December 4, 2025
December Update
The end of fall quarter is here, and 2026 is just around the corner! A sincere THANK YOU to all who consider supporting UW Libraries in your annual philanthropy; your gift supports every student and a global community of teaching, learning and research! Speaking of giving… check out our story below on UW Tacoma Library’s Food for Finals wish list and consider the perfect UW gift with UW Press’ 40% off Holiday Sale! Whether you are going home, taking a trip or staying on campus, enjoy your break and take advantage of free access to streaming media, games and more (see “Boredom Busters” below!). Just in time for the new year, we are excited to announce a new web site as well, so if you aren’t already, be sure to follow @uofwalibraries to stay informed about this and other upcoming events, new resources, exhibits and more.
Hours During Interim/Quarter Break
- Know before you go– be aware of adjustments to hours for end-of-quarter and interim break for all libraries.
- Built Environments, Drama, Music and Tateuchi Libraries will be closed from December 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026 as the buildings they occupy will be closed.
News and Stories
A New Quarter, A New Web Site! During the week of December 15, 2025 (interim break), UW Libraries will be launching a new website– a comprehensive redesign of the website. The change will be significant in terms of navigation, reflecting input from extensive user testing and feedback to address common questions of usability and discoverability. Learn more about the new website launch.
UW Libraries Joins the BTAA-Geospatial Information Network Learn more about this incredible network of resources designed to support the geospatial research community by increasing discoverability and access to geospatial resources. Read the story.
Support UW Food Insecurity Programs – sadly, hunger is a barrier to academic success for many students who struggle with food insecurity. You can help by donating to these campus food programs:
- Seattle: UW Food Pantry/wishlist
- Tacoma: Food for Finals (FFF) Program – wishlist
- Bothell: Husky Pantry /donate
UW Press Holiday Sale!
UW Press publishes unique and compelling work (both fiction and non-fiction) with regional, national and global impact. With a wide range of topics, you’ll find something for everyone on your list. Take advantage of this special holiday savings today and give a gift that is uniquely “UW” for the holidays, that next birthday, or “just because” Now through January 2, 2025, browse our site and use the promo code WINTER25 at checkout to receive 40% off your purchase and free domestic shipping. Happy holidays, and thank you for supporting the University of Washington Press! Order/ Learn More.
Break Time Boredom “Busters”
Have some “down time” during the academic break, and not sure what to do? Explore these FREE entertaining Libraries resources!
Streaming Media: From foreign films, documentaries, musical and dance performances, public broadcasting archives and more, there are thousands of online videos to explore that you won’t find on your typical streaming services!
The Game Collection at Odegaard Library contains board, card, and tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). The collection is located on Odegaard 1st floor, just inside and to the left of the main entry doors.
Good Reads is a collection of fiction and nonfiction books for students to read for leisure. All the books in the Good Reads collection have been published within the last five years, so find your new favorite book here!
Digital Collections: From old UW yearbooks and campus photos, vintage ephemera like postcards, menus, magazines, posters, rare books, manuscripts, maps and so much more to spend a few hours (or a few days) going down the “rabbit hole” of wonder and delight that is UW Libraries Special Collections – AND UW Libraries ethnomusicology collections!
Exhibits
Out of Scope: Unexpected Artifacts in Special Collections– through Sep 18, 20
26 Location: Allen Library (ALB), Special Collections (Basement level)
Learn how archivists define the scope of their collections, and see some of the fascinating, unexpected artifacts have made their way into Special Collections!
LAST CHANCE TO VIEW: Right to Read: Banned books and the First Amendment- through December 12
Location: ground floor Suzzallo Library: Our first amendment right protects our freedom of speech, but what about our freedom to read? The exhibit Right To Read: Banned books and the First Amendment discusses the complex nature of banned books in the United States. Learn more.
The Mountain is Out – Ongoing through Friday, Aug 28, 2026
Location: Allen Library (ALB), Special Collections (Basement level)
Rainier, Tahoma, Nutselip… the mountain is known by many names. A Pacific Northwest icon, Mount Rainier holds a unique place in the region’s culture and lore. Its massive peak is the dominant land form on the horizon for more than a hundred miles in any direction, rising far above the surrounding Cascade Mountains. Beginning in the late 19th century, European and American visitors explored the area, and activism led to the establishment of Mount Rainier National Park in 1899.
From Brush to Type: The Evolution of Bookmaking in East Asia – through Mar 31, 2026, Location: Gowen Hall (GWN)
This exhibit highlights rare works from the Tateuchi East Asia Library Special Collections, showcasing how innovations in papermaking, printing, and design across East Asia transformed the form of books and the cultures they shaped. Exhibit details
Get Libraries news like this directly to your inbox! Sign-up for our blog!
Your Email:
###
