National Library Week, April 19-23, 2004: McConnell Library “Something for Everyone @ Your Library”
This year, the library celebrated National Library Week on Monday, April 19 through Friday, April 23. Our theme was “Something for Everyone@Your Library” which highlighted the diversity of the library’s collection, staff, and patrons. The focal point display this year was a PowerPoint presentation in the Circulation Lobby featuring interesting library facts combined with travel photos of some of the library staff. This celebration marked our continuing participation in the @ your library™ Campaign for America’s Libraries. Sponsored by the American Library Association, this multi-year national public awareness effort intends to increase awareness about the vibrancy and real value of today's libraries, and to celebrate the role of today’s librarians.
On Monday, we held our kick-off ceremony in the Radford Room at 10:00 am, with welcome and introductions by our master of ceremonies, Dave Hayes (University Librarian). Dr. Self was our guest speaker for the event. Wesley Young was scheduled to appear, but unfortunately had to cancel due to illness. Fortunately, though, two library staffers stepped in. Gene Hyde read a selection from: on the role of libraries in a democracy. Katherine Dove presented an encore performance of the Public Service Announcement which she recorded to publicize our events on WPSK-FM and WFNR-AM & FM radio stations. We opened the raffle for entries, as well, with Bud Bennett saying a few words about the original stained glass artwork which he created for us. And of course, we kicked off our giveaway of Hershey chocolate bars which continued to flow freely throughout the week, both at all of our events and at the Circulation Lobby display. The first day was graciously concluded with a performance of harp music by Stephanie Hickman in the Circulation Lobby.
Tuesday marked the celebration of the 1 st Annual National Library Workers Day (or, as Dave Hayes came to call it, “ANLWooD!”) Continuing the week’s events was a reading by Dr. Tim Poland from some of his current works. Our evening event focused on Appalachian Studies with a multimedia presentation and discussion of the film “Cold Mountain,” including Dr. Steven Jackson’s performance of music from the soundtrack.
On Wednesday, the events of the day had an artistic flair. First, Candice
Benjes-Small and Kevin Tapp hosted a brown bag session on copyright issues
by guest speaker Gail McMillan, Director of Virginia Tech’s Digital
Library and Archives. As the title of the talk suggests (“Legal
Tightrope Walking…”), keeping up with the do’s and
don’ts of copyright law is more an art than a science. 
Continuing the artistic theme, the afternoon included back-to-back opportunities to “meet the artist” in the Circulation Lobby. Drew Dodson demonstrated various pottery techniques on a pottery wheel, showing that excellent skills often look like magic to us regular folks: it was an amazing sight to see elegant bowls and vases formed right before our eyes. Next, sitting under his artwork that was hung in the Circulation Lobby for the week, Dr. Richard Bay gave a talk about how his art has evolved over the years and about this particular piece. He mentioned that his showing at the Coffee Mill to raise money for Pound Pals would be closing on Tuesday, April 27 at 7:00 pm and encouraged all to attend. Rounding out the day were two musical performances. John Hildreth ( Multimedia Center) performed a pleasant variety of Appalachian folk music, along with Dr. Bill Anderson (Geology Dept.) and Rich Rittenhouse (Facilities Management). An unexpected guest singer also performed: Betty Bell, a senior liberal arts major. Later on, we were pleased to present Sadrina Burney and Natasha Antwi in selections from “Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery.” Wesley Young worked with the actors in developing the selections and filled in background information during the performance.
The main event for Thursday was the Diversity Fair during 12 – 2 pm. Luckily, the weather cooperated and we were able to set up under tents on the lawn in front of the library. Representative members of the following campus diversity-related organizations participated in the Fair: GLBSU (Gay Lesbian Bisexual Student Union), International Education (study abroad & int'l studies minor), DRO (Disability Resource Office), EWOC (Educated Women of Color), and AAFSA (African American Faculty & Staff Association). After the Fair, Lora Gordon came in to reveal some useful tips on photography, solving the mysteries of red eye, over and underexposure, types of film, and that pesky depth of field concept.
The closing event on Friday was the drawing for the raffle. Out of 148 entries, Natasha Antwi, one of the performers of “Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery,” won the stained glass art. Also, the runners up prizes of Stacks Café gift certificates for mugs and coffee beans were won by: Gail Alisra Brown, Shirley Shumate, Charles A. Kellas, Lisa Johnson, and Tiffany Penharlow. Congratulations!
Thanks to everyone who made this year’s National Library Week possible and everyone who made the time in their busy schedules to attend. We hope everyone found something to enjoy during the week, and will continue to find the information you need here in McConnell Library. We’re looking forward to next year’s National Library Week, and hope to bring you another great selection of events.
--Mary C. Wilson, Coordinator of Technical Services (and Chair, National Library Week Planning Committee)