The Library and Bookstore were happy to welcome Sheikh Kifah Mustapha from the Mosque Foundation to present The Basics of Islam on September 26th as part of our One Book, One College events on The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Sheikh Mustapha’s lecture is online on the library’s podcast page. Here are a few images from the event:

Sheikh Mustapha discussed the history and practice of the Muslim faith.

Around 70 students, staff, faculty, and community members attended this event.

Thanks to Sheikh Mustapha for giving of his time and knowledge to make this event a success.

The Call of the Pumpkin?

The Moraine Valley Library is pleased to announce the Sixth Annual Library Pumpkin Contest. Moraine Valley faculty, staff, students, groups, and student organizations are invited to donate decorated pumpkins (no carving, please.) Previous entries include: The Taming of the Pumpkin, Citizen Squash, Lord of the Gourds, Sgt. Pumpkin’s Lonely Squash Club Band, I’m Ok - You’re a Pumpkin, Da Vinci’s Melon Lisa?Think outside the pumpkin!

Pumpkins can be dropped off in the library beginning Wednesday, October 24. There is no entry fee. Please remember that you are donating the pumpkin and its decorative accessories. Voting for the best pumpkin begins Thursday, October 25, and continues through Monday, October 29. The winning pumpkin and runners-up will be announced on Tuesday, October 30 at high noon.

Votes sell for 25? each or five for a dollar. The library will sell the donated pumpkins for a minimum $5 donation on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Wednesday, October 24. Pumpkins stay in the library until October 30. All proceeds go to the Moraine Valley Library Scholarship fund.

For more information, contact Joe Mullarkey, x5293, Kate Wolicki x5234, or Andrea Lorz x5234 or stop by the Library.

As part of our One Book, One College program on the Autobiography of Malcolm X, we welcomed Dr. Abdul Alkalimat from the University of Illinois who delivered a great lecture on the life, times, historical context, and teachings of Malcolm X. Dr. Alkalimat’s lecture we a great kickoff to all of our One Book Events. If you missed it, you can listen to this event on our Library Events Podcast page.

Dr. Alkalimat’s presentation was a call to action for all of us to follow Malcolm X’s example.

Dr. Alkalimat is the editor and creator of the Brothermalcolm.net Web site.

Nearly 125 students, staff, and faculty attended this event.

Here, Dr. Alkalimat (right) joins David Johnson of South Suburban College and Willa Johnson of Moraine Valley. Mr. Johnson and Ms. Johnson were instrumental in planning this event and the other One Book events.

The library staff had a great time meeting students and spreading the word about our services at the 2007 Student Fest. Here are some photos from the library table.

We handed out pens, bookmarks, and other items at our table.

We also held a drawing for free print cards in the library.

Here is a mystery library staff member who did not want her photo taken.