors in order to maintain the ecosystem. Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970. Today, it is observed in more than 192 countries with more than 1 billion people participating. It is largest civil observance in the world.

Why We Have Monday Off: Martin Luther King and His Dream

Martin Luther King, Jr. Montgomery arrest, 1958 (CC0 image via Wikimedia)

As we come to mid-January, many of us look forward to Martin Luther King Day primarily because we get to enjoy a long weekend. Martin Luther King Day (or MLK Day as I call it), occurs each year on the 3^rd Monday of January. This federal holiday was established in order to commemorate Martin Luther King’s birthday (which was January 15, 1929) for his vision of an America where equality and freedom is extended to all citizens.

Reflections from 65 Broadway

The World Trade Center today (Photo courtesy of Annette Carr)

When the Touro Business Library first opened at 65 Broadway in 2009, the World Trade Center site was still in its early stages of construction. Being only a few blocks from the site, the staff at 65 Broadway has had the great opportunity of seeing the World Trade Center blossom and grow daily before our eyes. It has been interesting to see the transition as the WTC has become revitalized.