Libraries are the perfect place to go if you want to learn a new skill, fine tune a dear hobby, or escape through literature – all great ways to beat boredom if it’s creeping in on these long summer days.

Did you know that along with research and academic resources that support every major on campus, the University of Arkansas Libraries also house a range of resources that support creative endeavors and provide awesome entertainment. We have fiction, poetry, films, music, how-to books, and so much more.

Check out our ideas and staff picks of resources from Mullins Library that help introduce you to some of what #UARK Libraries have to offer:

“One of the best books I have read in years is The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson (winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for fiction). Johnson, an expert on propaganda and a creative writing professor at Stanford University, uses a fictional narrative to weave together unbelievable stories of atrocities in North Korea that he obtained through extensive interviews with individuals who escaped North Korea. All of the surrealistic and improbable plot elements focus on the unforgettable protagonist, Pak Jun Do, who struggles to do his duty and find his place in a world where there is only one voice that matters—that of the supreme leader, Kim Jong. The plot is absorbing and holds the reader’s attention, but what is neat about this book is its insider’s view into the world’s largest closed society, in all of its astounding, irrational insanity.” – Molly Boyd, Assistant to the Dean and Journalism Selector, University Libraries

Warday and the Journey Onward by Whitley Strieber and James W. Kunetka, is a thought provoking novel about the aftermath of a nuclear war.” – Lynne Dunigan-Little, Accounting in Business Services, University Libraries

“The novel Jaws, written by Peter Benchley, is interesting for a couple of reasons. Not only was it the basis for the famous movie, but it has been said the idea for the novel was based on a series of five shark attacks, all by the same shark, that actually occurred on or near the Jersey shore, between July 7th-12th in the summer of 1916, almost exactly 100 years ago. The novel itself is simple fiction and a good read, if you like fictional thrillers.  The last interesting fact about this novel is the author claimed in 2001 that the Jersey shark attacks were not the basis of his book, correcting an article in the New York Times in the process.  However, the story persists otherwise, even so.” – Trent Garner, Computer Support Specialist, University Libraries

A recent addition to our collection is Sara Nicholson’s What the Lyric Is, a book of her poetry published by The Song Cave. Nicholson is a local poet who recently read at the Open Mouth Reading Series, a monthly reading featuring local and visiting poets, as well as single-poem readings from poets and supporters of poetry in the community. – Michelle Gibeault, English and Communication Librarian, University Libraries

“One boredom cure for me is Davis McCombs’ Ultima Thule. Why? Because these poems are so many things. They explain the unknown, while also keeping things in the dark. They encourage you to take a step further as you search, and they leave you still wondering about what lies beyond that final step you took. The subject matter and landscape described is often cool to the touch and provides such an air of mystery/possibility of discovery that—well, I just don’t know how this collection couldn’t be the perfect cure to someone’s boredom this summer! 😀 Plus, reading about cave exploration in the heat seems like it would balance out the temperature thing, ya know?” – Micah Hampton, Document Delivery Technician in Interlibrary Loan, University Libraries

“Susan Ray’s The Art & Soul of Glass Beads: 14 Bead Artists Share Their Inspiration & Methods shows beads and projects made by 14 bead artists. It provides not only pictures of finished jewelry but also materials lists and clear diagrams. Helpful hints are included. I’ve gotten inspiration for my own jewelry projects here.  I haven’t had much time recently to work on jewelry, but I’ll return to this book for ideas when I do.” – Lynaire Hartsell, User Experience Coordinator, University Libraries

The Book of Genesis, illustrated by R. Crumb is an illustrated adaptation of the entire book of Genesis, providing the biblical accounts of the Creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and the ark, the Tower of Babel, and other people and events. – Mikey King, Special Collections Unit Head in Cataloging, University Libraries

Have Spacesuit, Will Travel is a YA novel by Robert A. Heinlein. In the 1950’s and 1960’s science fiction was all the rage, and in some ways it never left popularity (how many summer blockbusters are set in space?). Heinlein also wrote some popular and less ‘scrubbed’ titles, including Stranger in a Strange Land.” – Necia Parker-Gibson, Plant Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Human Environmental Sciences Librarian, University Libraries

Paper Pools/David Hockney, edited by Nikos Stangos, is not a new book, but it does feature one of my longtime favorite artists and one of his most engaging and refreshing summertime subjects: swimming pools. Beautiful vivid images. Dive in and enjoy.” – Cat Wallack, Architectural Records Archivist, University Libraries

And these resources, featured in our West Entry, were chosen by Ariel Romero, Graphic Designer:

See you at the Libraries!