Events

Know the Issues—Ballot Issues.

Posted on October 10, 2024 Written by Angela Black

Before you step into the voting booth on Nov. 5^th, you may want to know more about some of the other questions on your ballot beyond the U.S. President. Get informed on Tuesday, October 15^th as we host Pamela Luker, Pope County Cooperative Extension Agent, who will talk about the proposed amendments to the Arkansas constitution. The talk will be held at 6:00 PM in Ross Pendergraft Library & Technology Center in room 300B. The event is free and all are welcome.

This election year, you will be asked to cast your vote on three issues related to the state of Arkansas:

Allowing state lottery proceeds to fund scholarships at private and public vocational-technical schools and technical institutions
Repealing the Pope County casino license and requiring local elections for future casino licenses;
Expanding the Arkansas medical marijuana program.

Pamela Luker will discuss these important ballot issues from a nonpartisan perspective, giving you the background on each issue, explaining how ballot issues are created, and summarizing the arguments both for and against each ballot.

For more information about Arkansas ballot issues, see the research-based, unbiased and informative Arkansas Ballot Issue Voter Guide, prepared by the Arkansas Public Policy Center at the University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture.

For news of future events and speakers, follow the Ross Pendergraft Library on Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out our Calendar of Events for the jam-packed month of October. Mark your calendars for more events:

October 16^th – English & World Languages Department visiting author: S.A. Cosby. 6:00 PM RPL 300A
October 24^th – Ross Pendergraft Library & Technology Center’s local author series: Agalia Baker. 6:00 PM in RPL 300B
October 29^th – Spooky Trivia Night. 7:00 PM in RPL 300A
October 30^th – 25^th Anniversary Celebration of the Ross Pendergraft Library & Technology Center. 3:00 PM in RPL 300A

Filed Under: Library Tagged: Events, Presentations, Voter Education

Somebody’s Knocking at RPL Tonight

Posted on September 17, 2024 Written by Angela Black

Join us at the Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center for author and former KATV reporter, Jason Pederson, at 6:00 PM in RPL 300B. This event is free and open to the public.

Pederson is the author of Somebody’s Knocking: Lessons Learned from a Quarter Century of TV Reporting. The book recounts his work as KATV’s “7 on Your Side” reporter from 1999-2019. It was a role that allowed Pederson to investigate alleged bad actors and advocate for Arkansans who felt they had been wronged.

After a 26-year career in television, Pederson left KATV in 2019 to work for the Arkansas Department of Human Services. He is the agency’s deputy chief of community engagement and works to ensure that Arkansans are aware of services that exist for their benefit.

A native of Wisconsin, Pederson won an Emmy award, two Edward R. Murrow awards, several Arkansas Associated Press awards and was named the 2002 Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association Citizen of the Year.

One lucky attendee will win a FREE autographed copy of his book, Somebody’s Knocking.

If you have any questions about the event or would like to know more information about the RPL Author Series. contact Luke Heffley, Special Projects Coordinator for the Ross Pendergraft Library, at (479) 964-0546.

Follow the Ross Pendergraft Library on Instagram or Facebook for news of future events and speakers.

Filed Under: Library Tagged: Author Series, Events, Presentations

Start Spooky Season with Kevin Brockmeier

Posted on September 29, 2023 Written by Angela Black

Join us on Monday, October 9, in RPL 300B as we welcome award-winning author from Arkansas, Kevin Brockmeier for the October edition of our Second Monday Author Series. The event starts at 6:00 P.M., and admission is free and open to the public.

A resident of Little Rock, Brockmeier will discuss his latest book, The Ghost Variations: One Hundred Stories, and share his general insights as an author.

Brockmeier is also author of the memoir, A Few Seconds of Radiant Filmstrip; the novels, The Illumination, The Brief History of the Dead, and The Truth About Celia; the story collections Things That Fall from the Sky and The View from the Seventh Layer; and the children’s novels City of Names and Grooves: A Kind of Mystery.

Brockmeier’s work has been translated into 18 languages and has been published in The New Yorker, The Georgia Review, McSweeney’s, Zoetrope, Tin House, The Oxford American, The Best American Short Stories, The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror and New Stories from the South. In 2007, he was named one of Granta‘s Best Young American Novelists. He has received the Borders Original Voices Award, three O. Henry Awards (including one first prize), the PEN USA Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship and a National Endowment for the Arts Grant. He teaches frequently at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop.

You can find more about Kevin Brockmeier, including his books, events, and news, from his website: https://kevinbrockmeier.com

For more information about the ATU Second Monday Author Series, contact Luke Heffley at (479) 964-0546. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or X to hear about the next Second Monday Author event.

Filed Under: Library Tagged: Events, Second Monday Series

Fighting Back on 9/11

Posted on September 2, 2023 Written by Angela Black

Join us at the Ross Pendergraft Library on Monday, September 11th, at 6:00 PM in Room 300 as we welcome author Deena Burnett Bailey to talk about her book, Fighting Back: Living Life Beyond Ourselves“as part of our Second Monday Author Series. The event is free and open to the public.

Photograph of Deena Burnett Bailey, author Fighting Back relates her struggle to overcome grief and personal tragedy after the death of her husband, Flight 93 hero, Tom Burnett, who perished in the 9/11 attacks.

A native of Arkansas, Burnett Bailey was raised on a cotton farm in the Desha County community of Halley. She grew up to become a flight attendant living in Georgia, which led her to meet Tom Burnett. They were married in 1992 and became parents of daughters Halley, Madison and Anna Clare.

On Sept. 11, 2001, Tom was a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93 from Newark to San Francisco. It was hijacked and later crashed in Shanksville, Pa.

Burnett Bailey wrote Fighting Back following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and it was published by Advantage Inspirational in 2006. According to information provided by the publisher, the book “demonstrates how each of us can move forward through the hardships of life and have a positive impact on others through the belief that at some point in our lives, we are all called on to be heroes.”

Copies of the book will be available for purchase during Burnett Bailey’s appearance at ATU on Monday, Sept. 11.

You can pick up a copy of Fighting Back at the Ross Pendergraft Library on the first floor, near our display featuring books and materials remembering the 22nd anniversary of September 11, 2001. You can also buy a copy for yourself through your local bookstore, Dogear Books, or wherever you get fine books.

Filed Under: Library Tagged: Events, Second Monday Author

6th International Film Festival Begins March 3rd

Posted on March 3, 2021 Written by Angela Black

If you have longed for the experience of sitting in a movie theater and watching a great film on the big screen again, then look no further than the International Film Festival, set to kick-off March 3^rd.

The Ross Pendergraft Library and the Department of World Languages have teamed up to bring the campus and community a sample of the finest films from around the world.

Each film will be shown in Doc Bryan Auditorium at 7:00 P.M. While the university remains in Phase 1, attendance will be limited to 30 people on a first come, first serve basis. Each film is registered as a Global Focus On Track event. Admission is free and open to the public.

Take a trip and never leave the university with these eight films from Germany, Argentina, Japan, Cuba, and France:

Wednesday, March 3^rd – El Secreto de Sus Ojos (The Secret in Their Eyes)

This crime drama from Argentina tells the story of a retired legal counselor writing a novel and hoping to find closure for one of his past unresolved homicide cases and for his unreciprocated love with his superior – both of which still haunt him decades later. This film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009.

Thursday, March 4^th – Sanjuro

A crafty samurai helps a young man and his fellow clansmen save his uncle, who has been framed and imprisoned by a corrupt superintendent. This 1962 action-packed comedy was directed by Akira Kurosawa, and it is the sequel to Yojimbo. It is in Japanese with English subtitles.

Tuesday, March 9^th – M

When the police in a German city are unable to catch a child-murderer, other criminals join in the manhunt. This German language thriller from 1931 was directed by Fritz Lang and stars Peter Lorre as the serial killer. It is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time.

Wednesday, March 10^th – Ernest et Célestine

This animated French language comedy from 2012 features the story of an unlikely friendship between a bear, Ernest, and a young mouse named Célestine. The film has won numerous international film awards, including the Magritte Award for Best Film. It was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Thursday, March 11^th – Una Noche (One Night or Until Two Friends)

In Havana, Raul dreams of escaping to Miami. Accused of assault, he appeals to Elio to help him reach the forbidden world 90 miles across the ocean. One night, full of hope, they face the biggest challenge of their lives. This 2012 Cuban-set Spanish language thriller has won numerous international film awards, including best actor, cinematography, and new director honors in the Tribeca Film Festival.

Tuesday, March 16^th – Miss Hokusai

This 2015 animated film portrays the life and works of Japanese artist and ukiyo-e painter Katsushika Hokusai, as seen from the eyes of his daughter, Katsushika O-Ei. Hokusai is the artist responsible for one of the most recognizable works in Japanese art—the woodblock print of The Great Wave off Kanagawa, also known as The Wave. This Japanese language film includes English subtitles, and it is based on a Manga series of the same name.

Wednesday, March 17^th – Barbara

A doctor working in 1980s East Germany finds herself banished to a small country hospital in this 2012 German language drama.

Thursday, March 18^th – Jeux d’enfants (Love Me If You Dare)

This 2003 French language romantic comedy features best friends Julien and Sophie who continue the odd game they started as children — a fearless competition to outdo one another with daring and outrageous stunts. While they often act out to relieve one another’s pain, their game might be a way to avoid the fact that they are truly meant for one another.

For more information about the film festival or the films, contact the event coordinator Philippe Van Houtte at pvanhoutte@atu.edu. This event would also not be possible without the World Languages faculty who selected these films and the other organizers of the festival: Dr. Nelson Ramìrez, Associate Professor of Spanish and Coordinator of World Languages and Dr. Lowell Lybarger, multimedia librarian and instructor of music.

We hope to see you at the movies!

Filed Under: Library Tagged: Events, Foreign Languages, International Film Festival, Movies

Get Vote-Ready Tuesday, Sept. 24th at Hindsman Tower

Posted on September 23, 2019 Written by Angela Black

Join us at Hindsman Tower Tuesday, September 24^th from 9:00 until 3:00 for National Voter Registration Day. If you have never registered to vote or need to change or update your voter registration, this is your opportunity to change the world—one vote at a time.

Want to get more involved? We’re seeking volunteers to help out at the voter registration tables. Contact Sherry Tinerella at stinerella@atu.edu or send us a text at (479) 802-4876. All are welcome!

National Voter Registration Day is celebrated the fourth Tuesday of every September. The holiday has been endorsed by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS). It is further supported by the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED), the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), and the National Association of Election Officials (The Election Center). In 2018 over 800,000 voters used National Voter Registration Day to register to vote across all 50 states.

Not sure if you are registered already? Check your registration at Voter View which can tell you if you are registered, were your polling place might be, and how to find absentee ballot information. More information about voting in Arkansas is available at the Elections page from the Arkansas Secretary of State: https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections

If you miss voter registration day, no problem. The Ross Pendergraft Library keeps voter registration forms at the Circulation desk for you to fill out and mail in or deliver to your county clerk. For more information on voter registration, voting instructions, or great books on American civics, ask us at: askus@atu.libanswers.com. Remember, sometimes the path to changing the world often begins by filling out a form.

Filed Under: Library Tagged: Events, Volunteer, Voter Registration

Check out a book at the Human Library

Posted on November 13, 2018 Written by Angela Black

This Thursday, Nov. 15th, check out more than a book from the library—check out a human book. From 6:30 until 9:00, the Library will host its 3rd annual Human Library in RPL 300B. This event is free and open to the public—all are welcome.

The Human Library project is a national program promoting dialogue and understanding between people. Each ‘book’ his a person sharing their experiences with prejudice, discrimination, or hardships beyond their control in an environment that allows for candid conversations within a smaller group. The purpose is to promote understanding within a diverse community.

“Readers,” the people coming to the event, will browse the shelves and choose a book to sit down with. The book will tell their story allowing for the reader to ask questions.

This year the library will feature 10 books for readers to choose from. Titles include:

Naturalization: Becoming a Citizen of the United States.
Librarian in Blue: Chicago police officer becomes a librarian
My Past is Part of Me But Not All of Me: A non-traditional student overcomes abusive childhood in a strict religious home.
30 and Still Nerdy: He speaks fluent nerd and owns a 13 volume encyclopedia of Middle Earth—capable of adulting yet hasn’t grown out of these nerdy things.
International Student: A student from the Middle East shares his experiences studying in Arkansas.
Sick Chase: A story of the survival of a religious crisis.
Not Your Average “Duke”: The story of a small-town moonshiner’s grandson and how he broke free from the social norm surrounding him.
Graditutde & Gears: A first generation Latina engineering major shares her experiences cultivating a postive network in college.
Invisible: A seemingly happy-go-lucky college student struggles with anxiety and depression complicated by the feelings of shame associated with the stigma of mental illness.
Unexpected: A first generation college student and her unexpected journey into parenthood.

For more information on the Human Library, including a list of past speakers, other Human Libraries, and videos, visit our website about the project: http://libguides.atu.edu/humanlibrary/home. If you are interested in becoming a book yourself for next year, consider signing up. No dust jacket required.

Stay in touch with all our books and programs by following us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. We hope you will come Thursday night and check out some books!

Filed Under: Library Tagged: Events, Human Library, Presentations

Solar Eclipse Party

Posted on August 12, 2017 Written by Angela Black

The Ross Pendergraft Library has teamed up with the Department of Physical Sciences to host a solar eclipse watch party on August 21st, 2017, from 12:30-1:30. Join us at the observatory patio adjacent to McEver for cold drinks, snacks, and free solar eclipse glasses. The Department of Physical Sciences is also providing two telescopes with special solar filters for students, faculty, and staff to view the eclipse close-up. All are welcome!

The last total eclipse across the contiguous U.S. has not occurred since 1979, and the whole country is celebrating with viewing parties, parades, and other special events. While Russellville will not be in an area of totality, where the moon completely blocks the sun, we will experience at least 89% of obscuration, reducing the light of the sun to a sliver. The peak is expected to occur at 1:15 P.M.

Because we will not experience totality here at Tech, there is no safe time to look directly at the sun without special-purpose solar glasses. Looking directly at the sun even if partially obscured can damage your retinas. Do not look at the sun through a camera, telescope, binoculars or other optical device while using the solar eclipse glasses—the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eyes, causing serious injury.

If you miss the eclipse, the Ross Pendergraft Library will show the live-stream from AETN of the eclipse as it passes through South Carolina beginning at 1:30. While there, be sure to pick up a few books to learn more about past, present, and future solar eclipses.

Totality : The Great American Eclipses of 2017 and 2024

Sun Moon Earth: The History of Solar Eclipses from Omens of Doom to Einstein and Exoplanets

Mask of the Sun: The Science, History and Forgotten Lore of Eclipses

American Eclipse: A Nation’s Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World

Solar science : Exploring Sunspots, Seasons, Eclipses, and More

For more information on this event or questions, email the public services librarian, Sherry Tinerella or call (479) 964-0571. We hope to see you Monday, August 21st, from 12:30-1:30 for the great American solar eclipse. Your next chance to see a solar eclipse over the United States won’t be until 2024, so don’t miss this celestial event!

Filed Under: Library Tagged: Events, NEWS, Solar Eclipse

International Film Fest

Posted on February 25, 2017 Written by Angela Black

From February 28th through March 16th, the Ross Pendergraft Library will be hosting the second annual International Film Festival. For the next three weeks, join us every Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday, at 7:00 P.M. in RPL 300N to watch a critically acclaimed film from around the world. Each film counts as an On Track event in the Global Focus area, and was sponsored by the English & World Languages Department and the Ross Pendergraft Library. Who says world travel has to be expensive? Take a trip and never leave campus with these exotic foreign language films:

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Luther (2003, English)

During the early 16th Century idealistic German monk Martin Luther, disgusted by the materialism in the church, begins the dialogue that will lead to the Protestant Reformation. Filmed in Germany and the U.S., this film is entirely in English—no subtitles necessary.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

El Orfanato / The Orphanage (2007, Spanish)

A woman brings her family back to her childhood home, which used to be an orphanage for handicapped children. Before long, her son starts to communicate with an invisible new friend. This thriller was filmed in Spain and includes English subtitles.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Les Intouchables / The Intouchables (2012, French)

In this comedic drama, a quadriplegic aristocrat hires a young man from the projects to be his caregiver, and ends up getting much more. Nominated for a Golden Globe and BAFTA award in 2013, this critically acclaimed French film explores issues of class differences, disability, notions of family, and cultural divides. The opening also includes arguably the best car chase scene ever filmed with a Maserati. French with English subtitles

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Children of Heaven (1997, Persian)

After a boy loses his sister’s pair of shoes, he goes on a series of adventures in order to find them. When he can’t, he tries a new way to “win” a new pair. Director Majid Majidi focuses on the details of everyday life to touch on universal themes of family, empathy, friendship, sibling loyalty, and childhood joy. This film was originally filmed in Iran, and was the first Iranian film nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. In Persian with English subtitles.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Dreams (1990, Japanese)

A collection of eight short tales based upon the actual dreams of legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. Elements of the film include surrealistic images and stories about nuclear disasters, World War II, childhood memories, and demon-filled nightmares. Watch for a younger Martin Scorsese portraying Vincent Van Gogh with George Lucas providing some of the visual effects. In Japanese with English subtitles.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

English Vinglish (2012, English & Hindi)

Get your dose of Bollywood in this comedy about a quiet, sweet tempered housewife who endures small slights from her well-educated husband and daughter every day because of her inability to speak and understand English. Featuring popular Indian actress Sridevi, this film marks her successful comeback to the world of Bollywood film. In English and Hindi, with English subtitles.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

La Misma Luna / Under the Same Moon (2007, Spanish)

A young Mexican boy travels to the U.S. to find his mother after his grandmother passes away, while his mother makes the same desperate attempt to reunite. This heart-warming adventure story shows how love can break through any border and any wall. Nominated for an Image Award in 2009. In Spanish with English subtitles.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Babel (2006, 8 languages)

Tragedy strikes a married couple on vacation in the Moroccan desert, touching off an interlocking story involving four different families. Starring Cate Blanchett, Brad Pitt, Gael García Bernal & Elle Fanning, this drama features voices speaking in languages from all over the world–English, Japanese, Spanish, French, Russian, Berber, Arabic, and even Japanese sign language. It won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture, and received seven Academy Award nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, and two for Best Supporting Actress. It also won the Academy Award for Best Original Score.

Remember, every film starts at 7:00 P.M. at the Ross Pendergraft Library, room 300 North. While you cannot bring food, drinks are welcome with a lid.

Have more questions about the films? Contactez vos bibliothécaires or comuníquese con sus bibliotecarios or contact your librarians at askalibrarian@atu.edu. If you like these films and want to see more, be sure to browse our vast DVD collection, featuring many French, Spanish, and other foreign language films using our DVD genre guide: http://www.atu.edu/musiclab/DVDgenres.php

In the meantime, we’ll see you at the movies!

Filed Under: Library Tagged: Events, Foreign Languages, Movies

Party at the Library

Posted on April 13, 2015 Written by Angela Black

The Library is throwing a party, and you’re invited. Come visit us on Tuesday, April 14, at 11:00 to celebrate National Library Week and the Library’s 90th year as a federal depository for government documents.

PS: there will be free cake.

National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association to celebrate the contributions of libraries and to promote library use and support. Libraries around the country are hosting their own celebrations, raising awareness about their importance and calling attention to their sometimes endangered status.

At Ross Pendergraft Library, we’re using this as an opportunity celebrate our own milestone: 90 years as a federal depository library. The Federal Depository Library Program was established by Congress nearly 200 years ago to ensure the American public has free and unrestricted access to information published by the government. The Government Printing Office distributes this information, in both paper and electronic formats, to selected libraries around the country.

Since 1925, the ATU Library has participated in this program, and today, we currently hold over 119,000 federal documents. To find government publications including the Budget of the United States Government, the Code of Federal Regulations, the Statistical Abstract of the United States, and much more, search our online catalog.

Most of our documents are located online, but we also have many publications in print located in the US documents section on the second floor of the Library. For additional help locating these important resources, contact our esteemed government documents librarian, Frances Hager.

For all other inquiries about National Library Week, the Federal Depository Program, or the flavor of the cake, send us an email at askalibrarian@atu.edu. You can also be the first to know the next time we throw down by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter. See you at the party!

Filed Under: Library Tagged: Events, National Library Week, NEWS

Allowing state lottery proceeds to fund scholarships at private and public vocational-technical schools and technical institutions

Repealing the Pope County casino license and requiring local elections for future casino licenses;

Expanding the Arkansas medical marijuana program.

October 16th – English & World Languages Department visiting author: S.A. Cosby. 6:00 PM RPL 300A

October 24th – Ross Pendergraft Library & Technology Center’s local author series: Agalia Baker. 6:00 PM in RPL 300B

October 29th – Spooky Trivia Night. 7:00 PM in RPL 300A

October 30th – 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Ross Pendergraft Library & Technology Center. 3:00 PM in RPL 300A

Wednesday, March 3rd – El Secreto de Sus Ojos (The Secret in Their Eyes)

Thursday, March 4th – Sanjuro

Tuesday, March 9th – M

Wednesday, March 10th – Ernest et Célestine

Thursday, March 11th – Una Noche (One Night or Until Two Friends)

Tuesday, March 16th – Miss Hokusai

Wednesday, March 17th – Barbara

Thursday, March 18th – Jeux d’enfants (Love Me If You Dare)

Naturalization: Becoming a Citizen of the United States.

Librarian in Blue: Chicago police officer becomes a librarian

My Past is Part of Me But Not All of Me: A non-traditional student overcomes abusive childhood in a strict religious home.

30 and Still Nerdy: He speaks fluent nerd and owns a 13 volume encyclopedia of Middle Earth—capable of adulting yet hasn’t grown out of these nerdy things.

International Student: A student from the Middle East shares his experiences studying in Arkansas.

Sick Chase: A story of the survival of a religious crisis.

Not Your Average “Duke”: The story of a small-town moonshiner’s grandson and how he broke free from the social norm surrounding him.

Graditutde & Gears: A first generation Latina engineering major shares her experiences cultivating a postive network in college.

Invisible: A seemingly happy-go-lucky college student struggles with anxiety and depression complicated by the feelings of shame associated with the stigma of mental illness.

Unexpected: A first generation college student and her unexpected journey into parenthood.