University Libraries at The University of Akron

Tomorrow begins the summer semester and Bierce Library's summer hours!

From June 8th through August 14th, Bierce Library will be open Mondays through Thursdays 8:00am-6:00pm, Fridays 8:00am-4:00pm, Saturdays 8:00am-2:00pm, and Sundays 12:00pm-6:00pm.

Yesterday marked the 82nd anniversary of D-Day during World War II. Of the thousands of Allied soldiers, sailors, and airmen who participated in the operation, more than 300 Martin B-26 Marauder bombers took part in bombing targets that were crucial to the success of the landings.

One of the bombardment groups assigned to missions on D-Day was the 344th Bomb Group. The 344th was tasked with attacking coastal batteries and other strategic targets around Utah Beach and the Cherbourg Peninsula. Following D-Day, the group continued flying missions throughout Normandy and later supported Allied operations across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

While D-Day is often remembered through the stories of those who landed on the beaches, the success of Operation Overlord also depended on the aircrews who flew above them. Their missions helped weaken German defenses, disrupt transportation routes, and support the troops moving inland from the Normandy coast.

The University of Akron Archives and Special Collections preserves the history of the B-26 Marauder and the men who flew and maintained these aircraft through the B-26 Marauder Archives, which includes materials related to the 344th Bomb Group, such as the Carl Christ Collection, John Dinou Collection, and the Stanley Mitick Jr. Collection. On this anniversary, we remember their service and the many stories of courage, sacrifice, and teamwork that made D-Day possible.

1. B-26 Martin Marauder flying with "invasion" stripes, Stanley Mitick Jr. Collection
2. Page 1 of June 6, 1944 Mission Report, Carl Christ Papers
3. Page 2 of June 6, 1944 Mission Report, Carl Christ Papers
4. Copy of D-Day Mission Formation List, Carl Christ Papers

Happy Blimp Day, Akron!

Today, Akron is celebrating its first-ever Blimp Day, a new official holiday in the city. Two of the Goodyear Blimps are set to take off from 9 am to noon and will fly over all 24 neighborhoods.

The Goodyear Blimp has been part of Akron’s story for more than a century. Goodyear established its Aeronautics Department in 1910, built airships for the U.S. Navy, and launched its first blimp, Pilgrim, in 1925. Since then, the blimp has become a familiar sight above Northeast Ohio and a lasting symbol of Akron’s innovation, industry, and hometown pride.

The University of Akron Archives and Special Collections is proud to preserve this history through the Goodyear Collections. In addition, we hold 12 other collections related to lighter-than-air history, including the Lighter-Than-Air Society Collection, Lockheed Martin Tactical Defense Systems Records, Alan “Airship” Gross Collection, and several others.

All of the photos seen in this post are found in the University of Akron Archives and Special Collections.

1. A Goodyear Blimp soars over a beach scene. January 25, 1945. (198A_45)
2. A close-up of a blimp convoy driving over the Atlantic while tethered to a ship. July 23, 1943. (1039B_43)
3. Two men fishing from the cab of an anchored Pony Blimp with a catch of pike on the side of the blimp. July 23, 1920. (A188_20)
4. Blimp “Volunteer” in flight. May 11, 1932. (533k_32)
5. A side view of the U.S. Navy K-3 Blimp moored outside of the Wingfoot Lake Hangar in Suffield, Ohio. The K-Class Blimps were used for patrol and anti-submarine operations during World War II. September 11, 1941. (1477U_41)

Happy ! 📚

This week’s feature is Portage Lakes by Carolyn Vogenitz.

Looking to learn more about the local area this summer? Whether you're planning a day trip, exploring Northeast Ohio, or simply interested in the history and beauty of the Portage Lakes region, our collection has resources to help you discover more about the places around you.

This photo was taken near the new Portage Lakes State Park Visitor Center, a great spot to start your next local adventure! ☀️

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This week’s feature is "The Sirens: A Novel" by Emilia Hart.

Part of our Popular Reads collection, this captivating novel is the perfect addition to your summer reading list. Whether you're relaxing by the pool, heading out on vacation, or enjoying a quiet afternoon, this page-turner is a great companion for the season. ☀️📖

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This week’s feature is "Paris and Environs" by Ian Robertson and John Flower.

Do you have any exciting summer travel plans, or are you dreaming about future adventures? Our travel guides are a great resource for discovering new destinations, planning trips, and learning more about places around the world before you go!

Featured behind this book is "Germany" by Paul Sullivan, Marc Di Duca, Joanna Egert-Romanowska, and Małgorzata Omilanowska. 📖

Don't miss your chance to get a copy of "Lost Voices of the Great War" signed by editors S. Victor Fleischer and Toivo Motter this Saturday at the Akron History Center from 11am to 2pm!

Congratulations Class of 2026, you made it to graduation!!
We're proud to have been part of your college journey, and we wish you all the best for the future!

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This week’s feature is "Calm and Confident under Stress: The Stress Competence Book: Recognize, Understand, Manage Stress" by Gert Kaluza.

Congratulations to all of our graduating Zips! 🎓 As the semester wraps up, this ebook is a great reminder that resources like ebooks can be enjoyed all year long right from your mobile device, wherever you go.

We made it to the end of the 2026 Academic Year! Congratulations, Zips!

Bierce Library will be open different hours during the intersession period from May 9 through June 7. We will be open Mondays through Fridays from 8am-4pm and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.