Learning Resources


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New Database Test Run – Gale Research Complete

The library is sampling a new database suite from Gale. We already have a number of Gale databases including Literature Criticism and Opposing Viewpoints. This package, called Gale Research Complete, covers a wide array of topics.

Please take some time to try searches in these databases and let us know what you think. Send your comments to the library email inbox.

There are many subject areas within this database collection. See the complete list on the Gale products page.


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National Library Week – Right to Read Day!

It’s National Library Week (April 7-13)

April 8th — Right to Read Day! 

Over 70 years ago, the American Library Association published:

The Freedom to Read Statement

  1. It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority.
  2. Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated.
  3. It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author.
  4. There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.
  5. It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous.
  6. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people’s freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large; and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information.
  7. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a “bad” book is a good one, the answer to a “bad” idea is a good one.

ALA. 2024, April 8. The Freedom to Read Statement. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomreadstatement Learn more!


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Blog inspired: Redwork quilt with local ties!

A previous blog post about a display of redwork, a form of embroidery popularized in the 19th century, led to an “Aha” moment for Library Assistant Kim Beidler. She immediately recognized that a family quilt handed down to her husband, Andy, exemplified this type of needlework. The story behind the quilt had personal interest – it was made by Andy’s grandfather as a teenager confined to bedrest in Quakertown, PA c. 1926 – but learning that it might have historical significance prompted Kim to start searching for a permanent home.

She first contacted the Keystone Quilters Guild in upper Bucks County, which coincidentally was hosting the Curator for the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center at an upcoming meeting to discuss the Center’s collection of 200+ quilts. Following an introduction, the Center expressed interest in acquiring the Beidler’s quilt, which Kim formally donated at the meeting. An added bonus is that it will be displayed as part of an upcoming exhibit on embroidered quilts, which will be held this summer at the Center, located in Pennsburg, PA.

While not a needleworker herself, Kim believes her experience highlights that quilting often serves as a form of community as well as craft. She, her husband, and their extended family are also thrilled that a special family heirloom has found a home that will protect it and continue to share its story.

-Beth McCaul, Cataloging Technician BCCC Library


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John Bradley Legacy Scholarship-Apply now!

Awarded to a student who has successfully completed one or more developmental courses (reading, writing, and/or mathematics), majoring in any program in one of the College’s academic departments. The student must be enrolled at least part-time (minimum of three (3) credits), and intend to return to BCCC in the following academic year after the award is made and enroll in a minimum of three (3) credits. There is no minimum grade point average required to apply.

Application Deadline: March 30th

For Application: https://www.bucks.edu/scholarships/legacy/ scroll to John Bradley Honorary Legacy Scholarship

Applications may be returned via email, mail, or dropped of at one of the libraries by March 30th.

Mail Address:

BucksCCC Library

275 Swamp Road

Newtown PA 18940


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New: Civics Education course! Community welcome to register, noncredit.

Bucks is offering a new noncredit, 8-week program, participants will gain firsthand knowledge about the U.S. Constitution, the court system, immigration, criminal and civil cases, and many more aspects of our government that every citizen should know.

Classes meet in Newtown on Wednesdays; March 27 – May 15 from 6 – 7:15 p.m.

$50 for the full 8-week program.

For more information and to register visit: https://www.bucks.edu/enrichment/history/civics-education/

Image credit: KelliMays, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image unchanged.


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Build the Life You Want – Book discussion!

Join us in the Newtown Campus Library on March 7th at 1:30pm for a discussion of the book Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier by Oprah Winfrey & Arthur C. Brooks! The discussion will be led by Tina Permar and Monica Kuna.

Copies are available for checkout at the 3rd floor library services desk in Newtown or upon request can be sent to other campus libraries for pickup.

Sponsored by Bucks Wellness & the Library


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Bayeux Tapestry, Art, Music, Literature & Architecture with Margaret Montet!

Join author and librarian Margaret Montet on February 29th, in the Zlock Performing Arts Center for a dynamic lecture on The Bayeux Tapestry. The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066 which brought England a brand-new Norman king. Join Margaret, recently returned from a Bayeux visit for a closer inspection of the “tapestry” and to learn more about the music, art, architecture, and literature of the time.

Two opportunities to attend: 12pm and 7pm

Tickets are free, registration requested: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36202/production/1184749

Edward the Confessor, enthroned, opening scene of the Bayeux Tapestry

image: Bayeux Tapestry Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

https://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/the-bayeux-tapestry/


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Grundy Library Puzzle Tournament Jan 6th

Looking for something fun to do over the winter session? Our friends at the Grundy Library in Bristol are hosting a Puzzle Solvers vs Solvers Tournament!

Solvers vs. Solvers: A Puzzle Tournament

Bristol, PA — Join us on Saturday, January 6 at 10:30 AM for a puzzle tournament at the Grundy Library, 680 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA 19007.

The clock is ticking! Compete against individuals and teams in assembling identical jigsaw puzzles. Each individual competitor (or team of up to four persons) will be given a puzzle to solve. Once given the signal, competitors can turn over their boxes and begin. Once a team or individual has solved their puzzle, the clock stops for them; others continue until their puzzle is complete.

Bragging rights and modest prizes will be awarded to the first three finishers. Due to space constraints, this event is limited to ten teams or individuals.

Please register online at http://www.grundylibrary.org or by calling 215.788.7891.

This program is offered by Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library in support of the PA Forward | Pennsylvania Libraries initiative. Libraries are key to powering progress and elevating the quality of life in PA by fueling the types of knowledge essential to success: Basic Literacy, Information Literacy, Civic and Social Literacy, Health Literacy, and Financial Literacy.