International Year of Light

As the days are getting longer, what better way to begin 2015 than by recognizing International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL)?

Designated by the United Nations, International Year of Light is described on the IYL website as a “global initiative which will highlight to the citizens of the world the importance of light and optical technologies in their lives, for their futures, and for the development of society. It is an unique opportunity to inspire, educate, and connect on a global scale.”

Woodward Library is recognizing IYL with a display and a selection of Great Reads related to light and light-based technologies.

Start at the beautiful display along the northeast wall to appreciate the importance of light from ancient times to modern day. While you’re there, help yourself to free IYL pins, shiny bookmarks and bright yellow notepads courtesy of SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics and a founding partner for International Year of Light.

light picture

Follow the ray of sunlight from the display to the Great Reads shelf where you’ll find titles such as Blackholes: an introduction, Quantum: Einstein, Bohr and the great debate about the nature of reality, Radioactive boy scout, and Solar energy projects for the evil genius. We broadened the scope to include many aspects of light, including human health, colour and photosynthesis so you might see a few surprises like Dark nights of the soul, Indigo: Egyptian mummies to blue jeans, and Seeds: time capsules of life.

Keep an eye on that shelf! New books are still arriving.