Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg, Temple University

This fall, the Libraries wrapped up our year-long tribute to North Philadelphia with a diverse range of events and experiences. We’re proud to report that our fall Beyond the Page programming reached an audience locally and beyond of more than 700, not including anyone who couldn’t make it live and watched our recordings instead! Catch up on any programs you missed at library.temple.edu/watchpastprograms.

What made this past season of programming particularly special was that for the first time since March 2020, we were able to hold a few events in person again. 

One popular event was a continuation of the Unedited Philadelphia series. As part of this series, Archivist John Pettit shares unedited footage from local news stations such as WPVI and CBS3/KYW, whose archives are housed in our Special Collections Research Center. For this year’s screening, a live audience gathered in the Temple Performing Arts Center to view clips John chose showcasing North Broad Street. It was unique because we were watching clips from a location right on Broad Street, and a few of the clips even showcased the Temple Performing Arts Center! We also offered a concurrent livestream so that audience members could tune in from anywhere. 

Another program that brought people together in person was a series of tours of Church of the Advocate, located at Diamond and 18th Street near Main Campus. In partnership with Temple’s Office of Community Affairs, this program offered audience members an opportunity to learn more about this North Philadelphia landmark. Guests heard about the history and architecture of the church, the artwork on the walls, and even got a peek at behind-the-scenes areas including an upstairs office where the Black Panthers used to meet and the basement crypt.

Photos by Joseph V. Labolito, Temple University

On Zoom, we heard from Representative Malcolm Kenyatta about his memories growing up in North Philadelphia while Karen Warrington recalled the importance of the Ile Ife Black Humanitarian Center as part of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection’s “We Remember and We Recall: North Philadelphia Oral History Project.” The Blockson Collection also screened a series of films from Scribe Video Center’s Community History Project, showcasing North Philly staples such as William Penn High School, Norris Homes, and Freedom Theater. 

Other Zoom highlights included programs about the Uptown Theater and the Urban Creators.

Photo by Heidi Roland Photography

We also offered collaborative exhibits connected to our Made in North Philly theme, including Neighbors of North Philly, from Narrative Medicine program students at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, and Explore Eastern North Philadelphia: Students and Community Engagement, by Professor Lynn Mandarano and students along with the SCRC.

We are grateful to our program partners, speakers, organizers, and audience who made our fall programming a success! Stay tuned for spring announcements.

It’s finals szn, and the Libraries are here to help alleviate some of the stress that often accompanies this time of year. Below are some tips and resources for a calm and confident exam period.

Time for you

When things get busy it can seem like there is no time for YOU. Avoid this by scheduling “me time.”

• Are movies your thing? You can check out a DVD or video as well as the equipment to watch them with from the BookBot in Charles Library.
• Gaming connoisseur? The Duckworth Scholars Studio hosts a gaming hour every Tuesday at 10:00 am EST. Join them on December 7 for King of Tokyo or December 14 for Meeple Party. Both days will also feature other options like Jenga and Bananagrams. You can also look into borrowing gaming equipment, including controllers, board games, and cards from the Libraries at your convenience.
• Like to escape into a fun book? Leisure reading books including graphic novels, YA, fantasy, mystery, science fiction, and memoirs are kept on the first floor of Charles Library in the short stacks, and just past the main floor service desk inside the Ginsburg Library.

Bake your stress away

Your body needs food, especially to fuel you through studying, so take a break to cook or bake something delicious. It just might be therapeutic! Check out some recipes from our collections including the Blockson Collection and Special Collections Research Center as well as from the DPLA’s Pennsylvania-based cookbooks.

Writing—but make it fun

Journaling can be a nice way to vent some of the stress. Check out these journaling tips from Hayley, a peer educator at the Wellness Resource Center. 

Dogs–need we say more? 

We are hosting dogs for petting or viewing on Wednesday, December 8 from 1:00–3:00 pm EST. 

Guided Wellness

We are lucky to have the Wellness Resource Center to help us help ourselves. Attend a workshop for a guided practice in stress management.

Staying Present: Using Mindfulness to Manage Stress

Wednesday, December 8, 3:30–4:00 pm

Learn how mindfulness and related skills can help manage stress and invite calm. Guided activities will be offered as an opportunity to practice these skills. This program is offered monthly and consists of an overview of mindfulness principles followed by a new skill or practice to make each session unique. Zoom link

Owl About Stress

Monday, December 13, 2:00–2:30 pm

Stress isn’t all bad and this program will help folks explore ways to find balance for optimal performance without burning out. Students will learn about self-care and create their own self-care plan to feel more supported during those especially stressful times of the semester. Zoom link

Music makes me [keep] control

DYK that you can listen to music for free through our databases?! Want some classical music to be the background sound for studying? Try Mozart piano sonatas from Naxos Music Library.

Perhaps the likes of Miles Davis and John Coltrane soothe your soul? Naxos Jazz is great for that. Have something else in mind? Check out Music Online for a variety of music genres from all over the world.

Join us virtually for a live concert by the TachyChordia a capella group on Dec. 15 at noon.

Get your hands dirty

While gardens may already have been put to bed for the winter, indoor plants often need repotting or other TLC. The tactile experience of digging through dirt can be a peaceful activity, not to mention the feeling of productivity that results from seeing your plant thriving in a whole new pot. Our Ambler Library specializes in agriculture resources. You can get started with these gardening ebooks. 

Animals alleviating angst

Have to miss Destress with Dogs? Fear not, you can always check out the videos of animals at the Philadelphia Zoo for some comfort (especially this baby sloth!). Or get lost in the vast array of creature cams on explore.org!

Whatever works for you, it is important to practice self-care during this final exam period. Our 24/7 space is open to suit your study habits. The event space on the first floor will also be available as a quiet study zone during limited times between 12/7–12/15; check for the daily schedule posted outside of the room. Our library chat is available 24/7 or you can call, email, or text us during regular hours.

Follow the Wellness Resource Center for more self-care tips or reach out to Temple Libraries for more assistance. Feeling more than finals stress? Tuttleman Counseling Services is available to provide mental health support.

Good luck!