RCL Blog

As finals come to a close, we at the Rebecca Crown Library encourage you to take some comforting stories with you over the holidays. Something about winter makes cozy movies and books so much more enjoyable, whether you’re rediscovering a story from childhood or beginning a fresh journey. Below are some highlights of the collection we’ve put together for you on the first floor of the library.

 Sound of Music – Set at the precipice of the Second World War in Austria, a widowed naval captain, estranged from his seven children, calls for the local abbey to send a governess to care for them.  As Hitler’s Germany looms on the horizon, the power of love and family overcomes all in this heartwarming film. A timeless classic, this movie will make you want to run into the hills and sing. You just can’t go wrong with Julie Andrews.

 Chronicles of Narnia – The story of four siblings who find a magical world in the back of a wardrobe has yet to lose its magic to this day. The world of Narnia offers a sense of hope through the dark winter months and reminds people that goodness (and spring) is never as far away as people believe it to be.

 Bear & the Nightingale – Available through I-Share, this quiet but adventurous tale makes you want to grab a blanket, some hot chocolate, and snuggle in for a while. Author Katharine Arden tells the story of Vasilisa, a Russian woman whose strength and passion help her change her world for the better. Not only does Arden make you love snow, but she also sets the scene so beautifully that you’ll believe you’re right there with Vasilisa.

 Little Women – A formative literary work for many, Louisa May Alcott’s classic story of four sisters who find their way through life and themselves has only become more significant as time passes. Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of Alcott’s work reframes the story in a new way while retaining the story’s emphasis on family, incredible women, and prevailing happiness.

Elf – “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” or so says Buddy the Elf, a human raised in elf culture who is sent to find his real father in the magical land of New York! This Christmas classic has plenty of laughs in store and just as many touching moments.

The Lightning Thief – A light-hearted fantasy children’s novel that became a global phenomenon: Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief is the perfect cozy read for this winter. Students should pick up this book not only in preparation for the Disney+ television show but also because of the sarcastically endearing main character and fast-paced writing.

A Christmas Carol – The timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean-spirited old man, whose love for money has left him cold, angry, and alone. One fateful night, he is visited by a damned friend, who warns him to heed the warnings of ghosts and take the second chance he has been given. There are multiple variations of A Christmas Carol available at the Rebecca Crown Library.

Kiss Her Once for Me – Available through I-Share, this queer holiday rom-com is the perfect cozy read over winter break. The romance between Ellie and Jack has its fair share of twists and turns, but rest assured all will end in holiday bliss.

Harry Potter Movies – “Once I make my move, you’re free to check the king!” It really wouldn’t be Christmas without our favorite Hogwarts trio, now would it? If you’re watching for the first or four hundredth time, this charming story will have you wishing you were in Britain for Christmas.

Lord of the Rings – The powerfully crafted epic of “One Ring to Rule Them All” has so many iconic lines, moments, and beautiful places (and faces) that it demands a revisitation during this time of year. Watching these critically acclaimed and award-winning movies is sure to bring a much-needed adventure to your holiday season.

House in the Cerulean Sea – This cozy read takes place in an orphanage on the sea, with the lives of six children who may or may not bring about the end of the world. An enchanting love story about navigating through life and finding family, this book will be the perfect gift for yourself and others.

Legends & Lattes – With low stakes, high fantasy, and the goal to build a coffee shop, this simple story of friendship, teamwork, and fun will whisk you away to a delightful fantasy world. Although set in a D&D-type atmosphere, no knowledge of the game is necessary to enjoy this whimsical tale.

Welcome to Rebecca Crown Library’s blog! This blog will provide media recommendations, research tips, information about research guides, event and programming updates, insight into the work behind the library, discussion of issues in the library and information science field, and much more. 

This is a project from the library’s instruction team, which consists of the following librarians and staff: 

Ben DeBiasio: Community Learning & Outreach Librarian 

Phil Skurski: Instruction Librarian

Julia Petrella: Instruction Librarian 

Ana Hernandez: Instruction Intern and Reference Assistant 

Mary Laffey: Instruction Intern 

Keeley Flanigan: Instruction Intern

Liam Guinan: Recording Studio Intern

As one of the three instruction interns, I work to maintain and provide instructional and educational material to students through our research guides, handouts, marketing, and programs. We host workshops and events to welcome students into the library and showcase our resources. Previous events include Library 101 informational sessions and Halloween movie nights. We are preparing to step into CRWS classrooms this spring semester to teach students how to make the most of the library. 

You can look forward to seeing us at the de-stress week events we are hosting to help everyone through finals! View all events on the library website. 

The library is open from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. - 11 p.m. on Sunday. A graduate reference assistant is available at the first-floor circulation desk to help with any research questions from 9 a.m. - 10 p.m Monday through Thursday and during all open hours Friday through Sunday. They are also reachable over the website’s “chat” function, phone (708) 524-6875, or email. For more information on our hours, check here. 

We look forward to starting discussions through this blog and developing it further as a space for many members of the library team to share their thoughts, experiences, and recommendations!