Cadets, it’s the home stretch. Exams start Wednesday, December 14. This means two things: 
1. The library will be open late (hours below) so you can get in some quality studying.
and…
2. The return of Preston Library’s Coffee Service!
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be available at 2000 every evening beginning Tuesday, 13 December through Tuesday, 20 December. Grab your books, mugs, and go to Preston Library for the best study break on Post.
Coffee has been generously donated by Aramark.
Fall 2011 Exam Hours:
Tuesday, Dec. 13 – Friday, Dec. 16 0800-0200
Saturday, Dec. 17 0800-2300
Sunday, Dec. 18 1300-0200
Monday, Dec. 19 - Tuesday Dec. 20 0800-0200
Wednesday, Dec. 21 0800-1630
The Politically Incorrect Guide to the British Empire by Harry Crocker
The Friends of Preston will host its Fall Meeting on Thursday, November 17 at 3 p.m. in the Turman Room of Preston Library. Our featured guest speaker will be Mr. H. W. Crocker, III. Mr. Crocker will give a program based upon his new book, The Politically Incorrect Guide to the British Empire.
Harry Crocker is a bestselling author who has also written The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Civil War, Robert E. Lee on Leadership, Triumph, Don’t Tread on Me, and the prize-winning comic novel, The Old Limey. His journalism has appeared in National Review, The American Spectator, The Washington Times, and many other outlets. Educated in England and California, Crocker lives on the site of a former Confederate encampment in Virginia.
Titles of the author’s books will be available for signing and purchase. Please join us for a stimulating and engaging program. Refreshments will be served.
Preston Library is celebrating “Banned Books Week” from 24 September to 1 October. This annual event celebrates our freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment.
The American Library Association monitors the attempts made by individuals and groups to have books removed from library shelves and classrooms. Books that were banned at one time in the United States are as follows:
The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
You can find these books in Preston Library. Check out the display in the “Class of 1969 Memorial Room.”
After several weeks of work on the library’s front doors and patio, we are pleased to announce that the front entrance has re-opened. Until stair railings are installed, you must use the handicap ramp (from the Mallory side).
Visitors to Preston Library will notice that the main front door is not accessible due to demolition and construction of the patio, steps and sidewalk.
During the construction, the library is accessible through Nichols Engineering Building, the front door of which is to the left of Preston Library. Signs are posted directing library users downstairs to the 4th floor of Nichols. At the end of the hallway, there’s a door that enters to the library’s 4th floor.
The circulation desk and many library staff are up one level, on the 5th floor.
If you need assistance or have any questions, please call 540-464-7129.
There are many great things to say about short stories.
- Their length is appealing to those of us who always read something before going to sleep as well as those of you who read on your phones and other electronic gadgets.
- Often short stories are dense and rich with all the dialog and description that we appreciate in our favorite novels.
- As readers, we can be introduced to the work of an author without having to commit to something as long as a novel.
- Frequently, novel writers also write short stories which are less known than their novels.
I could go on – instead, I’ll provide you with a couple suggestions. Raymond Carver, Cathedral. Roald Dahl (did you know he wrote short stories?) Collected Stories. And a perennial favorite, JD Salinger’s Nine Stories.
If you’re interested in searching the Preston Library catalog to see what other short story collections we have, take a look here.
Who’s your favorite short story author?
Check out the National Jukebox! Developed by the Library of Congress, with assets provided by Sony Music Entertainment, the National Jukebox offers free online access to a vast selection of music and spoken-word recordings produced in the U.S. between the years 1901 and 1925. You can stream the music and create playlists, too. http://www.loc.gov/jukebox/
Cadet Charles A. Ransom, '01
We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of CPT Charles A. Ransom on April 27, 2011. Charles was one of eight American NATO International Security Assistance Force service members who died following a shooting incident at the Afghan Air Force compound in Kabul.
We got to know Charles as a library assistant during his 3rd, 2nd, and 1st Class years. He was as an outstanding young man as one could wish–polite, honorable, cheerful, and bright. Charles had such a pleasant manner that one always enjoyed his presence. He exemplified the finest of what we expect in a VMI cadet.
During his four years at VMI, Captain Ransom, a computer science major, served on the General Committee as vice president of the Class of 2001. He was also a cadet corporal, platoon sergeant, and Rat Challenge corporal.
Mr. Statzell with Friends Chairman, Maj. Eric Osborne and Col. Samdahl, Head Librarian.
The Friends of Preston Library awarded Cadet George W. Statzell, V with this year’s Camper Award. Board members of the Friends and library staff recognized Mr. Statzell for his leadership and service to Preston Library. George serves as Preston Library’s Head Cadet Assistant.
Mr. Statzell flanked by Col. Samdahl (L) and Maj. Osborne (R).
A brief ceremony was held in the library’s periodicals room. Professor Emeritus, Col. Tom Davis gave a brief history of the award’s namesake, Mrs. Frances Camper, who was a great teacher and role model for library cadet assistants. Mr. Statzell received a letter of recognition from Friend’s Chairman, Maj. Eric Osborne, along with a certificate, and a cash award. Mr. Statzell is a biology major. This summer he plans to study organic chemistry and then return to VMI for his first class year.
We wish George congratulations on his award and good luck on his finals.
Cadets, it’s the home stretch. Exams start Wednesday. This means two things:
1. The library will be open late (hours below) so you can get in some quality studying.
and…
2. The return of Preston Library’s Coffee Break!
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be available at 2000 every evening beginning Tuesday, 3 May through Tuesday, 10 May. Grab your books, mugs, and go to Preston Library for the best study break on Post.
Coffee has been generously donated by Aramark.
Spring 2011 Exam Hours:
Tuesday, May 3 – Friday, May 6 0800-0200
Saturday, May 7 0800-2300
Sunday, May 8 1300-0200
Monday, May 9 - Tuesday May 10 0800-0200
