If you’ve visited or lived in Alaska during the Winter months you may have had the chance to check out the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Have you ever wondered about the Science Behind the Aurora. These lights are remarkable and even more amazing if you are able to capture them on video or through pictures. It may be a bit tricky to do this, so here are some tips on how to make your Northern Lights experience even more breathtaking!
February is Black History month. The Consortium Library provides access to excellent resources that can be used to research important people in all walks of life: history, science, literature, and more. Use Quicksearch or any of our databases to find information, including the HistoryMakers Database .
We have some specialized guides to resources:
African American history in Alaska archival collections
If you need help with your research Ask Us.
Musher, wheel dog, racing, and sled are some of the dog mushing terminologies that is used in this sport. A team of 6 to 8 dogs is typically used to pull a sled with a driver for races or to pull heavy loads from one place to another.
A race that is known in Alaska is the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. There are certain breeds of dog that are allowed to partake in the Iditarod, and it includes Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and Alaskan Husky. This race consists of 12 to 16 dogs for each team. The Iditarod race is also called the “Last Great Race on Earth” and rightfully so, with it having more than 1,000 miles from start to finish. This race can easily take from 9 to 20 days to complete while enduring freezing temperatures and tough terrain.
The Iditarod is taking place this year on March 4, 2023. There are other library resources that can be searched at the Consortium Library.
Today, February 16, is Elizabeth Peratrovich day. She was a civil rights activist whose work was instrumental in the passing of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945; landmark legislation that was a first for the United States and Alaska as a territory. This legislation paved the way for advocacy of Alaska Native rights and for Indigenous people across the country.
Join us in celebrating Elizabeth Peratrovich. Learn more about her by using resources from the Consortium Library and libraries around the state.
Valentine’s Day Candy Hearts
Valentine’s Day. A day to express your love, like, and affection to someone else through flowers, chocolates, and candy. Candy hearts to be exact. Have you ever wondered about the candy hearts verbiage? The typical writing on them are things like “Be Mine”, “I Love You”, “XOXO”. If these sayings seem to be tiring, a Colorado researcher has got options for you. She is able to write other types of sayings on these little hearts to make it interesting. She has had candy hearts read things like “You are BABE”, “Love Bun”, and “Fang” to name a few. Whether you prefer the more traditional sayings of the candy hearts or updated sayings, nothing says Valentines like a candy heart.