Showing 2 of 2 Results

#LibraryNews

12/18/2023
profile-icon Mary Anderson

Snow covered spruce branchesWhile many people think of the winter solstice as a day, it technically is one moment in time. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is the point at which the sun is exactly over the Tropic of Capricorn, which this year happens on December 21 at 9:27 pm CST. The name solstice comes from the Latin words sol, meaning "sun,” and sistere, meaning "standstill,” because the sun appears to standstill when it reaches the Tropic of Capricorn.

The solstice marks the shortest day of the year. In fact, in Dubuque, the day of the summer solstice, the longest day, is 6.25 hours longer than the winter solstice. Some cultures consider the solstice the start of winter, while others the midpoint of the season. Meteorological winter, however, begins on the first of December and lasts until the end of February.

The Winter Solstice carries deep significance beyond the astronomical and seasonal. For ancient civilizations, it was a time of both reverence and anticipation. It symbolized the rebirth of the sun, the triumph of light over darkness, and the promise of renewed life and fertility. Cultures across the globe crafted rituals and celebrations to honor this pivotal moment.  For many, the solstice still holds significance. Celebrations often include festival gatherings, traditional foods and drinks, and fires and candlelight. Some also focus on introspection, reflecting on the past and looking forward to new possibilities. The themes of hope, renewal, and the return of the light seem to unify them all.

As we welcome the longest night and look forward to the gradual lengthening of days, we can remember that even in the darkest of times, there is always the promise of light and new beginnings. Afterall, December 22 will be one second longer than the day before!

No Subjects
12/04/2023
profile-icon Mary Anderson

Image of a group of people around the earth with caption International Human Rights DayDecember 10, 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s approval of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which lays out thirty fundamental human rights to be universally protected. It is available in more than 500 languages, making it one of the most translated documents in the world.

The structure of the Declaration is comprehensive, encompassing civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. It asserts the right to life, liberty, and security, ensuring equality before the law, freedom from discrimination, slavery, torture, and arbitrary detention. It also protects rights to education, work, just and favorable conditions of work, adequate standards of living, health, and participation in cultural life.

The Declaration has become a universal standard, serving as a blueprint for national constitutions, regional treaties, and international agreements. It has been a catalyst for change, inspiring movements championing civil rights, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, indigenous rights, and more. Its principles have provided a rallying point for activists, empowering them to challenge oppressive regimes and demand justice and equality.

Book cover of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the 21st century, a living document in a changing worldDespite its significance, challenges persist in upholding the principles laid out in the Declaration. Conflicts, discrimination, poverty, and authoritarianism continue to threaten the realization of these rights for millions worldwide. Issues such as digital rights, climate justice, and the impact of emerging technologies pose new challenges that require continual adaptation. “Even as the 30 articles of the Declaration have sparked transformation in all areas of our lives, the embers of racism, misogyny, inequality, and hatred continue to threaten our world,” said Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. “The language and spirit of the Declaration have the potential to overcome division and polarization. It can make peace with nature, our planet, and point the way to sustainable development for future generations.”

To learn more about human rights check out our book display on the main floor of the library as well as these e-books from our collection.

No Subjects