LibGuides: Library Information for International Students: Resources: US Culture

Magazines and Newspapers

A shortcut to get familiar with Chicago and US culture is to watch local news or read newspapers and magazines.

Galvin Library has several local newspapers in print, including the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and etc. You can find them in the Galvin Magazines & Newspapers area. In the same area, you can find popular magazines on various topics, including fashion, cars, movies, etc.

The New York Times
The New York Times is an American newspaper based in New York City with worldwide influence and readership. Founded in 1851, the paper has won 125 Pulitzer Prizes, more than any other newspaper. The New York Times is ranked 17th in the world by circulation

NOTE: The New York Times requires that users create their accounts with their IIT ID.

U.S. Holidays and Customs

Summer Holidays
by IIT Galvin Library Last Updated Aug 12, 2024 99 views this year

Celebrating Diversity
by IIT Galvin Library Last Updated Oct 31, 2024 427 views this year

1 January	New Year's Day	Welcome the new year with parties starting the night before (New Year's Eve on 31 December)
3rd Monday in January	Martin Luther King, Jr. Day	Commemorate the birthday of the African-American civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
14 February	Valentine's Day	Celebrate love and romance by exchanging tokens of love (usually cards, candy or gifts).
3rd Monday of February	President's Day	Honor past American presidents like George Washington (the nation's first leader) and Abraham Lincoln (Civil War hero who helped abolish slavery).
17 March	Saint Patrick's Day	Celebrate the patron saint of Ireland with parades and parties decorated in Irish green.
1 April	April Fool’s Day	Play a clever (but harmless) trick or tell a joke to someone with a good sense of humor.
Last Monday of May	Memorial Day	Remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
4 July	Independence Day	View public displays of fireworks as Americans mark the date when thirteen U.S. states declared their independence from England in 1776.
1st Monday in September	Labor Day	Honor the contributions and efforts of hard workers throughout the country.
2nd Monday in October	Columbus Day	Pay tribute to Christopher Columbus, who is traditionally thought of as the discoverer of the Americas in 1492.
Last Thursday in November	Thanksgiving Day	Feast on a traditional meal that commemorates the dinner shared by the Pilgrims (first settlers of the thirteen colonies) and the Native Americans.
25 December	Christmas Day	Celebrate the birth of Christ, leader of the Christian faith, by exchanging gifts with family and friends.

“American Culture | Study in the USA.” International Student, https://www.internationalstudent.com/study_usa/way-of-life/american-culture/. Accessed 14 Dec. 2018.