Press Releases

(DENVER) – Regis University’s Dayton Memorial Library (DML) was selected to receive the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf award, a project of the National Endowment for the Humanities Bridging Cultures initiative that will introduce the American public to the complex history and culture of Muslims in the United States and around the world.

Developed by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association based on the advice of scholars, librarians, and other public programming experts, the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf is intended to address both the need and desire of the American public for trustworthy and accessible resources about Muslim beliefs and practices and the cultural heritage associated with Islamic civilizations.

As part of the award, DML will receive 25 books and three films as well as bookmarks, bookplates and posters, and access for one year to Oxford Islamic Studies online.  Regis University will promote these materials to the community for the purpose of introducing the American public to the complex history and culture of Muslims in the United States and around the world.

“What a wonderful opportunity for Regis University and the Dayton Memorial Library staff,” said Patricia Ladewig, provost of Regis University.  “This recognition sends a wonderful message that Regis University is a place that respects all cultures and religions.”

Martin Garnar, DML reference services librarian, received a call from U.S. Senator Michael Bennett’s (D) office informing Garnar that DML has been awarded the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf award.  That call was followed up with the official congratulations letter from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The DML is one of eight libraries throughout Colorado, 842 libraries and state humanities councils selected for the award.

The DML is dedicated to providing a full-range of library services and resources to the Regis University community for academic research and personal enrichment.  The library collections include more than 260,000 print volumes and 2,500 current journal subscriptions.

For more information about the award, visit http://www.neh.gov/news/press-release/2013-01-09.