A Penn Libraries Holiday Round-Up

In 2024, make it your New Year’s resolution to learn more about the Penn Libraries! Year-around, our blogging librarians offer a peek at in-progress projects, share favorite collections items, and explain some of the unique ways we at the Libraries help the whole Penn community. Here are just a few of the holiday-themed tips and treats they offer, from holiday card inspiration to insights into the economics of the shopping season.

Staff picks from the library. Looking for something new to read, watch, or listen to over the holidays? Already prepping for your 2024 reading challenge? Start things off right with one of these recommendations from Penn Libraries staff. (Penn Libraries News)

Winter wildlife. If you love walking in a winter wonderland, then be sure to grab one of these birding backpacks from the Vitale Digital Media Lab! They’re perfect for a weekend-long exploration of the birds in our area, or just a short visit to the BioPond. (Beyond Books and Screens: Technology, Play, and Innovation at the Penn Libraries)

Shopping season stats. We’ve all heard of Black Friday. But did you know that holiday shopping comprises a huge percentage of annual sales for retailers? Here’s a round-up of some of the resources offered by the Lippincott Library that chart the explosion of selling, buying, and advertising that happens at the end of every year. (Datapoints: News from the Lippincott Library of the Wharton School)

Holiday cards and more. It seems that regardless of religion, age, or tech savvy-ness, the end of the year is the time to send thoughts to your family and friends. Get inspired by the holiday cards found in the Libraries’ special collections! (Unique at Penn)

Science stamps. Need stamps for all those holiday cards? Buy ones that featured Holman Biotech Commons’ favorite fish! (Biomeditations: News from the Holman Biotech Commons)

Faraway family. Are you spending the holidays away from your nearest and dearest? Find comfort in these letters written by a 13-year-old girl on December 28, 1875, to her parents living on the other side of the world. (Unique at Penn)

Library New Year’s resolutions. January is a time when many of us get ready to try something new: a new semester, a new habit, a New Year’s resolution. Why not do something new at the Penn Libraries as well? (Penn Libraries News)