Grinnell College Libraries News
Student walking into Burling Library

Month: September 2026

Master Your Coursework and Projects with Library Resources

By

On September 14, 2026

In Resources

Book shelf with question markThe Grinnell College Libraries are here to help you utilize your resources for your research! Whether you are in the brainstorming stage, the investigative stage, or if you are on your way to producing a finished paper, we are happy to help. Below are several tips for how to engage with our resources effectively.

First stop: Visit the library’s homepage. There you can use the search box to search the catalog for books, journal articles, newspaper articles, CDs, DVDs, and anything else in the Grinnell College Libraries collections. Or check out the list of databases to find other ways to search. Use the Doing Research page for research strategies and tips.

Borrow books and more: Borrow materials on Interlibrary Loan (ILL) or use TRAC (Two Rivers Alma Collaborative) by using Primo, searching for an item, checking for availability through our library catalog, and requesting delivery to Burling Library. Books usually arrive in 2 to 3 days.

Beyond Google Scholar: Conduct research in Special Collections and Archives and explore our Digital Grinnell repository. Improve your search experience for scholarly journal articles and links to ebooks with LibKey Nomad.

We are here for YOU: Our mission is to help you with whatever it is you are working on! Go to our Subject and Course Guides and you can find the consulting librarians associated with a given subject. Or, for more in-depth research help, request a Library Lab which is an online or in-person one-on-one or small group research consultation with a librarian.

In short: Take advantage of the wide array of resources available to you at the Libraries and don’t hesitate to contact us or feel free to reach out to a librarian directly.

Maker Space Tools in Burling Digital Studio

By

On September 8, 2026

In Spaces

Sewing machineVisit Burling Library’s Digital Studio in Burling lower level and please use our maker space tools!

A sewing and embroidery machine with a variety of threads makes textile projects easier, along with additional tools and materials for knitting, crochet, and bead work.

Cameras, camcorders, microphones, and accessories are stored in the lockers near Special Collections and Archives, and are available for checkout. See Library Equipment > Recording Equipment for a full list.

3D printer

3D printer

A new and larger 3D printer with multi-color capabilities is operational, with attachments that supports vinyl cutting and laser engraving.

Materials for these new functions are limited and/or expensive, so reach out to Max Schafer to see if we are a good fit for your project, academic or otherwise! Standard 3D printing is also free for reasonable use for students, staff, and faculty anytime Burling is open.

 

When Books are Burned: A History of Burned, Banned, and Censored Books in Special Collections

By

On September 4, 2026

In Exhibitions

Featuring rare books from the holdings of Special Collections, our exhibition in Burling Gallery (lower level) When Books Are Burned chronicles the history of book burning and censorship from the 14th century to present. The destruction and censorship of books is not a new phenomenon and can be dated back to the 3rd century BCE in China. One of the most infamous attacks on intellectual freedom is the pro-Nazi book burnings that occurred in Germany in 1933. However, the desecration and censorship of books occur at many scales: from school boards challenging books to regime sponsored, systematic destruction of libraries. When Books Are Burned illuminates this extensive history, providing important context for contemporary attacks on intellectual freedom.

Curated by Special Collections student workers Gabriel Martinez ‘28 and Han Orr ‘28.

Contact Us

Please use the contact form to reach the staff of the Grinnell College Libraries Special Collections and Archives.

Need a Place to Study?

By

On September 1, 2026

In Spaces

Burling Library Commons

Burling Commons (First Floor East)

Burling and Kistle libraries have several places to study quietly, including individual study carrels and tables in both libraries. Burling also features armchairs, bike desks, bean bag chairs, laptop bars, sofas, and even jungle gyms. If you need to work with classmates or peer mentors, group study rooms are available in both Burling and Kistle.

Burling Digital Studio

Burling Digital Studio (lower level)

The Burling Digital Studio (lower level) features 7 MAC workstations with video editing capabilities, a scanner station attached to a photo scanner, as well as cameras, recorders, and additional technology for checkout at the circulation desk. Check out library technology. Use is first-come, first-served.

Four private group study rooms (second level, east side) are available for group study. Each glass enclosure accommodates four or five people around a table, has floor-to-ceiling whiteboards, and three of the four
rooms have flat-screen monitors equipped with Airtame screen-sharing software. Use is currently first-come, first-served.

Burling Lounge

Burling Lounge (first floor)

Burling Lounge (first level, west side inside north entrance) is a study space and event space. It is available for individual or group study when events are not scheduled. Use is first-come, first-served.

The Burling Commons (first floor east side) The Libraries have reconfigured the first floor Computer Commons with new booths, soft seating options and upgraded technology. Study use is first-come, first-served or if computers are not being used for a class.

The Burling Second Floor Classroom/study space includes 12 mobile tables seating 2 people each and several mobile whiteboards. Study use is first-come, first-served for evenings and weekends or if the classroom is not in use.

Kistle Science Library has four group study rooms, to be used on a first-come, first-served basis. One has a projector that can be connected to the existing computer or a personal laptop, for use in practicing PowerPoint or other presentations.

Want to secure your laptop, listen to music, and have a fast hard-wired internet connection while you’re studying? Headphones can be checked out from the circulation desk.

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