May 2011 Archives

This Memorial Day, help remember and honor the women and men who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces: observe a moment of silence at 3:00 PM, local time. If you happen to be driving then, turn on your lights.

Memorial Day began shortly after the Civil War. You can read about the holiday's beginnings, explore the Veterans History Project, find ideas for supporting your country and troops, and much more, at USA.gov's Memorial Day Web site.

The UMUC Library wishes everyone a safe Memorial Day weekend!

. . .  for the 2011 Presidential Citizens Medal. Nominations must be received by Monday, May 30, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

The Web site includes the nomination form, nomination criteria, FAQ, and 2010 recipients.

The Medal is a tremendously high honor: nominate someone extraordinary, someone you admire, today!

May 9 is National Women's Checkup Day, part of National Women's Health Week (May 8-14).

According to womenshealth.gov, Checkup Day "is dedicated to encouraging women to visit health care professionals to receive or schedule a checkup and to promote regular checkups as vital to the early detection of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health illnesses, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other conditions"

Take the pledge today! As of this writing, 837 women have taken the Checkup Day pledge.

You can also use this interactive tool to learn what screenings and immunizations women need and at what age.

Read to a child during Children's Book Week, May 2-8, and continue year round! Children's Book Week has been celebrated since 1919 to connect kids and books and promote imagination, learning, and literacy.

The nonprofit Children's Book Council administers Children's Book Week. Check out the Council's 2011 Children's Choice Book Awards for good reads arranged by age group.

Below are two posters for Children's Book Week, one old and one new, from the Council's Web site: