The Library Blog

Edinburgh Napier University Library blog. Filled with useful and fun blog articles on using the Library, the University, Edinburgh and many other fun topics.

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Cherry blossom festival

27/03/2023 / / 0 Comments

Cherry blossom festival

When walking or travelling around Edinburgh lately you may have noticed the glorious pink and white blossom on the cherry trees. Because of the colourful blossom, the trees are a favourite in parks and gardens alike. We enjoy the blossom during its short flowering period, but in Japan, the event is turned into a festival.

Cherry blossom festival in Japan

Every spring the islands of Japan are covered in swathes of delicate pink as the cherry trees blossom. Steeped in history and tradition, the cherry blossom season is a highlight of the Japanese calendar. The Japanese tradition of the cherry blossom festival (hanami) is a centuries-old celebration. Hanami means “viewing flowers” and the tradition is believed to date back more than 1,000 years to when aristocrats enjoyed looking at the blossoms and wrote poems inspired by them. The arrival of the blossoms also meant that rice planting could begin.

Cherry blossoms normally begin blooming in January in Okinawa and reach their peak in late March to April in the Honshu region. In Hokkaido, cherry blossoms are usually in full bloom in May, and usually appear in Tokyo and Kyoto sometime between March and April, depending upon the climate earlier in the year.

What happens during the festival?

The most popular type of cherry tree is the Sakura, and the blooms only last around two weeks. During this time the Japanese flock to parks where they hold picnics under the trees. The parks can become very busy, and it can become difficult to find the perfect spot. Although the blossom is the festival’s main attraction there are also traditional Japanese performances and street festivals. Artificial lights are used to ensure parties can last well into the night.

Arguably no country celebrates the cherry blossom with the excitement of Japan, but Hanami is also celebrated to a lesser extent in China, Korea, and Taiwan. Smaller celebrations can be enjoyed throughout the U.S. and Europe.

You can read about our previous Spring post

Or find some reading with our Lions Gate Garden Collection on LibrarySearch 

Photo source: AJ unsplash 

Tiles spelling out March

25th March

25/03/2023 / / 0 Comments

25th March

With the weekend fast approaching are you lost with what to do? Well here are some fun things being celebrated on the 25th of march that may just inspire you…..

 

Tolkien Reading Day:

 

Head over to your local library and acquaint yourself with some of the works of the well know English writer, poet and translator, J.R.R.Tolkien. Or attend an event if ones being run in your area. If all else fails, you could always watch the epic film version of the books The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit. Just remember to do it either before or after Earth Hour.

Earth Hour 25th March:

Earth hour is organised by the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) and encourages individuals, communities, and business to switch off non-essential electric lights for just an hour, between 8:30pm to 9:30pm, as a symbol of commitment to the planet, and is held on the last Saturday of March.

 

Or maybe you’ll be tempted to try out one of the following food related celebrations taking place on March 25th:

  • International Waffle Day:
  • Pecan Day:
  • National Cheesestake day:

Either way have a super weekend.

Just for fun

Let us know if you decided to part take in any of these events.

 

Or enjoy the blog some more with our virtual bookshelves 

or if you choose this day for studying, remember our webpages 

by Mo Almas

Clocks going forward 2023 blog post banner of analogue alarm clock

Clocks going forward 2023

24/03/2023 / / 0 Comments

Clocks going forward 2023

It’s now springtime. Days and nights are getting longer and it will soon be time to put the clocks forward as daylight saving time or British Summer Time (BST) begins. Don’t be late for work or that important meet-up with friends. Remember that the clocks go forward in the UK at 01:00 on Sunday, March 26 2023. If you would like to learn more about daylight saving time, click on the link below:

https://www.timeanddate.com/time/dst/

Make the most of the longer summer nights by getting out and about in the fresh air. Exercise is good for both physical and mental health. Read how extra daylight is good for our health by following the link below:

https://www.southwales.ac.uk/news/news-2022/daylight-savings-how-an-hour-of-extra-sunlight-can-benefit-your-mental-health/

By Vivienne Hamilton

Image by Photo by Abdul A on Unsplash

World poetry day blog post image of a notepad with the word poetry written on it

World Poetry Day

21/03/2023 / / 0 Comments

World Poetry Day

21st March 2023

World Poetry Day celebrates a style of literature as old as language itself, spanning all cultures and continents. With stylistic forms and sub genre’s developing and evolving from generation to generation. Poetry has been used to highlight and express issues of the time, evoke an emotional response and inspire calls to action. To demonstrate the potency of words nonsensical poems such as the Jabberwocky have also been used in a light-hearted manner to portray humour.

It was for these reasons UNESCO (United Nations Education, Science, Cultural Organisation) decided at its 30th General Conference in Paris in 1999 to dedicate a day to all forms of poetry. Its purpose is to support

“….linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increasing the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard….  occasion to honour poets, revive oral traditions of poetry recitals, promote the reading, writing and teaching of poetry, foster the convergence between poetry and other arts such as theatre, dance, music and painting, and raise the visibility of poetry in the media. As poetry continues to bring people together across continents, all are invited to join in”.

If you think poetry is not for you then think again, because lyrics in songs use the same/similar techniques and styles as those used in poetry. Adding catchy rhythms, tempos, & melodies to enhance the impact and emotional states of the listener.

So, will you be doing something for World Poetry Day?

  • Perhaps visit your library and browse their poetry collection and see what appeals to you, or visit Literature Online to see what poetry works are available to listen to or read.

Just for Fun:

  • Who is your favourite Poet and why?
  • Do you have a favourite poem?
  • Do you have a favourite style of poem writing?

I’ll go first:

  • No
  • Tom Tantol’s version of John Clare’s poem I am, left a lasting impression on me. I still very much enjoy listening to the piece and the depth of meaning that is hidden within its words and delivery.  Check it out on YouTube here.
  • No

References

World Poetry Day | UNESCO

History of poetry – Wikipedia

By Mo Almas

Interested in The Poetry of the WW1 War Poets? Here at Edinburgh Napier University, we have a stunning collection of their works. Check out the webpage here: War Poets Collection, or read some of the amazing posts on our blog:

National Poetry Day 6th October

The War Poets Collection: Siegfried Sassoon and Dr Brock

Image by Image by cromaconceptovisual from Pixabay

Library’s Easter Egg Hunt

21/03/2023 / / 0 Comments

Library’s Easter Egg Hunt

Each library campus is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt, test your study skills and win a chocolate egg. Hurry while stocks last!

Study Skills with a Twist

It’s Study Skills time here at our campus libraries and we will be promoting it for the next two weeks. Assignments and eventually exams are coming up. And the library is here to help. Each campus library will have one of our signature book displays. But of course, you will be able to find more study skills books in our main stock and well-being collections. Books that cover a wide range of topics such as coping with exam stress, writing essays, writing dissertations and writing literature reviews. And of course, referencing guides. We also have a wide range selection for international students.

Study skills are important but we thought we might change things up this year, we thought how about we make it for fun. How about Easter Egg Hunt? That’s right we are giving you the opportunity to put your study skills to the test for your chance to win some chocolate goodies.

Easter Egg Hunt

You will find instructions and questions at the library catalogue machines at each campus library. (Additionally, you can ask for more information at the Library Help Desks)

Find the correct books on the question sheet, each book will have a token inside which you will need to bring to the Library Help Desk to claim your chocolate egg. You need to find all three tokens to claim your prize. Hurry while stocks last. And we wish you luck on your Easter Egg Hunt.

*one egg per person

You can practice using Library Search, don‘t forget to sign in https://napier.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=44NAP_INST:44NAP_ALMA_VU1

And you can find more study skills guides over at Academic skills

Additionally, you can look at our guide to beat exam stress https://blogs.napier.ac.uk/library/2022/12/09/preparing-for-exams/

Photo source:  Eric Heininger Unsplash 

World Contact Day 👽 blog post image of alien spaceship

World Contact Day 👽

15/03/2023 / / 1 Comment

World Contact Day 👽

March 15th

Do you believe in E.T.?

World Contact Day brings together E.T. enthusiasts from all over the world with one mission in mind. To contact life forms beyond our planet and to celebrate the possibility of such entities existing.

Believe it or not, according to a survey conducted in 24 different countries, nearly half of the people believed an intelligent alien civilisation exists. With more than 60% believing there is some form of life on other planets.

This is not surprising with reports of UFO sightings, alien abductions, and retired government officials claiming to have had contact with E.T.’s and their technology. There’s Declassified government documents exposing the possibility of crashed UFO craft. As well as speculation of governments working with and using alien technology to enhance human life. The unexplained existence of Crop circles, unusual signals from space, fossils & meteorites show the possibility of life beyond earth and even ancient structures and civilisations claiming to have had first contact. Baring all this in mind it can be seen why the survey results were as high as they were. So how did World Contact Day first come into existence? Continue reading

red nose day logo

Comic Relief (Red Nose Day)

15/03/2023 / / 0 Comments

Comic Relief (Red Nose Day)

Comic Relief (Red Nose Day) is back on Friday the 17th , and you can find more information on how to get involved below:  

https://www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday  

 

Comic Relief was originally founded in 1985 by Screen Writer Richard Curtis and British Charity Worker Jane Tewson. It is an annual campaign to end child poverty throughout the world, aiming to keep children safe, healthy, and educated. Comedian Lenny Henry introduced the first night in 1988 and from then on it has revolutionised fundraising in other shows like the Comic Relief British Bake-off. 

 

Red Nose Day 1988 (Griff Rhys Jones, Lenny Henry and Jonathan Ross)

Red Nose Day 1988 (Griff Rhys Jones, Lenny Henry and Jonathan Ross)

Even celebrities such as Mr. Blobby and Joanna Lumley have come together to support the charity! Every year many more celebrities get involved to raise awareness and money. 

But why do people wear red noses for Comic Relief?  

The Red nose is the symbol of comic relief, worn to raise awareness of the campaign. The first design was introduced in 1988 and each year the designs are updated. The noses are now 100% plastic-free, made from bagasse which is a dry fibre after sugar canes are crushed for their juice. Each year there are different designs and this year you can find key rings, badges and even water bottles with exotic animals like flamingos and sloths! 

Last year, over 55 million pounds was raised for Comic Relief in the UK. So, to help raise money this year you can fundraise online, host a quiz or game, donate to dress up (perhaps fancy dress), bake some delicious cakes, or buy a red nose from your local Sainsbury’s! 

By Jemma Lidgard

 

Image of mathematical symbols for post on Pi Anyone? International Pi Day

Pi Anyone? International Pi Day

14/03/2023 / / 0 Comments

Pi Anyone? International Pi Day

The 14th of March is International Day of Mathematics and International Pi Day.

What is International Mathematics Day?

On the 26th of November 2019 UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) decided March the 14th should be declared the International Day of Mathematics.

The main purpose of the day was to celebrate and highlight the importance of Mathematics. Making people aware mathematics is everywhere and used in everyday life, as well as in specialist industries.

Prior to the birth of International Mathematics Day, the 14th of March was International Pi Day. Continue reading

Neurodiversity Celebration Week banner

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

13/03/2023 / / 0 Comments

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is on the 13th – 19th of March this year and is a wonderful chance to embrace and learn about neurodiversity.

The term Neurodiversity encompasses a wide variety of neurological differences. The brain can be wired in a multitude of ways. This leads to many variable and complex possibilities for processing and understanding information. Although the use of labels is not always important, many in the community use the term “neurodiverse” to refer to people who may identify as having Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD.

Although often the focus is on the challenges associated with being Neurodiverse, there are also many strengths. Therefore, Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a chance for us to focus on the fantastic talents and special gifts that Neurodiversity can also give individuals.

Did you know people with ADHD are often highly creative and great at thinking outside the box? Autistic individuals can be incredible at spotting patterns and details often missed. Oh and we can be funny. Check out comedian Hannah Gatsby and her incredible standup. Not to mention fantastic actors, The renowned Anthony Hopkins is Autistic. Oh and don’t forget the incredible Chris Packham who not only has a brilliant career working with animals but does amazing work helping others in the community. This week join us outside of the box and learn about how great being neurodiverse can be!

Continue reading

Women's History Month 2023. 14-yr. old striker, Fola La Follette, and Rose Livingston. Glass negative from the George Grantham Bain Collection, 1913.

Women’s History Month 2023

11/03/2023 / / 0 Comments

Women’s History Month 2023

It’s Women’s History Month 2023. It is celebrated throughout March to highlight the often overlooked contributions that women have made in history and modern times. It is celebrated in March to coincide with International’s Women Day which is celebrated on the 8th of March. According to legend, it coincides when a group of women from different factories in New York City went on strike to demand better working conditions and the right to vote (Britannica.com). Another story is that honours women striking in Petrograd which coincide with the beginning of the Russian Revolution (ibid).

Themes

There are different themes each year to the celebration. In the United States, the theme this year is to celebrate women who in storytelling. A theme to highlight the ‘achievements of these powerful women who have used their voice and creativity to inspire, educate, and entertain people across generations all over the world’(International Business Times).

While here in the United Kingdom, the theme is Embrace Equity. Equity being the quality of fairness and impartial and is a must have in today’s world. According to International Women’s Day.com, the reason for the theme is to spark a discussion of ‘why equal opportunities aren’t enough.  People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action (InternationalWomen’sDay.com) In the their words ‘We can all truly embrace equity. It’s not just something we say, It’s not just something we write about, It’s something we need to think about, know, value and embrace. It’s what we believe in, unconditionally. Equity means creating an inclusive world’.

Additional Reading

We hope you have had a chance to celebrate Women’s History this month. Each of our libraries have a display for more information and books for further reading. As well as finding more on our library catalogue

You can read about our previous posts here

Photo Source: Library of Congress

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