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How to Get Away with Free Movies

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Netflix subscriptions go up every month, HBO is so randomly expensive, and movie theatre tickets are now $15?!? If you’re a student on a budget, or simply want to use the library’s resources for some free movie watching, this is the place to learn more.

Unsplash//@freestocks

Streaming Services

There are so many audio-visual resources available to you through the the McGill Library collection. You can learn all about them on this subject guide.

This includes access to seven different platforms filled with awesome content for you to take a little break from your academic reading. If you’re having trouble with accessing them, or want to learn more, check out the McGill Films 101 blog post which goes into the specifics of each platform and how it can be accessed.

You can also check out the Health and Wellness guide for some staff favourite Youtube channels and podcasts. While not technically free movies, they are resources for you to stream free entertainment while you’re on your lunch break or relaxing before bed!

DVDs

Do you remember redbox?! If want a similar experience and you’re a little more old-school, we have 15,000 DVD is our collection for you! There are some big blockbuster names like The Martian, Joker, or even The Terminator for you to choose from and find your next movie night pick.

There’s also some awesome Blu-ray picks, which bring you the best quality and sometimes bonus content! A few of our picks are Moonrise Kingdom, Bladerunner 2049, and the 50th anniversary of the 1961 version of the West Side Story!

If none of these picks are up your alley, you can always go into the advanced search button of the catalogue, choose keywords and type in a few, and then select DVD as the format in the bottom drop-down menu. For “romance” “comedy”, 163 results popped up, a mixed of old and new!

Hope this has been a helpful guide through the ways you find free movies in whichever format you prefer! There are so many options when looking for ways to destress; take advantage of the free library resources you have access to! Happy watching 🙂

If you have any questions feel free to email hssl.library@mcgill.ca.

Slip and Slide Workshop Coming Soon!

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Happy April Fool’s Day!

We are so excited to announce a new workshop coming to HSSL: The History of the Slip and Slide ™ 

The event will be lead by Liaison Librarian for Architecture, David Greene, and the Liaison Librarian for Chemistry, Math, and Physics, April Colosimo, who is also an expert in patents. The workshop will feature the history of patents, as well as how the slip and slide came to be. With many rare slip and slides in our ROARr collection, we are excited to draw on the existing materials for inspiration.

Slip and Slides were trademarked by the endearing Robert Carrier, who patented the idea in 1961. Come register to learn more about the evolution of the iconic summertime activity. In the meantime, you can check the article by the Smithsonian Magazine. 

With summer months around the corner, this workshop on April 35th, will be a perfect way to celebrate the sunshine.  

Source: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/accidental-invention-slip-n-slide-180975236/  
 

Additionally, we will be hosting the first ever HSSL Slip and Slide on Lower Field on April 36th from 2AM-4AM! Come with friends, a bathing suit and get ready to partake in the beautiful practice of slip and slide. The purpose will be to dissect the mechanics and architecture of what goes into a good “aquatic play equipment.” Each hour we will make an improvement based on the group’s consensus to learn some of the practical skills of building such equipment for outdoor play.  
 

Destress after a semester of school, spend time with library staff, and make the most out of our workshops. Registration opens soon so be on the lookout.  

We hope you join us on a sunny afternoon as we find out what makes the best slip and slide.  

HSSL Spaces for Studying (and niche playlists to match)

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 With finals approaching, now is a good time to find which spaces in the McLennan-Redpath Complex can suit your studying needs. Enjoy a list of some great spots to jam out to music and get your stuff done.

1.   Cybertheque Pod 

  

This space works for those who like to be seen, but not heard. Located in the basement of the Redpath building, Cybertheque pods offer great amenities such as an internet-enabled computer hooked up to a large-screen display, which is ideal for group study, or solo work. However, these glass pods offer no privacy so maybe it’s not the ideal place to practise your interpretive dance performance to Grimes. Speaking of which, if you are in the Cybertheque, we think this playlist could match its futuristic vibe:  

Grimes reading Karl Marx

2.   McLennan Floor 6  

Sshhh!! The best study space for total silence. The atmosphere can be kind of dark at times, but everyone around you is in total focus mode. It’s kind of nice to be stressed, but together 🙂 If you’re studying here, you need some intense focus music to get your essay done before midnight. Our recent find is this YouTube channel:  

Scroll to find what works for you and listen for at least 15 minutes and you’ll be in the zone!  

MindAmend

3. The Redpath Cafe  

“Get out. This is not a study space, I’m hungry and it’s the only place I can eat.” I’m half-kidding, that would be mean, but  if you’re looking for a place to study while eating, there are flex spaces still available and  the SSMU cafeteria is open again. The Redpath Cafe is the only place in the library to eat so if you are planning to stay there for a while and take your time, we suggest finding another space to allow other students to have a quick bite!  

Breakfast club but for lunch:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6oRJErUr5SXtYpLZKySAzd?si=6a67a9890c144f4f&nd=1

  

4.   Blackader–Lauterman Library 

  

An underrated study spot is on the third floor of Redpath which houses the Blackader-Lauterman Collection. The windows are lovely if you are someone who needs natural light, and on the way up you will run into a wonderful stained-glass window. There is plenty of space and beautiful architecture books to browse if you’re in need of a study break.  

oat milk/ stained glass windows

5. Innovation Commons Booths  

All the way in the back on Redpath Floor 1, there are three perfect booths if you are feeling like you want something more comfortable. They can fit a great sized group and there is tons of light from the adjacent windows. Additionally, the Innovation Commons is always  buzzing with fun projects to inspire you to be creative with your work!  

In a diner booth  

 Study spaces in the library are as varied as you are. Hope you find something that works for you. Best of luck with your prep!! 

If you have any questions please email hssl.library@mcgill.ca.