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The Online Beacon

The Student News Site of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

The Student News Site of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

The Online Beacon

The Online Beacon

The Online Beacon

2024 Banned Books Week: An MCLA Librarian's Opinion

2024 Banned Books Week: An MCLA Librarian’s Opinion

Mariposa Ribon, Features Editor October 14, 2024

"The New English Canaan" by Thomas Morton, published in 1637, was the first banned book in the history of the United States. Its critical analysis of customs, perceptions, and systemic power structures...

MCLA's Freel Library hosted their Bookstore Crawl on Oct. 5th, 2024.

Western Mass Bookstore Crawl: Exploring Pioneer Valley with MCLA

Karen Yamada, Staff Writer October 11, 2024

On a crisp Saturday morning in early October, a group of students from MCLA embarked on a literary adventure, organized by the Freel Library staff. This unique event offered participants the chance...

Graphic by Angelina Clark

Students Provide Their Takes on the Recent Midterm Study Night

Ainslie Lafko, Staff Writer March 12, 2024

With this past week (Feb 18th-24th) marking our sixth week back from winter break, students know exactly what loathsome event is about to be coming from around the corner.  Midterms.  Midterms...

Crafting Love: MCLA Students Unleash Creativity at Valentine's Day Card-Making Event

Crafting Love: MCLA Students Unleash Creativity at Valentine’s Day Card-Making Event

Karen Yamada, Staff Writer March 4, 2024

  In the spirit of love and creativity, MCLA students gathered at the Freel Library on February 12th for a heartwarming Valentine's Day card-making event. Danielle Christensen, a Freel Library...

Photo from Historic North Adams

Asbestos is BACK in Venable Hall!

Jackie Cohen, Staff Writer October 9, 2023

We have all been wondering what’s happening with Venable Hall and Freel Library for a while now. Why was it closed down for work, and what does asbestos have to do with it? According to Asbestos.com,...

Exciting News Alert: Freel Library Blossoms into a Green Paradise

Exciting News Alert: Freel Library Blossoms into a Green Paradise

Karesha Graham, Executive Producer BWN September 28, 2023

Hold onto your gardening gloves because we've got some thrilling news to share! On September 19th, the Freel Library underwent a remarkable transformation, turning into a lush, green-thumb haven. This...

Asbestos in Venable and Freel? What is happening!

Asbestos in Venable and Freel? What is happening!

Chloe Golebiewski, Staff Writer March 9, 2023

Asbestos has been hiding around MCLA’s campus for quite some time now. What is asbestos, you might ask? Asbestos is a naturally fibrous mineral that occurs in vinyl flooring, ceiling tiles, certain paints,...

An event was held in the Freel Library to celebrate 100 days left until commencement. Students were able to get professional headshots taken, vote on the class gift, apply for graduation, and more. (photo by Jillian Currier)

The Countdown to Commencement Continues, Less Than 100 Days Left

Jillian Currier, Co-Editor in Chief February 16, 2023

On Thursday, February 2nd in Freel Library, various students, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate the 100-day countdown to commencement. The event allowed seniors to celebrate with their classmates,...

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